 Celebration of the return of the Monarchs, Natural Bridges State Beach, 1980. The eucalyptus trees in the background were introduced in the 19th century. Where did the butterflies roost before they were planted? |
Special Attention to Interpreters and Docents
You probably know everything there is to know about the particular subject covered in your training. But do you know where it fits into the larger context? And do you feel comfortable when someone asks you a question beyond that of your particular expertise?
Take butterflies, for example. You know the life cycle of the Monarch butterfly inside and out, what they eat, where they go when they leave and where they’ve been when they return. But how do answer the question: Where did the butterflies come to roost BEFORE the eucalyptus and Monterey Cypress trees were planted? And why were the eucalyptus trees planted anyway? Did anyone notice the butterflies in the 19th century? Do you know the earliest published mention of the Monarchs in the region, and where they were roosting? The History Dude does…wouldn’t that be great information to have?
Or sometimes when you’re waxing eloquently before your enraptured visitors and you say “Spanish Land Grants” and somebody in the group says, “Uh uh! No Spanish land grants here!” And then you feel terrible for the rest of the presentation…
This class is an opportunity to get the context for your presentations so that you know where it all fits in the bigger picture. We’ll help de-mythologize your presentations so that you’re confident about what you’re telling them.
You can use this class to develop or improve your presentations.
You can focus your out-of-class work on exactly what you do. You will leave this course with some new materials and understandings.
Resource people galore.
We will be having presentations by some of the region’s leading experts. Many of them are generally difficult to reach or contact (History Dude included), but during this course they will be accessible as never before. Or afterward. A great chance to get those nagging questions answered and fill in the blanks about what you already know. This will be a convergence of experts like never before.
For example, you probably do some kind of interpretation about the local California Indians. Do you have the latest information about them to be sure that you’re telling the most up-to-date stories? Our second session – March 7 – will be devoted to that subject with resource people in attendance.
Delivery Systems – see the most up-to-date in action!
From the old-fashioned stand-up presentations both indoors and in the field to much more developed high-tech systems, you will have a chance to see the best in action. Learn the techniques and tricks that can change the group in front of you from being bored to excited! Learn how to make your material come alive!
Local Certification.
And imagine how much more credibility you will have when you become a certified local and can wear the regalia available only to those who qualify!
History 25B – 1880 to present
And, by taking the second semester, we’ll bring you up to the present day and you will be a completely evolved certified local. Click here to get the 25B schedule.