Who are Interpreters?
Interpreters connect visitors to important natural, cultural, and historical resources at parks, nature centers, historical sites, aquariums, zoos, and anywhere that people come to learn about places. The National Association for Interpretation defines interpretation as "a mission-based communication process that forges emotional and intellectual connections between the interests of the audience and the meanings inherent in the resource." Interpreters include rangers, naturalists, docents, curators, tour guides, historians, and more. If you help visitors learn about a place that’s important to you, you’re an interpreter!
What is the National Association for Interpretation?
Founded in 1988, the National Association for Interpretation (NAI) is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) professional association for those involved in the interpretation of natural and cultural heritage resources. From its headquarters in Fort Collins, Colorado, NAI offers programs, products, and services to meet the needs of a growing profession, including annual national and international conferences, regional and special-interest section workshops, two publications, certification and training, an association store, and digital newsletters. NAI encourages networking, training, and collaboration among members in support of its mission: inspiring leadership and excellence to advance heritage interpretation as a profession.
What is Region 2?
Region 2, "Chesapeake," is a chapter of NAI that serves natural & cultural resource interpreters in the mid-Atlantic region (New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, and the District of Columbia). Much of this region is within the Chesapeake Bay watershed, an area rich in history, culture, and biodiversity. We promote stewardship of our local landscape by supporting the professionals who interpret its heritage. We provide opportunities for networking, career development, and training, as well as professional resources, a newsletter, and scholarships.
Visit the National Association for Interpretation