Today is a special edition of Reflections on Interpretation: Talking Story with Guides and Interpreters podcast featuring more than one hour of conversation among five very experienced interpretive trainers. Clark Hancock from Austin, Texas, Donna Horton from Tulsa, Oklahoma, Gabriela Plumasseau from Paris, France, Heidi McFarland from Boulder Creek, California, and Lisa Brochu, my wife and training partner, join me in discussing training options that are affordable and time-saving. This is a followup to a discussion I posted on May 24 with a group of trainers.

During this I explain how my new Put the HEART Back in Your Interpretive Communications is designed to serve those who may not be able to afford NAI’s Interpretive Guide Certificate course such as students, docents, volunteers, part-timers, and seasonals.

Join us on your favorite audio platform at https://timfmerriman.podbean.com/

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Today Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merriman talk story with Omar Eaton-Martinez, who began his career as a teacher in eastern cities and later worked with the National Park Service on youth programs, serving as staff to the National Latino American Museum Commission.

Born to Puerto Rican parents, Omar bridges gaps between White Americans, Americans of Color, African Americans, and Latinos.

Holding degrees in African American Studies and Education, he served as the Smithsonian’s Museum Liaison for pre- and post-doctoral fellows. He was also a Public Outreach Specialist for NASA and Assistant Division Chief of Historical Resources for the Maryland National Capital Parks and Planning Commission.

Currently, he is the Senior Vice President for Historic Sites at the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Chair of the Board of Directors for the Association of African American Museums, and a Board member for the International National Trust Organisation.

https://timfmerriman.podbean.com/

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Edward W. Gantt, a retired Navy Captain with a unique background, talks story with Tim Merriman and Bill Gwaltney for "Reflections on Interpretation: Talking Story with Guides and Interpreters." Born and raised in Washington, D.C., Gantt graduated from Howard University and the National Defense University. He served 30 years in the military, first as a door gunner on a Huey helicopter in Vietnam with the Army, then joining the Navy after completing his degree, eventually rising to Navy Captain. He served as a Naval Flight Officer in F-14 TOMCAT squadrons, both in the U.S. and aboard aircraft carriers.

After retiring from the military, Gantt became a high school teacher in public schools in Prince George’s County, MD, and Washington, D.C. Passionate about telling underrepresented stories, he joined the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, an African American Civil War reenactment group, and also serves with the 23rd USCT in Maryland. He is active with The African Americans in the Civil War Era Round Table and serves as Vice Commander-in-Chief of the Military Order of the World Wars (MOWW).

Now, as a historical interpreter, Ed Gantt challenges myths like the “Black Confederate” while embodying period roles. He is a powerful force in sharing history.

https://timfmerriman.podbean.com/

#timmerriman #interpretationservices #interpretation #heritageinterpretation #LivingHistory #LivingHistoryEnthusiast #HistoricalReenactment #HistoryReenactment #AfricanAmericanHistory #BlackHistory #BlackHistoryMatters #AmericanHistory #AfricanAmericanHeritage #BlackStoriesMatter #BlackVoicesInHistory #AfricanAmericanStorytelling #HistoryComesAlive #HistoryMatters #HistoricalInterpretation #ReenactmentCommunity #BringingHistoryToLife #CivilWarHistory #AfricanAmericanHistory #USColoredTroops #54thMassachusetts #BlackCivilWarSoldiers #AfricanAmericansInWar