Date: October 15, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM NDT
Location: Heart’s Content, NL (venue TBD)
Instructor: Anne Madden, Managing Director, MANL
Fee: $100 for MANL/ANLA members and 2026 Heritage Conference participants, and $125 for the general public
About the Course
Heritage interpreters require excellent presentation skills to effectively engage with their community.
This course will outline methods to develop effective communication skills, including identifying and using engaging language and active listening. Participants will also learn about Tilden’s Principles of Interpretation, learning theories and learning styles, the importance of identifying and understanding different audience types, as well as how to tailor programs accordingly. Interpretation techniques, such as object-based learning, storytelling, guided tours and other programs will be briefly covered.
This program has been developed to allow new and emerging heritage volunteers and professionals to develop skills required to communicate complex information in a clear and accessible way, while at the same time, creating an engaging and memorable experience for audiences.
This is an elective course for the Museum Studies Certificate Program, but you do not have to be completing the certificate to take the course.
Lunch is not included. Light refreshments will be provided.
About the Instructor
Anne is the managing director at the Museum Association of Newfoundland Labrador (MANL). As a biologist and educator, Anne has been involved in heritage interpretation and environmental education for almost 40 years, working on Canada’s east and west coasts, from Cape Spear, Newfoundland & Labrador, to Boundary Bay in British Columbia. Throughout her career, she has developed and delivered a wide variety of inclusive and engaging educational programs and visitor experiences for multiple audiences. Anne volunteers with a number of organizations, including Becoming an Outdoors Woman of Newfoundland & Labrador (BOW) and is one of the founding members of the Newfoundland and Labrador Wildflower Society, currently serving as president.
To register, please fill out this form by 12:00 PM NDT on Thursday, October 1. Your confirmation of registration will be forwarded to you, once payment has been received.
If you experience technical issues filling out this form, you can register by emailing your information to programs@museumsnl.ca. Please make sure all of the required information is included. If you have any questions, email us at programs@museumsnl.ca.