Interpretation Programs at a Historic Preservation Site

Abstract

The focus of the current study is to better comprehend the long-term impacts of interpretation programs at a historical site. The authors used a mixed methods research approach to uncover and explore both the immediate impacts of the experience as well as the long-term information that was retained 6 months following attendance of the short duration program. The findings support previous research in interpretation and suggest that a direct connection to the resource promotes long-term retention of tour topics. This study uses pre- and postquestionnaires, in-depth and informal interviewing, observations, and the synthesis of qualitative and quantitative data to investigate the phenomenon.

Motivations for using Conservation Easements as a Land Protection Mechanism: A Mixed Methods Analysis

“…In order to explore the motivations associated with the use of CEs and to compare the significance of motivations among the two types of land uses, the researchers utilized a sequentially embedded mixed method research framework that included the collection and analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data (Creswell and Plano-Clark 2007;Farmer and Knapp 2008). The rationale for using the current design was multifaceted.…”

Historic preservation, significance, and age value: A comparative phenomenology of historic Charleston and the nearby new-urbanist community of I'On

“…While phenomenology may be "of particular relevance when dealing with the questions of significance for [historic] preservation" as Jack Elliott (2002, p. 54) advocates, there are few instances of such work in the literature. Two examples include Farmer and Knapp's (2008) study of historical interpretation programs at the West Baden Springs Hotel in West Baden, Indiana (noteworthy for its mixed-method design) and Stefanovic's (1998) comparison of the ancient town of Cavtat, Croatia and a recent suburban development in Toronto, Canada. This later study in particular has much in common with the comparison of the two places that will be presented in this paper in its description of how the ancient town has a sense of mystery and discovery absent from the much newer suburban development.…”

Interpretation, meaning-making, and civic engagement at Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site

“…Thus, learning takes time, practice, and experience (Baddeley, 1998;Falk & Dierking, 2000;Hein, 1991Hein, , 1998Kintsch, 2009). For this reason Farmer and Knapp (2008) focused on longitudinal assessment and Knapp (2006Knapp ( , 2007 addresses long-term memories that assess learning over time.…”

“…As most studies are either qualitative or quantitative in nature, a mixed methods short and long term study investigating knowledge gain by Farmer and Knapp (2008) is the first of its kind. Surprisingly, too, although it has been illustrated that learning takes time, it there are very few interpretive studies that assess learning longitudinally.…”

“…Surprisingly, too, although it has been illustrated that learning takes time, it there are very few interpretive studies that assess learning longitudinally. Farmer and Knapp (2008) is the only such study and analyzed both immediate knowledge and long term recollections of an interpretive program at a historic hotel in Indiana. Multiple triangulations involved observations, document analysis and administrator interviews, along with quantitative pre and post test questionnaires, and qualitative interviews six months later.…”