Historic Southern Indiana

Sessions and Speakers:

1. "Dr. Mary Binford Bruner, First Person Interpretation"
Nationally recognized actress Nan Brooks brought us Mary, a physician practicing in the late nineteenth century. The robust and outspoken doctor had a lot to say about medical practices, epidemics, healing, dying, and living a full life.

Nan Brooks is an actress, playwright and director who has been creating theater in Indiana for four decades. She toured nationally with her portrayal of Eleanor Roosevelt, teaching workshops on acting and creating a first-person character.

2. "The Politics of History in Contemporary America"
Dr. Lawrence J. Friedman spoke out about the current state of history in the United States. Is history as a way of learning imperiled? What is the future of NEH? How are museum exhibits affected by "political correctness" and politicians? What can we, as public historians and interpreters, do to address these issues?

Dr. Lawrence J. Friedman is a professor of history at Indiana University and nationally recognized intellectual and cultural historian. He is chairman of the Indiana Association of Historians' Advocacy Committee.

3. "Beams from the Past"
Scott Beam will gave a session on the evolution of lighting devices and appropriate lighting for different time periods. Consideration was given to how advances in artificial lighting roughly parallel other developments in American history.** This session was sponsored by the generous support of the Association of Indiana Museums.

Scott Beam is a naturalist for the LaGrange County Department of Parks and Recreation. His interest in pre-kerosene lighting developed from research of artifacts for his tinsmith persona.

4. "Me, Myself & I: First Person Character Development"
Nan Brooks discussed the research, documentation, and rehearsal time dedicated to creating an historical character.

5. "The Customer is Always Right"
Paula Werne discussed proven strategies for creating an atmosphere of service and friendliness to visitors.

Paula Werne is the director of Public Relations at Holiday World. Each year Holiday World trains hundreds of seasonal employees and has repeatedly been acknowledged for its high level of service and friendliness to visitors.

6. "Views from the Past: Teaching History with Art"
Curator James Edward May showed how art and crafts emulate and influence cultural development over time, and the benefits and hazards of reading works of art as historical records.

James Edward May is the curator of Fine Arts for the Indiana State Museum & Historic Sites. He serves as an adjunct faculty member at Indiana University/Purdue University, Indianapolis, teaching 20th century art history and contemporary art theory. He is a member of the design committee for Arts Indiana magazine, has served as a juror for many regional art competitions, and is active with arts organizations throughout the state.

7. "Can We Talk?"
Folklorist Jon Kay examined the "do's" and "don'ts" of conducting oral history interviews.

Jon Kay is the Folklife Education coordinator at the Stephen Foster State Folk Culture center in Kentucky, develops and presents educational materials and folklife programs for regional festivals and Elderhostels.

8. "Virtual Visits: Distance Learning and Your Institution"
Dr. Karen Bonnell addressed the concept of distance learning, and how remote sites can connect to educational opportunities. She also discussed the "Vision Athena" project, an interactive video program linking sites and schools.

Dr. Karen Bonnell manages distance education programs at the University of Southern Indiana, coordinating course development and delivery via television, videotape, computer, and other media. Dr. Bonnell joined the faculty in 1990 after several years of professional experience with network affiliate television stations. Her work as a videojournalist has been recognized by national and state news associations.

9. "Take a Hike"
Karen Dalman shared strategies and techniques for leading hikes for the general public. The skills involved in the interpretation of natural sites and historic sites are interchangeable.

Karen Dalman, interpretive naturalist at Mounds State Park for the last 19 years, is a Ball State graduate and native Hoosier.

10. "Our Town: Using Your Community as a Form of Interpretation"
Folklorist Jon Kay focused on bringing folklife and community resources into the programs at your site.

11. "Let's Get Physical"
Participants, including Al Tolbert, Mark Young, Laura Minzes led a round table discussion, about ADA accessibility; the responsibilities of the visitor advocate, knowing your visitor's needs, and awareness of community resources.

Al Tolbert, Director of Southern Indiana Center for Independent Living, Inc.
Mark Young, Property Manager at Spring Mill State Park
Laura Minzes, Indiana State Museum & Historic Sites

12. "A Model for Successful Interpretation"
David Larsen spoke about the designated skill and expertise levels being defined to implement and interpreter accreditation system for all National Park interpreters.

David Larsen, is currently a training specialist working for the National Parks Service's Stephen T. Mather Training Center. Mr. Larsen has also been an interpretive specialist working in the National Capital Region Support Office and interpreted in the field for thirteen years.

13. "Here They Come, There They Go"
Virginia Terpening led a round table discussion pertaining to the design and creation of pre- and post-tour packets and activities for primary school groups. ** This session was sponsored by the generous support of the Indiana Historical Bureau.

Virginia Terpening is the deputy director of the Indiana Historical Bureau, works with classroom teachers to raise awareness of Indiana history publications, special programs and opportunities for teachers and students. Ms. Terpening is the managing editor of the Indiana History Bulletin and works with statewide history educational organizations.

14. "Connecting the Tangible to the Intangible"
David Larsen discussed the meaningful personal experiences for visitors. These experiences occur when the tangible resources of a site are connected to their intangible meanings. This session provided interpreters with strategies for linking the two.

15. "Your Site and the Community: A Collaborative Effort"
Steve Lemen, Bill Spellazza, and Garry Traynham explored effective ways to involve your site in its community.

Steve Lemen, Regional Supervisor for Indiana State Parks
Bill Spellazza, Assistant Curator at Angel Mounds State Historic Site
Garry Trayhnam, Asst. Superintendent at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore

Hands-On Training:
"Wood Bowl Carving"
Jim Woody taught wood bowl carving
"Using Natural Dyes"
Sandy Kovener instructed the materials and techniques of dying materials with natural substances.
"Basket Weaving"
Linda Kueber taught different basket weaving methods.

8600 University Boulevard - Evansville, IN 47712-3596 - 812/464-8600