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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCUL 040 PMV Interpretation PolicyC./ a� DICKERING Policy Policy Title: Pickering Museum Village Interpretation Policy Policy Number CUL 040 Reference Res. #320/20 Date Originated (m/d/y) December 11, 2017 Date Revised (m/d/y) May 25, 2020 Pages 3 Approval: Chief Administrative Officer 1.0e, Point of Contact Supervisor, Museum Services Policy Objective Pickering Museum Village (hereinafter referred to as "PMV") aims to ignite imaginations through a living history museum that fosters a connection to Pickering by collecting, preserving, and interpreting artifacts and social culture. The purpose of this policy is to assist staff in developing high quality interpretative experiences that are based on a shared understanding of interpretative guidelines. As a participant in the Community Museum Operating Grant Funding program, and as outlined in the Standards for Community Museums, PMV is required to have an Interpretation Policy. Index 01 Definitions 02 Guiding Principles 03 Policy Review 01 Definitions 01.01 Interpretation — There are numerous definitions of interpretation. As a communications process, interpretation is not merely a means for providing information. At its core, ideas, feelings, and dialogue are used to create a process of communication that reveals meanings, relationships, and appreciation of artifacts, buildings, landscapes, specimens, and intangible subjects. "Heritage interpretation is any communication process designed to reveal meanings and relationships of cultural and natural heritage to the public, through first-hand involvement with an object, artifact, landscape or site (Interpretation Canada, 1976)". 02 Guiding Principles 02.01 Inclusive Interpretation: The stories that PMV tell must be inclusive and mindful of factors such as age, gender, ethnicity and socio -economics. We strive to be aware of sensitive subject matter, cultural understanding and special needs. Our interpretation will aim to take into account all groups, individuals and factors that have made significant contributions to the heritage of Pickering. 02.02 Diversity of Interpretative Strategies: PMV recognizes the importance of offering a variety of interpretative experiences to meet the varying needs and interests of different audiences. 02.03 Authority and Engagement: PMV strives to communicate and engage visitors with authority recognizing the responsibilities inherent in this public trust. The museum strives to present accurate interpretative information that is connected to the PMV's mandate, in the most accessible and engaging way possible to enable visitors to reach their own understanding of Pickering's natural and cultural history. PMV will promote understanding by placing local stories into a broader context, making connections to other events, people, places and stories to encourage a deeper interpretation of a subject. 02.04 Research: PMV will use primary sourced material, archaeological material culture, artifact study, collections records, and the most current and authoritative research and scholarship available to conduct research. PMV will also conduct research into interpretative methods including programming, visitor experience, marketing, and other areas of operations. PMV is committed to ongoing research to support interpretation. 02.05 Planning: PMV strives to align interpretation strategies to the PMV Strategic Plan and Pickering's Cultural Strategic Plan. PMV staff will employ various methods to plan and improve interpretative programs. PMV aims to make use of an interpretative plan that identifies cohesive thematic and chronological themes based on the artifacts and collections of the museum. 02.06 Best Practice and Innovation: PMV places a high priority on providing dynamic experiences that encourage repeat visitation of the museum. The museum strives to be responsive to new and emerging interpretative practices and principles that will improve inclusion, quality of experience, and relevance to our visitors. 02.07 Training, Skills Development and Lifelong Learning: PMV is committed to ongoing training to develop capacity and maintain high standards in interpretative methods and customer service for staff and volunteers. 02.08 Multi -disciplinary Approach: While the PMV interprets the history of Pickering, the museum will present a multi -disciplinary approach that considers all aspects of the cultural, social, and natural historical significance. PMV aims to offer Policy Title: Pickering Museum Village Interpretation Policy Policy Number: CUL 040 Page 2 of 3 interpretation from a multi -faceted context including: natural environment, geographic setting, intangible cultural heritage, spiritual traditions, stories, music, dance, theatre, literature, visual arts, local customs, and culinary heritage; scholarly research, historical records, and living traditions. 02.09 Evaluation: PMV recognizes the value of ongoing evaluation of both existing and planned interpretative programs. PMV will evaluate our efforts for interpretative impact and the degree to which PMV interpretation increases visitors' knowledge and understanding of Pickering's natural and cultural heritage. PMV strives to employ a variety of evaluation techniques. 02.10 Use of and Respect for the Collection and Facility: The requirements of preservation, and respect for the fragility and security of the collection are paramount, while accepting the realities of use of artifacts and heritage buildings for the purposes of education and interpretation. Effective interpretation will encourage appropriate visitor behaviour and attitudes towards preventative conservation of the heritage resources for future generations. 02.11 Partnership and Shared Interpretation: In order to present a diversity of interpretative strategies and a multi -disciplinary approach, PMV will seek to work with partners to research, create, curate and interpret elements that support PMV's mission. 03 Policy Review 03.01 This Policy will be reviewed a minimum of every three years. Please refer to all associated Procedures and Standard Operating Procedures, if applicable, for detailed processes regarding this Policy. Policy Title: Pickering Museum Village Interpretation Policy Policy Number: CUL 040 Page 3 of 3