David Larsen on Interpretation and Public History

Last night the Civil War Institute posted a video of National Park Service historian David Larsen discussing issues related to interpretation at historic sites.  Larsen worked as a training manager for interpretation at Mather Training Center.  Unfortunately, he recently passed away.  I am embarrassed to admit that I had never heard of him before last night.  This interview was conducted in 2000.  I haven’t watched all the videos, but I plan on doing so over the next few days.  Below is Part 1.  Listen to Larsen’s definition of interpretation, which you can find between minute 3:00 and 4:30.

[Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, and Part 5]

Here is Larsen’s “Gun Talk”.

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2 comments… add one
  • Dan Gagnon Jan 9, 2013 @ 9:42

    I only met David a few times, but he was a great interpreter and trainer. At the park where I work we are using his Gun talk video to reexamine how we use a musket in our interpretive programs.

    • Kevin Levin Jan 9, 2013 @ 9:50

      Nice to hear from you Dan. From what I’ve seen I get the sense that David was well liked and highly respected. His passion for history and interpretation comes through vividly.

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