Interpretive Planning

History is complicated, but it can also inspire. Our interpretive planning services support stewards of historic and cultural sites as they navigate the complexities of the past to share relevant and impactful stories with their audiences. With two certified interpretive planners on staff, HRA is a well equipped with work with site managers and community stakeholders to develop interpretive plans that guide visitor experiences at all levels, including site interpretation, public programming, exhibit development, outreach, and education.

Featured Members

Featured Projects

Downtown Missoula Heritage Interpretation

HRA historians developed content for interpretive kiosks at key locations in downtown Missoula, Montana. Each kiosk explores themes identified in the Downtown Missoula Heritage Interpretive Plan.

Interactive Game for High Hopes: The Journey of John F. Kennedy

HRA provided research and content development support to Sticky Co., a digital media firm based in Portland, Oregon. The firm oversaw the creation of an interactive game for “High Hopes: The Journey of John F. Kennedy,” a 6,000-square-foot temporary exhibit at the Oregon Historical Society Museum.

Missoula Downtown Heritage Interpretive Plan

HRA prepared the Missoula Downtown Heritage Interpretive Plan to guide the development of a heritage interpretation program for Missoula, Montana’s historic downtown. The project identified ways to communicate Missoula’s intangible cultural heritage in the face of a rapidly changing urban landscape.

Nisqually State Park Interpretive Plan

On behalf of the Nisqually Indian Tribe, HRA produced an interpretive plan for Nisqually State Park located near Eatonville, Washington. The interpretive plan presents a vision for a comprehensive interpretive program at the state park and emphasizes presenting Nisqually community voices throughout park interpretation.

Pend Oreille Public Utility District

Under contract with the Pend Oreille Public Utility District, HRA prepared a comprehensive digital interpretation project for Pend Oreille County, Washington.

Exhibition Development

HRA historians are well-versed in developing interpretive content, including permanent, temporary, traveling, and digital exhibitions.