Date of Award
8-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management
Committee Chair/Advisor
Robert Powell
Committee Member
Aby Sene-Harper
Committee Member
Marc Stern
Abstract
According to the National Association for Interpretation (NAI), interpretation is “a purposeful approach to communication that facilitates meaningful, relevant, and inclusive experiences that deepen understanding, broaden perspectives, and inspire engagement with the world around us” (NAI, 2021). Interpretation is an integral part of a visitor’s experience to informal education venues like museums, zoos, aquariums, and parks and is at the heart of experience planning within the National Park Service (NPS). However, traditional interpretation methods, such as formal interpretation programs, tend to engage a small percentage of overall park visitors, that are typically older and white. Recognizing the need for interpretation to engage with a broader spectrum of audiences, interpreters began experimenting with a new form of interpretation known as “pop-ups” that are ephemeral interpretive interactions where visitors encounter an opportunity to engage with resource-based materials to connect more deeply with that resource. Pop-ups seek to break down barriers to participation by meeting the visitor where they are and offering free-choice interactions where the visitor is in control of the length and depth of the experience. However, while other interpretation methods, such as formal interpretative live programs and nonpersonal interpretation including exhibits have been extensively researched, pop-ups remain understudied. This exploratory qualitative study examines pop-ups at four NPS sites to investigate why and how they are used and to provide preliminary promising practices for their effective use. To accomplish this, at each site we conducted interviews of management and practitioners coupled with systematically observing 5-8 pop-ups to characterize their design and implementation characteristics. Additionally, we collected photographs of pop-ups from nine additional national parks as part of a larger data collection effort. The results provide preliminary guidance for other interpretive sites wishing to implement pop-up interpretation.
Recommended Citation
Miller, Cameron L., "Exploring Promising Practices in Temporary Informal Education Programs for Visitor and Community Engagement in the United States National Park Service" (2025). All Theses. 4651.
https://open.clemson.edu/all_theses/4651