Interpretation of history

The bulk of the paper comprises edited excerpts from an undergraduate diploma dissertation: White, A. 1985. "Guidelines for Interpreting History". This work is the basis for this paper since it provides a comprehensive overview of the topic. Material from two other dissertations is also used to provide specific examples of historic interpretation complementary to the work of White ( 1985). These dissertations are: Gardiner, J. 1983. "Ruapekapeka Pa Historic Reserve: Management Plan Proposal". Francis, D. 1986. "Cost-Benefit Analysis and Interpretation Planning for Historic Resources - Using the Tautuku Trails Tractor as a Case Study" All material in this paper is based upon White (1985), unless otherwise indicated by author 'initials' 1 before and after the material concerned.

Without a doubt, New Zealanders have become increasingly interested in their cultural heritage over the past ten years. Perhaps the pace at which the quality of our life is decreasing is a contributing factor towards this. In our often artificial and 'processed' world, the term 'old fashioned' with its associated connotations of wholesomeness will now sell bread. There was an era when goods, processes and ways of life associated with times past were often scorned as being obsolete. Society in general could not wait to toss the 'old' away in favour of obtaining a 'new improved' quality of life. Consequently, our lives have become increasingly empty of functions that were common in the past, for example, the healthy exercise and satisfaction of chopping wood for fires, for warmth and cooking, is denied to many today. Much of our lives has become 'softer' physically, but more stressful mentally. Perhaps it is, that by looking to history, people are seeking to find a balance in their lives. But whatever people's motives are for exploring the avenues of history, it can be a fascinating and valuable past-time. To open these avenues and to share them with others is not only challenging, but also an important function to our society. The monumental approach: glittering brass plaques set in concrete or a string of facts and figures, has probably never been a very successful method of preserving history. If we desire to see people (not just a select few) take an interest in history and benefit from it, it must be presented in such a way as to make it 'live'. History should not consist of a dead past, but rather be meaningful and living in the minds of present generations.