1. What is the Heritage Interpretive Guide (HIG) program?
The HIG program is a professional development course designed for guides, docents, rangers, and interpreters who communicate natural or cultural heritage. It introduces foundational skills based on the HEART Approach to Interpretation and prepares participants to create meaningful, engaging, and audience-centered experiences.
2. Who is the HIG program for?
It’s for anyone involved in sharing the stories of a place, culture, or historic events, whether you’re a volunteer at a historic site, a tour guide in a park, or a cultural ambassador. The course is especially helpful for people new to interpretation or those looking to deepen their connection with visitors. It can be taught as part of a college curriculum or as a stand alone course for new hires, rangers, zookeepers, guides, docents, volunteers and front desk staff.
3. What does H.I.G. stand for?
HIG stands for Heritage Interpretive Guide. It reflects the dual focus on both guiding people physically through places and guiding them emotionally and intellectually through deeper connections with the meanings of those places. Naturalists, historians, scientists are included among the many users of an interpretive approach to communication.
4. How long does the course take to complete and what is required?
The HIG course typically runs 16 to 24 hours, which can be delivered over a few days or spread out in shorter sessions, taught in-person or via Zoom or other virtual platform. The flexible format allows trainers to adapt it to organizational needs or seasonal schedules. Requirements include 12 to 20 hours of interpretive fundamentals, complete an interpretive experience plan (2-page document) and present a 7-12 minute interpretive experience based on the plan in front of classmates.
5. What do participants receive after completing the course?
Graduates receive an official HIG certificate and may also receive a cloisonné pin or patch, signifying their commitment to professional interpretation and the HEART approach.
6. What is the HEART Approach?
HEART stands for Holistic, Engaging, Appropriate, Rewarding, and Thematic—five qualities that make interpretation meaningful and memorable. The HIG program is rooted in these values, which guide participants in designing impactful visitor experiences.
7. What qualifies me to train Heritage Interpretive Guides?
We recommend three or more years as an experienced guide or interpreter, but it is up to you. If you feel qualified, you have only to take the HIG/HEART Trainers’ Course with me and you will receive all manuals and activity sheets needed for the course in original Microsoft software allowing you to add or delete as you wish. You may then train virtually via Zoom or other platform or in person with audiences that select you as a trainer.
8. Is this program only for guides and interpreters in the United States?
No! The HIG program has been shared with participants around the world, including in Canada, Mexico, Panama, Ecuador, Australia, Rwanda, Panama and more. The principles of effective interpretation are universal and adaptable across cultures and settings.
9. Who created the HIG program?
The program was developed by Dr. Tim Merriman, a lifelong educator and interpretive trainer, in partnership with other experts who have helped shape best practices in heritage interpretation. He was Executive Director of National Association (NAI) for 17 years, co-authored 4 interpretive texts and co-created the certification training programs at NAI with Lisa Brochu, his wife and partner in training. Tim and Lisa created the CIG program for NAI in 2000.
10. Can I teach the HIG course to others?
Yes—after completing the HIG/HEART Trainers’ Course, you’ll be authorized to offer the HIG course to others in your organization or community. Trainers receive access to editable manuals, the Trainer’s Handbook, and support materials. They also receive regular updates as the program is improved. Trainers are also authorized to train other HIG/HEART Trainers.
11. Are scholarships available for the Trainers’ Course?
Yes. Thanks to the generous support of Ilan Shamir’s Advice for Life (myadviceforlife.com), a limited number of half-price scholarships are available to help offset the cost of the Trainers’ Course. Applicants are encouraged to apply early. Contact Tim at timfmerriman@gmail.com and request a scholarship application.
12. Can I use the course content with my organization’s branding or culture?
Absolutely. After taking the Trainers’ Course, you’ll receive editable Word versions of the HIG Manual, allowing you to tailor content to reflect your local culture, stories, and training style while preserving core HEART principles.
13. How is this different from other interpretation certificate trainings?
The HIG program is intentionally affordable, accessible, adaptable, and emotionally centered. It’s designed to build deep interpretive skills without requiring advanced academic credentials. It focuses on building connection over memorization—and emphasizes personal growth as much as professional skill.
14. Can I advertise my interpretive training on interpretivetraining.org?
Absolutely. If you take the Trainers’ Course or Planner’s course with Tim or Lisa, you may place ads for your training on our website at no cost to you.
More Information: Tim Merriman, Ph.D., 808-854-3555, timfmerriman@gmail.com.
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