Heritage Interpretive Guide Course with Tim Merriman, Ph.D.
Want to be a more inspiring guide at your tour company, zoo, park, museum, nature center, botanic garden, aquarium, or historic site? Join Tim Merriman, Ph.D., from Nov. 30-Dec. 4, 8 AM – 12 Noon Hawaii Time
Join the Heritage Interpretive Guide (HIG) certificate course and elevate your interpretive skills through a proven, research-based approach rooted in the works of Freeman Tilden, Dr. Sam Ham and many more contributors,while also discovering how artificial intelligence (AI) can help you work smarter and spark greater creativity. This certificate is taught and recognized in 11 nations around the world.
In this dynamic 20-hour Zoom-based course, you’ll receive personal coaching and expert guidance to craft and deliver your own interpretive experience plan. As your trainer, I will help you discover your authentic voice and deepen your connection to both your audience and the resource you represent, honoring the traditions of the profession while integrating cutting-edge tools like AI.
Who should attend – tour guides, interpreters, rangers, educators, naturalists, historians, docents, keepers, volunteers
You’ll explore and apply the HEART Approach to Communication by Tim Merriman, Ph.D., which builds interpretive experiences that are:
- Holistic – seeing the full picture and sharing layered meanings
- Engaging – sparking curiosity and deep reflection
- Appropriate – tailored to each audience’s needs and interests
- Rewarding – supporting your mission, your visitors, and your goals
- Thematic – delivering powerful messages that inspire care and action
What you’ll do to earn the HIG certificate and pin or patch:
✔ Participate in 20 hours of live, interactive online training
✔ Submit an original interpretive experience plan
✔ Receive individual coaching on your personal interpretive plan
✔ Present a 7–12 minute interpretive experience to the class
✔ Demonstrate key competencies in interpretation
Course Details:
📅 Nov. 30 – Dec. 4, 2026
🕗 8 AM – 12 Noon Hawaii Time – 10 AM-2PM PST, 11 AM-3 PM MST, Noon-4 PM CST, 1-5 PM EST
💻 Delivered via Zoom
💵 Tuition: $250(includes your training manual, HIG Certificate, and pin or patch)
You’ll leave this course not only with the HIG Certificate and pin or patch, but also more confident, creative, and connected in your interpretive work and professional community.
🎓 Register [HERE] via PayPal to reserve your spot – all credit cards welcome
Let’s shape the future of interpretation—together.
Brief Bio of Tim Merriman: Questions – timfmerriman@gmail.com, 808-854-3555 text or phone.https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/G3A3UQPA22R8L
