EP 1130-2-550
15 Nov 96
CHAPTER 4 - INTERPRETIVE SERVICES AND OUTREACH PROGRAM
4-1. Purpose. This chapter, as well as EP 1130-2-434, Volumes 1-5, DI (Database Instructions),
FS (Chittenden Award Fact Sheet), and JS (Job Standards), establish guidance for the operation
of the USACE Interpretive Services and Outreach Program (ISOP) program at civil works water
resource projects.
4-2. Guidance.
a. All Corps interpretive and outreach efforts should be based on the Freeman Tilden
basic principles of effective interpretation as listed below. They include personal, as well as
nonpersonal communication and educational activities in written, oral and audiovisual forms.
"I. Any interpretation that does not somehow relate what is being displayed or described
to something within the personality or experience of the visitor will be sterile.
II. Information, as such, is not Interpretation. Interpretation is revelation based upon
information. But they are entirely different things. However, all interpretation includes
information.
III. Interpretation is an art, which combines many arts, whether the materials presented
are scientific, historical or architectural. Any art is in some degree teachable.
IV. The chief aim of interpretation is not instruction, but provocation.
V. Interpretation should aim to present a whole rather than a part, and must address itself
to the whole (person) rather than any phase.
VI. Interpretation addressed to children (say, up to the age of twelve) should not be a
dilution of the presentation to adults, but should follow a fundamentally different approach. To
be at its best it will require a separate program."
b. Interpretive programs should be entertaining but not be provided solely for the purpose
of entertainment.
c. Suggested program scope and content guidance may be found in the ISOP Strategy
and Goals (EP 1130-2-434, Volume 1) provided to all field elements. The interpretive strategy
contains ideas to implement interpretive program goals identified herein.
d. While many programs and events take place on Corps sites, it is appropriate for Corps
team members to provide interpretive programs outside the boundaries of Corps projects as part
of each project's outreach efforts. Examples of appropriate programs include, but are not limited
to, presentations at local schools, participation in fairs, parades, conservation events, and other
agency or community-sponsored events.
e. It is appropriate for Corps team members to promote project missions through the
ISOP.
4-1
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