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     Welcome to our web site. JVA is a firm that specializes in Interpretive Master Planning and Interpretive Training courses and workshops.    We are one of the few firms offering interpretive consultant services that is staffed by "professionally trained" interpreters. We bring a strong academic interpretive background mixed with lots of field experience with 30 years of "doing" interpretive master planning and staff interpretive training as well as teaching university courses in interpretation. Scroll down for more details on what we do.

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My new BLOG: http://interpretationflypaper.blogspot.com/    I created this new JVA blog as a place where folks find out where we might be, what projects we are working on, ask questions and keep in touch.  I call it "Interpretation Flypaper".  Take a look. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

   e-interp - JVA's new web-based interpretive training courses now available.

We are pleased to announce that JVA, working with educational internet provider cpd4education (www.cdp4education.co.uk) are now offering a variety of web-based interpretive training "on-line courses".  The first courses now available include:

1. Introduction to Interpretive Services

This basic introduction to interpretive services is designed for individuals who find themselves in interpretive positions, but have had no formal professional training in interpretation.  It’s designed to give participants a solid background on interpretive philosophy, theory and principles.

2. Planning Interpretive Panels

With interpretive panels being one of the most common interpretive communication media, this course will help interpreters with no formal training in interpretation to plan and design truly "interpretive" panels. The course provides lots of photo examples of successful panel graphics and text – and notes that "interpretive panels don’t have to be square anymore".  Take a look at some of our examples from the course below!

For more details on these and forth coming e-interp training courses click HERE.

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Interpretive Planning - Mass Customization, Experience Economy, Markets of One and More. Ya -we do that... as part of every interpretive plan.

JVA is the first interpretive planning and training firm to have been incorporating experience based and outcome based interpretive planning to all of our projects.  Here is an article we developed on this topic.  To read it click Here.

We feel that for every $1.00 you spend on interpretation you should get $2.00 or more back in Benefits!  If you aren't getting cost effective interpretation,   contact us to find out how to put the experience economy to work for you and grow your audience. Work smarter, not harder.

It's all about the experience - markets of one, mass customization and authenticity are now part of all our interpretive plans.  Don't send out an interpretive planning Request for Proposal without asking for experience in these expertise's for your project.

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Our 2011-2012 Interpretive Course Menu for in-house/contract interpretive training:  Click Here

       Interpreting historic temples on Malta.  Part of a JVA 5-day interpretive course on interpretation strategies for Malta (temple tour and class photo).

We have over 20 new and advanced interpretive training opportunities, from one day seminars to 3-4 day university level interpretive courses.  If you need interpretive training, for docents/volunteers or for advanced staff, check this out.

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New JVA Books now available for purchase:

This is exciting news.    My current text book "Interpretive Master Planning" which was published by Acorn Naturalists, just went "out of print", as Acorn wanted to get out of the publishing business.  I had been looking for a new publisher, and as chance would have it, found a great one. MuseumEtc - (http://museumsetc.com/) located in Edinburgh, Scotland just publish the new "revised edition"of my book.  The revised edition has several changes in it including new photographs and planning examples.  In addition, I have many articles I've written on interpretation that they are interested in publishing as well, including some of my Interpretive Graphic Standards documents, and new concepts for interpretive planning.   So we are looking at a two volume set:

Volume 1: Interpretive Master Planning - Strategies for the New Millennium.
Volume 2: Interpretive Master Planning - Interpretive Philosophy, Theory and Practice Updates.

NEW- soon to be released " The Interpretive Trainers Handbook".

Here is the web site for more information: http://museumsetc.com/products/interpretation

I have received my copies and they are now available for sale (as two-volume sets only).

The two-volume set in paperback: $97.00 - includes shipping.

The two-volume set in hard cover: $149.00 - includes shipping.

Discounts are available for multiple copies - e-mail me for details.

You can e-mail me your order - checks, money orders or purchase orders for payment are fine, made out to John Veverka.  I would be happy to autograph or personalize the copies too if you wanted.  You can mail your order to me at:  JVA, 2069 Ashland Ave., Okemos, MI 48864.  Feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions: jvainterp@aol.com.

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         Credentials and Qualifications

The first question you should always ask a perspective consultant in interpretive planning or training, is "how did you learn how to do it in the first place"?  What qualifies you to be a consultant anyway and what makes you an expert in interpretation? This is the first page you should look for when visiting any interpretive consultants web site - their qualifications.

That's a question I get asked from time to time - and it's a fair question.   So to learn more about JVA Credentials and Qualifications to be a interpretation "consultant" - CLICK HERE.

I'm also a National Association for Interpretation:

          Certified Interpretive Planner  

           Certified Interpretive Trainer.  

and a Certified Heritage Interpreter - Canada. This is a National Certification authorized by the Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council

All of the above certifications are based on both written exams, reviewing a video of JV conducting an interpretation training course, and personal interview (Canada).   The NAI Certifications also require a review of interpretive products (examples of completed interpretive plans or training lesson plans).

But every consultant looks good on the web and with a resume..  I feel our projects speak for themselves which is why I post links to our clients - you can ask them how we did. And if you're sending your project out for a bid, always ask the bidder to send you a sample of their product - like a recent interpretive plan. I bet you'll be surprised at the differences in what some consider an "interpretive plan".  If you would like an outline of what goes into one of our interpretive plans (content outline) Click Here.

 So scroll down to see what's new, and check out our 2010 projects and clients. We do keep busy!  The index on the left will take you to our LIBRARY and other pages as well.

And when you search for - or interview -   an Interpretive Consultant for a project, don't forget to ask the question of "what qualifies you to be one"?  It's one of the most important questions you may ask,  for the success of your project really may depend on that answer.

Well, enjoy your visit and e-mail me if you have any questions at all: jvainterp@aol.com   And if you want to see some of our products to review and compare against others, just ask.   Our products speak for themselves.

Cheers - JV

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                        JVA Interpretive Training Update for 2012

New interpretive courses for Snowdonia National Park Training Center, Wales, UK.    Note that these training courses bring in an international market, with participants in past courses coming in from as far away as South Africa (Director of the Nelson Manduela Museum), Sweden and the Channel Islands, Ireland and even the USA. 

Courses for 2012:

* June 2012 - Interpretive Master Planning

* September 2012 - Planning/Design of Interpretive Panels and Exhibits.

Contact me for course details jvainterp@aol.com .

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NEW - Request for Proposal Example Templates for "Interpretive Master Planning, Interpretive Exhibit Planning, and Planning/Design/Fabrication for Interpretive Panels and wayfinding systems" available from JVA.  If you would like a copy just send me an e-mail and I can send you a copy.   This was originally developed for members of the National Park Service Gateways Program.

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Great News - New Books - JV's Interpretive Master Planning text book has just been published in Chinese and soon to be published in Italian as well.

John Veverka is pleased to announce that his text book Interpretive Master Planning has been published in Chinese.  This was a project coordinated with Peking University, Center for Recreation and Tourism Research and the China Travel and Tourism Press. "It is hoped that the publication of this book in Chinese will help advance interpretation in China as well as serve as a planning guide for further developing China's cultural and natural treasures for its expanding tourism markets." CTTP.

The Languages of Live Interpretation- Canadian Museum of Civilization

John was asked to write a chapter/section in the book "The Languages of Live Interpretation" (shown above right) edited by Jean-Marc Blais of the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Quebec.   The book focuses on a variety of live interpretation methods in museums (theater, animation, etc.) with examples from several different authors.  John's chapter, "The Language of Live Interpretation: Making Contact", focuses on  basic interpretive planning, learning concepts and interpretive techniques for the planning and delivery of live interpretive programs.  The book is available from: The Canadian Museum of Civilization. Here is the link to their book store if you're interested in getting a copy. http://store02.prostores.com/servlet/cyberboutique/the-Books-scln--scln--cln-Museum-publications--dsh--Museology/Categories

NEW JVA Interpretive Planning Books now available (see note above) !

Volume 1: Interpretive Master Planning - Strategies for the New Millennium.
Volume 2: Interpretive Master Planning - Interpretive Philosophy, Theory and Practice Updates.

Another NEW JV book "The Interpretive Trainers Handbook" is also in the works with MuseumsEtc. and should be published this summer as well.

http://museumsetc.com/products/interpretation    for ordering information.

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              Need Interpretive Training for Docents, Seasonal Staff, or Full Time Staff?

Photos from some of our international training courses (graduates of our 5-day interpretation overview course on Malta - top left; Planning/presenting Live Interpretive Programs course in Wales - top right, and graduates of our 5-day Interpretive Master Planning course in Slovenia - bottom left), Parks Canada and Dawson City Museum Interpretive training - Dawson City, Canada, and our BEGN - Botanical Garden Education Network - England workshop (bottom left).  Bottom right, participants in our "Introduction to Heritage Interpretation - Interpreting your Geological Heritage" developed for the Institute of Geology and Mineral Exploration, Athens, Greece (2007). Bottom  left- Natural England Interpretive Guide Training, England, 09. Bottom right - participants in the Snowdonia National Park Training Center - Introduction to Interpretation Course, May 09, and participants in our May 2010 Interpretive Media Course at SNP.

Plan for your  interpretive training programs now.  I provide 1 day  to 5- day interpretive training courses for parks, historic sites, museums and related heritage attractions.  From skill training in how to plan and deliver an interpretive walk, tour or program, to the basics in interpretive communication. My training courses PROVOKE, RELATE and REVEAL - and add in some magic to ensure participants can DO what we teach.  Lots of hands on as well as "minds-on" experiences.

Some of our courses include:

- An introduction to basic interpretive services.

- Planning and conducting guided tours and programs.

- Developing themes, objectives and programs with sparkle.

- Interpretive Media Planning and Design.

- Interpretive Master Planning

- Marketing for heritage sites and attractions.

- Museum/historical society guide/docent training - provoke, relate, and reveal your story.

- Evaluation strategies for interpretive exhibits, programs or related services.

- Visitor center exhibit planning, design and evaluation.

- Market survey research and audience analysis - who are your visitors, and who do you want them to be?

- Interpretive writing that provokes, relates, and reveals (Tilden was right)!

- The art of teaching interpretation to others (Train the Trainers workshops).

COST: $900/day of training plus travel expenses. 

I also provide advanced courses on interpretive planning, exhibit and visitor center planning and evaluation of interpretive programs and services as well.

All of our courses are based on years of "doing" interpretation, not just theory.  Contact me if you have any questions at: jvainterp@aol.com.   You can also go here for more information on our training services.

Some of our past/current interpretive training clients:

* Blue Badge Guides, London, England

* National Park Service, Chesapeake Bay Gateways Program

* US Army Corps of Engineers

* Parks Canada

* Snowdonia National Park Training Center - Wales, UK.

* Florida State Parks

* The Countryside Counsel of Wales, UK.

* Norfolk Tourism, UK..

* Plus a bunch more.

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                                  Interpretive Planning and Interpretive Training

             
JVA News -  Recently awarded/current projects for 2012.   For our 2011 completed projects click HERE

US Army Corps of Engineers.  JVA was awarded the contract to update and teach the course "Interpretive Services for Managers, Supervisors, and Team Leaders", 14-17 May, 2012, Huntsville, AL.  This advanced course will cover a wide range of topics, from Interpretive Master Planning, contracting interpretive services, volunteer programs development, marketing, and more.  This is the third year JVA was selected to teach this advanced course.  Last  year we had the pleasure of a field trip to discuss visitor center exhibit planning at the COE Mississippi River Lock and Dam/Visitor Center.   This year the course will be in Huntsville, AL with a trip to the Wheeler Wildlife Refuge for an interpretive planning assessment. 

  Korea National Arboretum.    JVA, working with Dr. Ju-Hee Lee of Daegu University (Korea), will begin working on a new project for the Korean National Arboretum in early 2012, developing an interpretive training program/exhibit planning training program, for Arboretum Staff.  I will be working on a strategy for training people who want to be an expert on Interpretive Education and Exhibit Planning in Arboretum settings for the first phase.  Later phases will include developing the full curricula for the training program as well as lesson plans, teaching aides and related materials, all of which will be translated into Korean.   I just finished my new book "An Interpretive Trainers Handbook" which will be incorporated into the training program.   The project will continue through 2015.  Some photos from the Korea National Arboretum from a recent visit.

US Army Corps of Engineers and MWH Americas, Inc.  Atchafalaya Basin Project - Basin Floodway Interpretive Master Plan.   JVA is subcontracting to MWH Americas, Inc., to develop the Interpretive Master Plan for the COE Atchafalaya Basin Project, in New Orleans, LA.  The Basin is one of the nation's last great river swamps.  You can see the site brochure at http://www.mvn.usace.army.mil/pao/bro/AtchafalayaBasinProject.pdf.   This project began in January, 2011 and will run through March 2012  Here are some general photos from this incredible resource.  See of you can spot the alligator!

US Army Corps of Engineers,  Bonnet  Carre Spillway (St. Charles Parish, Louisiana), Interpretive Plan Implementation.  JVA, subcontracting with Gulf South Research Company, and working in association with MWH Americas, Inc., will be continuing our work on the interpretive services and media development as recommended in the Interpretive Master Plan developed by JVA last year.  The interpretive plan implementation project will include: design and fabrication of numerous interpretive panels, interpretive kiosks, several interpretive exhibits for the Project Office, development of the recommended self-guiding auto tour with guide booklet, and a self-guiding birding trail brochure with recommenced watchable wildlife stops and blinds.  Also included is cell-phone interpretation set-up for the total site.  This project  began in late October 2009 and continues through 2012.  You can visit this site at: http://www.mvn.usace.army.mil/recreation/rec_bonnetcarre.asp

A view of the Bonnet Carre Spillway (left) and a general view of one of the many fishing ponds in the extensive recreation area of the spillway basin.

US Army Corps of Engineers - Interpretive Training.  JVA was awarded a  new 5-year interpretive services training contract for teaching two 3-day "Interpretive Services" courses each year for the COE at their Huntsville, AL training center.   Our 2012 courses are set for January and June, 2012.  JVA has been providing this interpretive training course for the Corps of Engineers for the past 20 years, and is pleased to be able to continue providing this valuable training for the COE.

Participants in the January 2011 Interpretive Services course - one team (on right) working on the design for a draft interpretive panel - another team (left) working on an interpretive trail planning exercise at our field trip site - Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge.  We had 25 participants for the January2010 course from Army Corps of Engineer Project sites from around the US.

Snowdonia National Park Training Center, Wales.

Some general views of the training center grounds and gardens.

New Courses for 2012:

June 2012 - Interpretive Master Planning

September 2012 - Planning/Design of Interpretive Panels and Exhibits.

For course details please e-mail me (jvainterp@aol.com) or contact the training center directly.

*   Contact plas@eryri-npa.gov.uk for more information.

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Some of our past years projects:

For a listing of all of our 2006 clients click HERE.    

For a listing of our 2007 clients, click HERE.

For a listing of our 2008 clients, click HERE.

For a listing of our 2009 clients, click HERE.

For a listing of our 2010 clients, click HERE.

For a listing of our 2011 clients, click HERE.

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             Recent Articles/publications

    We have added new articles to our LIBRARY:

Using interpretive themes and objectives will make your
program planning easier and more effective.  This is a short 3-page article/handout great for interpretive training workshops for seasonal interpretive staff, docents, or anyone involved in planning for interpretive programs - for any subject content.

Is Your Scenic Byway Interpretation Sustainable? Published in Vistas (the publication of America's Byways Resource Center, Duluth, MN), January/February 2003 issue.

Exhibit Evaluation for Children’s Exhibits -The Kirby Science Center Experience. (Published in Interpret Scotland, Issue 4, Autumn 2001).

Planning for Interpretive Training Courses. (published in Interpscan, the national journal of Interpretation Canada, Vol. 28, No. 3 March 2002.)

"Interpretive planning for the new millennium - The "product of the product", "outcome based planning" and the "experience economy".  Click HERE to go to this article in our library. (Note: This article was published in Legacy, the magazine of the National Association for Interpretation, May/June 2000 issue.)

"Why Heritage Sites Need Interpretation For Their Long Term Survival."  This paper was prepared for the National Trust for Scotland for an interpretation seminar presented to NTS staff, October, 2000.  To read this article, CLICK HERE.

To view the other articles in the interpretation library, click HERE.

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A photo scrapbook of some of our international projects.   Visit our UK office web site for our new international projects and offerings world-wide. http://www.heritagedestination.com

Isle of Lewis Standing Stones.

Stonehenge, England

JV at the Mayan city of Chichen-Itza, Yucatan, Mexico.  The "observatory" is in the background.

JV at one of the seven world heritage sites located on Malta (left) and at the Haida Heritage Center, Graham Island, Skidegate, Canada.

John Veverka, President of JVA.  John provides interpretive consulting  services world-wide, from England (top left and middle photo) to Korea (top right) and in Europe, Canada, Mexico (second from bottom photo), on the Island of Malta (bottom photo)  and the  United States.   For recent projects for 2007 and 2008 click the year in the index on the left at the top of this page.                                                                                                                        

If you have any questions at all, feel free to contact me at:

John Veverka & Associates, 2069 Ashland, Okemos, Michigan, USA    48864 (517-347-2166; fax: 347-2064) or E-Mail me at:  jvainterp@aol.com.

        At JVA "Our product is YOUR success!"