SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION National Museum of African American History and Culture - office of STrategic PArtnerships presents: 

2024 Ethical Interpretation Workshop 

The application period for the 2024 Ethical Interpretation workshop is now open through 11:59 PM EST on Sunday, April 21, 2024

2023 cohort members and facilitators at the National Museum of African American History and Culture

2024 Workshop Dates

Virtual Days:

June 10-13, 2024

 
In-Person Days:

June 17-20, 2024

The workshop will be held over a two-week period, beginning with the virtual sessions and culminating with the in-person experience in Washington, DC.

Program Overview

The Museum's Office of Strategic Partnerships is pleased to announce a call for applications for its signature Ethical Interpretation Workshop. This annual workshop provides technical training for museum professionals on interpretive theory and ethical practice. The program addresses histories of oppressed people whose experiences have been historically ignored and misrepresented and does so by recognizing their individuality, achievements, and challenges. Ethical Interpretation centers the critical importance of collaboration with the communities whose histories are being interpreted, and connects past, present, and future conditions for learners. Participants are equipped with tools and techniques to develop culturally responsive interpretation, and how to prepare themselves to engage in challenging discussions in a safe and sustainable way. Appropriate use of language and cultural frameworks, awareness of identity and self, and addressing audience responses are just some of the topics covered.

Over the course of the workshop, participants will engage in 40 hours of virtual learning sessions, peer-to-peer coaching, and community-building activities delivered through the Smithsonian Zoom platform. In addition to the virtual learning environment, participants will also engage in site visits to analyze the interpretation of African American history and culture utilized at a variety of cultural and historical sites in Washington, DC and Alexandria, VA including Woodlawn Plantation, the National Portrait Gallery, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture, among others. 

SEMC is a proud partner of this program and provides two scholarships for  SEMC members to attend!

Please visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture Museum Opportunities page at the link below to learn more and apply for the 2024 Ethical Interpretation

Learn More and Apply!

MEET THE 2023 ETHICAL INTERPRETATION WORKSHOP COHORT