The Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture has partnered with the National Association for Interpretation to certify more Black and Brown interpreters as well as faculty, staff and students at the College of Charleston as a part the "Speaking Our Truths" initiative.
In Charleston there is little consistency in the interpretation of Indigenous American and African contributions from one historic site to the next, especially when Black and Brown interpreters are not present. Very few Black and Brown interpreters are employed at historic sites in the area; few own tour companies and even fewer are certified interpreters. This initiative seeks to change that and place the Avery Research Center and the College of Charleston at the center of these efforts.
Image of retired interpreter Michael A. Allen at the Reconstruction Era National Monument
The Black and Brown Interpreters Network is a group of natural and cultural history interpreters and tour guides based in the South Carolina Lowcountry and beyond who are dedicated to education, professional development and service in the field of heritage interpretation.
We meet monthly at different heritage sites to learn from our fellow Black and Brown Interpreters and tour guides; network, share opportunities for continuing education and scholarships, explore local history and more.
Our meetups are open to the community of Black and Brown people who identify as cultural/historical and natural history interpreters, tour guides and tour company owners; and/or Black and Brown people who have completed or plan to complete the National Association for Interpretation's Certified Interpretive Guide training course.
Our service initiatives in 2024 include a Museums For All proposal for the Tri-County area and a Cemetery Identification and Preservation Project. Remember only we can tell our stories!
Image of Black and Brown Interpreters Network at Middleton Place Historic Landmark
Join us at the International African American Museum for a special tour with Associate Curator Isabelle Britto. The tour will begin at the African Ancestors Memorial Garden, where Isabelle will discuss the widespread trafficking of enslaved Africans through Gadsden's Wharf. The tour will then continue to the Center for Family History, where participants will able to explore the genealogy resources available. After a brief introduction to the museum’s galleries, the group is welcome to explore the exhibitions at their own pace.
Gifts of Interpretation by 
Interpretation: Making A Difference on Purpose by 
Interpreting Difficult History at Museums and Historic Sites by 
Interpretive Writing by 
Interpreting African American History and Culture at Museums and Historic Sites by 
Interpretive Theme Writer's Field Guide by 
SAVE THE DATE for our next 32-hour Certified Interpretive Guide training course on March 27th-28th, 31st and April 1st, 2025 from 9AM-5PM all four days. The course cost is $600 and includes a one-year membership with the National Association for Interpretation. Limited scholarships are available (see below). Course registration opens 6-8 weeks prior to the start of class and remains open until that class is full.
The Avery Research Center offers scholarships for community members interested in becoming certified interpretive guides in partnership with the Lowcountry Action Committee. Applications open 6-8 weeks prior to the start of CIG trainings offered at Avery and remain open for 30 days. For more information or to contribute to the scholarship fund email enveal@cofc.edu. Applications for the Spring 2025 training will open February 1st.
The Charleston Master Naturalist course is for adults of all ages who want to better understand and protect the rich natural resources of South Carolina. Scholarships are open to memeber of the Black and Brown Interpreters Network only. To be considered submit your resume and a brief statement of interest describing yourself, the work you do and how becoming a master naturalist would benefit you in your current work as an interpreter to enveal@cofc.edu. Applications for the Spring 2025 course will open December 15th.
