Interpretive sign

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An interpretive sign at Grand Canyon National Park 3088 Grand Canyon Interpretive Sign Inner Canyon (5072193807).jpg
An interpretive sign at Grand Canyon National Park
An interpretive sign at Glorieta Pass Battlefield Interpretive sign at the Glorieta Pass Battlefield.jpg
An interpretive sign at Glorieta Pass Battlefield
The Obsidian Cliff wayside exhibit in Yellowstone National Park Obsidian Cliff kiosk YNP1.jpg
The Obsidian Cliff wayside exhibit in Yellowstone National Park

An interpretive sign, also called an interpretive panel or wayside marker, is a type of signage most commonly found in protected areas or interpretation centers that provides information via text, photographs, and artwork about the area, interpreting what may be viewed from the location of the sign. The signage may focus on historical or natural aspects of the site being interpreted. Interpretive signs with a historical focus may also be considered historical markers, but the emphasis is on interpretation of the site for the visitor rather than commemoration. Content must be carefully planned to ensure that the effectiveness of the information being conveyed is maintained over the lifetime of the sign. [1] Multiple interpretive signs and associated shelter and other infrastructure form a wayside exhibit (also known as an interpretive shelter or interpretive kiosk).

The inclusion of high-quality photographs was found to attract visitors to read a sign and improve their understanding and experience. [2] In local neighborhood natural areas, information on interpretive signs was found to be better retained by first-time visitors. [3]

Currently in the United States, interpretive signage across the National Park System is under review by the Trump administration, which critics say could undermine understanding of crucial aspects of American history [4] Signs discussing climate change, slavery, and Japanese internment have been removed for conflicting with the administration's views and priorities. [5]

See also

References

  1. Ballantyne, Roy; Hughes, Karen (2003). "Measure Twice, Cut Once: Developing a Research- Based Interpretive Signs Checklist". Australian Journal of Environmental Education. 19. doi:10.1017/S0814062600001439 . Retrieved 8 October 2025.
  2. Zhu, Lei; Davis, Lloyd S.; Carr, Anna (2021). "A picture is not always worth a thousand words: The visual quality of photographs affects the effectiveness of interpretive signage for science communication". Public Understanding of Science. 30 (3). doi:10.1177/0963662520982535 . Retrieved 8 October 2025.
  3. Davis, Shawn K.; Thompson, Jessica L. "Investigating the Impact of Interpretive Signs at Neighborhood Natural Areas". Journal of Interpretation Research. 16 (2). doi:10.1177/109258721101600205 . Retrieved 8 October 2025.
  4. Singh, Kanishka. "Trump administration says all interpretive signage in national parks under review". Reuters. Retrieved 8 October 2025.
  5. Spring, Jake. "National parks remove signs about climate, slavery and Japanese internment". The Spokesman-Review. Retrieved 8 October 2025.