Sense of Place Consulting

02/21/2026

I just uploaded my video for the upcoming Interpret Europe symposium, and I’m really looking forward to being part of this gathering!

This is my first time offering a session with Interpret Europe, and I’m honored to contribute to the larger conversation around narrative and place.

My presentation is called: Narratives in Place: From Telling Stories to Inviting Relationship

Here's what I'll be sharing about: All places hold layers of time, meaning, and perspective. As we work with multiple narratives, the challenge isn’t simply deciding what to include — it’s learning how to hold complexity in a way that supports visitor meaning-making.

In this session, I share three simple tools I use in my training for helping to develop sense-of-place connections — and then walk through how that plays out in real life, using my training for Fort Stanwix National Monument as a case study.

At the heart of it is a shift in orientation for program design that includes moving the goal from place knowledge to place relationship.

This session reflects the broader training work I’ve been doing with parks and heritage sites over the past two decades. I'm grateful to be bringing this work into a conversation with colleagues across Europe and beyond!

Registration for the online symposium is https://symposium.interpret-europe.net Check out all the sessions being offered-- the variety is really rich.

The Role of Narratives in 21st Century Heritage Interpretation. Exploring how narratives shape meaning, dialogue and responsibility in heritage interpretation today. Online Symposium 26-27 February 2026.

02/14/2026

Happy Valentine’s Day! If you're with a sweetie or not, here's a way to get into the love vibe today:
This week in my newsletter community, I shared a Valentine’s Day–inspired writing prompt about having a crush—with a twist.
It begins by recalling the feelings that come with a crush. Remember those? The excitement and possibility, the energy and curiosity?
Then comes the sense-of-place twist:
Think about a place you’ve loved that stirred those same feelings in you.
The prompt is fun and sweet, and it’s inspired some wonderful stories in my programs. Would you like to try it? I’d be happy to send you the full prompt. Just DM me or use the newsletter link below.
It’s a perfect little practice, whether you’re celebrating alone or with someone else.
Did a place come to mind where you’ve had that kind of feeling? I’d love to hear.
(And BTW, this truly, this is the heart of my work. When I talk about a sense-of-place connection, this is what I mean.)
Want the full prompt? Send me a DM or use the link below to join the newsletter.

09/07/2025

Hone your skills and be ready for any moment. Join and be field-ready for any challenge.

The final week of the training you’ll create a “Pocketknife Program” and Toolkit. This gives you a field-ready set of techniques to meet any audience, any site, and any duration.

Programs that adapt with confidence:

Engage every visitor

Serve the story

Leave space for reflection, surprise, and connection

CTA: Join the course for practical tools and strategies that are field-ready, and ready to go

09/03/2025

Doors close this Sunday ( September 7th), and we begin on Tuesday, September 9th! Don’t miss this live, online, comprehensive training for all levels of experience.

Learn more and register for Interpretive Training https://senseofplaceconsulting.com/interpretive-training-nai

09/01/2025

Join the course for practical tools and strategies that are field-ready, and ready to go

08/29/2025

Send a message to learn more

08/28/2025

Love this. Take heart when logic fails.

08/28/2025

Want more flow to your programs? Join the mailing list for stories, insights and tips.

https://senseofplaceconsulting.com/newsletter — Sense of Place Consulting Newsletter

08/27/2025

Great programs are well composed.
Like music or art
They need a rhythm, they need balance.
When it all comes together—
Hearts open.
Eyes shine.
And your program sings.

Registration closes September 1. Don’t miss your chance to bring all your ideas, tools, and skills together.

[Register Now]https://senseofplaceconsulting.com/interpretive-training-nai National Association for Interpretation

08/26/2025

This week in the training we’ll dive into what makes a program truly balanced.

Like any art form, great interpretation is well composed—mixing story, reflection, and engagement for every kind of learner.

The best programs don’t just share facts. They flow. They honor complexity, stay flexible, and invite everyone in with care.

✨ Registration closes Monday, September 1st. A few spots left.
DM me with questions, or learn more Interpretive Training — Sense of Place Consulting — Erica Wheeler, Sense of Place Consulting

08/25/2025

A sense of place isn’t always revealed all at once. It unfolds.
This week, we explore story arcs, sequencing, and interpretive rhythm—so your programs guide visitors through a meaningful journey, not just a series of informative moments.

Course through @‌NAI National Association for Interpretationstarts Sept 9. Spots are limited. Registration closes in 7 days! (Sept.1st)

P.S. Let’s talk if you want to host a version at your site for your staff.

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