Document Type

Dissertation

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy

Major

Education, Teaching-Learning Processes

Date of Defense

6-3-2025

Graduate Advisor

Theresa Coble, Ph.D. Chairperson

Committee

Laura Westhoff, Ph.D.

Timothy Makubuya, Ph.D.

Keith Miller, Ph.D.

Abstract

Abstract

Heritage sites, particularly national parks, serve as powerful spaces for storytelling that shape public understanding of American history, cultures, ecological processes, and diverse landscapes. However, their narratives often omit critical aspects of women’s history and climate change, perpetuating historical erasure and selective storytelling. This qualitative research study applies the Four-Truth Framework developed by the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission to examine how heritage interpretation can improve the recognition of women’s contributions and strengthen climate communication at heritage sites. To explore approaches to women’s history interpretation, the study employed semi-structured, focus group interviews with educators, historians, and interpreters across the United States, conducted both online and in person. Additionally, the researcher conducted onsite observations and semi-structured interviews with park staff, stakeholders, and visitors at Joshua Tree National Park and Glacier Bay National Park in July 2023. The fieldwork documented place-based climate change communication efforts and assessed interviewees' perspectives on climate change interpretation, or its absence, at both parks. Both studies employed reflexive thematic analysis to analyze data, surfacing findings that highlight an underrepresentation of women's history at heritage sites, particularly with respect to marginalized communities, and reveal polarization surrounding climate discourse. Despite these challenges, the study identifies actionable strategies to foster more inclusive storytelling, including engaging descendant communities to ensure authentic representation, integrating experiential and immersive place-based interpretation, and prioritizing curiosity-driven dialogue and personal connections. National parks and heritage sites must prioritize dynamic and experiential storytelling to counteract historical erasure and environmental polarization. Ultimately, this study provides a roadmap to transform heritage narratives, demonstrating how immersive, place-based experiences can facilitate desired interpretive outcomes. It further shows that intersectional storytelling that’s co-developed with descendant communities can empower visitors to engage critically with the past and recognize their role in shaping the future.

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