The Significance of Authentic Narratives When Interpreting Slavery Madison Price-Stivers & Michael J. Bradley Introduction Heritage tourism is evolving as travelers seek deeper connections to history, culture, and place. Among the most profound topics in this space is the interpretation of slavery, which requires careful, authentic storytelling to honor truth and promote understanding. As interest in genealogy, cultural identity, and historic preservation grows, so does the responsibility of tourism professionals to tell stories with honesty, inclusivity, and integrity. Authentic narratives not only shape visitor perceptions but also influence how communities engage with and learn from their shared histories. The Imperative of Inclusive Storytelling The extensive inquiry conducted by Goldmon and Young (2021) into narratives encompassing the descendants of enslaved persons underscores a fundamental issue: selective storytelling distorts historical accuracy. The deliberate omission or marginalization of these voices promotes a superficial engagement with history and undermines the educational potential of heritage tourism. A constrained understanding of socio-cultural dynamics, particularly in places historically marked by injustice, limits opportunities for learning, reflection, and progress. Case Example: Whitney Plantation (Louisiana) The Whitney Plantation in Louisiana serves as a model of inclusive storytelling. Unlike traditional plantation tours that romanticize antebellum life, Whitney centers the lives and experiences of the enslaved. Through statues, oral histories, and first-person narratives, it provides a powerful and often emotional visitor experience. It exemplifies a shift toward descendant-informed, justice-focused interpretation. Dark Tourism and the Ethics of Representation The growing trend of "dark tourism," which involves visiting sites of historical tragedy and trauma, presents both opportunities and ethical dilemmas. While these sites have the potential to educate and memorialize, they can also commodify suffering when narratives are selective or overly sanitized. Goldmon and Young (2021) argue that this trend, when executed without authenticity and sensitivity, risks perpetuating cycles of marginalization by obscuring the lived experiences of oppressed peoples. Such practices dilute the historical record and miss the chance to foster empathy, healing, and accountability. The financial gains of dark tourism should not outweigh the moral responsibility to present truthful, inclusive narratives. Striking a balance between economic development and historical integrity is crucial. Case Example: Legacy Museum (Alabama) The Equal Justice Initiative's Legacy Museum and National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, Alabama, sets a standard for responsible dark tourism. Through immersive exhibits and historical documentation, the museum traces the journey from slavery to mass incarceration. It confronts systemic injustice and provides space for education and reflection, demonstrating how historical interpretation can be both ethical and economically impactful. Collaborative Storytelling as a Model Goldmon and Young (2021) emphasize collaborative storytelling as a key to developing inclusive narratives. This approach invites descendants, community members, and scholars to contribute, ensuring shared authorship and broader historical accuracy. Rather than imposing a single authoritative narrative, this model encourages the co-creation of meaning through collective memory. Case Example: Montpelier (Virginia) Montpelier, the estate of President James Madison, offers a successful example of collaborative storytelling. Through a formal partnership with the Montpelier Descendants Committee, the site's interpretive strategy was reshaped to reflect the stories of those who were enslaved there. This collaborative process produced exhibits that are more honest, comprehensive, and representative of the site's complex history. Beyond Historic Sites: Inclusive Narratives in Nature and Culture Though much of the discourse focuses on historical landmarks, the principles of inclusive interpretation apply to natural and cultural resource-based tourism as well. National parks, trail systems, and rural tourism destinations can incorporate underrepresented stories—such as those of Indigenous communities, African American environmentalists, and rural laborers—into their educational signage and programming. Authentic storytelling here helps challenge dominant narratives and broaden our understanding of human interaction with landscapes and environments. Conclusion Authentic storytelling in heritage tourism is not merely a best practice—it is an ethical imperative. By confronting hard truths and amplifying historically silenced voices, sites can transform into places of learning, healing, and connection. Through inclusive and collaborative approaches, tourism professionals and communities can foster a deeper understanding of the historical, cultural, and natural landscapes that shape us all. This shift requires conscious effort but yields benefits that transcend economics—educational enrichment, community pride, and cultural healing among them. It is through these authentic narratives that tourism becomes not only a journey through place, but a journey through justice. Furthe r Reading: Legacy Museum & National Memorial for Peace and Justice Whitney Plantation - The Story of Slavery Montpelier - History Lives at Our House About the Authors Madison Price-Stivers is a Visiting Professor in the Department of Parks, Recreation, Exercise, and Sport Science at Eastern Kentucky University. Her primary focus is on therapeutic recreation, but she has contributed to work in heritage and inclusive interpretation through collaborative scholarship and community engagement. LinkedIn Profile  Michael J. Bradley, Ph.D. serves as the Dean of Research and Graduate Studies at Arkansas Tech University. His work focuses on outdoor recreation, community-based tourism, and sustainable economic development. His work emphasizes the role of trails, public lands, and place-based strategies in revitalizing rural communities. Bradley is especially passionate about connecting people to nature, supporting rural resilience, and advancing outdoor recreation as a tool for both education and economic transformation. LinkedIn Profile

Designing Better Visitor Experiences: How Ben Lawhon Helps Parks Navigate Change  We’re thrilled to spotlight Ben Lawhon, Founder and Principal of Recreation Solutions Group , and one of the leading voices in visitor use management and outdoor recreation planning. With over 25 years of conservation and visitor management experience, Ben brings unmatched expertise to his work with parks, protected areas, and communities. For two decades, he served as the Senior Director of Research and Consulting at Leave No Trace , where he led nationally recognized research initiatives and helped shape best practices in low-impact recreation. His contributions include publishing over 22 peer-reviewed articles and serving on the Recreate Responsibly Coalition Steering Committee—a testament to his leadership and dedication to collaborative resource protection. Ben will be joining SORP’s upcoming webinar, " Career Navigation Tools for Outdoor Professionals ," on August 13 at 1pm MT, where he’ll share lessons learned from his career path and offer strategies for growing a purpose-driven career in the outdoor recreation field. Reflecting on his journey, Ben shared how SORP became a vital resource during his transition from the nonprofit world to independent consulting: "After spending more than two decades in the nonprofit sector, where I only peripherally knew of SORP, I discovered its true value when I transitioned to private consulting. Now, as a sole proprietor, I've gained immense professional benefits from SORP's community of practice, including invaluable networking opportunities at two conferences and a VUM workshop that connected me with federal and state land managers, academics, and fellow consultants... SORP has become my primary resource for staying current and advancing my skills as a recreation professional." We’re honored to have Ben as part of our community and excited to learn from his perspective in the upcoming webinar.