An Inspired Chat with Gene Harmon

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Gene Harmon. Check out our conversation below.

Good morning Gene, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What do you think is misunderstood about your business? 
I would probably say the most misunderstood aspect of interpretation is what it actually is. The term brings to mind many different things other than what it is. Interpretation is taking a historical, cultural, or natural subject and explaining it in ways to get people to look at things in different ways. In the process, the goal is to get the audience, whether a group or a single person, to make a personal connection to the subject, to get them to care.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Inheriting Heritage, LLC provides professional interpretive consulting, interpretive training, and heritage interpretation to sites nationwide and is passionate about helping people connect to historical, cultural, and natural resources. Extensively involved with the planning and implementation of living history programs since 2006 as a volunteer, a 2013 summer position in Alaska launched the professional career in interpretation. Five months were spent in Denali National Park and Preserve portraying a 1941 park ranger. Extensive research was involved regarding Alaska, the park’s history, the ranger himself, and the natural fauna of the wilderness. From these historical facts was built a presentation from which accreditation was obtained as a Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) and passed the scrutiny of the National Park Service.

As a Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) with the National Association for Interpretation (NAI), Inheriting Heritage, LLC has access to an international network of interpretation professionals in museums and park systems around the world, staying abreast of the newest trends and techniques in interpretation. As an interpretive coach, extensive training sessions have been provided for museum staff, interpretive documentation/manuals have been created, and assistance has been given to NAI trainers in the implementation of CIG courses.

Inheriting Heritage, LLC has developed and implemented interpretive programs at state parks, national parks, historic sites, and museums.

Inheriting Heritage, LLC has also been approached by members of the sales and marketing fields who are interested in adapting interpretive training to improve the effectiveness of their respective staff.

The manager of Inheriting Heritage, LLC has served previously as the Deputy Director of the Sunny Southeast Region of the National Association for Interpretation.

There is also a podcast available on all available streaming platforms – The Inheriting Heritage Podcast.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I am going to approach this a little differently. From a young age, I was interested in history. As I got older, I found I also enjoyed writing. The two seemed to walk hand in hand and compliment each other. I had a real passion for it and dreamed of making a living with them. As I reached adulthood, I was told repeatedly my dreams would not amount to much and I needed a “real” career. When you hear something enough, even those negative things, you start to believe them. Because of this, I spent over 20 years in IT. Yes, I made really good money, but was it satisfying personally? No. I missed a lot with my family and felt empty in my career. My wife and the summer in Denali taught me and made me realize again that dreams ARE worth chasing.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
This would definitely be to never give up on yourself. Be true to who you are and not to who people want you to be. Dreams are worth chasing. The passion is within you for a reason. Use it, feed it, and grow it. Make it yours.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
This is a difficult aspect to hold on to as an interpreter, but culturally we are all different. We have all been raised differently – in different surroundings, in different cultures, and all of us come with our own norms, taboos, beliefs and passions. Being culturally different makes society and the world colorful and interesting. As an interpreter, this must be remembered at all times. Every interaction with a guest is an interaction with someone who is culturally different than you. This may be a light difference or extreme. However, it is imperative this person is seen as being completely in the right for seeing things they way they do. It has been formed by a lifetime of experiences. An interpreter is not supposed to tell anyone what to believe or think. Their job is to have a conversation, recognize where the other person is coming from, listen, and make a cultural connection on THEIR level.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I truly believe interpretation is what I was born to do. It makes me feel alive. I love seeing the proverbial light bulbs come on. I have had people visit the museum in Atlanta and remember me from seeing my presentation in Denali. I had a customer come up to me in Texas and recognize me from the museum in Atlanta. Making a difference in the lives of other people and society is a career I really love.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://inheritingheritage.com/
• Instagram: @inheritingheritage_llc
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gene-harmon-34898434/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=inheriting%20heritage%2C%20llc
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@inhhtg