EDUCATION AND INTERPRETATION

The Missions Initiative intends to support existing and develop new interpretation programs that integrate religious, economic, and cultural histories of specific missions with those of surrounding communities and related sites. Educational tools that focus on this shared history will enhance students' understanding and appreciation for the processes and outcomes of Spanish colonization throughout the region. Similarly, comprehensive training and interpreter exchange programs among participating agencies and sites will increase appreciation for the significance of the mission system among the general public, thereby lending much needed support to ongoing conservation efforts. Potential focus areas:

• Improvement of current interpreter training programs to reflect a holistic understanding of Spanish Colonial Mission sites in the historic and contemporary culture of the larger region
• Development of educational tools emphasizing historic and contemporary linkages between missions and surrounding communities
• Posting of high quality educational materials and useful links on the Missions Initiative website
• Enhanced use of non-formal and adult education programs as an avenue toward improving knowledge of, and access to, Spanish missions among the general public

Señalización y Mantenimiento de Sitios Misionales de Sonora
The Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia-Sonora (INAH-Sonora) is placing uniform interpretative signage at eight neighboring Kino mission sites near the international border. This mission route can continue into the U.S. and include the Tumacácori and San Xavier mission sites. INAH is compiling information on the founding, history, and architecture for these sites and building attractive sand-and-sepia signs. The program is also compiling a mission database that contains bibliographic information and historical documents from the period. The first U.S. sign is planned for Tumacácori National Historic Site in April 2005.