Draft Interpretive Plan Join the adventure! - Captain John Smith ...

*Show then and now images (such as the historic oyster piles vs. today’s harvest) to
convey the loss of resources of Chesapeake Bay. Use historical photographs to tell
stories. Describe accurately and depict “then and now.”
*Develop a guidebook (like a “Lonely Planet” guide) for CAJO or “CAJO for
Dummies.”
*Create a guide to the story of the tribes that is interpreted by tribal members.
*Provide information to Wikipedia.
*Films, especially for young people, can show historic images of places that no longer
exist or images of sites that are too sensitive to open to public access.
*Develop a boater’s guide (what there is to see, where the places are to visit, provide
history from the water perspective, provide seasonal information and interpretation).
*Develop “Create Your Own Itinerary” guides: e.g. historic churches; experience-based
activities; food tours (examples: “Culinary Delights,” interesting local foods, Shad
Festival in Vienna, Virginia); Indians (Lore and Landings).
*Develop a series of regional maps and guides, e.g. James River Water Trail and
Chesapeake Country.
*Develop more Regional Information Centers (RICS).
*Provoke people to learn more about the Bay and its history.
*Provide opportunities for local residents to understand the Bay and its environs.
9. Miscellaneous Considerations
This category captures statements and ideas by participants which express additional
visions they have for the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail.
Many of the comments in this miscellaneous category feature the word
“experience.” Participants see the Trail as a deep, inclusive, memorable experience for
visitors. One person envisioned this experience lasting a week rather than the one day
people spend at most sites. Participants see this rich, conscious experience as creating in
visitors a feeling of stewardship and responsibility for the Bay environment. Through
their comments, participants recognize the value and significance of the Chesapeake
environment and its ability to cast a spell on visitors.
Comments of the Accohannock Indians reflect a deep wish that their story be told
in a real way. They cautioned that their story is not the same story as that of Indians from
Maryland, Delaware and other parts of Virginia. Each tribe has its own culture and story
to tell.
*Visitors will understand the site-specific ethics for visiting sensitive resources that are
open to the public.
*The Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail could be seen as the
maritime equivalent of the Appalachian Trail.
*Lead visitors towards “deeper” aesthetic, intellectual and spiritual experiences at sites
and along segments of the Trail, while encouraging low-impact interactions that are
steeped in a conservation stewardship ethic.
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