Dominic Cardea, NPS Retired, Talks Story with Tim Merriman and Bill Gwaltney

Reflections on Interpretation: Talking Story with Guides and Interpreters · Feb 20, 2026 · 53:07

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Dominic Cardea (Dom) recently retired after a 34 year National Park Service career spent turning big ideas—geology, history, culture, and community—into invitations to be curious. He helped shape and facilitate national interpretation and leadership programs, coached frontline interpreters, and trained hundreds in digital interpretation. A curious philosopher at heart, Dom loves the “why” behind a place and its objects—what they reveal, how they connect, and the questions they spark. He champions audience-centered, resource-focused interpretation that’s collaborative and co-creative, not a TED Talk in the woods. He’s happiest when the guests, places and objects becomes the co-facilitators of experiences—and everyone leaves wanting to explore more- including him .

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