CEO Anne Ketz introduces a framework for how to tell truthful stories in interpretive exhibits and heritage planning. She draws directly from the four notions of truth developed by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission during the dismantling of apartheid in South Africa. This post is adapted from Anne’s virtual presentation for the 2023 ICOMOS Conference, held in Sydney, Australia.
One of the most important tasks we have as heritage professionals is to tell stories. But no matter what story is being told, cultivating understanding and honest dialogue are essential to telling truthful stories.
But what is truth? And whose truth is given voice?
In 1998, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in South Africa defined Four Different Truths to help answer these questions:
Factual truth explains what happened, to whom, where, and when.
Personal truth is the way you perceive or experience something first-hand.
Social truth is the truth shared or preserved in a cultural community.
And finally, healing truth, seeks to right a wrong – such as slavery, that should never be repeated.
Defining truth in these four different ways recognizes the various ‘true’ answers as different perspectives of the same story. Together they make up one complete truth.
There are no easy shortcuts to telling the stories of history, especially ones that involve brutal injustice. But with this framework for truth, we are able to listen carefully to the voices of the communities we collaborate with, as they tell their own stories.
This framework has been incredibly important to the work we do at 106 Group, especially when tasked with telling stories that have been invisible for hundreds of years – and sometimes, even longer.
Take a look at how the four truths helped shape our work at Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest. Or consider how the four truths are at play in the Rondo Community.
If you and your community have a story to share, please get in touch with us today!
Click on the video below:
Anne Ketz
Anne has worked with a broad range of stakeholders, including Native American tribal communities, community planners & leaders, and thought leaders to ensure respect for each community’s heritage within the planning process.
