new interpretative projects, and what interpretation should be updated and/or expanded. We studied each interpretative measure to determine its particular type, the organization that commissioned it, the intended audience, materials used, current condition, its visibility and accessibility, and its effectiveness. Primary goals were to determine how successful the current interpretation schemes are in reaching their intended audiences, and to decide whether the historical significance of both the individual structure and the system as a whole was clearly communicated. One of the most apparent themes revealed in the existing interpretation analysis 58 is that a site’s signage does not always provide adequate information that connects the specific structure with the significance of the system as a whole. In addition, an important realization was that not all signage is located at specific structures, but at intermittent points along (and even off) the trail, particularly in Westchester County and the Bronx. Also, there is often no on-site interpretation at locations where a Croton structure no longer exists (such as the site of the Murray Hill Reservoir) or is in disrepair (such as the 119th Street Gatehouse). However, even sites that are that are maintained and easily accessible (such as the New Croton Dam and the North Gatehouse in Central Park) often lack on-site interpretation. Additional sites contain plaques commemorating the construction of a structure, yet do not provide historical information or an explanation of the significance of the structure or system (such as the Archville Bridge and the Old Croton Dam). It has also become evident that most existing interpretative features associated with the Waterworks not only revolve solely around the Old Croton Aqueduct, but almost always take the form of signage, commissioned by various organizations and inconsistently designed and maintained. While the intended audiences for these interpretation methods include visitors (to the trail in Westchester and the Bronx as well as other particularly significant sites in Manhattan) as well as the people living around the system, local populations remain largely uneducated about the presence and significance of the Croton Waterworks. This prevents local investment in the preservation and celebration of this historic infrastructure. Existing Interpretation We examined current interpretation measures along the length of the Croton Waterworks, with an emphasis on interpretation of specific structures and landscapes that tell the story of the system. The reason for the investigation was twofold: to document existing interpretation and to assess its condition, effectiveness, and longevity. A methodology for this examination (to be used in the analysis of existing and future interpretation of the system) is subsequently presented in order to provide more specific information about the process of documenting and assessing the effectiveness of interpretative measures. Section 4: Interpretation Documentation, Analysis, and Methodology of Existing Interpretation Above: Many different types of signage have been posted at the New Ossining Weir by multiple agencies over the past couple of decades, and these signs often have overlapping information. Right: A New York City Department of Parks and Recreation sign in Central Park has been analyzed to show what types of information it conveys. 59 Interpretation Typology A determination of the specific type of interpretation is the first step in the documentation and assessment of interpretative features. The interpretation should be classified as either on-site or off-site. If on-site, the category of interpretation should be specified, such as whether the feature is a sign, plaque, or walking tour, and if individual site information is provided in addition to system-wide information. If the interpretation is off-site, the category should also be identified and may include such typologies as a museum, website, map, podcast, and so on. 60 If the interpretation is structure- or site-specific, the structures or site associated with the interpretative measure should be noted along with its location. If the interpretation is system-wide, this should be noted, along with whether the feature has a physical location (for a museum), where it may be distributed (map, educational curriculum), or if it is accessible via the Internet (website, podcast). Commissioning Organization The person or organization that commissioned the interpretative measure should be identified in order to keep a record of the multiple parties involved in the interpretation and preservation of the Croton Waterworks. Property Owner The owner of the property on which the associated structure or interpretative feature sits should be identified in order to keep a record of the multiple parties involved in the interpretation and preservation of the Croton Waterworks. Intended Audience Identification of the intended audience who will make use of the interpretation is crucial in evaluating the potential scale of the dissemination of information through the interpretative element. This audience may consist of out-of-town visitors, local populations, various age groups, and so on. Therefore, all of the possible audiences who may benefit (or who do not benefit) from a particular type of interpretation should