Week 3:
Changes Abound

July 2, 2016

Excitement, stress, and anticipation were just some of the emotions running through the AAMI this week. This was it: the grand re-opening of the permanent exhibit Endless Possibilities. The exhibit was installed in 2009 after the big flood of 2008 that damaged the original exhibit. It is very near and dear to many people’s hearts but everyone agreed that changes and expansions were in order to improve education and flow throughout the exhibit. Brianna, Felicite, Alyssa and myself had a lot to do after the construction crews left on Wednesday in order for the exhibit to be ready Thursday night.

What We Changed:

A lot of the adjustments we made were purely stylistic. We added an explanation panel at the entrance and made the quote that sits out there smaller. We took out murals and replaced them with bigger and better murals.We exchanged small artifacts in a display for colorful drums in order to fill the space more. We even added a huge cat logo above the Katz Drug Store Counter. Paint was touched up, and new, warmer lights were installed. These changes, though they were mess-making work, gave the gallery a more welcoming, sophisticated feel.

In one room of the gallery is the Katz Drug Store Counter, which is where the first sit-in in Iowa occurred. In this room is where we made the most changes. Originally there were three banners in a line with display cases in front of them. This was nice, but made it hard to easily walk around and see everything. Brianna decided to take away these banners and add two huge banners. She then used two display boxes, which were divided in the middle, to line up with the subjects on the banners. This opened up the room significantly. Installing the objects into the boxes was a lot of fun. I learned that most objects on display have a Mylar layer beneath them. Mylar is a polyester sheet that just adds a layer of protection between the object and possibly damaging residue in the display box. Cutting out the right shapes of Mylar proved difficult for me though.

In the same room, Brianna designed an Oral Histories Reading Nook. She put this into a part of the room that was awkwardly shaped. Previously it featured a panel on African Americans in the military; specifically Fort Des Moines and the Tuskegee airmen. She moved this information to one of the large panels, where it was more likely to be seen and appreciated. A large TV was installed into this area with a touchscreen panel below it where you could select an interview with local African Americans to watch. Benches are provided so patrons can sit and watch as many as they want. Additionally, there are plenty of books to read and the oral histories are typed out for those hard of hearing. It’s really a wonderful little spot.

In the room right before the Katz Drug Store, another major work was added. Brianna collaborated with the education department to figure out which figure was lacking proper recognition in the exhibit. They decided on George Washington Carver. A former slave, Dr. Carver graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in agriculture. He used this degree to revolutionize the use of peanuts, soy beans, and potatoes. He managed to make coffee, glue and more out of peanuts. He was famous for loading up a wagon, the “Jesup Wagon,” with produce, and plants and traveling to schools in Iowa to give lessons in agriculture and botany. With this in mind, George Washington Carver’s lab was designed and built. It’s a cool little space that features a large TV that runs with information on his life and work. At the front is a touch screen panel on which kids and adults alike can take quizzes and learn more about the Jesup Wagon. 

The reception for the re-opening had a good turnout, and everyone was very impressed. The expansions really bring everything together! The installation and opening for the temporary exhibit is going to be even more hectic, but I am more than ready for the challenge!