Exhibits

MCHS Saves $985,000 on Million Dollar Exhibits?

Recently an Oregon museum proudly publicized the reopening of its exhibits with press releases emphasizing its "million-dollar set of exhibits." While we applaud this valuable addition to Oregon's cultural-heritage community, at MCHS we are very pleased to announce that our "million-dollar set of exhibits", opening in May, will cost the Historical Society a fraction of their true value. MCHS has begun work to sub-divide the large rectangular showroom of the former Thomas Kay Woolen Mill Retail Store into two square spaces using existing display units. One space will house several permanent and temporary exhibits while the other will accommodate all the metal storage shelves currently spread throughout the building.

Designed to enhance the experience of visitors and researchers to MCHS, this $15,000 transformation is partially supported by The Salem Foundation, Salem Cultural Tourism Promotion Advisory Board, Adele Egan and other members and friends of the Historical Society. Other than the purchase of a set of large metal storage drawers, and three used display cases, the entire project is designed to reuse MCHS's existing exhibit cases, props and building materials to keep project costs low. Along with the cost savings, a benefit of this approach is to increase the professionalism of the Society's exhibits and public areas without losing its "hometown" appeal. Complimenting the changes to the public spaces, including the relocation of the research library, there will be sufficient permanent artifact and archival storage which will enhance our ability to locate and retrieve research materials for a growing number of researchers. The new exhibits will include:
  • A post office identifying the various cities, towns and communities in Marion County.

  • "Doorways to Marion County History" - A chronological overview of the history of Marion County presented approximately 60 cultural-heritage sites within the county.

  • "Voices of the Past, How History Marion County History is Communicated" - Explores the various ways history is preserved through archival records, artifacts and cultural activities.

  • "Mayor's Choice: A Selection of Marion County Artifacts" - The mayors of Marion County's incorporated cities have been invited to share a favorite artifact representing their community.

  • Smaller exhibits which highlight influential Marion County families and local cultural-heritage organizations will be featured in the hallways and research library.
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Reception area at the Historical Society. "Voices of the Past: How Marion County History is Communicated" in the large cases.
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"Doorways to Marion County History" exhibit highlighting various historic sites in Marion County.


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