Museum Exhibit Update: Historic Spanish Point Case Study

A museum exhibit update is usually necessary because technology is constantly changing and in many cases a better way of presenting information arises. The learning styles and interests of the museum audience is also changing as generations of digital natives come of age. In order to capture these audiences who are raised in electronics, museums must stay abreast of the current trends in the industry. This is one of the reasons that the Windows of the Past Exhibit at Historic Spanish Point needed a refresh, and they chose ADM Two for the job.

museum exhibit update

Before museum exhibit update – drab, uninteresting lighting and materials.

museum exhibit update

Before the update – audio visual mess in the corner, outdated graphics with unflattering lighting.

This museum exhibit update included a new audio/visual system for a cleaner, more modern setup. We also noticed that many design and lighting elements needed updating. The existing carpet flooring was unflattering and needed refreshed – we added beautiful medium-colored, wide-paneled wood flooring for a classic, natural feel. New wood benches to match the museum cases that we built added some much needed seating to the exhibit. Finally, the new museum cases brightened up the exhibit. To add to the brightness, we switched to LED lighting, which created warm yet subtle glow to the overall exhibit. Spot lighting highlighted the individual panels, and the final touch was designing new graphics to go along with the new museum cases. The whole museum exhibit update took off without a hitch, and we had the opportunity to learn about a nearby Florida landmark.

museum exhibit update

After the update – textured lighting that highlights the graphics, seating for comfort, clean lines and a warmer atmosphere.

museum exhibit update

Another view of the exhibit after the update – beautiful, vibrant graphics and a more modern feel.

Historic Spanish Point – Prehistory

Historic Spanish Point is a fascinating place. Located on the Gulf Coast in Osprey, Florida, it is one of the largest intact actively preserved archaeological sites of the prehistoric period on the Gulf Coast. Its archaeological record encompasses approximately 5,000 years of Florida prehistory. During this period, people living in this area gradually made the transition from nomadic hunters to settled subsistent societies. The abundant resources provided by the coastal habitat fostered this change, and use of tools further established both permanent and seasonal settlements in the area.

The site may be one of the oldest and largest ceremonial shell ring middens in the southeastern United States. A midden is an archaeological term for a dump for domestic waste that contains products relating to day-to-day human life. They may contain animal bone, shell, botanical materials, potsherds, debitage (left over pieces from making stone flake points) and other artifacts.

The Historic Spanish Point exhibit is full of truly compelling information and artifacts, and should be on any visitors’ list to Florida. Certainly native Floridians who live close by should add it to their list of local treasures. More information can be found at historicspanishpoint.org.

ADM Two doesn’t just envision potential, we make your vision a reality. An exciting and engaging museum exhibit update starts with choosing a great team to help with design. ADM Two are experts in custom museum exhibit fabrication and custom museum display cases. Our staff are prepared to handle even the most challenging projects. Give us a call at (813) 887-1960, and one of our knowledgeable staff can assist you with design ideas. Also, check out some of our other articles to get ideas for trade show booth design.