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Good Enough to Share

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  • If you have a Good Enough to Share submission, please email it to CorpsLakes@usace.army.mil

  • Exhibit Evaluation for Children's Exhibits or How Wrong Can Adults Be?

    A Tool for Requesting and Evaluating Interpretive Display Proposals
    One of the best ways to purchase interpretive exhibits is to use a "Request for Proposal." The three documents below were used to request and evaluate interpretive exhibit proposals. They were used to replace exhibits at Libby Dam. They could be adapted for use at other Corps of Engineers visitor centers.

    Artifacts

    • Do not put historic clothing on mannequins. The weight of the garment weakens the fabric and seams.

    Contract Specification Examples
    The files contain contract specifications for the design and construction of interpretive exhibits. They are an existing contract but made generic as much as possible for your use. Numerous contracts from around the Corps were looked at and the best of each was incorporated here. Although you may not need to use them verbatim, they contain valuable information concerning what you may need to include, what to be careful of and how to avoid potential problems.

    Exhibits

    • Do not put text on glass. It is difficult to read and it casts shadows on whatever is behind it.
    • Do not put text on graphics. It is difficult to read.
    • Red, green, and gray look very similar to people who are colorblind. For example, green or red type on a gray background would be difficult, if not impossible, for them to read.
    • Do not use all CAPITAL letters.

    Lighting

    • Do not use fluorescent lighting for exhibits or in buildings. It reacts with Plexiglas, fades carpets, fabrics, photos, etc.

    MOA/MOU Examples
    Memorandum of Agreement between U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Interpretive Center and Museum, Inc.

      This version has been edited from the original for generic use. Your district NRM and/or OC offices may have differing requirements that would require site specific modification.

    For more example MOA/MOUs visit the Partnerships page

    Ready to Use Media

    • Visitor Center/Interpretive Products and Services Vendors
      NAI's Interpreter's Green Pages are your Internet connection to companies and organizations that provide a wide range of interpretive products and services. The Corps of Engineers does not endorse any of the vendors on this list. They are provided as reference resources only. The Corps of Engineers does not guarantee that this list is all inclusive of vendors that provide these services.

    • Water and Dams in Today's World - a video
      The video, "Water and Dams in Today's World," was produced for the United States Society on Dams (www.ussdams.org). Snippets from older films make part of the video appear dated, but, overall, it does a GREAT job explaining the benefits of dams and why they were needed in centuries past and continue to be needed today. Secondly, it provides good information in general about dams and their workings. It is highly recommended for all visitor centers, and anyone needing to explain dams and their benefits. To obtain a free copy of the video, e-mail info@ussdams.org.

    Trails

    • The best length for an interpretive trail is 3/4 mile.
    • Use a maximum of 7 to 10 stops on interpretive trails.

    Virtual Exhibits

    • The Natural Museum of the American Indian website has excellent examples of virtual exhibits.
    • AR Sandbox. UC Davis developed this FREE open source hands-on topographic model and provided step-by-step instructions on how to make your own.
    • Timelooper is an AR/VR development company that has worked with land management agencies around the world.
    • Google Expeditions provides AR/VR experiences and sells ready to use VR headset kits.
 
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    Updated: September 2023