| dc.description.abstract | The Wisconsin Conservation Hall of Fame (WCHF), located in the Schmeeckle
Reserve Visitor Center, was established to honor those who have impacted Wisconsin
conservation history. An exhibit area in the WCHF spatially precedes the Hall of Fame
inductee gallery, which commemorates the individuals inducted into the Wisconsin
Conservation Hall of Fame.
The purpose of this project was to complete the development and installation of
exhibits in the Wisconsin Conservation Hall of Fame. As a secondary goal, evaluation
techniques were utilized to determine the effectiveness of the content and technique of
the exhibits. The data were obtained from questionnaires, focus groups, and interviews
of the general public, Natural Resources 150 class students, museum professionals, and
historians. The data were analyzed to find commonalities and trends, which were the
focus of the recommendations for change plan.
Results indicated that the warden exhibit was the most popular because it is
interactive. Visitors value hands-on exhibits and opportunities for participation.
Organization and thematic unity among the exhibits are areas that need improvement.
Visitors had difficulty understanding the exhibit order, and requested more direction in
experiencing the exhibits. An advance organizer, such as a brochure, is recommended to
be available to visitors prior to entering the exhibition. It should include a map and an
exhibition overview to guide visitors in their exploration of the exhibits. Layering
messages and diversifying wall textures/colors will attempt to present Wisconsin
conservation history in holistic, sequential manner.
These recommendations and others are suggested for future exhibit planners as
the development of the Wisconsin Conservation Hall of Fame exhibit area continues. | en_US |
