HomeMy WebLinkAbout75th exhibit topics from minutes
3/08/12 Committee discussed several ideas for exhibit content:
The history of the development of local media (wtaw, kbtx, kamu, etc. Eagle)
The history and development of local schools. Mike Neu indicated that he had spoken to Lance Jackson regarding Lincoln School history. Several members stated that items from A&M Consolidated
would be available.
The history and development of area businesses.
The history of area healthcare.
The physical and population growth of city. Items such as aerial views, GIS maps and info-graphs were being suggested.
Texas A&M History. Mike Neu suggested a working partnership with Cushing Library to produce content.
Notable and famous local individuals
Development of local airport and other transportation (rail, interurban, auto etc.)
Tracy Paine indicated that Former President George Bush may write a letter concerning College Station for display.
The relationship between Bryan and College Station as twin cities.
4/12/12 Some of the topic areas for the exhibit include: Texas A&M, the Corp of Cadets, historic homes, long-standing and early local business, the creation of the Bush library, a section
on the relationship the City of Bryan and College Station, A&M medical advancements, and quality of life. The extent and intricacy of the exhibit can be tailored to budget and available
resources.
The committee discussed the appearance of exhibits. Mike Neu described a replica of the train station façade, and a streetscape display, resembling Northgate. An exhibit illustrating
the growth of the city was suggested; Jerry Cooper stated that an engineering firm owns many appropriate aerial photos. Other suggestion were thematic color backdrops to accentuate
artifacts, Interactive exhibits were proposed, including a photo board of the signing of the city charter that allows visitors to place their faces into the picture, and a memory wall,
where visitors write their recollections.
5/10/12 Several ideas were presented for exhibits including items such as:
A vintage city firetruck.
An early female Corps of Cadets Uniform.
Old city street markers.
A reproduction façade of the train station.
Banners (to be used in other capacities outside the library as well)
Adapting the 1938 map from Jerry Cooper that depicts campus houses.
Jerry Cooper stated that he was searching for images of the old music hall on campus-currently he only has images of it being demolished.
Members also presented ideas for exhibit themes, including:
Historical examples of cooperation and relationships between Bryan and College Station.
Parks in the city, especially from a local perspective (i.e. billy goat bridge, Bryson/Dexter park)
The loosely structured conversation turned to data collection for exhibits. Mike Neu stated that he has an intern that can help with conducting story interviews.
Several ideas for story sources were presented, such as:
Former Mayors
Ms. Knowles, a former teacher
The Madeley Pharmacy
Holicks Boots
6/14/12 Mike Neu reported that planning of the Bush Library exhibit is ongoing. Ideas for exhibit content are still being generated and stories and objects for content are being sought.
Mike Neu suggested that campus housing is a good topic and an exhibit could depict the story of houses moved from campus. Church histories, the Corp of Cadets, Carnegie, and African-American
Museums were all presented as potential sources for stories.
8/09/12 Committee discussed several topics for developing exhibits.
Committee discussed resources for interpreting the commercial history of College Station. Committee noted specific developments such as Redmond Terrace and Culpepper Plaza, as well as
specific businesses, notably Madeley Pharmacy. Mike Neu requested any available images of storefronts. Jerry Cooper reported that he is in possession of a collection of historic images
from Richard Gunn, of businesses, some in large format, others in 35mm.
Committee discussed options for interpreting the history of city services. Jerry Cooper mentioned that a historic fire truck from 1942 may be available. Mike Neu noted that if the fire
truck is not practicable, other vehicles may be available for use.
TAMU history was discussed. Mike Neu stated that the history of the Aggie bonfire is being developed for an exhibit. He added that the Corps Center and M.D. Marshall are working together
to develop content for the history of the Corp of Cadets. Marshall was not available to update further at this time. Jerry Cooper stated that he would donate of the red, white and blue
out that occurred after the events of September 11th.
Committee discussed quality of life content. Mike Neu stated that the exhibit could show videos of content on loop. He speculated that the Arts Council may be able to partner.
Committee discussed utilizing oral histories and interviews for history-related content. Committee favored using actual footage as well as content from interviews to develop exhibits.
As well as using existing material and conducting additional interviews.
9/13/12 Based upon a comment by Tom Taylor, the committee discussed interpreting the importance of Madeley’s Pharmacy to local history. Committee evaluated feasibility of re-creation
of aspects of the soda shop and pharmacy as an interpretive exhibit. Committee discussed interpreting the influence of internationally-known figures who were associated with College
Station, and the diverse population of the city. Kim Fox stated that she may have several contacts that would fit that description.
12/13/12 Committee discussed potential exhibit content, including the history of locations and associated people, including Guion Hall, the Grove, local theatres, Adamson Lagoon and
others. Committee discussed early transportation, including the practice of Aggies hitchhiking, the depot, and the interurban.