Exhibits

This site provides the essential frameworks for building immersive, accessible, and preservation-focused exhibits. From narrative development and universal design to mastering climate-controlled displays, these resources bridge the gap between creative storytelling and technical conservation.

Guides

Guide-to-Exhibit-Development.pdf

A Guide to Exhibit Development

Guide by Smothsonian Exhibits

ExhibitionManual_Example1.pdf

Archives and Special Collections

Exhibit Manual

Manual by Society of American Archivists

Accessibility for Exhibits

Accessibility in museum and archival exhibits ensures that cultural heritage is open to all visitors by removing physical and cognitive barriers. These resources provide the technical standards and design frameworks needed to help you design accessible exhibits.

Maintaining Accessibility in Museums by the ADA

Smithsonian Guidelines for Accessible Exhibition Design by the Smithsonian Accessibility Program

Tamper-Resistant Fasteners For Museum Exhibit Cases

Created by the National Parks Service, Conserve O Grams are leaflets which offer practical guidance on the care of collections ranging in topics from photographs to disaster preparedness. For further information and topics, please use this link.

Exhibit & Material Handling

Tamper-Resistant Fasteners For Museum Exhibit Cases

Fabricating Secure Hangers For Framed Works Of Art

Safe Storage And Handling Of Natural History Specimens Preserved In Fluid

Exhibit Labels

Effective exhibit labels bridge the gap between an object and its story by balancing concise writing with clear visual hierarchy. These resources offer practical guidelines for drafting engaging text, selecting legible typography, and structuring information to ensure your narrative is accessible to every visitor.

10 Tips for Writing Effective Museum Exhibit Labels by MuseumNext

Striving for Excellence in Exhibition Label Writing by John Russick and Jojo Galvan Mora

6 Tips for Writing Effective Exhibit Labels by Gaylord Archival

Exhibit Signage & Labels: Legibility & Readability by Gaylord Archival

Digital Exhibits

Digital storytelling transforms static collections into dynamic narratives, allowing institutions to reach audiences far beyond their physical walls. These tools bridge the gap between traditional archives and modern engagement, offering interactive ways to explore history through multimedia, immersive maps, and virtual galleries.

Program: Omeka

Program: ArcGIS StoryMaps

QR Codes to lead people to these sites could also expand experiences.

Creating Engaging Online Exhibits

September's free virtual session from the Wyoming SHRAB’s Roving Archivist Program features Elisabeth DeGrenier of the Wyoming State Museum, sharing practical tools and strategies for creating engaging online exhibits on a budget. Designed for small museums, archives, and historical societies, the session covers free platforms, impactful design tips, and storytelling tactics to help institutions connect with their communities. Learn more here!