NPS GD

U.S. National Park Service Interpretive Exhibits

U.S. National Park Service

Original Wayside Exhibit Artwork, 2006 - 2010

An effective NPS wayside exhibit enhances a direct and meaningful connection between visitors and the landscape. These panels started out as nothing more than a collection of pictures and text suggested by the NPS staff in each park.

I designed them according to NPS graphic standards and prepared them for production. All of the below exhibits can still be seen in national parks across the United States.

Interpretive Exhibit Construction and Mounting Types

Outdoor exhibits are one of the most economical and

effective ways to interpret the places and events that make

parks special. Because they are located outdoors, close

to the features they explain, waysides answer the questions

visitors have, when and where they have them. By providing immediate information, wayside exhibits make visitors' experiences more meaningful and much more rewarding.

The wayside hardware enables interpretive panels to be replaced easily by removing the top capture rail. Once the panel and rail are in place they are held securely by a series of tamper-resistant set screws.

The material and finish appropriate for a specific sign depends primarily on the sign's purpose and its location. A painted post

(either steel or aluminum) may be a good choice for an urban site; weathering steel is suitable for many forested or desert environments; galvanized steel is very durable in coastal areas.

Base hardware comes in several styles designed to suit various site conditions. Although new hardware has been introduced, the overall appearance of the bases is very similar to those present in many parks.