Besser Museum hosts new exhibit designers

ALPENA -- Representatives from Split Rock Studios out of Minneopolis met recently for an all-day planning session at Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan to go over the big picture plans for the $1.5 million new "Discover Northeast Michigan History" exhibit at the museum.

Three representatives met with the exhibit committee, which includes museum staff, board of trustees members, and community educators.

"This is our kick-off meeting, so it's the first step in our process," said Amanda Wombach, exhibit designer from Split Rock Studios. "It's a chance for us to get to know the whole team, and see what they've been dreaming about for the last five years."

They toured the museum and the space, then went through some exercises and continued to strategize throughout the day.

"We worked on some bigger goals," Wombach said. "What is the audience we're trying to serve? We ran through some exercises to start thinking about the things we want visitors to feel, and do, and think, and learn."

"Big ideas," said Mike Otis, Split Rock project manager. "It is all about ideas. We are brainstorming with the folks here at Besser who have already done so much planning."

The exhibit will be educational and entertaining for all ages, and include interactive elements.

"I think one of the things that we've learned is that this is just a totally unique museum," said John Vanek, Split Rock exhibit developer. "It's a science museum, it's a history museum, it's an art museum, all in one. And this exhibit, while it's focused in history, will incorporate artwork, will incorporate science, and help pull those threads through the whole history of Northeast Michigan."

The 3,000-square-foot space where the new exhibit will be located had not been changed for over 50 years.

"The Split Rock Studios representatives were so impressed with the level of commitment demonstrated by everyone, and how well prepared the Besser Museum was going into the kick-off meeting," said Besser Museum Executive Director Christine Witulski. "They usually don't see this level of preparedness going into the kick-off meeting. I am so proud of our exhibit committee. And I'm so grateful for all the donors who are making this renovation project a reality. We have a ways to go yet, but they say Besser Museum is perfectly positioned to achieve our goals."

For more information about the exhibit, visit www.bessermuseum.org/discover-nemi-history-exhibit.

Split Rock Studios was involved in designing the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center ship exhibit as well.