National Park Service-Chamizal
The Chamizal National Memorial Museum commemorates the 1963 Chamizal treaty that ended a century-old boundary dispute between the United States and Mexico caused by a change in the course of the Rio Grande. The memorial museum includes exhibitry, a theatre and art galleries, and hosts many festivals and special events throughout the year. Capitol Museum Services (CMS) provided complete design/build services along with design partner 106 Group. The design team worked closely with the client to develop content and support their research and collections management efforts. The story is told from the two perspectives and is a bilingual experience throughout. The local native American tribe, the Tiguas, were also included as a stakeholder and several interpretive panels tell their role in the history of the area. Exhibits include vibrant graphics, large photomurals, interpretive panels with audio stations, and a unique interactive that allows visitors to experience the challenge of negotiation. The CMS/106 Group team provided content development, exhibit and graphic design, media production, exhibit fabrication and installation, as well as AV systems design and integration.
Library of Congress-Rosa Parks
Rosa Parks: In Her Own Words is a new exhibit in the Thomas Jefferson Building’s South Gallery. The exhibit showcases rarely seen materials that offer an intimate view of Rosa Parks and documents her life and activism—creating a rich opportunity for viewers to discover new dimensions to their understanding of this seminal figure. The materials are drawn extensively from the Rosa Parks Collection, a gift to the Library of Congress from the Howard G. Buffett Foundation. Capitol Museum Services was selected after a competitive bid process, to provide detailing, fabrication and installation services. Our scope of work included site demolition, new exhibit construction, custom case construction, graphic production of backlit graphics, murals, window SEG graphics, banners, custom 2-color 3-D lettering as well as custom lighting. CMS was also tasked with producing this exhibit in a very tight, 4-week time frame, in order to be ready for their scheduled opening date of December 5, 2019. All departments worked diligently and stayed on task and the exhibit opened smoothly, on-time and on-budget.
Workhouse Arts Center-Lucy Burns Museum
Suffragists stood in front of the White House rain or shine, day or night, six days a week from January through November 1917. Their request? That the right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex. Protesting suffragists were fraudulently charged and sentenced with obstructing free passage of the sidewalk and unlawful assemblage. They were transported twenty miles south of Washington, DC, to the Occoquan Workhouse in Lorton, Virginia, where they were sentenced to terms of up to seven months. Women from all social strata risked their health and reputation to protest. The woman who was group leader during her three Lorton prison terms was Brooklyn-born Lucy Burns. The Lucy Burns Museum, at the Lorton Workhouse Arts Center, opened on January 25, 2020, on the centennial of the Nineteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, legalizing a woman’s right to vote. CMS staff, working closely with designer Tracy Revis of Howard+Revis Design, detailed, fabricated and installed several large, complex display panels that visitors can rotate for information, (and on one set), can interact with faux prison doors that have autobiographical information on the women imprisoned at Lorton via integrated spinning panels within the cell door openings. Multiple prototypes had to be made to assure this design would work and to confirm the rotating doors and spinning panels would operate safely and be secure within the existing, historic building. A key issue CMS handled that arose in fabrication was the potential ambient sound level in the exhibit space given that the interior is primarily brick and concrete. We suggested that certain large murals be produced utilizing Silicon Edges fabric graphics in frames designed to incorporate sound absorbing panels behind the mural images. Original designs, called multiple graphic panels, with somewhat complex details and finishes, were produced by CMS. These budget-friendly, interpretive graphics were constructed of direct-to-substrate, painted, MDF panels with recessed backers allowing for stand-off from the walls. This allowed for inset areas for artifact vitrines to be integrated into the panels, in which CMS did all the artifact mounts and mounting. Direct UV printing was all completed by the CMS in-house graphic production department, as well as, graphic file setup and color management. This exhibit project showed CMS’s excellence at strong inner working relationships and good communication skills between all departments, which in the end, ensure critical fit, finish and customer satisfaction.
American Revolution Museum at Yorktown-Main Gallery Refresh
Capitol Museum Services (CMS), was selected in a competitive bid effort, to detail, fabricate and install Jamestown Settlement’s large-scaled, phased-section renovation, of its 30,000 sq. ft. permanent exhibition galleries. The exhibition gallery refresh incorporates new historical research and technology to present historical events to visitors in innovative ways, including interactive touch screens, immersive exhibits and a new multimedia experiential theater. Space fit-out included significant modifications and additions to the galleries’ electrical, mechanical, lighting and structural elements. A large theater enclosure to accommodate the multimedia film experience was constructed, isolated from the surrounding building structure and equipped with extensive soundproofing provisions to prevent sound spillover into the gallery. Show control lighting, fog effect and heat generators are synchronized with the video to give visitors a totally immersive experience. Project work required extensive coordination across many trades and specialty contractors, some working under separate contracts. CMS’ work included extensive graphics, exhibit cases, scenic treatments and artifact mounting. The new design incorporated complex geometry, specialty lighting and integration of AV equipment. Work stretched over several months and visitor access to areas of the gallery not included in this phase was maintained. A large construction barrier was erected, the outside surface covered with graphics to allow for display of content and provide a more attractive appearance. Crews worked extended hours and weekends to successfully meet the aggressive schedule.
Cherokee National Capitol Museum
The Cherokee National History Museum is comprised of 4,000 sq. ft. of custom exhibits that tell the story of the Cherokee Nation from pre-European contact through to the removal from their ancestral territory and the infamous Trail of Tears, to the revitalization of the tribe after the Civil War. Located in an iconic landmark, the Cherokee National Capitol building in Tahlequah, OK, this immersive exhibit experience includes compelling graphics, extensive artifact displays and a variety of media elements (including “interactive augmented reality”.) In addition to the permanent galleries, there is another 1,000 sq. ft. of rotating exhibit area showcasing the works of many talented Cherokee artists. This exhibit was designed by Ralph Appelbaum Associates. Capitol Museum Services provided complete detailing, fabrication, audio visual integration and installation services for the project. Our scope of work included: media production for audio, video and interactive; AV systems integration and installation; custom, museum-quality display cases; graphic elements; scenic-elements; and artifact mounting & installation
Andrews Air Force Base-Spark X Cell
The SparkX Cell Innovation and Idea Center at the Community Commons at Joint Base Andrews opened in January 2019. SparkX is an innovation program that integrates technology to help Airmen pursue solutions to improve the Air Force. Through collaborative research, knowledge exchange and technology, Airmen can find solutions to today’s problems and enhance warfighting capabilities. Their mission is “bring tomorrow’s tools to the Warfighter today.” The program began five months ago when a group of service members teamed with Capitol Museum Services to design and establish the Innovation and Idea Center, a creative design space for Joint Base Andrews personnel to use ---everyone is welcome and encouraged to develop solutions. People can come to try, fail, and try again. CMS’ scope included: development of a custom logo; signage; a custom-built reception desk; new walls and flooring; workstations; conference room; wall graphics; modular seating; state-of-the-art kitchenette; and a custom conference table.
Washington Headquarters Museum - National Park Service
The Washington Headquarters Museum, constructed in the early 1930’s, is located in an historic building in the Morristown National Historical Park. CMS provided project management, detailing, graphic production, fabrication, space fit-out, media production and AV systems integration, and installation of new exhibits for the Museum’s 2,000 sq. ft. Military Gallery and Discover History Center. The exhibits were designed by Steve Feldman Design, LLC of Bethesda, MD. The exhibits tell the story of the ordeal faced by Washington and his troops as they camped through the coldest winter on record in an engaging and immersive experience. Beginning with the Military Gallery, visitors learn about the people and weapons of the Revolution. Historic artifacts and period paintings are displayed along with interpretive panels that explain the history and events. CMS provided artifact mounting services for the wide variety of original and replicated items. A full size replicated soldiers hut complete with bunks and life cast figures highlights the lower level Discovery History Center work. Interactive exhibits allow visitors to understand the logistics needed to feed and house the troops, the hardships endured by the soldiers and the strategy of fighting the war against the British. Mechanical interactives enable younger visitors to experience the weight of a soldier’s pack and the challenge of shouldering a heavy musket. Typical rations are exhibited in a revolving display so the meal served to a regular soldier can be compared to that of an officer. Communications between General Washington and his armies is explained through a unique interactive in which visitors “stamp” a letter that is then sent across a moving LED message display. The entire Discovery History Center experience is filled with hands-on activities that connect people to the history rather than a static display of objects and images. CMS met the challenge of detailing and fabricating durable exhibits that withstand the rigors of daily use and are easily maintained by the Park staff. Hillmann & Carr, Inc. of Washington, DC was responsible for media production and A/V systems integration as a subcontractor to CMS. Media elements include interactives, ambient audio and an original introductory film.
Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation - Tenacity: Women in Jamestown and Early Virginia
Tenacity is a special yearlong exhibition that explores little-known, captivating personal stories of real women in Jamestown and the early Virginia colony and their tenacious spirit and impact on a fledgling society. This story-driven exhibition features artifacts, images and primary sources - some on display in America for the first time - to examine the struggles women faced in the New World and their contributions. CMS provided project management along with detailing, space fit-out, exhibit fabrication, graphic production, artifact mounting and installation services. The exhibit, designed by Riggs Ward Design, includes large scale photomurals and a wide variety of other graphic elements including banners, star riser graphics, dimensional lettering, interpretive panels and labels. Exhibit work was closely coordinated with AV to provide for mounting of equipment and housings for monitors. Over 100 artifacts are displayed in numerous cases including many delicate fabric items. The artifact team worked closely with the registrars to develop final case layouts and fabricate custom mounts to provide for safe and attractive display of the objects.
U.S. Army Center of Military History - Fort Bragg, NC
This 5,673 sq. ft. museum, located on Fort Bragg in North Carolina, is dedicated to telling the history of the 82nd Airborne Division from 1917 to the present. Major General James M. Gavin began the concept of the museum in 1945, when the 82nd Airborne Division received the honor of Occupation Duty in Berlin at the end of World War II. Inside the Division headquarters a trophy and news room held information about their war effort and the nation’s victory. In 1946, after the 82nd Airborne Division returned to the states and started to call Fort Bragg home, the first museum began in one of the wooden office buildings in what is now called “the old Division area.” The first building is said to have caught fire and burned sometime during the early 1950's. As the Division grew in size, it moved to its current area of Fort Bragg. Capitol Museum Services was responsible for the refurbishment of this historically important military museum. Having worked on many previous military sites, CMS was familiar with the special requirements for design/detail, fabrication and installation. Exhibit components include: ● Over 65, custom, steel & glass display cases for uniformed mannequins and various military artifacts ● Custom, artifact mounts ● Artifact mounting ● Digitally printed, full-color graphic panels, depicting a historical timeline of events ● SEG graphic title panels ● Custom, curved display walls ● Exhibit lighting final placement and aiming
Cooper Hewitt Design Museum - “The Senses” Design Beyond Vision
So what do you say when the Smithsonian calls you up and asks if you are interested in fabricating over forty, over sized, custom, curved, steel structures that you will then hand wrap with approximately 40 miles of specialty recycled plastic thread from Europe? And ask if you can do it all in 7 weeks including installation at the Cooper Hewitt Museum on the Upper East Side in New York City? All we could say is that CMS loves a challenge! Having just come off the beautiful and critically acclaimed “Americans” project at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of the American Indian designed by Studio Joseph of New York, we were excited that the Smithsonian requested our services for their next creation at the Cooper Hewitt Museum entitled "The Senses: Design Beyond Vision". After an initial meeting, CMS dove into the challenge. Making the frames from steel (needed to withstand the tensions that were going to be placed on the units) required special laser-cutting of all the custom designed curved sections. Given the short time frame, CMS had to work diligently with the designer to convert graphic files to a specific type that could be interpreted by the laser cutter. Included in this effort also was the task of a succinct naming system to make the pieces easily identifiable by the fabrication crew who welded and assembled them. Next, CMS had to move on to the plan for threading. The recycled material, similar to what is used to produce lawn furniture, came in several different colors and patterns. Each section of frame had a specific sequence of colors with each pass having four threads that could be all one color or a variation of colors. Pulling threads from more than one spool at a time proved difficult so the fabrication team calculated the lengths and colors required for each area of frame, then built a motorized system to re-spool up to four different spools. Fabrication also laboriously hand wove through roughly one half of the frames.
American Revolution Museum at Yorktown - Blast From The Past
After successfully detailing, fabricating and installing AfterWARd: The Revolutionary Veterans Who Built America exhibition at The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation turned to CMS once again to carry out their vision. CMS gladly accepted the challenge and opportunity to produce another dynamic exhibition which so poignantly tells the story of such an important time in history. CMS detailed all exhibit components, which were then crafted by our graphic production artisans and skilled fabricators. Of special note were the museum-grade artifact cases and specialty mounts, which were delicately built to display the unique artillery pieces which included: ● a British Light 3-pounder bronze field cannon ● a “La perileuse” French 4-pounder bronze field cannon ● a British 12-pounder bronze “Lafayette” cannon ● a American 6-pounder iron cannon ● a “La Bellone” French 4-pounder bronze batallion cannon. CMS’s AV integration services required close coordination with the AV hardware provider and software developer to properly fit equipment into tight spaces in the exhibit. Issues such as power feed locations, locations of controls, and access to controls needed to be carefully examined and planned out. Our AV integration technicians carefully considered these for each location, and accurately fit and placed every component, insuring a smooth install and successful operation.
Smithsonian Institution-National Museum of African American History and Culture - Watching Oprah
As an African American woman who founded her own media company and became a cultural icon watched by millions around the world, Winfrey harnessed the power of the media to break down barriers, empower herself, and inspire others. Capitol Museum Services was awarded the detailing, fabrication and installation of this new, 4,300 sq. ft. special exhibit which recently opened at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. The exhibit space is divided into three distinct areas in which CMS fabricated all exhibit components encompassing custom casework and artifact mounts, artifact installation, graphic production and AV integration.
U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum-Naples, FL
The Holocaust Memorial Museum houses over 1,000 historical and original photographs and artifacts related to the Holocaust and World War II. These items are displayed chronologically, from the rise of Nazism to the Allied Liberation and Nuremberg Trials. Many of the artifacts have been donated or permanently loaned to the Museum by local survivors, liberators and other dedicated people. Of special interest are the photographs, documents and artifacts that belonged to the families of Survivors and Liberators who now live in Southwest Florida, many of whom are volunteers at the museum. Capitol Museum Services was selected through a competitive bid process to design, detail, fabricate and install this museum exhibit, which included; wall construction & preparation, graphic design & graphic layout/production, custom, display case detailing & construction, artifact mount-making and mounting. US Holocaust Memorial Museum https://youtu.be/rO0Od0ZZcpl
Smithsonian Institute - National Museum of the American Indian
CMS was selected in to be the museum fabricator for the "Americans" showcase exhibit at NMAI, which is full of custom metalwork, specialty graphics and AV. Americans highlights the ways in which American Indians have been part of the Nation’s identity since before the country began. Pervasive, powerful, at times demeaning, the images, names and stories reveal the deep connection between Americans and American Indians as well as how Indians have been embedded, in unexpected ways, in the history, pop culture and identity of the United States. Visitors to Americans enter a long, tall gallery with sofa’s, touch-screen tables and walls, that are lined floor to ceiling with objects bearing images of Indians. Unique exhibit features include:
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Nexus Grid Wall - a series of welded steel tubes to create a custom, metal, grid-work wall consisting of 26 flat wall-unit structures and 13 segmented ones, attached to custom built walls within the main gallery space. The final wall piece was powder-coated to receive graphic panels, display cases, backlit panels and projection panels.
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Nexus Projection Surface - 56 projection panels consisting of 1/8” thick aluminum in varying sizes with a special, projection-screen finish paint.
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Nexus Motorcycle Case - Tube steel framing and Medite with a LUXAM LED lighting rod mounted across the front interior.
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Pocahontas Frieze Display - A custom, one-of-a-kind element, CMS replicated a frieze (from the Capitol Rotunda) of Pocahontas saving John Smith from near death. The feature wall frieze was carved out of Avonite. Sequenced lighting backlights the frieze creating a narrative for each piece referenced and an interpretive, curved, backlit table in front of the frieze contains the narrative outline, which depicts the story line by line.
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5 custom seamless cases, which included a door on the end of each case with pull-out decks
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Projection Screen Curtains consist of 52- 3” square long, steel angles, mechanically fastened to the floor and positioned in a curved, staggered pattern.
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Removal Act Wall-Wall consists of Medite and acrylic with direct print graphics onto both front and back surfaces of lightbox acrylic. Intended to show the audience both the original text and the final text from the Act of Congress in 1830 for the removal of Indians to federal territory west of the Mississippi in exchange for their ancestral homelands.
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Debate Panel Wall-Custom, steel-angled frames, placed against a large, mesh-printed wall simulating a billowy cotton field depicting key people involved in the Indian Removal Act.
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Custom Comment Table- a custom, irregularly shaped table, covered in Kaswell flooring with a curved edge and aluminum, powder-coated legs. The table is used for comments and suggestions by visitors.
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AV hardware Integration for 11 key media areas including: LBH Movie Reels projected onto 60 individual grid frames with two projectors; LBH Headdress Interactive; Ribbon-snake videos in Rooms 1,2 & 4; projection quotes on curved, hanging scrims in Room 4; Radio Broadcast Audio handsets; Remembering video; Pocahontas video; Nexxus Decoder multi-touch tables (which help visitors identify and learn more about the images, objects and displays located amongst the grids in the main gallery); and the Invention of Thanksgiving video which is a key feature in the exhibition.
Fort Ligonier Museum - History Gallery
CMS partnered with Paris Design of Takoma Park, MD, to provide comprehensive exhibit design and fabrication services which included: space planning, content management, display-case design, graphic design, lighting design, detailing, fabrication, art production, A/V integration, delivery and installation services. CMS was responsible for the design, fabrication and installation of over 240 artifacts and artifact mounts as well as A/V integration in the exhibit space. Visitors step into history to see Fort Ligonier and how it came to be. From the start, visitors travel back in time with a “Reverse Timeline” to the period when the Fort was a living, thriving community. They continue on to Forbes Road, to learn about the British Troops of the 1758 Forbes Campaign, who built a road and multiple fortresses across Pennsylvania. In the History Gallery, visitors can see what 18th century life was like at the Fort and view hundreds of artifacts illustrating the diverse community behind its walls. An additional children’s area allows for hands-on dress up and learning. The Archaeology and Reconstruction Gallery illustrates the extensive excavation conducted on site and displays many of the unique and fascinating finds. Thousands of artifacts were unearthed, cataloged and are stored in the research library. There are over 240 specially selected items. Each one was carefully recovered, cleaned, measured and prepared for display using the highest-quality museum techniques and standards. Throughout the renovation, custom case interior lighting and exhibit track lighting were carefully selected and installed to bring the historical collection and custom-produced graphic story to life. In the Washington Gallery, one can see the priceless “Washington Pistols” gifted to George Washington from his dear friend the Marque de Lafayette. Also, creatively displayed, are facsimiles of Washington’s original papers, ready for the visitors inspection (the original set resides in the research library.) Lastly, don’t miss the opportunity to walk the reconstructed Fort, located just outside the museum galleries.
National Air and Space Museum
CMS provided final detailing, value engineering, fabrication and installation for the 25,000 sq. ft. renovation of Galleries 100 and 108 of the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum, which included a new Welcome desk, exhibit structures, steel platforms and steel and glass display cases. Gallery 100 consisted of two large display cases housing (5) iconic objects mounted on custom, steel structures with integrated platforms. Their fabrication and installation required close coordination with various subcontractors including structural steel specialists, electricians, mechanical security specialists and drywall and glazing installers. Over (70) unique platform sections were assembled in a specific sequence, leveled and fit into place. Back base frames were set allowing macro-artifacts with custom floor rolling brackets to be moved into position. A powder-coated, 1/4” aluminum, tiled floor was installed over a 3/4” Medite, vapor barrier. After the case glass was set, (with much skill and precision), the two side platforms could be installed, again requiring special installation sequencing.
Maryland Old State House
Restoration of the Old Senate Chamber - CMS was contracted to provide detailing, fabrication and installation services for an Interpretive Exhibit of the Old Senate Chamber (where George Washington resigned his commission) at the Old State House in Annapolis, Maryland. <> Our scope of work included: • Custom-crafted, artifact cases and casework lighting • Artifact mounts and artifact mounting • Large wall murals with applied graphic text • Touch-screen video/AV; content, coordination and install required • Exhibit track lighting • Wayward, interpretive rail graphics • Reproduction of over 40 reproduction portraits, fabric stretched and captured by custom metal frames • Custom mounting brackets for all wall hung components • Graphic labeling system throughout exhibit • Barrier rail system within historic chamber • Window benches • Furniture platforms • Custom printed and motorized window shades
Smithsonian Institution National Postal Museum-Behind the Badge
CMS was chosen to provide exhibit detailing, fabrication, gallery demolition/construction and installation services for a second permanent gallery at the National Postal Museum, designed by Design Minds, Inc. This 1,700 square foot permanent exhibition is located on the lower level of NPM and will remain on display for approximately 20 years. The story, told through specialty environments, recreates scenes and media happenings and introduces visitors to the many jobs and responsibilities of the Postal Inspection Service. The exhibit includes sealed custom cases with dessicant chambers (tied into NPM’s existing security system) cabinetry, graphic panels, platforms, vitrines, exhibit lighting and upgraded room lighting, models, mechanical and computer interactives, approximately 90 artifacts, scenic elements and audio visual pieces. Other features include: sound sticks used to play audio that relate to specific USPIS stories; a video and scenic area demonstrating how USPIS is a first responder after natural and man-made disasters such as the tornado in Moore, OK; a large dimensional US map filled entirely with envelopes. Video screens mounted at different angles display news clips and other introductory visuals. Specific themed areas and specialty displays include: a replicated criminal arrest scene showing the audience how USPIS detects scams via computer surveillance; a mailbox cutaway showing how much mail the typical U.S. home receives on a daily basis; a series of interactive displays that invite visitors to help “detect” criminal activities; and stamp security cases, a touch table interactive and smaller cases with additional artifacts.
The Valentine Museum – First Freedom Exhibit
The Valentine First Freedom Center houses 2,200 square feet of exhibits that delve into America’s experience of religious liberty from its European antecedents through today. Updatable modules allow flexibility to highlight historical as well as contemporary events. CMS provided final detailing fabrication, finishing and installation of all exhibitry designed by The Design Minds. The centerpiece of the exhibit is a large oval shaped central display called the Four Pillars of Freedom, and features statues of Jefferson and Madison, a custom upholstered seat cushion, touch screen A/V integration, lighting, and document graphics commemorating the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Florence County Museum
The mission of the Florence County Museum is to provide a dynamic sanctuary for the preservation, interpretation and exhibition of objects of scientific, historic, and artistic significance that are unique or of special interest to the people of Florence County and the Pee Dee region of South Carolina. CMS was awarded this project through competitive bid after designer Haley Sharpe recommended that we be included on the private bidder list. The exhibition is displayed in multiple galleries on two stories of this custom facility. Components on the first floor 3,300 square foot gallery include an 11 foot high, 24 foot by 24 foot display case that can be viewed from four sides. The CMS scope of work included the detailing, fabrication and installation of the case – including fiber optic lighting installation throughout the ceiling and custom double locking glass doors. One column of the case houses a projector for an evolving display about the people of Florence. The exhibit has the ability to be updated with photos of people who want to add their face to the existing show. Each side of the display is an independent collection from the others, allowing for easy changing of artifacts and subjects.
David H. Koch Hall of Human Origins
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History “David H. Koch Hall of Human Origins” is Smithsonian’s centerpiece exhibition on human evolution and the Human story. CMS was chosen to detail, fabricate, deliver and install this major exhibition the largest exhibition CMS has produced to date. In addition to our own in-shop work, the scope included managing major subcontractors including; the general contractor, illustrators, scenic designers and installers, wallpaper specialists, glass suppliers and installers, a glass case fabricator (in Belgium), and artifact mount makers and installers. CMS also provided art direction services and interface with a forensic sculptor, casting foundry, A/V systems integrator, and Smithsonian Office of Exhibit Central who was responsible for the Lucy diorama. This fourteen month, seven million dollar project is the centerpiece of CMS’ portfolio of success with budget and timeframe restraints all being met.
“Battle for Time” at Monocacy National Battlefield
National Park Service “Battle for Time” at Monocacy National Battlefield in Frederick Maryland features over 6 vignettes illustrating the U.S. Civil Wars littlest known battle, The Battle of Monocacy. The visitor can immerse themselves in sight and sound experiences like General Jubal Early’s field tent with his original field desk, to the cellar of a farm house where one can see and hear the sounds of the battle outside the boarded-up cellar windows, Listen to soldiers retreat over a burning railroad trestle, or hear soldiers personal observations of the battle and the difficulties of war. CMS provided final detailing, value engineering, fabrication and finishing, delivery and installation labor for this beautiful and informative visitor center in the Historic Frederick MD. The exhibits occupy 2,200 square feet of space in the newly constructed visitor center at the park.
Cove Welcome Center
Canaveral Port Authority “Cove Welcome Center” is the centerpiece of an extensive redevelopment of The Cove harbor-side dining and retail area, as well as a community hub, repository of local history, visitor magnet and gateway to the region's attractions. CMS, working in close collaboration with the designer, provided detailing, fabrication and installation of a new Welcome Center featuring an iconic, seven story structure overlooking the Cape Canaveral Bay in Florida. The new Cove Welcome Center features exciting exhibitry on all seven levels.
Q?RIUS
SI-National Museum of Natural History “Q?RIUS” will function as a physical education center at NMNH, and as an open collaborative laboratory for the study and investigation of learning natural history science. After a competitive bid process on our open IDIQ contract, CMS was chosen to detail, fabricate, deliver and install permanent hands-on education space. Out of the 12,800 square ft, approximately ten thousand square feet (10,000 sq. ft.) space will be used for public activities, and the remainder of the space will be allocated for offices and support space. The space includes an entry way mural, signs, custom furniture, off-the-shelf products, collection display walls, media interactive, built-in collection cabinets, and videos.
Systems at Work
Smithsonian National Postal Museum “Systems at Work” postal exhibition’s story evolves via a chronological route radiating from a central immersive 270’ audio-visual theatre hub where visitors can compare how mail is processed and distributed during different time periods in American history. CMS was chosen to detail, fabricate, deliver and install this major exhibition focusing on the creation of a national postal network. This new gallery takes over the space previously occupied by three smaller galleries and the museum shop creating a new single gallery of approximately 3,200 sq. ft. CMS was also tasked with providing the overall demolition and renovation of the space within a shortened 6 week time period.
El Paso Museum of History
Neighborhoods and Shared Memories is a community-sourced exhibit that empowers its members to tell the story of their neighborhoods in their own words. The community is the curator with guidance from the Museum’s staff. The exhibit is, partially, temporary; every 18 months, a new set of neighborhoods will be on display. The exhibit furniture and casework is designed to be entirely adaptable to new configurations of artifacts and media. The exhibit was one of 18 exhibits selected from over 400 applicants for the AIGA "Justified" competition as an "outstanding case study."