The East Tennessee Historical Society (ETHS) has recently restored the 1874 Customs House located in downtown Knoxville, Tennessee. The final phase of this restoration project will culminate with new displays for the huge inventory of historical objects and artifacts currently stored on site at the ETHS.
maltbie, a kubik company, one of the foremost museum and gallery production firms in the world, has been selected for this phase of the prestigious project. maltbie will bring their vast experience of integrating exhibits into historic structures, and their extensive knowledge of exhibit development and production to this 8,500 square foot project.
The new cultural exhibit, called Voices of the Land: The People of East Tennessee, will demonstrate to museum visitors how geography has influenced developments within the East Tennessee region. This special exhibit will take visitors from the time of the earliest settlers, through the Civil War era, and into the twentieth century using graphic imagery, hands-on activities, and mulit-media presentations throughout the exhibit to bring the collection to life.
The work we’re doing for the East Tennessee Historical Society project is really engaging on a number of levels, said Curt Cederquist; Vice President of Museum Sales, maltbie. Producing the exhibitry to be housed by a structure that is nearly 135 years old has its own challenges, but it’s extremely rewarding. It’s also wonderful to be part of a team that’s bringing these personal narratives and the story of the region to the forefront.
In addition to integrating the new exhibitry into the original Custom’s House structure, maltbie will also provide extensive graphic treatments and over 110 unique artifact display cases including the meticulous mounting of the case objects and artifacts.
maltbie will be an outstanding partner for the East Tennessee Historical Society. Their expertise with graphic treatments, interactive exhibits, and multi-media displays will be instrumental in bringing this exciting new gallery to life, said Adam H. Alfrey, Curator of Exhibitions, East Tennessee Historical Society.
East Tennessee History Center, located in Knoxville, Tennessee, is set to open in spring 2008.