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HomeMy WebLinkAbout7.1 MurraySchoolhseDesign,� ;m ';n CITY CLERK File # �®®®-�© AGENDA STATEMENT CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: August 2, 2005 SUBJECT: Conceptual Design for Murray Schoolhouse Exhibit Restoration Project Report By: John Hartnett, Heritage and Cultural Arts Supervisor ATTACHMENTS: A Power Point presentation of the Conceptual Design will be presented at the meeting RECOMMENDATION: � / fir' Approve Conceptual Design YJ FINANCIAL STATEMENT: $109,000 is available in Fiscal Year 2005-2006 for fabrication and installation of the exhibit. Additionally the Dublin San Ramon Women's Club has donated $4,300 towards the exhibit and the Dublin Historical Preservation Association has stated their intention to contribute funds to the proposed Library and Research Area. DESCRIPTION: In 2003-2004 the Dublin City Council rated as a high priority goal: "to refurbish exhibit space within the Murray Schoolhouse to provide a fresh setting that will optimally highlight Dublin's history". On March 1, 2005, the Dublin City Council gave approval for Staff to enter into a contract for design and project management services with John Vieira, a local Museum Exhibit Designer. The contract with Mr. Vieira detailed a scope of work that included exhibit design, graphic design, and project management services for eight (8) individual exhibit design elements within the museum that cumulate into one overall cohesive design for the museum. The approved design elements include the following: • The Native Californians of Dublin • Spanish Era • Pioneer's Journey West • Pioneer Kitchen • Historic Murray Classroom • John Green's Store • Children's Hands-on Area • Volk McClain Era Over the past few months, Mr. Vieira has conducted extensive research on the history of Dublin and the surrounding region, conducted site visits to other local museums, and met with Cultural Arts and Heritage Staff and the City's Building Department. In addition, he has plans to interview descendants of local historical families and others with pertinent information on the region. Based on this research and his ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ COPIES TO: Vieira Designs � ITEM NO. �. -- G:\COUNCIL\Agenda Statements\2005\8-2 Exhibit Restoration.d-oc �f own experÌence as an exhibit designer, Mr. Vieira has taken the eight design elements identified and has developed a floor plan with details of each exhibit space, taking into. account issues such as; an overall mission statement and theme, linking of historical time-periods, traffic flow through the exhibit, cost considerations, Building Department requirements, and other items relevant to the project. In order to begin the "Design Development Phase" of the project the City must approve the conceptual . design. Staff is seeking input and approval from the City Council on the proposed conceptual desÎgn. The next steps in the process are for the consultant to develop detailed floor plans and elevations based on the conceptual design, defIne content outlines for text panels, determine what exhibit element components and artifacts wiU be incorporated into the project, and continue research for final graphic design, layout and logo. On July 14, 2005, the Heritage and Cultural Arts Commission reviewed the conceptual design for the Murray Schoolhouse and unanimously recommended approval by the City Council. RECOMMENDATION: It is the recommendation of Staff that the City Council receive the presentation and approve the conceptual design or provide alternate direction. 'j i:, ;2.~~ . . i °JouEoltiiey West. 04 1 Y I. MaiinY+.sA.1�=. n JUIV 14, 200S Museum Mission Statement It is the mission of the Dublin Heritage Center to collect, preserve and interpret the material culture of Dublin and provide a historical and cultural focal point that will enrich the community. The mission shall be accomplished by using the permanent collection, the original Murray Schoolhouse, Old Saint Raymond's Church and the Pioneer Cemetery. Temporary exhibits; programs, and events will be incorporated. The preservation of other historic sites in Dublin will be incorporated. r Dublin Museiun and Murray Schoolhouse Logo �n�bIl�n� � �c�r� �� � �� s The Murray Schoolhouse: Exhibition Logo L! e it - ___ I Af r r ►,;, I�� F1 da Section �. Immigration to America As visitors enter the museum they arrive back in time at the Inspection room of Ellis Island. They are greeted by a museum staff member dressed as an immi- gration inspector. A sign over the information desk has the word "INSPECTION. an actual replica. A trunk is open as if being inspected and a large map of the world designed in the style of the 1800's, shows the routes taken by immigrants from each country. Colorful raised 3D routes lead from Europe and Asia to America and are sepa- rated by nationality. Period photographs of Ellis Island, quarantine ships in NYC harbor, and immigrants waiting for inspection and hopefully acceptance into America are displayed on the walls. Mounted on one wall is the word "Immigration", in 7 inch tall letters and de- fined as it is in the dictionary. This gives the visitor the foundation for experi- encing the exhibit. 5 �P 01 ►( rd slams aw 4 '' 00 !' - .,� a as I is fill I Section 2. Welcome to America As visitors arrived in America, one of their first objectives was finding a place to live. Section #2 with it's dark and dingy appearance gives the visitor a sample of what life was like in New York in 1$34• Visitors feel as though they are walking down an alley with buildings rising up on both sides. Evoking a feeling of depth and scale, the forced perspective is a fiin optical illu- sion and adds to the experience. Ambient sounds add to the sensation as carts and horses lumber by, people speaking Section 3. The Jotuney West In contrast, this section is open, bright and colorful with murals on both sides. Im- ages of wagon trains, the new country, and Native Americans help the visitor to ex- perience the vastness and people of America's mid west in the 1800's. Individual stories of adventure, courage, and hardship are part of this section. As you leave the East coast you pass though a portal of canvas —the fact that it is the top of a wagon is unclear until stepping back several feet. To the left original artifacts are displayed, as a typical scene from the adventure plays out as a group of wagons is camped for the night. In every section ' banners hang vertically from the ceiling helping orientate the visitor as through this linear exhibit. 7 Section 4. The Va]1ey before Immigrants Arrived In this section, visitors will have a sense of what the San Ramon Valley was like before pioneers and settlers arrived, getting a glimpse into the lifestyles of the first Californians in the San Ramon Valley. Artifacts from the Ohlone and Miwok Indians are displayed with photographs and images. Hands on interactives interpret the geological changes that took place in the valley millions of years ago. Rocks and minerals are mounted on tree trunks of several different species. Millions of years ago the valley was home to an inland sea, a low tech interactive allows visitors to place themselves back in time to see if they would be under water. Photos of the flora and fauna are part of the local environment and ecosystem and a "Did You Know "text panel is located 0n this section. Section 5. The Murray Schoolhouse A section of The Murray Schoolhouse complete with original desks, chalk board and other artifacts dating back over 15o years are proudly displayed in their original context. In the early 1800's educationsmall town was not apriority—it was to the settlers of Dublin, assuring that future generations would keep the town strong and competitive. The 2D structure of the schoolhouse changes from interior to exterior as it rises up and is set into a dramatic sunset with vivid colors. The entire exhibition takes place in the historic building and visitors can ring the original bell for good luck as they Ix V� Section 5. John Green's General Store This section discusses Green's store which was the community corner stone, with the front porch of the store doubling as a stage for storytelling and presentations. Visitors can look through the front window and see a group of men gathered around a cracker barrel playing checkers and discussing the crops or the weather. With safety and long term durability in mind, construction elements and methods are Section 5. Pioneer kitchen and Barn Without a doubt the settler's kitchen and barn were the most productive area for developing new ideas. Original artifacts from Dublin's first settlers are displayed as IN they would have been over 150 years ago with most still in working condition. Visitors can see the evolution of household and farming equi Vipment described on interpretive text panels and diagrams. A railing surrounding the barn and kitchen exhibit has information, stories, photographs, and touchable artifacts affixed to its surface. 11 Section 5. Children's Hands -On House This scaled down version, resembling one of Amador's adobe homes is also the children's hands-on educational area and the heart of the exhibition which re- sembles the Fallon's house on the opposite side. Open to explore, the house is filled with replicas from the period and is aper- fect area for "early development skills". Visible from two thirds of the exhibit floor, parents can explore other parts of the exhibition while their children safely entertain themselves. iz Section 5. St. Raymond's Cemetery and �hildren's Interactive A replica headstone is foreground to a large photomural of the cemetery with St. Raymond's Church in the background. Visitors are encouraged to make tracings of the headstone by rubbing a crayon over paper, the name and epitaph are high- lighted in several colors —a practice not allowed on original gravestones and memorials. The interpretive text panels discuss conservation issues and ways to help pre- serve artifacts and local monuments for future generations. A bench provides an ideal spot for reflection. O DA .. �, Mmmmmm 4L MP -lit P 1 r 7 Section 6. Volk & Mc CLai�i Era Dublin was virtually unchanged until the 1g6o's when projects like Interstate 68o and the development of 4,30o acres for over i75,000 homes made Dublin a thriving community. A photomural depicting one of the area's overpasses seems to tower overhead. As with other sections a colorful banner hangs from the ceiling orientating the visitor within the exhibit space. An artifact case with objects collected from the era, such as magazines, gadgets, and oddities reflect an awkward time in American history. 14 Section �. Summation: The New Immigration "Modern Day Pioneers" The immigration theme comes full circle and visitors are able to see that we are all immigrants. The City of Dublin has evolved over the years due to its prime location and moderate climate making it a favorite destination for new emigrants. Immigration to America has never stopped and the future as with the past is driven by diverse and hardworking immigrants seeking opportunity and freedom. This section points out various facts and allows visitors to form their own opinion JUL current events and topics. Brochures and hand-outs are available with more in- formation for those individuals interested in further research. As visitors leave they pass under an archway comprised of the American flag, The Statue of Liberty and the "New Colossus",the poem written for the Statue of Liberty at Ellis Island in 1$89. ON 2 ~ " ► wo t Section 8. The Library and Research Area Off the main exhibit floor as you enter the changing gallery, visitors come across the Library and Research Area which resembles the First Dublin Library in 1914. Complete with research table and chairs, comfortable reading chair and floor lamp. Several book cases in the rear are filled with books on the history of Dublin and its historical people, families, and leaders. Visitors can use this space to research a topic, gain information on historical land and development or just relax or read —a perfect spot to unwind or take a break. i6 Graphic Text Panel Categories A Section 13anaer G` x 3' "° Westenl Journey ['fyItufell's Teal Mule1 I M:�" x I P3 1'ri mart Text Panel 3tl" x Zt.�'t I�tr.�dirc.tion Text panel 33" x �.�." R[eM MZ ~AA4 N4lRAYIPL FS & gym !IRnnQ a(CiiMs11.. !cf Vic . S4[ni hM .�rFi..swc. fi.L t!! W lLr.Jba .nirtl�wt. t4 T" N �r. W.ny t 4L..r t4 ow "alhtwn kpoioit►rl]dYr }RYn.1 �'A.t.!•. db��IL.a C� O s!R !w iji ie 17 Graphic Text Panel Categories B Now &Then Panel 24" x i8" HOUNt 19101I61 "I made this journey so I could be free" —hlrk h ffil; L IS14 alifbmla Heritage falleetlon is an onllu arehfve of meta Ilan 3D,M images illuttmtinq fi bmia's htetaty and caltuty, from the cabcdans of the Battaoft Ubiwy at the LWmdty cf G&ftmic Heticelay, Seleeted from neatly two handed itulividual mllectime,"unique mouroe uan tha {slat onUm achivitg tecl n*u to hiolight the rich themes of Callfortdah history. w.r ii,.. � _ tr.edtta�rreo.pr - (r6Wt�NYn iaMdlar arty ad" uay " to NOW UA de *a dtakf""w" Primary Panel 28" x 22" Did you Know ? 20" x 24" E�:3 Murray Schoolhouse 150th Anniversary Logo n COsvn.c�n isuJ V""" V"vti��wwavvt� 19