Museum of Westward Expansion Exhibit Planning Records, circa 1972-1976Finding Aid by G. Jeanne Schatz INTRODUCTION TO THE COLLECTIONDuring the years of 1972-1976, the National Park Service staff, the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial staff, contractors, and artists were busy developing the plans for a museum to be located "under the Arch". The museum was to be dedicated to "Westward Expansion" and to reflect the various groups of people who contributed so much to that expansion. The museum would cover a time period of one hundred years from 1800 to 1900. It would display three dimensional objects, use extensive photographs and quotes, and make use of a linear time line. The most effective use of the space, the most beneficial way to display, and the most efficient and cost-effective methods had to be explored. The design, once accepted, had to be pursued by awarding contracts for the work. Artists had to submit their renditions. Animals had to be searched for because there would be several exhibits using the "animals of the west". The contracts were awarded. The work began. There were many revisions during the years of 1972-1976. There were reams of correspondence. Permission had to be obtained by the planners from various sources to reprint or use photographs and other documents. Of special interest is a collection of the David Muench photographs taken along the route of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. These are, for the most part, presented in transparency form and are beautiful. The general contractor was The Potomac Group, of Washington, DC. National Park Service Researchers are advised that before records, photographs, or any other unpublished materials from this collection can be published or exhibited, permission from the National Park Service must be obtained in writing. |
Last updated: June 18, 2025