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visitors are there to see trains and related objects, not read long, boring texts on a wall. New concepts can be introduced by following a simple system presenting topic, theme, and message. For example, a topic could be “Refrigerator Cars in America.” The theme in this case is the role of these specialized freight cars and how they were used to affect daily life in America. “Early refrigerator cars used blocks of ice for cooling and required frequent servicing. They were used to transport fruits, vegetables, and meats across the country, greatly extending the market for perishables. The American diet changed as fresh produce and meat were available year ’round from a variety of sources. Refrigerator cars were operated in groups of cars called ‘blocks’ to ensure efficient movement across the national railroad network. Today’s refrigerator cars employ on-board refrigeration units that have remotely monitored temperature controls for maximum efficiency.” The message is what you want a visitor to take away. “Refrigerated freight cars play an important part in transporting our food.” 3. Engage and explain. You want to encourage your visitors to examine your subject, and allow them to make observations, discoveries, and conclusions. These little rewarding moments when a visitor exclaims, “Wow! I never knew. . .” are part of the entertainment value your museum provides. Your first goal is to explain anything that


might be confusing or unclear. Imagine a display that contains a “Derail” sign. Your visitor might not understand why there are times you might want to intentionally derail a train. “These safety devices are applied to the rail and are designed to force the leading wheels of a train off the track at low speeds, preventing a runaway car from entering a main track where a serious collision could take place.” Don’t over-explain or state the obvious in a


way that deprives visitors the chance to draw their own conclusions. A poor example would describe the sign, but ignore the purpose: “This DERAIL sign is yellow with black letters about six inches tall, affixed to a black post made from an old steam locomotive boiler tube about three feet high.” 4. Don’t make stuff up. This should go


without saying, but if you don’t know the answer, just say so. Your visitors will respect you for being transparent. “All uniformed employees of the New York Westchester & Boston Railway wore hat badges marked AGENT, despite their role on the train crew. One possible explanation is an obscure clause in the railway workers’ labor agreement that has been lost to history.” 5. Include the human element. The majority of your visitors have never been on a train before, let alone seen one up close. Make your collection relatable by including the story of people. Who would ride this train? Where were they going? Were they traveling for work or pleasure? The story of a streamlined Pullman will be different from one about a heavyweight day coach, even though both were used for travel. Using imaginative and descriptive language is another method to interest your visitors. We can see things in a museum, but talking about how something feels, smells, or tastes adds yet another dimension of experience. “Cool steel canisters filled with milk could weigh up to a hundred pounds each. . .” or “Musty and worn burlap sacks of mail mixed with polished trunks and luggage in the baggage car. . .” 6. Be enthusiastic, be direct, be active.


If your explanations lack enthusiasm, your visitors will be bored as well. Try reading your text aloud. Did you stumble or pause? Is there an extra word you can take out? If an industry term is used, make sure it is explained right away. Always put your subject first. If


you’re talking about people,


“Passengers ate breakfast in the dining car,” sounds better than “The dining car served breakfast to passengers.” Museum displays don’t need to be fancy


to be effective. There are many professional guidelines posted online that can guide you along as you review and refresh your exhibits. After all, you never know which visitor will be tomorrow’s new railroad expert!


Associate editor Otto M. Vondrak is a trustee of the Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum in Rochester, N.Y., and has been an active volunteer with many historic preservation groups throughout the Northeast.


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The interior of this Lackawanna baggage car serves as an open gallery space hosting a variety of displays related to railroading in and around Rochester. Volunteer Dave Coon is leading a tour and providing interpretation for the visitors, highlighting important aspects of each exhibit. Questions and answers follow from the visitors to round out the tour. OTTO M. VONDRAK PHOTO


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