Where Women Will Venture

Authors:

• Jess Simpson, Museology Graduate Program
• Chair: Angelina Ong
• Shirley Yee
• Cassie Anderson

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Abstract:

This project’s purpose is to provide Muir Woods National Monument with an interpretive package promoting the roles of women steward-leaders in the formation, history, and continued function of the park. The exhibit, interactive, and interview products show how women’s art, activism, and science have shaped, impacted, recorded, and safeguarded the land now known as Muir Woods National Monument. Located in Mill Valley, CA, Muir Woods is a part of the National Parks Service (NPS) and is a known destination to see coastal redwoods North of San Francisco. For over 100 years NPS has been historically well-beloved and provides access to the outdoors for millions each year. Park experiences typically include interacting with a ranger and interpretive signage throughout the park. Special interest projects such as this would typically fall to the rangers in their spare minutes while balancing visitors and park responsibilities. Major activities include: independent historical research, prototyping and design, storyline and label writing, interactive mapping and creation, and interview creation and oral history collection. The exhibit is emotionally designed to inspire those interested in the stewardship women have championed throughout time. The storyline is crafted with the next generation of female identifying stewards in mind by challenging the typically presented narrative and departing from a chronological, patriarchal storyline.The design story is inspired by vintage National Park posters and Girl Scout patches. Combined, emulating a Ranger’s interpretive backpack that has spilled trailside exposing tools, plant samples, photos, and more.

Poster:

Download a copy of the project poster

Project Deliverable:

Where Women Will Venture

Video Presentation