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Building a sense of mystery and awe at Hickory Run Nature Center in White Haven, Pennsylvania. Exhibit design and development by Tim Quady (Blue Rhino Studio), Steve Boyd-Smith, Maggie Schmidt, Chris Evans (106 Group); Fabrication by Blue Rhino Studio

"History at Heart" installation (2020) at Mill City Museum, Minneapolis. Exhibit design and development by Jeni O'Malley, Emily Marti,

Ami Naff, Hannah Novillo-Erickson and

Maggie Schmidt (Minnesota Historical Society)

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EXHIBIT DEVELOPMENT

The best storytellers have a distinct voice and imagination and even make a little magic—exhibits can do this, too. 

​Developing an exhibit is about creating a framework for design, for meaning. It's knowing why your story matters, who you're making it for, and how to get to the crux of the message.

Everyone brings different strengths to the museum, but the most successful exhibit teams share a vision. I help museums define the details, chart a course, and get on board.

An aluminum scale mine model commands the gallery at Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park Visitor Center, Minnesota (2024). Exhibit development by Maggie Schmidt and graphic design by Andrew Devich (106 Group); exhibit design and fabrication by Tim Quady (Blue Rhino Studio) 

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Planning an accessible trail at Devils Tower National Monument (2019) with 106 Group, the National Park Service and the National Center on Accessibility. Bronze tactile design and fabrication by Blue Rhino Studio.

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Bilingual interpretation and first-person perspectives of Spanish mission descendants are featured in the historical Convento at Mission San Juan in San Antonio Missions National Park (2024). Exhibit development by Maggie Schmidt (106 Group), graphic design by Andrew Devich (106 Group), exhibit design by Janiga Design. Portrait photography and interviews by Chantelle Ruidant-Hansen, visual information specialist with the National Park Service.

Inspiring awe and wonder in nature at Hickory Run State Park exhibits with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation (2019). Exhibit development by Steve Boyd-Smith (Amplifier Design) and Maggie Schmidt (106 Group); graphic design by Chris Evans (Drumminhands Design); exhibit design and fabrication by Blue Rhino Studio.

Exhibit labels are about doing.

INTERPRETIVE WRITING

 


They're invitations to feel, to observe, to explain, to join in. To look closer at that weird little detail you might've missed. I love writing that feels like a conversation, or goes straight to the heart, or makes you laugh out loud in a very quiet room.

Less is more—you’ll usually find me clocking in under 50 words per label. Let those stories breathe.

Concept rendering for Historic Fort Snelling gallery by Kate Sutton-Johnson (Split Rock Studios), Maggie Schmidt, and Therese Scheller (Minnesota Historical Society)

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