Every city has a story, but not every story contains the rich history and pivotal events like that of Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Known commonly as the “Secret City,” Oak Ridge was the location of the World War II, top-secret Manhattan Project. The project site is now a National Historical Park, but only some parts remain accessible to the public. With a story like this one, the city set to work to share its origins and the global impact it had on the world, then and now.
Explore Oak Ridge worked with the National Park Service to design and install historical wayside exhibits around the Manhattan Project National Historical Park. Placed around the city are 15 Pannier Cantilevered exhibit bases and Fiberglass Embedded panels at the original structures or locations where buildings once stood. These exhibits assist in telling the incredible story of the Manhattan Project and stand as a testimony to the hard work and insurmountable courage of the people who worked there. Today, though things look very different, the story can still proudly live on through the education of visitors and residents.
“The wayside exhibits have been extremely beneficial during the recent COVID-19 pandemic because the museums around the town are not open, but visitors still want to come and learn. Visitors can walk to different sections of town on their own and remain socially distanced while still seeing the original buildings of the Manhattan Project.” —Katy Watt, President, Explore Oak Ridge
Cantilevered exhibit bases are the preferred style of the National Park Service, providing the panel with a minimal, but strong structure, at an optimal viewing angle. With Pannier’s existing relationship with the National Park Service, Explore Oak Ridge was happy to utilize that relationship to complete this joint project.
“The representatives at Pannier have been a joy to work with. They have been very conscientious and diligent in keeping the project on target and have done their best to minimize shipping expenses whenever possible. The city’s installation crew was impressed with the ease of installation for this project.” —Katy Watt, President, Explore Oak Ridge
In cities and towns across the country, Pannier’s wayside exhibits share history, maps, and even secrets with visitors and residents. We are a proud Allied Member of Main Street America, supporting their work to revive local economies and bring communities together. Historical and wayfinding signage create a consistent narrative and therefore, generate a sense of unity and pride.
“The wayside exhibits are an excellent way to help tell your story in a professional manner that will look good over time while being exposed to the weather. We are in the process of adding more and look forward to installing them around the town.” —Katy Watt, President, Explore Oak Ridge
For more information on Pannier’s outdoor signs, panels, exhibit bases, and frames, browse our website or fill out a contact form. We look forward to an opportunity to help you with your next signage project.
