Located on a 30-acre historic site in Mercersburg, Pennsylvania, The Conococheague Institute is a historic farmstead that provides visitors with “a walk back in time.” Guests and members come to experience the 18th and 19th century structures, along with demonstrations and exhibitions of historically accurate crafts, trades, and costumes.
The 30-acre site includes a dozen interpretive panels describing the structures, but none that highlight the abundant natural resources. With thriving woodland and wetland habitats, there were many more stories to tell along the property’s trail system. The Institute contacted Pannier for durable trail signage to tell these stories in a welcoming and engaging way for all visitors to enjoy.
“I found Pannier from an internet search of “wayside panels,” but the draw that won me over compared to other companies was the energetic site layout. This was my first major project as a manager and the staff at Pannier made it incredibly easy. The back and forth responses were always quick and informative, even guiding me through some of the seemingly simpler steps.” —Matthew Wedd, Executive Director, The Conococheague Institute
Pannier’s most popular Low Profile exhibit base, the Traditional T, is the perfect frame style for interpretation opportunities. When used for trail signage, a Traditional T base beautifully blends in with its surroundings and enhances the landscape. Positioning the Fiberglass Embedded panel at an angle makes the exhibit approachable for young visitors. As a result, the next generation develops a love and respect for the environment.
“For the product itself, the panels came out glorious, even better than we expected, and the drive rivet system made them easy to assemble. I was so pleased to get them; I had them installed within 48 hours!” —Matthew Wedd, Executive Director, The Conococheague Institute
The Conococheague Institute received funding for this project from the Franklin County Tourism Enhancement grant. This grant focuses on ways to enhance the community’s use of sites. The trail signage project rewards and promotes trail use, which benefits physical and mental health. The signage is especially pertinent during COVID-19 as more people seek self-guided learning opportunities outside.
“The project signifies the start of a reinvention of the way The Conococheague Institute presents its interpretation. We plan to redo all of our ‘old’ signs with Pannier to more engaging ones with interactive elements. These will involve telling a more accurate and inclusive history of Frontier Pennsylvania. We are also planning on some interior exhibits on subjects ranging from medicine and surgery to Native American culture.” —Matthew Wedd, Executive Director, The Conococheague Institute
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.
