Exhibit Design | Graphic Design | FabricationQuivira Exhibit for McPherson Museum

Quivira Exhibit at the McPherson Museum and Arts Foundation in McPherson, Kansas
Welcome to the Real Quivira exhibit installed at the McPherson Museum and Arts Foundation.

In collaboration with Dr. Donald Blakeslee, an archaeologist from Wichita State University, we designed and fabricated an exhibit exploring Native American Quivira culture. The project was motivated by significant archaeological discoveries in Kansas made over the preceding 10-15 years that revealed new insights into this civilization.

Interactive Features

A key focus of this exhibit was creating hands-on experiences that would engage visitors of all ages and help bring the Quivira culture to life.

Corn Grinding Station

We developed a custom activity allowing visitors to grind corn using authentic tools, weigh their results, and compare quantities needed for cornbread recipes. This hands-on experience provides an intimate connection to the daily lives of the Quivira people.

Corn grinding station at the Quivira exhibit.
The corn grinding station provides a hands-on historical experience.

Children's Activity Tables

We designed custom activity tables with a central supply station where younger visitors can create miniature paper tipis and yarn parfleches, making the exhibit accessible and engaging for families.

Children's activity tables at the Quivira exhibit.
Activity tables designed for younger visitors.

Exhibit Components

The installation includes display cases featuring pottery, spear and arrowheads, a mounted bison head and hide, modular panels highlighting contributors, and interactive reveal panels with question-and-answer features using color-coded revealer tools.