The Noble Experiment:
Temperance & Prohibition
Installation & De-installation Guide
Peterborough Museum & Archives
300 Hunter Street East
P.O. Box 143, Peterborough ON, K9J 6Y5
Telephone: 705-743-5180 or
Toll Free: 705-743-2614
www.peterboroughmuseumandarchives.ca
The Noble Experiment Installation & De-installation Guide
1
Table of Contents
Contacts!
at the Peterborough Museum & Archives
2
2
Travelling Exhibition Coordinator, Michelle Watson
2
Curator, Kim Reid
2
Receiving the Exhibition!
Component Checklists
Condition Reports!
Recording Incoming & Outgoing condition
Unpacking/Packing the Panels!
Exhibit Panels: Singles, Bifolds & Trifold
Installing/De-installing the Display Cases!
Plexiglas Panel Displays & Ship Model
Installing / De-installing Other Components!
Still, Jug, Book Rest & Cutouts
Supplementary Materials!
Tool Kit & Hardware identification
3
3
4
4
5
5
10
10
15
15
18
18
Maintenance & Troubleshooting!
19
Cleaning and Basic Repairs
19
The Noble Experiment Installation & De-installation Guide
1
Contacts
AT THE PETERBOROUGH MUSEUM & ARCHIVES
If you have any questions or concerns about the Noble
Experiment: Temperance & Prohibition, or you need to report
damage to the exhibition, please contact one of the following
individuals:
Travelling Exhibition Coordinator, Michelle Watson
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 705-743-5180
Curator, Kim Reid
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 705-743-5180 ext. 2473
Curatorial Assistant, Allison Hayes
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 705-743-5180 ext. 2474
Museum Clerk, Pauline Drake
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 705-743-5180 ext. 2476
The Noble Experiment Installation & De-installation Guide
2
Receiving the Exhibition
COMPONENT CHECKLISTS
Two master checklists have been provided in a page protector on the
following page, to be photocopied for your use. Be sure to return
the originals back to this manual when you are finished
copying them.
The first checklist is to be used when the exhibit is first
delivered and comes off the truck. Use it to ensure that the correct
number of crates, shipping cozies, etc. have arrived and are
accounted for.
The second checklist is to be used when the exhibit is being
unpacked and installed. Please take the time to note all
components in the exhibition and ensure that everything is
accounted for.
• Provide a fax or email a copy of the completed checklists to the
PMA within 24 to 48 hours after the exhibition is installed.
• Refer to and use these checklists again when the exhibit is being
packed up prior to shipping.
• Please mail a paper copy of these completed checklists
(along with the completed condition reports) within 14
days after your site’s exhibition loan period has ended, to
the PMA (to the attention of the Travelling Exhibition
Coordinator).
• It’s recommended that you retain a copy of the checklists and for
your own records, up to 6 months following the loan period.
The Noble Experiment Installation & De-installation Guide
3
Condition Reports
RECORDING INCOMING & OUTGOING CONDITION
Condition of the exhibition’s components are vital to ensure proper
upkeep and appearance. Thank you for your assistance in
maintaining this exhibition!
• Condition Report master copies are located both on our website
and in the in the installation/de-installation guide binder. Please
make copies only, and return master copies to the binder.
• Report any scratches, dents, marks, holes, wear, fading etc. on any
items of the show.
• Please note a revision in our policy regarding condition
reports: although we still require that you record the incoming
condition of the components within 24 to 48 hours of set up, you
do not need to then forward copies of these reports to the
Peterborough Museum & Archives (PMA) right away -- unless it’s
to report damage that needs immediate attention. Missing items
should also be reported immediately.
• Do not repair any damage until you have notified the PMA and
have been granted permission to proceed.
• Note down any completed repairs on the condition report.
• During packing of the exhibit, please record the outgoing condition
on the report forms.
• Please mail a copy of these completed condition reports
(that note both incoming and outgoing condition) to the
PMA within 14 days after your site’s loan period ends.
• It’s recommended that you retain a copy of the condition reports,
for your own records, for up to 6 months following the loan period.
The Noble Experiment Installation & De-installation Guide
4
Unpacking/Packing the
Panels
EXHIBIT PANELS: SINGLES, BIFOLDS & TRIFOLD
Recommended: wear appropriate footwear (i.e. safety boots
or shoes) and have two people or more to unpack and install
the exhibition. Use a dolly or flatbed cart to move
components wherever possible.
Panels for this exhibition are constructed from a sintra core with a
high resolution, full colour scanned image printout. There is a
protective laminate film over the entire surface. The panel is held
into the frame with picture frame springs. The panels are stored and
shipped in packing “cozies”.
There are three single panels, eight bifold panels (16 total) and one
trifold panel (or 3 panels hinged together). The three single panels
are stored and shipped together in one packing cozy. The trifold also
travels in one cozy. The bifold panels travel in individual cozies, eight
in all. Combined, there are 10 cozies carrying a total of 22 panels.
The panels in their cozies measure approximately 2.1 m (7 ft) long
The Noble Experiment Installation & De-installation Guide
5
and 0.9 m (3 ft) wide. They are quite heavy! Be sure to give
yourself enough room to unpack each panel!
Lay the panel flat to
unpack and undo all five
clips. Spread open the
cozy’s flaps.
Examine hinges. If any
pins have worked loose,
gently tap them back
into place with a
hammer. Extra pins are
included in the tool kit.
Check if any frame
springs have popped
out or are working
their way out from
under the frame. Use
your fingers to press
the spring down as flat
as possible, and slide it
under the frame’s
edge. Use needle nose
pliers (included in the
tool kit) to help work
them completely back
under the frame.
The Noble Experiment Installation & De-installation Guide
6
Carefully lift the panel by two end corners. Avoid picking the panel
up by the edge, as this tends to cause frame springs to pop out!
DO:
DON’T:
Hold the panel on either side of the frame, and let your hands slide
down, little by little, along either side as you raise the panel to a
vertical position. Once it is upright, have your assistant help in
grasping the panel (one person on each side) to hold it steady.
Lift the panel off of the cozy, and walk the panel to its position in the
display area. Avoid dragging the panels along the floor. Use a cart or
dolly if you need to move the panel further than a few steps from
where you plan to set it up.
The Noble Experiment Installation & De-installation Guide
7
Bifold Panels
There are eight bifold panels in the exhibition. Carry these panels
over to the spot where they are to be displayed while still closed, to
avoid dragging the panels and putting too much stress on the
hinges.
• Once the bifold panels are upright, have one person keep the
panel stable while the other person carefully opens the panels a
few inches apart.
• Then have each person hold a frame edge of a panel to open it the
rest of the way and adjust its position.
Trifold Panel
Move and position this panel as you would the bifold. You may want
to have additional help (i.e. a third person) since this is a heavier and
more awkward panel to set up.
Single or Freestanding Panels
There are two single panels in the exhibition, one titled “The Empire
Abstains” (the 12th panel) and “From Prohibition to Control” (the
22nd, or last panel, in the sequence). Both of these panels are
supported by a wooden support base.
• Have the base positioned where you’d like it to be in the display
area before putting the panel into it. Please note, the bases are
heavy!
• With two people, lift the panel into the slot at the top of the base
and carefully lower it down into the support. Place one of the
rectangular blocks of plywood in the slot behind the frame edge of
the panel to provide extra stability.
• The third single panel, entitled “I’m Alone” is positioned between
the two packing crates. Set it aside until both crates are unpacked,
and then see section on installing the display cases when you are
ready to position this assemblage.
The Noble Experiment Installation & De-installation Guide
8
Packing up the Panels for Shipping
Recommended: wear appropriate footwear (i.e. safety boots
or shoes) and have two people or more to take down and
pack up the exhibition. Use a dolly or flatbed cart to move
components wherever possible.
Be sure to observe the following when preparing the panels for
shipping:
Close the panels with the images facing in, and the blank
(white) sides facing out. This protects the panel images from
scratches, dents and general wear when being transported.
Hinges align with shorter side (left) flap. Images folded inwards.
Lay the panels on their shipping cozy with the hinges on the same
side as the shorter flap, or top edge of the cozy. This will ensure that
when the panels are resting up their edges, inside their cozies, the
hinges are not being pressed against the floor under the weight of
the panels.
The Noble Experiment Installation & De-installation Guide
9
Installing/De-installing
the Display Cases
PLEXIGLAS PANEL DISPLAYS & SHIP MODEL
Plexiglas Panel Displays
There are four plexiglas display cases, three of which are mounted
on panels (“Evasion”, “Defiance”, and “Lydia Pinkham”). Each case is
labelled on the back with the name of the panel to which it attaches.
Example of display case, with elixir bottles.
These cases will be found packaged in one of the shipping crates.
Use a Robertson screwdriver or drill to remove screws and open
crates. Remove any packing materials (i.e. bubble wrap) and return
it to the crate for later use when the exhibit is to be repacked.
The contents of these display cases have been firmly fixed in place,
but keep upright, and if shifting has occurred or needs correcting,
contact the Peterborough Museum & Archives for guidance.
The Noble Experiment Installation & De-installation Guide
10
Once the panels are all in position, you are ready to attach the
plexiglass cases. This is a two person job! Follow the steps below
for installing each case:
• Remove the four Chicago retaining screws (see section in manual
to identify) from the each corner on the back of the case (turn
counter clockwise, or “lefty-loosey”).
• Holding the case in two hands, lift and position it to line up with
the holes in the panel. Have your assistant hold the panel steady
so the screws slide through more easily.
• Push through the front to the back and hold in position, while the
other person carefully inserts the retaining screws into the hole
from the back of the panel. Turn clockwise (“righty-tighty”). Making
sure that the screw is NOT crooked, or this will damage the
threads rather easily. Do not over tighten, or the screw will be
difficult to remove and the tops could become stripped by the
screwdriver during removal.
Securing the Chicago retaining screws on the back side of a panel.
The Ship Model Case
This is a two person job! Follow the steps below to install the ship
model display case (and reverse the process to pack for shipping):
• Unscrew the three Robertson screws from the crate and open the
lid. Lift the model carefully out of the crate. The ship is firmly
anchored (ha ha) inside the case but avoid tipping it over too
much.
The Noble Experiment Installation & De-installation Guide
11
• You will see two holes in the middle of the top of the other
shipping/display crate lid. They may be covered with tape. Remove
this.
• You may want to place a weight (or some heavy object) inside the
crates at this point, to improve stability while on display.
• After removing the model from the crate, and with help from a
colleague or volunteer, remove the styrofoam block that covers the
bolts and unthread the nuts from the bolts pointing down from the
bottom of the display case.
• Holding the case in two hands, lift and position it to line up with
the holes in the lid of the crate. Insert bolts into the holes. Have
your assistant tilt the lid while you hold the case firmly so they can
reach in under the lid and rethread the nuts onto the bolts.
• When secure, lower the lid back down slowly and gently while still
holding onto the display case.
• Once the lid is completely down, replace the three Robertson
screws.
• Have the other shipping crate and the panel about the “I’m Alone”
in position in the display area. Slide the crate with the ship model
and crate carefully into place in front of the panel, effectively
sandwiching the panel between the crates. Ensure the panel is
secure and will not lean forward.
The Noble Experiment Installation & De-installation Guide
12
Packing up the Display Cases for Shipping
Be sure to observe the following when preparing the cases for
shipping:
Placement of small plexiglas cases inside crate.
To uninstall the cases, simple reverse the installation process. With
two people, have one person hold the case while the other unscrews
The Noble Experiment Installation & De-installation Guide
13
the retaining screws. After removing the case from the panel replace
the retaining screws to keep them with the case.
Be sure to place the display cases in an upright position when
putting them back inside the shipping crate, covered in bubble wrap.
Insert extra pieces of folded bubble wrap between the cases, so the
protruding screws don’t damage the plexiglas of its neighbouring
cases.
Use the dense foam pieces to protect the ship model from being
rattled about in transport. Remember to cover up the bolt holes in
the lid of the shipping crate with some of the green masking tape
that is provided in the tool & supplies kit.
Placement of foam pieces around ship model inside crate.
The Noble Experiment Installation & De-installation Guide
14
Installing / De-installing
Other Components
STILL, JUG, BOOK REST & CUTOUTS
The Copper Still with Condensing Coil and Jug
The Still and jug are to be placed near or in front of the “Evasion and
Defiance” panels. Carefully unpack the Still, with its copper coil.
Carefully attach the coil to the nozzle with the threaded collar by
hand. Don’t force it (nor use a wrench). Make sure the threads are
lined up. If you are concerned that the coil is not positioned properly,
please contact the Peterborough Museum & Archives.
• A display base is not included, but please use an appropriately
sized plinth or platform to display the still. Otherwise the items can
be placed directly on the floor, with a protective piece of cloth or
Mylar underneath.
The Noble Experiment Installation & De-installation Guide
15
• Place a small barrier or “Do not touch” sign in front of the Still
and jug to discourage visitors from handling these items.
The Song Book Rest
The book rest is to be attached to the “Onward into Battle” panel. As
with the plexi cases, remove the threaded portion of the Chicago
screw from the back of the book rest. After lining up the Chicago
screws to the holes on the panel, gently push while a volunteer or
colleague screws the threaded portion back through the panel.
Reverse the process to pack for shipping.
Cutout Figures with Stands
Lift the cutout onto the stand making sure the bottom is behind the
front “lip” of the stand. Rest the cutout against the upright support
and make sure both velcro sections attach. Press firmly.
The Noble Experiment Installation & De-installation Guide
16
Place the King near the “Empire Abstains” panel, and the
Temperance Lady near the “Role of Women” panel.
Packing up the Other Display Components for
Shipping
Be sure to observe the following when preparing the cases for
shipping:
• The Still and coil can be placed in its own storage container.
Carefully remove the coil, but position it so as to protect it during
transport. Cushion with ample packing material.
• The song book rest is bubble wrapped and placed in the shipping
crate #1 with the three panel plexi cases.
• Pack the jug in its own cardboard box with bubble wrap and place
in shipping crate #1.
The Noble Experiment Installation & De-installation Guide
17
Supplementary Materials
TOOL KIT & HARDWARE IDENTIFICATION
Tool & Supplies Kit
Chicago Screws
Robertson Screws
Picture Frame Spring Clip
Hardware may not be the actual size as
shown!
The Noble Experiment Installation & De-installation Guide
18
Maintenance &
Troubleshooting
CLEANING AND BASIC REPAIRS
If there are any significant repairs that need to be undertaken (major
scratches, dents, broken components) you are to call the
Peterborough Museum and Archives (PMA) immediately. Do not
repair anything without getting permission from the PMA
Travelling Exhibition Coordinator and/or Curator.
Cleaning
Panels and the Cut Out Figures: Wipe the surface with a soft
cloth lightly dampened with water to remove fingerprints etc. DO
NOT use abrasive cleaners, nor paint removers.
Plexiglas Cases: Use a water/soap combination or plexiglas cleaner
on a lint free cloth. NEVER use Windex or ammonia-based cleaning
products.
Loose Panels
Problem: the panel feels loose in the frame and some of the picture
frame spring clips have fallen out. What do I do?
Solution: With help, lay the the panel flat on the floor, image side
down. (With single panels, place a clean drop cloth underneath to
protect image side from scratches, etc. With bifold panels, close
them with the image side facing in before laying them flat.)
The panel has likely come out of the frame on a particular side, so
remove picture frame springs which may still be in place on that side.
With help, maneuver the panel back into the groove of the frame.
Have your assistant hold the panel firmly in place while you reinsert
The Noble Experiment Installation & De-installation Guide
19
the picture frame spring clips back under the frame. (See image in
the section on Unpacking the panels, and the diagram below.)
Problems with Hardware
Problem: The Chicago retaining screws are difficult to
insert/remove; or there are some missing.
Solution: Difficulty inserting or removing means there has likely been
damage to the threaded portion of the screws. Always make sure the
screw is not being inserted on an angle or slightly crooked. Don’t
continue to force it. If there’s damage to the inside thread, it will
The Noble Experiment Installation & De-installation Guide
20
need to be repaired. Contact the Museum for further advice on how
to do this. Missing retaining screws can be easily replaced. Check the
tool kit for spare screws; otherwise you can purchase small packages
of them from a hardware store (the PMA can reimburse you for the
cost). Place any extras in the tool & supplies kit for future use.
Problem: The Robertson screws holding the shipping crates
closed are very loose in their holes.
Solution: The holes are becoming stripped, and will likely need to be
filled and re-drilled. Have a qualified person do this, and contact the
Museum before proceeding.
Problem: The hinge(s) on the folding panels are missing
pins.
Solution: These pins become loose over time. Some extra hinges and
pins have been included in the tool & supplies kit. Lay the panel flat
and line up the hinge, then tap the pin into place with a hammer.
(See image in the section of this manual on unpacking the panels.)
Problem: A picture frame spring clip has broken.
Solution: Often the panel will remain in place within the frame even
if a few springs come out. If more springs are required however,
replacements can be purchased at picture framing shops and some
hardware stores (the PMA can reimburse you for the cost). Discard
the broken springs; and place any extras in the tool & supplies kit for
future use.
The Noble Experiment Installation & De-installation Guide
21