A few months ago I started a thread about minor artifacts that are in plain sight at our museums but have no signage and thus are hidden from our visitors. The thread was reasonably active.

Let me try a different twist, not artifacts, but intellectual gems (for lack of a better name) hidden in plain sight. The first picture is of a derail here at Orange Empire. An object we all take for granted. But a visitor will no doubt wonder why we would want to derail our own cars. An intellectual quandry that a simple sign would solve and meet our goal of teaching.

The second picture is of a frog. OREM has many of them. But OREM is in a desert !! Yes, an intellectual gem, at least here. Do you think they would let me paint it green and call it Kermit? Youngsters would love it. A week later it might be one of the few things they remember.

Marty Bernard
Perris, CA

Marty -

Kermit, the (green) frog? I say...Go for it!

Les

I know OERM has done a series of Youtube videos on various cars and subjects. Perhaps one devoted to hidden gems explaining what they're for and how they work might be in order. I've heard visitors ask how the switches work in front of the LARY barn, something that would be best explained by a demonstration rather than words.

I agree with Marty that museums should be more atuned to ALL points of interest whether it be with a small sign or a docent explaing the items function. We do a history hayride and we include all features right down to the 1840s culvert. Not only does it give the rider more bang for the buck, many mention our attention to detail.

Later!
Mr. Ed