WELLFLEET, Mass. - Just in time for the busy summer season, Cape Cod National Seashore has finished installation of new exhibits at Province Lands Visitor Center, located at the tip of the Cape in Provincetown. The new exhibits focus on the nature and history of the geographic area of the seashore referred to as the Province Lands, and replace previous exhibits installed in the 1990s. As part of the center’s redesign, the seashore’s education partner, Eastern National, revitalized its park store.
“The natural beauty of this area is captivating," said Superintendent Brian Carlstrom. “Aside from the spectacular dunes, beach, ocean, forest, and marsh, it has a rich history that encompasses the First People; European settlers; fishing, whaling, and life-saving; and the historic development of art and literature in America. We think the new exhibits will encourage people to explore these many aspects of the seashore." The exhibits include tactile elements, short video features, large graphics, and three-dimensional models. Later this summer, audio description and a Braille map of the center will be installed to assist visitors who have low or no vision.
The exhibits were designed by The Design Minds of Fairfax, VA, and were fabricated by Exhibitology of Springfield Township, NJ, under contract to the National Park Service. Both firms have extensive experience designing and producing exhibits for parks and museums.
Funding for the exhibits was provided by National Park Service entrance fees through a competitive process with other national park sites across the country. Other national seashore projects funded by entrance fees include the new park movie that is playing in seashore visitor centers, rehabilitation of the Red Maple Swamp Trail in Eastham, and the bathhouse at Herring Cove Beach.
If You Go: Province Lands Visitor Center is located at 171 Race Point Road, Provincetown, and may be reached by calling (508) 487-1256. Park rangers are on duty to assist with trip planning. Eastern National operates a store that includes books, maps, apparel, gifts, and other interpretive items. Orientation movies are shown throughout the day, and outdoor observation decks provide 360-degree views of the area. Hours of operation are 9 am to 5 pm daily through mid-October.
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Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
