By Barbara Palmgren
In late January, several trustees removed the Vietnam Refugee Camp exhibit panels that had been on display in 2025 to make room for the Celebrate America 250! American Revolution. This new exhibit is one of two in the area to develop an historical exhibit honoring the birthday of our nation, the Signing of the Declaration of Independence.
That being said, Ken Walsh, Mike Weaver and myself encountered the worst imaginable scenario. Using blow dryers and then trying a heat gun, removal began. Apparently, these panels wanted to stay a little longer and additional implements had to be used and when they finally came off the wall… so did the paint and part of the drywall. The panels had been attached with two-sided tape that was easily removed when several panels were used at the college years ago. Ace Hardware came to the rescue and donated spackling compound to fill the holes and the trustees applied and sanded what they could.
A professional painter, James Roberts, then retextured and repainted the walls. Next, Chris and crew from CJ Signs installed descriptive panels, a large copy of John Trumbell’s famous painting of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and a valuable colonial paper money collection display in a large decorative frame. Flora Kerr, donated her time and expertise with years of experience at Jo Ann Fabrics, to make a replica of the drape viewed in the Trumbell painting. The drape covers a window and a nearby table with quill and pen adds to the ambiance of being with those heroes 300 years ago.
Special thanks go to Dr. Kristina Duffy, Arthur Edgar, and Dr. Marie Hallion who helped arrange the exhibit panels in this order; British Florida on one wall, the original thirteen British colonies located on the main wall, main events on several walls, and the Trumbell painting and colonial money on a wall that viewers see immediately upon entering the exhibit hall from the museum. The exhibit honors the history of events, places and people prominent prior to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. A tent replica and movie are also part of the exhibit as well as a Children’s Corner where interactive experiences will delight and inspire young people.
Words alone don’t describe this journey but a few photos may help! Please come this year to a special tribute that is now on display in your local community and view the other exciting exhibits at the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida located in old downtown Valparaiso.
