A Project for the History Museum at the Castle in Appleton, WI

Founded in 1872, the History Museum at the Castle continually seeks to inspire people to discover and appreciate the rich history of the Fox Valley through exhibition, education, and collections. This Spring, the History Museum at the Castle opened its newest core exhibition, You Are Here.

You Are Here is a custom designed exhibition that showcases Fox Valley history, geography, and culture. The exhibit tells a comprehensive history of the landscape, peoples, and cultures that have defined the Fox Valley since ancient times.

You Are Here is not just an exhibition, it is an experience. Hands-on interactives make the past relevant. Rare photographs capture the imagination, and irreplaceable artifacts connect us with bygone generations.

Graham Images partnered with the History Museum to take images of the artifacts in You Are Here exhibit, photograph the opening reception event, and to photograph the Museum's architectural details on the exterior and interior of the building.

‘You Are Here’ Artifacts

In preparation for the exhibits opening in April, Graham Images photographed the exhibits featuring artifacts to be on display. The set up was simple, to create a neutral, white backdrop with uniformed lighting to make each artifact display as clean as possible. The images also aimed to highlight the details and unique story of each piece.

These are three of my favorite artifacts. I may be a bit personally biased on these selections… The typewriter was Edna Ferber's at one time, the name sake of my elementary school. The camera is from The Post-Crescent, where I worked through high school and learned my foundation of photographic knowledge!

White beaver hat and case, c. 1840. Worn by Charles A. Grignon of Kaukauna. This style of hat was very common at the time, but the white fur would have made it stand out as unique. It would have been worn for formal occasions, and we know Grignon wore it when he visited Washington D.C.

Typewriter used by award winning author Edna Ferber c. 1940

Camera used by the Post-Crescent staff c. 1940

“The images are the core of our new website, the jaw dropping visual in our exhibits, and a mainstay in our marketing collateral.”
~ Dustin Mack, Chief Curator at The History Museum at the Castle

You Are Here Opening Reception

The You Are Here Opening Reception was hosted on April 26th and invited key community members to be the first to experience the exhibit. With opening remarks, refreshments, great conversations, and curiosity as attendees got to explore You Are Here for the first time.

"We also wanted it to mean an inclusive statement. Whoever you are, you have a place here. Your history is part of this history, and so 'You are here' means you are represented in our community as well."
~ Dustin Mack, Chief Curator at The History Museum at the Castle

History Museum at the Castle Architectural Details

As a final piece to the You Are Here exhibit contributions, in June 2024 Graham Images took interior and exterior images of the History Museum’s architectural details and design. The final images are now also featured on the newly launched website.

“Graham's photography brings subject matter to life. His work allows the viewer to make a meaningful connection with a person, place, or even an object. For a History Museum, this is critical for helping make the past relevant for people.”
~Dustin Mack, Chief Curator at the History Museum at the Castle

See for yourself how the cultures, peoples and land go hand-in-hand, stop by the History Museum at the Castle’s You Are Here exhibit and experience the diverse peoples that have lived in the area and the unique culture that has developed in the Fox Valley!