Thomas Cole Historic House

The Thomas Cole Historic House will create permanent interpretive exhibits that engage audiences with issues raised by artist Thomas Cole's life, art, and writings. Project activities include recreating authentic 1836 interiors Cole designed and installed in three rooms; the final design, fabrication, and installation of multimedia exhibition technology to enable hands-on engagement; the design and implementation of new website elements; and training for docents and visitor center staff. The overarching goal of the new permanent interpretive exhibition, related multimedia interactives, and development of website content is to change the knowledge and attitudes of visitors to recognize that issues Americans debated almost 200 years ago are still unresolved and define current culture. Exit surveys will measure the degree to which knowledge and attitudes of the audience have change as a result of the interactive experience.