Appendix E - Nankin Mills Design Intent Package.pdf

Interpretive Center March 11, 2025

DESIGN INTENT PACKAGE Nankin Mills

Appendix E - Nankin Mills Design Intent Package

2LEVEL 1 CORRIDORNankin Mills Museum Design Intent Document Existing Conditions

3Creative BriefNANKIN MILLS Design Intent Proposed Interpretive Content - NOT FINAL

Rouge River Story

Objective:

To create an engaging and educational exhibit exploring the history of the Rouge River, focusing on the impact of industrialization and urbanization on its water quality, and highlighting the ongoing efforts to restore it. The exhibit should tell a compelling story of environmental change, community action, and the importance of stewardship.

Key Message:

The Rouge River’s story is a microcosm of the environmental challenges faced by many urban waterways. Understanding its past and present is crucial for shaping a healthier future for the river and the communities that depend on it.

Core Idea: “The Rouge River Story” will take visitors on a journey through time, revealing the river’s transformation from a relatively pristine waterway to a heavily polluted one, and then showcasing the efforts being made to revitalize it. The exhibit will emphasize the connection between human actions and environmental consequences, inspiring visitors to become stewards of the river.

Exhibit Elements:

A River in Time: A timeline or interactive map showing the changes in the Rouge River watershed over time, from pre-industrial times to the present day. Highlight key events like the rise of the auto industry, suburban development, and the implementation of environmental regulations.

The Population Boom: Illustrate the dramatic increase in population in the Rouge River watershed during the 20th century, using graphs, charts, and images. Explain how this population growth contributed to the river’s pollution problems.

Industrialization and Pollution: Showcase the impact of industrialization on the Rouge River, explaining how untreated sewage and industrial waste were discharged into the river.

Include historical photos and descriptions of the pollution.

The River as Sewer: Explain the historical attitude towards rivers as “open sewers” and how this mentality led to the degradation of water quality. Show examples of enclosed streams and sewer pipes.

Suburban Sprawl and Combined Sewers: Illustrate the effects of suburban development on the river, focusing on the problems with combined sewer systems and increased stormwater runoff.

The Turning Tide: Highlight the growing awareness of the Rouge River’s problems in the mid-20th century and the beginning of efforts to clean it up. Discuss the role of citizen activism, government regulations, and technological advancements in improving water quality.

The River Today: Showcase the current state of the Rouge River, highlighting both the progress that has been made and the challenges that remain. Include photos and videos of the river, as well as information about ongoing restoration efforts.

Storytelling Elements: Informational panels, interactive displays, and multimedia presentations will tell the story of the Rouge River in a compelling way. Incorporate personal stories from people who have been involved in the river’s restoration.

Aesthetics: The exhibit design should be visually engaging, using a mix of historical photos, contemporary images, and interactive peek-a-boo elements.

Tone: Educational, engaging, thought-provoking, and hopeful.

The exhibit should convey the seriousness of the environmental challenges facing the Rouge River, while also highlighting the progress that has been made and inspiring visitors to take action.

Call to Action: Encourage visitors to become involved in efforts to protect and restore the Rouge River and other waterways. Provide information about local organizations and volunteer opportunities.

Budget: [To be determined]

Timeline: [To be determined]

Success Metrics:

Visitor engagement and interaction with the exhibits.

Positive feedback from visitors and educators.

Increased understanding of the history of the Rouge River and the challenges of urban water pollution.

Media coverage and social media mentions.

Increase in the number of participants in volunteer opportunities

4Nankin Mills Museum Design Intent Document Level 2

EXHIBIT LIST

LEVEL TWO PROGRAMMING

1. Wagon and Horse

2. Transaction counter bushels of grain and bags of flour

3. Transaction Counter and scale

4. Gears and how hydropower works vertical hands on display

5. Mill Mini Model

6. Build a Community

7. Grain elevator hands on interaction

8. Grain Mill artifacts

9. Ford History Interpretive, workplace posters

10. Engraving Worker

11. Screw Machine

12. Engraving Machine

13. Video Display

14. Generator History

S1. Tractor Seating

S2. Factory Seating

S2 S1

5Nankin Mills Museum Design Intent Document Isometric Plan View - View from SW

EXHIBIT FLOW - LEVEL 2

6Nankin Mills Museum Design Intent Document Isometric Plan View - View from NW

EXHIBIT FLOW - LEVEL 2

7Nankin Mills Museum Design Intent Document Isometric Plan View - View from NE

EXHIBIT FLOW - LEVEL 2

8Nankin Mills Museum Design Intent Document Isometric Plan View - View from SE

EXHIBIT FLOW - LEVEL 2

S1

S2

9LEVEL 2 ELEVATIONNankin Mills Museum Design Intent Document East Elevation Sections

Building Key Plan N

1 Mill Building – Level Two - East Elevation 1

SCALE: 1/4" = 1'-0”

2 Mill Building – Level Two - East Elevation 2

SCALE: 1/4" = 1'-0”

3 Mill Building – Level Two - East Elevation 3

SCALE: 1/4" = 1'-0”

2 3

S1

S1

S2

S1

LEVEL TWO PROGRAMMING

1. Wagon and Horse

2. Transaction counter bushels of grain and bags of flour

3. Transaction Counter and scale

4. Gears and how hydropower works vertical hands on display

5. Mill Mini Model

6. Build a Community

7. Grain elevator hands on interaction

8. Grain Mill artifacts

9. Ford History Interpretive, workplace posters

10. Engraving Worker

11. Screw Machine

12. Engraving Machine

13. Video Display

14. Generator History

S1. Tractor Seating

S2. Factory Seating

10LEVEL 2 ELEVATIONNankin Mills Museum Design Intent Document North Elevation Sections

Building Key Plan N

1 Mill Building – Level Two - North Elevation 1

SCALE: 1/4" = 1'-0”

2 Mill Building – Level Two - North Elevation 2

SCALE: 1/4" = 1'-0”

3 Mill Building – Level Two - North Elevation 3

SCALE: 1/4" = 1'-0”

S1

S1

S1

LEVEL TWO PROGRAMMING

1. Wagon and Horse

2. Transaction counter bushels of grain and bags of flour

3. Transaction Counter and scale

4. Gears and how hydropower works vertical hands on display

5. Mill Mini Model

6. Build a Community

7. Grain elevator hands on interaction

8. Grain Mill artifacts

9. Ford History Interpretive, workplace posters

10. Engraving Worker

11. Screw Machine

12. Engraving Machine

13. Video Display

14. Generator History

11LEVEL 2 ELEVATIONNankin Mills Museum Design Intent Document West Elevation Sections

Building Key Plan N

1 Mill Building – Level Two - West Elevation 1

SCALE: 1/4" = 1'-0”

2 Mill Building – Level Two - West Elevation 2

SCALE: 1/4" = 1'-0”

3 Mill Building – Level Two - West Elevation 3

SCALE: 1/4" = 1'-0”

2 1

LEVEL TWO PROGRAMMING

1. Wagon and Horse

2. Transaction counter bushels of grain and bags of flour

3. Transaction Counter and scale

4. Gears and how hydropower works vertical hands on display

5. Mill Mini Model

6. Build a Community

7. Grain elevator hands on interaction

8. Grain Mill artifacts

9. Ford History Interpretive, workplace posters

10. Engraving Worker

11. Screw Machine

12. Engraving Machine

13. Video Display

14. Generator History

S1. Tractor Seating

S2. Factory Seating

S1

S1 S2

12LEVEL 2 ELEVATIONNankin Mills Museum Design Intent Document South Elevation Sections

Building Key Plan N

1 Mill Building – Level Two - South Elevation 1

SCALE: 1/4" = 1'-0”

2 Mill Building – Level Two - South Elevation 2

SCALE: 1/4" = 1'-0”

3 Mill Building – Level Two - South Elevation 3

SCALE: 1/4" = 1'-0”

S1

S2

S2

LEVEL TWO PROGRAMMING

1. Wagon and Horse

2. Transaction counter bushels of grain and bags of flour

3. Transaction Counter and scale

4. Gears and how hydropower works vertical hands on display

5. Mill Mini Model

6. Build a Community

7. Grain elevator hands on interaction

8. Grain Mill artifacts

9. Ford History Interpretive, workplace posters

10. Engraving Worker

11. Screw Machine

12. Engraving Machine

13. Video Display

14. Generator History

13Nankin Mills Museum Design Intent Document Existing Condition

EXTERIOR PORCH

14Creative BriefNANKIN MILLS

Grains on the Go: Transport to the Mill

Objective:

To create an engaging and educational exhibit exploring the methods of transporting corn, wheat, and rye to a grain mill in the late 1800s. The exhibit should bring to life the challenges and ingenuity of 19th-century transportation, highlighting the vital role these grains played in the community.

Target Audience: Families with children (ages 8-14), school groups, and general museum visitors with an interest in history, agriculture, and transportation.

Key Message:

Getting grains to the mill in the 1800s was a complex process, relying on various methods of transportation and hard work.

Understanding these methods provides insight into the daily lives and economic realities of the time.

Core Idea: “Grains on the Go” will immerse visitors in the sights, sounds, and challenges of 19th-century grain transport.

The exhibit will showcase the diverse methods used, from horse-drawn wagons to canal boats, and emphasize the importance of these grains in the local economy.

Exhibit Elements:

The Mill Setting: Using the porch area as backdrop, setting the stage for the transportation story.

Transportation Method: Horse-Drawn Wagons A replica horse and buck board wagon, highlighting its construction and use for hauling grain sacks. Include information about the types of horses used and the challenges of road travel.

Rail Transport (if relevant): If the late 1800s timeframe allows, include information about the growing role of railroads in grain transport. Reference to near by rail stations

Load the Wagon: Consider content/activity where visitors can simulate loading grain sacks onto a wagon, learning about weight distribution and the physical effort involved.

Storytelling Elements: Informational panels, interactive displays, and possibly short dramatic presentations or audio recordings will bring the stories of farmers, wagon drivers, and millers to life. Focus on the daily routines, challenges, and economic realities of the time.

Aesthetics: The exhibit design should evoke the containers of the late 1800s, using appropriate materials, colors, and imagery. Consider incorporating sounds of horses, wagons, and of transportation for most farmers, enabling them to bring their crops to market and contribute to the local economy. This system highlights the resourcefulness and resilience of 19th-century communities and their reliance on animal power and human labor.

Note: Henry Ford personal experience and influence in future innovations mill machinery to enhance the immersive experience.

Tone: Educational, engaging, interactive, and historically accurate.

The exhibit should spark curiosity and appreciation for the ingenuity and hard work involved in 19th-century grain transport.

Call to Action: Encourage visitors to learn more about local history and the development of transportation technologies.

Budget: [To be determined]

Timeline: [To be determined]

Success Metrics:

Visitor engagement and interaction with the exhibits.

Positive feedback from visitors and educators.

Increased understanding of 19th-century transportation methods and their impact on the grain milling industry.

Media coverage and social media mentions.

Content:

The journey of grains to the mill in the 1800s, particularly using horse-drawn wagons, was a fascinating process that reflects the ingenuity and hard work of the era. Here’s a glimpse into this transportation system:

1. Harvesting and Threshing:

Manual Labor: Before the grains could even be transported, they had to be harvested. This was largely done by hand using scythes or sickles.

Threshing: Once harvested, the grains were threshed to separate the kernels from the stalks. This could be done by hand with flails or, in some cases, using animal power to drive threshing machines.

2. Preparing for Transport:

Sacking: The threshed grain was then carefully packed into sacks, typically made of burlap or canvas. These sacks were often heavy and required considerable strength to handle.

Weighing: To ensure fair trade and efficient transport, the sacks of grain were often weighed. This could be done using scales at the farm or at the mill.

3. The Wagon and Team:

The Workhorse: Farmers relied on strong and reliable horses or mules to pull their wagons. These animals were well-suited for the task, capable of hauling heavy loads over long distances.

The Wagon: Wagons varied in size and design, but they were generally sturdy and built to withstand the rough roads of the time.

They often had wooden wheels with iron tires for durability.

Loading: Loading the wagon was a laborious task. Sacks of grain had to be lifted and carefully arranged to distribute the weight evenly. This often required teamwork and skill to prevent the load from shifting during transport.

4. The Journey to the Mill:

Road Conditions: Roads in the 1800s were often unpaved and could be rough, muddy, or even non-existent, making travel challenging.

Travel Time: The journey to the mill could take hours or even days, depending on the distance and road conditions. Farmers often had to leave early in the morning and might not return until late at night.

Weather: Rain, snow, and extreme heat could all impact travel time and the condition of the grain. Farmers had to be prepared for all kinds of weather.

5. Arriving at the Mill:

Unloading: Once at the mill, the process of unloading began. Sacks of grain had to be lifted off the wagon and carried into the mill.

Weighing and Inspection: The grain was often weighed again at the mill to confirm the amount delivered. It might also be inspected for quality before being accepted.

Challenges and Considerations:

Cost: Owning and maintaining horses and wagons was expensive.

Farmers had to factor in the cost of feed, upkeep, and potential repairs.

Time: Transporting grain was time-consuming, taking farmers away from other important tasks on the farm.

Weather: Weather conditions could significantly impact travel time and the condition of the grain.

Road Conditions: Poor road conditions could make travel difficult and even dangerous.

The Importance of Horse-Drawn Wagons:

Despite the challenges, horse-drawn wagons were essential for getting grains to the mill in the 1800s. They were the primary means

15Nankin Mills Museum Design Intent Document 01: Wagon and Horse Elements

EXTERIOR PORCH

16Nankin Mills Museum Design Intent Document 01: Wagon and Horse Content Overview

EXTERIOR PORCH

PORCH EXHIBITS

Add horizontal rails to porch columns, install 3 interpretive panels:

Panel A: How grain was brought to the mill

Panel B: Barn interpretive info

Panel C: Race Hydropower interpretive

Buck Board wagon and horse statue placed in front of porch.

Add barrels, containers and charis to the porch.

CB

A

17EXTERIOR PORCHNankin Mills Museum Design Intent Document Interpretive Panel 1 Details

Next Step:

Porch Interpretive Panel A

THE DAILY GRIND

until late at night.

Weather: Rain, snow, and extreme heat could all impact travel time and the condition of the grain. Farmers had to be prepared for all kinds of weather.

5. Arriving at the Mill:

Unloading: Once at the mill, the process of unloading began.

Sacks of grain had to be lifted off the wagon and carried into the mill.

Weighing and Inspection: The grain was often weighed again at the mill to confirm the amount delivered. It might also be inspected for quality before being accepted.

Challenges and Considerations:

Cost: Owning and maintaining horses and wagons was expensive. Farmers had to factor in the cost of feed, upkeep, and potential repairs.

Time: Transporting grain was time-consuming, taking farmers away from other important tasks on the farm.

Weather: Weather conditions could significantly impact travel time and the condition of the grain.

Road Conditions: Poor road conditions could make travel difficult and even dangerous.

The Importance of Horse-Drawn Wagons:

Despite the challenges, horse-drawn wagons were essential for getting grains to the mill in the 1800s. They were the primary means of transportation for most farmers, enabling them to bring their crops to market and contribute to the local economy. This system highlights the resourcefulness and resilience of 19th-century communities and their reliance on animal power and human labor.

Note: Henry Ford personal experience and influence in future innovations

Content:

The journey of grains to the mill in the 1800s, particularly using horse-drawn wagons, was a fascinating process that reflects the ingenuity and hard work of the era. Here’s a glimpse into this transportation system:

1. Harvesting and Threshing:

Manual Labor: Before the grains could even be transported, they had to be harvested. This was largely done by hand using scythes or sickles.

Threshing: Once harvested, the grains were threshed to separate the kernels from the stalks. This could be done by hand with flails or, in some cases, using animal power to drive threshing machines.

2. Preparing for Transport:

Sacking: The threshed grain was then carefully packed into sacks, typically made of burlap or canvas. These sacks were often heavy and required considerable strength to handle.

Weighing: To ensure fair trade and efficient transport, the sacks of grain were often weighed. This could be done using scales at the farm or at the mill.

3. The Wagon and Team:

The Workhorse: Farmers relied on strong and reliable horses or mules to pull their wagons. These animals were well-suited for the task, capable of hauling heavy loads over long distances.

The Wagon: Wagons varied in size and design, but they were generally sturdy and built to withstand the rough roads of the time. They often had wooden wheels with iron tires for durability.

Loading: Loading the wagon was a laborious task. Sacks of grain had to be lifted and carefully arranged to distribute the weight evenly. This often required teamwork and skill to prevent the load from shifting during transport.

4. The Journey to the Mill:

Road Conditions: Roads in the 1800s were often unpaved and could be rough, muddy, or even non-existent, making travel challenging.

Travel Time: The journey to the mill could take hours or even days, depending on the distance and road conditions. Farmers often had to leave early in the morning and might not return

18EXTERIOR PORCHNankin Mills Museum

Next Step:

Porch Interpretive Panel B

BIG RED BARN

Content:

Missing content and history of structure. More reasearch needed. Consider possible cultural influence of style of barn and cross reference to Level 3 window viewing area.

19EXTERIOR PORCHNankin Mills Museum

Next Step:

Porch Interpretive Panel C

HYDROELECTRIC POWER

Content:

Cross reference a summary of interior interpretive information, summarize and repeat here. Tailor message to viewing angles from proch and grounds to water area and bridge.

The Mill Pond and Dam: A visual representation of Nankin Lake (the mill pond), diverting the river and the dam, explaining how they create a “fall” in the water level, which is essential for generating power.

The Millrace (Headrace & Tailrace): Clear depictions of the millrace, headrace, and tailrace, illustrating how water is channeled to and from the water wheel. Consider using transparent pipes or channels in a model to visualize the flow.

Highlight the trash rack and its function.

Sluiceway, Flume, and Spillway: Explain the function of the sluiceway (flume) in directing water to the water wheel. Show how the sluice gate and spillway control the flow of water, especially during periods of high water.

The Water Wheel: A large-scale model or cutaway of an overshot water wheel, demonstrating how it works. Explain the principle of gravity powering the wheel as water fills the buckets. Compare and contrast overshot, undershot, and breastshot water wheels.

20Creative BriefNANKIN MILLS

Balanced Forces: Exploring Measurement

Objective:

To create an engaging and educational exhibit exploring the principles of weights, pulleys, and measurement, centered around a vintage platform scale. The exhibit should appeal to a broad audience, fostering curiosity and understanding of basic physics concepts in a hands-on, interactive way. Math, engineering and economic principles will be told throught the story of the transaction counter at the Mill.

Key Message:

Weight and measurement are fundamental concepts that affect our daily lives. By exploring the mechanics of weights and pulleys, we can understand how forces are balanced and how tools like the platform scale have shaped our understanding of the world.

Core Idea: “Balanced Forces” will transform the vintage platform scale into a central character in a story about the interplay of weight, force, and measurement. Visitors will become active participants, experimenting with different weights and pulley systems to understand how these principles work in practice.

Exhibit Elements:

The Star: The vintage platform scale will be the centerpiece, restored and showcased with informational panels detailing its history, function, and significance. Show how grain was weighed and valued.

The Cash Box and Counter: On top of the transaction counter, a way to charge customers for milling their grain, or selling them things they may need at their farm, including seeds.

A Nickle’s Worth: Consider content/activity where visitors can understand the cost of living in the late 1800s, and how that compares to our cost of living today.

Storytelling Elements: Informational panels, interactive displays, and possibly short dramatic presentations will bring the corner of the Mill to life. or Pretend play will explain the scientific principles behind weights, pulleys, and measurement in an accessible and engaging way. The story of the platform scale itself – its origins, uses, and impact – will be woven throughout the exhibit.

Aesthetics: The exhibit design should evoke the containers and retail methods of the late 1800s, using appropriate materials, colors, and full wall imagery.

Real-World Examples: Connect the concepts to everyday life.

How do we use pulleys in cranes, elevators, and even blinds?

How do we use measurement in cooking, building, and sports?

Storytelling: Tell the story of how measurement tools have evolved over time. Highlight the contributions of scientists and inventors who have advanced our understanding of these concepts.

Visual Aids: Use diagrams, animations, and videos to illustrate the scientific principles in action. Make the visuals clear, concise, and engaging. Connect to the YouTube video.

Note: Connect to Henry Ford using the grain elevator space to move materials during his time in the Mill.

Tone: Educational, engaging, interactive, and historically accurate.

The exhibit should spark appreciation and economy in the 19th-century. Curiosity for the ingenuity of balance platform scales, and how these principles of physics can be applied today should be developed.

Call to Action: Encourage visitors to explore other science exhibits in the museum and to consider the role of physics in their everyday lives.

Budget: [To be determined]

Timeline: [To be determined]

Success Metrics:

Visitor engagement and interaction with the exhibits.

Positive feedback from visitors and educators.

Increased understanding of 19th-century transportation methods and their impact on the grain milling industry.

Media coverage and social media mentions.

Content:

Let’s break down the science behind weights, pulleys, and measurement in a way that’s engaging and easy to grasp:

1. Weight: It’s More Than Just “Heavy” Think of weight as the force of gravity pulling down on an object.

Everything with mass has weight. The more mass something has, the stronger the pull of gravity, and the more it weighs

Mass vs. Weight: It’s important to distinguish between mass and weight. Mass is the amount of “stuff” in an object, while weight is the force of gravity on that stuff. Your mass stays the same wherever you are, but your weight can change depending on the gravity. You’d weigh less on the moon than on Earth because the moon has weaker gravity.

Gravity’s Grip: Gravity is what keeps us on the ground. It’s an invisible force that pulls everything towards the center of the Earth. The heavier something is, the harder gravity pulls on it.

2. Pulleys: Lifting Made Easy Pulleys are simple machines that make lifting things easier. They’re basically wheels with a rope or cable running over them..

Changing Direction: One of the main benefits of a pulley is that it can change the direction of your force. Instead of pulling upwards to lift something, you can pull downwards, which is often easier.

Mechanical Advantage: Some pulley systems give you a mechanical advantage, meaning you can lift something heavy with less force. This is achieved by distributing the weight over multiple sections of rope.

Imagine lifting a heavy box with a single rope versus using a pulley system where the rope is looped around multiple wheels. With each loop, the force required to lift the box is reduced.

Fixed vs. Movable Pulleys:

A fixed pulley changes the direction of force but doesn’t change the amount of force needed. A movable pulley, on the other hand, moves with the object being lifted and provides a mechanical advantage, reducing the force needed.

3. Measurement: Figuring Out “How Much”

Measurement is how we quantify things – how much of something there is. We measure weight, length, volume, temperature, and many other things.

Units of Measurement: We use standard units to make sure everyone is on the same page. For weight, we might use kilograms (kg) or pounds (lbs). For length, we might use meters (m) or feet (ft).

Tools of the Trade: We use tools like scales (for weight), rulers (for length), and measuring cups (for volume) to make accurate measurements.

The Importance of Accuracy: Accurate measurements are crucial in everything from cooking to construction to scientific research. Even small errors can have big consequences.

Bringing it All Together: The Platform Scale The vintage platform scale combines all these principles. When you put something on the scale, its weight pushes down on the platform.

This force is balanced by a system of levers and weights inside the scale. The scale then displays the weight of the object using a pointer or digital display. The platform scale is a testament to the power of these simple yet fundamental scientific principles.

Making it Engaging:

Hands-on Activities: Let people experiment with different weights and pulley systems. Have them try lifting different objects with varying pulley arrangements to feel the difference in effort.

21Nankin Mills Museum Design Intent Document

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Interpretive Copy goes here to explain how things work Interpretive Copy goes here to explain how things work Interpretive Copy goes here to explain how things work Interpretive Copy goes here to explain how things work

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HEADER TEXT

Wheat

Corn

Rye

List List

Vintage Scale

Exhibit 2 and 3 Elements

MILL CORNER

22Nankin Mills Museum wagon details

Exhibit 2 Design Direction

MILL CORNER

23Nankin Mills Museum Design Intent Document Exhibits 3 and 9 elements

Vintage Seed Point of Sale

24Nankin Mills Museum

1 DRAWING NAME

CEILING

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Graphics for Backdrop Wall

MILL CORNER

Next Step:

Wall Graphic Details

25Creative BriefNANKIN MILLS

Powering the Mill: From Water to Wheat

Objective:

To create an engaging and educational exhibit explaining the principles of hydroelectric power generation, using a historic or recreated grain mill as the central narrative. The exhibit should highlight the journey of water from the headrace, through the mill, to the tailrace, and how this process generates clean energy. Target audience: Families with children (ages 6-14), school groups, and general museum visitors with an interest in history, engineering, and sustainable energy.

Key Message:

Water power is a clean and renewable source of energy. By understanding how hydroelectricity works, we can appreciate its importance in the past and its potential for the future.

Core Idea:

The water fall wall showcases how the flow of water is harnessed to generate electricity. The exhibit will transform the journey of water from headrace to tailrace into an engaging story of energy transformation.

Exhibit Elements:

Headrace & Tailrace:: Clear representations of the headrace (where water is collected) and tailrace (where water returns to the river), demonstrating the water’s path through the mill.

Consider using transparent pipes or channels to visualize the flow in a vertical illustration.

Gear Up: An interactive display demonstrating how gears work and how they can be used to increase or decrease speed and power. Hands-on activities where visitors can experiment with miniature water wheels and turbines, exploring how the speed and volume of water affect energy generation.

Transformation Station: Interactive display explaining how the potential energy of water in the headrace is converted into kinetic energy as it flows through the turbine, and then into electrical energy.

Storytelling Elements: Informational panel and interactive display will explain the science behind hydroelectric power in an accessible and engaging way. The story of the mill, its history, and its connection to the community can be woven throughout the exhibit.

Aesthetics: The exhibit design should be visually appealing and inviting, a modern and interactive feel. Use natural materials, colorful moving elements, and accessible design principles.

Tone: Educational, engaging, interactive, and inspiring. The exhibit should spark curiosity and encourage exploration of renewable energy sources.

Call to Action: Encourage visitors to learn more about renewable energy and consider how they can contribute to a sustainable future.

Budget: [To be determined]

Timeline: [To be determined]

Success Metrics:

Visitor engagement and interaction with the exhibits.

Positive feedback from visitors and educators.

Increased understanding of hydroelectric power generation among the target audience.

Media coverage and social media mentions.

Content:

Let’s follow a drop of water on its exciting journey through a hydroelectric mill!

Our adventure begins high upstream, where rain and melting snow feed a rushing river. This river is our hero’s starting point, the source of all the power to come. Clever engineers have built a dam, creating a reservoir – a sort of “energy storage tank” called the headrace.

Our little water droplet finds itself part of this collection, possessing potential energy – it’s high up, just waiting to go! Think of it like a rollercoaster at the top of the first hill, full of possibility. Now, a gate opens, and our droplet begins its downhill dash! It plunges into a large pipe called the penstock, a tunnel that carries the water swiftly down towards the mill. This is where the magic of energy transformation begins. As the water rushes down, its potential energy is converted into kinetic energy – the energy of motion. Our droplet is now zooming, full of momentum, like the rollercoaster car speeding down the hill!

The penstock directs the water towards a special wheel called a turbine. This turbine is like a giant pinwheel, carefully designed to capture the water’s kinetic energy. The rushing water slams into the turbine blades, making them spin rapidly. Our droplet gives up its energy to the turbine, causing it to rotate faster and faster. This is a crucial step – the water’s energy is now turning the turbine’s mechanical energy – the energy of motion in a machine.

The spinning turbine is connected to a generator, a device that transforms mechanical energy into electrical energy. Imagine our droplet’s energy now being converted into tiny electric sparks! The generator uses magnets and coils to create an electric current, which is then sent out through wires to power homes, businesses, and even the grain mill itself. This is the grand finale of our droplet’s energy transformation journey.

Finally, the water, having given up most of its energy, flows out of the mill through another channel called the tailrace. It rejoins the river, continuing its journey downstream. Our droplet’s adventure is complete, but its energy has been put to good use, helping to grind grain and power our world. It’s a continuous cycle, with the water eventually evaporating, forming clouds, and returning as rain to start the process all over again.

So, our little water droplet, starting high in the headrace with potential energy, becomes a powerhouse of kinetic energy as it rushes down, then transfers that energy to the turbine, which spins the generator, creating electrical energy, and finally exits through the tailrace. It’s a beautiful and efficient example of how we can harness the power of nature to create clean, renewable energy!

26Nankin Mills Museum

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Interpretive Copy goes here to explain how things work Interpretive Copy goes here to explain how things work Interpretive Copy goes here to explain how things work Interpretive Copy goes here to explain how things work

Sales

HEADER TEXT

Wheat

Corn

Rye

List List

Vintage Scale

Exhibit 4

HANDS ON HYDROPOWER

27Nankin Mills Museum

1 DRAWING NAME

CEILING

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HANDS ON HYDROPOWER

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Hydropower Element & Graphic Details

28Creative BriefNANKIN MILLS

Powering the Mill: Harnessing the Rouge

Objective:

To create an engaging and educational exhibit explaining how the Rouge River was harnessed to create mechanical energy and wealth for millers in the 1800s, focusing on the mechanics of Nankin Mills. The exhibit should demystify the process of water-powered milling, highlighting the ingenuity and engineering involved.

Key Message:

The Rouge River was a vital source of energy for early settlers, powering mills that not only processed grain but also fueled economic growth and community development. Understanding the mechanics of these mills provides insight into the ingenuity and resourcefulness of past generations..

Core Idea:

“Harnessing the Rouge” will transform the mechanics of Nankin Mills into a captivating story of energy transformation.

The exhibit will trace the journey of water from the mill pond to the tailrace, explaining how its power was harnessed to drive the mill’s machinery.

Exhibit Elements:

Mini Model: Using the existing model of the mill, the following topics will be highlighted and explained:

The Mill Pond and Dam: Clearly indicate in and around the model how Nankin Lake (the mill pond) and the dam, create a “fall” in the water level, which is essential for generating power.

The Millrace (Headrace & Tailrace): Clearlabeling of the millrace, headrace, and tailrace, illustrating how water is channeled to and from the water wheel.

Sluiceway, Flume, and Spillway: Explain the function of the sluiceway (flume) in directing water to the water wheel. Show how the sluice gate and spillway control the flow of water, especially during periods of high water.

The Water Wheel: A large-scale graphic or cutaway of an overshot water wheel, demonstrating how it works. Explain the principle of gravity powering the wheel as water fills the buckets. Compare and contrast overshot, undershot, and breastshot water wheels.

Axles and Gears: Highlight in the model how the rotation of the water wheel is transferred and amplified through axles and gears to power the millstones and other machinery. The Milling

Process: Connect the water power to the milling process and artifacts in area 8, explaining how the millstones grind grain into flour or meal.

Show examples of millstones and the different stages of milling.

Quote Integration: Incorporate the Sidney Olson quote about early settlers seeking locations with sufficient water “fall” to build mills.

Aesthetics: The exhibit design should be in scale with exsiting model.

give the model a modern casing and use natural materials, colorful elements, and accessible design principles for the room divider backdrop.

Tone: Educational, engaging, interactive, and inspiring. The exhibit should be easilty understood without reading surrounding content.

Call to Action: Encourage visitors to learn more about local history, water power, and the importance of sustainable energy practices.

Connect to viewing areas around the porch and points of interest on Heritage Trail.

Budget: [To be determined]

Timeline: [To be determined]

Success Metrics:

Visitor engagement and interaction with the exhibits.

Positive feedback from visitors and educators.

Increased understanding of hydroelectric power generation among the target audience.

Media coverage and social media mentions.

Content:

The Rouge River as a Catalyst: Explain the importance of the Rouge River as a source of power and transportation, enabling the establishment of mills and the growth of communities.

Types of Mills: Showcase the different types of mills found along the Rouge River, including gristmills, sawmills, cider mills, and carding mills. Explain their functions and the industries they supported.

Mill Communities: Highlight the unique communities that developed around each mill, including Plymouth, Northville, Pikes Peak, Waterford, Schwartzburg, Dearbornville, Coonville, Newburg, Gunsolly, Phoenix, and Beal’s Mill. Provide details about their industries, businesses, and social life.

Nankin Mills as a Hub: Emphasize the role of Nankin Mills as a central hub, serving as a stagecoach stop, post office, and gathering place for the surrounding community.

Perrinsville’s Boom and Bust: Tell the story of Perrinsville’s rapid growth and subsequent decline, highlighting the factors that contributed to its boom and bust cycle.

Ann Arbor Trail: Explain the significance of Ann Arbor Trail as a major transportation route connecting Detroit to Ann Arbor and Chicago, and its impact on the development of mill communities along the way.

Mill Town Map: A map of the Rouge River, allowing visitors to explore the locations of different mills and their associated communities.

29Nankin Mills Museum Design Intent Document Exhibit 5

MINI MILL MODEL

30Nankin Mills Museum

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MINI MILL MODEL

Mill Model Graphic Details

31Creative BriefNANKIN MILLS

Mill Communities: How Grain Grew Towns

Objective:

To create an engaging and educational exhibit exploring the vital role grain mills played in the development and growth of communities, particularly in the 18th and 19th centuries. The exhibit should demonstrate how mills acted as focal points, attracting settlers, fostering trade, and shaping the social and economic fabric of early towns.

Key Message:

Grain mills were more than just places to grind grain; they were catalysts for community growth, driving settlement, commerce, and social interaction.

Core Idea:

“Mills & Communities” will transform the story of grain milling into a narrative of community building. The exhibit will showcase how mills acted as magnets, drawing people together and creating the foundation for thriving towns.

Exhibit Elements:

The Mill as Centerpiece: The mini model of the historic mill, emphasizing its size and importance within the community.

Consider incorporating sounds of grinding stones and flowing water.

Interactive Community Map: A large map of the region, highlighting the locations of mills and the communities that grew around them. As a backdrop to the play table, the map will display the history of specific towns and their connection to the local mill.

Settlement & Growth Display: Illustrate how mills attracted settlers by providing essential services and economic opportunities. Include information about the types of people who settled near mills (farmers, millers, merchants, etc.) and how the population grew over time.

Trade & Commerce Section: Showcase how mills facilitated trade and commerce. Explain how grain was processed and sold, and how other businesses (blacksmiths, carpenters, general stores) often established themselves near mills to serve the growing community.

Social Hub: Depict how mills served as social centers, where people gathered to exchange news, share stories, and build community bonds. Consider incorporating images or descriptions of community events that took place at or near the mill.

Interactive Station:

Build a Town: A hands-on activity where visitors can “build” a virtual town around a mill, adding houses, businesses, and other essential elements to see how a community grows.

Storytelling Elements: Informational panels, interactive displays, and possibly short dramatic presentations or audio recordings will bring the stories of millers, farmers, and other community members to life.

Focus on the daily routines, challenges, and social interactions that took place around the mill.

Aesthetics: The building blocks should be simple wooden shapes

Tone: Playful and and inspiring. The exhibit should spark play encourage critical thinking on how our communities work today.

Call to Action: Encourage visitors to explore local history and appreciate the legacy of early mills in their own communities.

Budget: [To be determined]

Timeline: [To be determined]

Success Metrics:

Visitor engagement and interaction with the exhibits.

Positive feedback from visitors and educators.

Increased understanding of hydroelectric power generation among the target audience.

Media coverage and social media mentions.

Number of building block kits sold in the gift shop.

Content:

Grain mills acted as powerful magnets for community growth in the 1800s for a variety of interconnected reasons:

1. Essential Service:

Food Security: Mills provided a crucial service – the transformation of raw grain into flour and meal, the staple foods of the time. This was essential for survival, attracting farmers who needed their grain processed.

Convenience: Before mills, families had to grind grain themselves, a time-consuming and laborious task. Mills offered a centralized and efficient solution, saving people time and effort.

2. Economic Hub:

Job Creation: Mills created a variety of jobs, not just for millers, but also for millwrights, wagon drivers, laborers, and merchants who supplied the mill with goods and services.

Trade & Commerce: Mills became centers of trade. Farmers brought their grain to the mill, and merchants set up shop nearby to serve the farmers and the growing community.3 This attracted other businesses like blacksmiths, carpenters, and general stores, creating a bustling economic center.

Market Access: Mills often facilitated access to wider markets.4 Processed grain could be transported to other towns and regions, boosting the local economy and attracting further investment.

3. Social Center:

Gathering Place: Mills were more than just businesses; they were social hubs. People gathered at the mill to exchange news, share stories, and build community bonds.5 This fostered a sense of belonging and helped to create a strong social fabric.

Community Events: Mills often hosted community events like harvest festivals and celebrations, further strengthening social ties and attracting new settlers.

4. Infrastructure Development:

Roads & Transportation: The need to transport grain to and from the mill led to the development of roads and other transportation infrastructure, making the area more accessible and attractive for settlement.

Supporting Businesses: As the community around the mill grew, other businesses and services developed to support the mill and its workers. This included housing, stores, churches, and schools, creating a more complete and thriving community.

5. Attracting Skilled Labor:

Specialized Skills: Mills required skilled labor, such as millers, millwrights, and mechanics.7 These skilled workers were often drawn to mill sites, bringing their families and contributing to the growth of the community.

In essence, grain mills were not just industrial sites; they were the heart of early communities. They provided essential services, stimulated economic activity, fostered social interaction, and spurred infrastructure development.8 This combination of factors made mills powerful magnets for settlement, laying the foundation for many thriving towns in the 1800s.

32Stairway MuralNankin Mills Museum Design Intent Document Element Concepts

33Nankin Mills Museum

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Details Stairway Mural

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Mural Details

34VILLAGE BUILD TABLENankin Mills Museum Design Intent Document Elements

35Creative BriefNANKIN MILLS

Nankin Mills: A Century of Milling

Objective:

To display educational content and artificats chronicling the history of Nankin Mills from its initial construction in the 1800s through its transition to a new era under Henry Ford in 1918.

The exhibit will highlight the evolution of the mill, the milling process, the individuals who owned and operated it, and its significance in the local community.

Key Message:

Nankin Mills stands as a testament to the ingenuity and perseverance of early settlers and entrepreneurs who harnessed the power of the Rouge River to establish a vital industry and contribute to the growth of the surrounding community.

Core Idea:

“Nankin Mills: A Century of Milling” will take visitors on a journey through time, tracing the mill’s evolution from its humble beginnings to its transformation under Henry Ford.

The exhibit will explore the milling process, the challenges and innovations faced by mill owners, and the mill’s role as a center of community life.

Exhibit Elements:

Timeline of Ownership: A visual timeline showcasing the various owners of Nankin Mills, from General John E. Schwartz to Henry Ford, highlighting key milestones and changes during each period.

Construction and Reconstruction: Detail the construction of the first and second mills, including the challenges faced, the materials used, and the individuals involved (Noah Hull, Rufus Swift). Explain the mystery surrounding the burning of the first mill and the construction timeline of the second.

Millstones and Milling Technology: Showcase the millstones used for grinding grain, explaining their composition, the process of “dressing the stones,” and how they functioned to produce flour. Include examples of millwright tools and discuss the shift from millstones to rollers in the early 1900s.

From Field to Flour: Illustrate the complete milling process, from the arrival of grain to the final product. Explain the different stages involved, including weighing, cleaning, grinding, sifting, and bagging. Highlight the role of the miller in managing this complex process.

Powering the Mill: Explain how the mill harnessed the power of the Rouge River, showcasing the evolution from the overshot

Budget: [To be determined]

Timeline: [To be determined]

Success Metrics:

Visitor engagement and interaction with the exhibits.

Increased understanding of basic principles of physics, grain elevator technology and its impact on agriculture.

Media coverage and social media mentions.

water wheel to the Leffel turbine. Discuss the addition of a gas-powered engine and the challenges faced with the dam washing out.

Nankin Mills as a Community Hub: Emphasize the mill’s role as a gathering place, a center for news and social interaction, and a catalyst for the growth of the surrounding community. Highlight its function as a stagecoach stop and post office.

Interactive Stations:

Millstone Challenge: A hands-on activity where visitors can try their hand at “dressing the stones” using replicas of millwright tools.

Grain Giant: An interactive two story grain elevator where visitors can simulate the middle stages of the milling process, from moving and storying the grain to bagging the flour. This is exhibit area 7.

Community Map: A map showing the growth of the community around Nankin Mills, highlighting the businesses and industries that developed in relation to the mill.

Storytelling Elements: The story of the tools and processes in the mill, its history, and its evolution to modern day milling.

Aesthetics: The exhibit design should be visually appealing but secured and respected. Display artifacts and use replicas for visitors to touch.

Tone: Educational, engaging, nostalgic, and historically accurate.

The exhibit should foster an appreciation for the ingenuity and resourcefulness of early millers and the importance of Nankin Mills in the development of the surrounding community.

Call to Action: Encourage visitors to explore the mill, learn more about the history of milling and local industry, and appreciate the role of historic structures in shaping our communities.

Budget: [To be determined]

Timeline: [To be determined]

Success Metrics:

Visitor engagement and interaction with the exhibits.

Positive feedback from visitors and educators.

Increased understanding of the history of Nankin Mills, the milling process, and the mill’s impact on the community.

Grain Giants of the Past: Elevating Grain in the 1800s Objective:

To create an engaging and educational exhibit explaining the operation of grain elevators in the 1800s. The exhibit should relate to the pulleys and physics principles of the platform scale.

Key Message:

Even in the 1800s, the need for efficient grain storage and handling was crucial. Early grain elevators, though simpler than their modern counterparts, represented significant advancements in agricultural technology and played a vital role in the growth of grain markets.

Core Idea:

“Grain Giants” will reveal the inner workings of these structures, emphasizing the size and scale of the essential machine. It will demonstration transition from manual labor to increasingly mechanized systems.

Exhibit Elements:

Bucket Elevators: Explain how buckets attached to a moving belt were used to lift grain to Level 3.