Organization-YOUR EXHIBIT SHOULD LOGICALLY PRESENT YOUR ANALYSIS OF A HISTORICAL TOPIC

• Prominent thesis
• Well-defined sections of your board; it should be easy for a viewer to be led through exhibit on their own
• Timeline if appropriate
• Avoid huge chunks of text; break into bullets
• Highlight unusual research, primary sources, interviews

Design/aesthetics-YOUR EXHIBIT SHOULD LOOK FANTASTIC!

• Appropriate, consistent color scheme (fabric, paint, or spray paint board) - don't leave plain white
• Appropriate, consistent and LARGE font - no 12 pt Times New Roman!
• Mount everything - don't stick directly on board on card stock or foam board if possible)
• Make straight cuts - don't use foam board if you don't have the cutting tools; use paper cutter for paper
• Use clear, colorful, varied, and interesting images
• PDF's, not printouts of news articles
• If appropriate, show person, not just a quote
• Avoid frequently used images

Creativity-YOUR EXHIBIT SOULD BE EXCITING, ORIGINAL, AND COMPELLING

• Consider altering shape of board and/or title board
• Make use of area in front of board
• Incorporate audio or visual components
• Perhaps include interactive features (lift the flap, primary sources in pockets, etc.)
• If appropriate to topic, use lighting that does not need to be plugged in

CAREFULLY PROOFREAD EVERYTHING BEFORE YOU PUT IT ON YOUR BOARD

• Be able to move and change things on your board until you've gotten feedback