Making Things Move with 507movements.com

In a fantastic "back to the future" moment, the fine folks at the 507movements.com website have created a wonderful resource for any maker, designer, or builder that makes things that move.

Basically, they've created a Web version of the classic technical reference Five Hundred and Seven Mechanical Movements by Henry T. Brown. (The original printed edition came out in 1868!)

As the title of both the original book and the website suggests, here are five hundred and seven drawings of mechanical movements -- from two simple gears meshing to a labyrinthine collection of intricate pulley arrangements.

The beauty of the website is that they are now animating each of the 507 drawings so you can see the mechanisms in action!

Definitely worth a look (and worth bookmarking for future reference!) so click on over to the 507movements.com website to see the entire collection!

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Paul Orselli writes the posts on ExhibiTricks. Paul likes to combine interesting people, ideas, and materials to make exhibits (and entire museums!) with his company POW! (Paul Orselli Workshop, Inc.) Let's work on a project together!

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Cool Museum/Exhibit/Design Tool -- Old Maps Online

Old maps are super handy for explaining the concepts and stories embedded in history-related exhibits.

Unfortunately, it's often difficult to find just the right map to illustrate an idea or provide context.

Enter the website Old Maps Online, which is effectively a search engine for historical maps.

Just pick a location or browse the available maps on the OMO website to get started.

Old Maps Online indexes over 400.000 maps, thanks to the archives and libraries that are willing to provide their content online.

Go unleash your inner cartographer by clicking over to the Old Maps Online website!

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Paul Orselli writes the posts on ExhibiTricks. Paul likes to combine interesting people, ideas, and materials to make exhibits (and entire museums!) with his company POW! (Paul Orselli Workshop, Inc.) Let's work on a project together!

If you enjoy the blog, you can help keep it free to read and free from ads by supporting ExhibiTricks through our PayPal "Tip Jar"

Creative Inspiration -- MonkeyBird

As I recently returned from a trip to Springfield, Massachusetts which has a surprisingly vibrant urban murals scene, I was prompted to share the work of MonkeyBird.

MonkeyBird is the working name of French stencil artists, Louis Boidron and Edouard Egea.

If you have a limited view of the artistic potential of stencil work, just take a look at the wonderful images here and more of MonkeyBird's amazing work on their Instagram page.

After seeing some of Monkeybird's work, I'm inspired to think of ways to include stencil artists in my programs and exhibition work. How about you?

Don't miss out on any ExhibiTricks posts! It's easy to get updates via email or your favorite news reader. Just click the "Sign up for Free ExhibiTricks Blog Updates" link on the upper right side of the blog.

Paul Orselli writes the posts on ExhibiTricks. Paul likes to combine interesting people, ideas, and materials to make exhibits (and entire museums!) with his company POW! (Paul Orselli Workshop, Inc.) Let's work on a project together!

If you enjoy the blog, you can help keep it free to read and free from ads by supporting ExhibiTricks through our PayPal "Tip Jar"