6 EXHIBIT PREPARATION

6.1 Inner Sleeping Chamber

Unfortunately, the conservators do not have final say in exhibit preparation. During the backing process, the sides were separated from the top, as was the original state of the marquee. A wooden frame, with two coats of shellac on the outside surfaces, was constructed to support the reinforced fabric from underneath. The backing fabric of the roof section was extended one inch beyond the edge of the historic fabric. This permitted the backing fabric to be stretched over the frame and fixed into place with nichrome staples without intruding on the historic fabric. A two-inch wide cotton tape was fitted with brass hooks every six inches and fixed to the frame around the edge of the roof. Cotton rope was stitched to the backing allowance left on the top of the side panels. The sides were hung on the frame in whatever position necessary. This arrangement simulated the historic hook and eye method which allowed the door to be placed wherever desired.

6.2 Dining Marquee Lining

Reproduction brass hooks were made and sewn to the linen tape where the originals were missing. The remaining iron hooks were degreased and waxed with 180� F microcrystalline wax. An oval frame was constructed from aluminum tubing, then covered with cloth tape. The oval frame was suspended from the ceiling. The historic lining was laid over this frame and held in place by stitching with linen thread over each hook, then around the frame. Tentative plans were made to put a mock outer marquee over this lining.

The new visitor center was opened on March 28, 1976 (Figure 8).

Fig. 8. Inner sleeping chamber and dining marquee on exhibit at the Yorktown Visitors' Center