FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 19, 2010
Contact: Kate Bieg
215.685.4827 office 610.730.1532 cell
kate.bieg@philadelphiahistory.org
ATWATER KENT MUSEUM ANNOUNCES NEW IDENTITY AND BRAND DURING TRANSFORMATIVE YEAR
Collection initiatives, building renovations, and rebranding project spearheaded by
Executive Director and CEO Viki Sand lead city history museum into a sustainable future
(Philadelphia, PA)— To clearly communicate its 70-year-old mission, the Atwater Kent Museum is unveiling a new identity and logo today. The museum will now be known publicly as the Philadelphia History Museum at the Atwater Kent. The rebranding and marketing effort is one of three major initiatives that over the past decade have transformed Philadelphia's history museum. In addition, the museum is completing a $5.8 million renovation of the Museum Building at 15 South 7th Street and has opened an off-site Collection Research Center for its collection numbering nearly 100,000 items reflecting the lives of Philadelphians from the 1680s to today.
Beginning in Fall 2008, rebranding experts at the Philadelphia-based firm 160over90 explored the possibility of moving forward under a new public identity that continues to recognize the founder, radio pioneer A. Atwater Kent. Through research, including current and potential audiences and discussions with key stakeholders, the agency created an identity to clearly present the purpose of the organization for contemporary visitors and the general public. The new identity and brand reference the past, with the incorporation of William Penn's grid for the city, while exhibiting a contemporary look and feel through the use of a custom font and a fresh color palette.
"Embarking on a complete renovation at the historic Museum Building presented an ideal opportunity to rethink how the museum promotes itself," said Viki Sand, Executive Director and CEO. "At the recommendation of marketing professionals, the city's tourism leadership, and public officials, we are unveiling a new identity that clearly reflects the museum's mission for this new time," said Sand. "As the city history museum, our goal has been to offer visitors engaging, immersive insights into our shared human experience as viewed through the unique lens of Philadelphia city history. Just as our exhibits and programming present issues that resonate with contemporary urban life, our new logo reflects a similar perspective.
"We applaud the Philadelphia History Museum's new identity and logo design for its fresh, contemporary look, and for clearly identifying the purpose of the museum within the name. In this competitive environment, clarity is important for those of us who promote the rich cultural life of Philadelphia," stated Meryl Levitz, President and CEO, Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation.
The founding of the city history museum by City Ordinance in 1938 coincided with the 150th anniversary of the signing of the United States Constitution in Philadelphia. The effort brought together City officials and preservation leaders to secure the original home of the Franklin Institute at 15 South 7th Street, designed by John Haviland in 1826. A. Atwater Kent, one of the world's great radio inventors and manufacturers, agreed to save the building on the condition that it be used as a city history museum, be free to the public, and carry his name. On April 19, 1941, the Atwater Kent Museum was formally dedicated in ceremonies attended by the mayor and over 100 city officials.
Since its founding, the Philadelphia History Museum at the Atwater Kent has been a partner in the Public History movement, collaborating with academic and cultural organizations to present in exhibitions and public programs the history of the city in ways that reflect the daily lives and issues of all Philadelphians. Now recognized as having the premier collection of Philadelphia material culture, its holdings have increased by 13,000 items over the past decade to include the Art and Artifact Collection of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania and Philadelphia-related material from the Balch Institute for Ethnic Studies and the Insurance Company of North America (CIGNA) along with individual items.
"Everyone associated with the Atwater Kent is proud of the museum's heritage. We applaud the vision of Atwater Kent to save an architectural treasure and create a city history museum dedicated to telling the story of daily life of working men and women. We believe that promoting the museum as the Philadelphia History Museum at the Atwater Kent satisfies both the continued recognition of the family's role in preserving the Museum Building, while clearly identifying the purpose of the organization for contemporary visitors and the general public," said Sand.
In 2010, the Philadelphia History Museum is continuing to work with 160over90 to carry through the new brand on the museum Web site. The site is being designed as an interactive Philadelphia history resource providing curriculum-based material for Philadelphia students and residents as well as for a national audience of history enthusiasts, students, educators, and tourists.
A formal brand unveiling event will take place on Friday, February 12, 2010 at 210 West Washington Square at 8:30 a.m. Press is invited to attend. Please contact Kate Bieg to RSVP: kate.bieg@philadelphiahistory.org or 215.685.4827.
To read more about the creation of the new Philadelphia History Museum at the Atwater Kent logo, see the blog of 160over90: http://www.160over90.com/blog/2010/02/03/the-philadelphia-history-museum/
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About the Atwater Kent Museum of Philadelphia
For over 70 years the Atwater Kent Museum has been collecting and interpreting the stories of Philadelphia's 300 year history. The collection numbers over 100,000 objects, paintings, and photographs, revealing the rich historical legacy of one of the country's great cities. The Museum Building, designed and built by John Haviland in 1826 for the Franklin Institute, is currently undergoing the first major renovation since the 1940s. To be completed in 2010, the renovated facility will include an interactive exhibition surveying Philadelphia's development, new galleries for temporary and long-term exhibitions, and a "behind the scenes" collection study center for individual visitors and student groups. The museum is supported by the City of Philadelphia, other federal and state agencies, private foundations, and individual contributions. For continuing exhibition and program information, updates on museum renovations, and membership details, call 215.685.4830 or visit www.philadelphiahistory.org.
About 160over90
160over90 is a branding agency headquartered in Philadelphia that provides companies with integrated marketing solutions to help solve business challenges in the areas of branding, design, advertising, interactive, public relations, and photography. 160over90's client list includes: American Eagle Outfitters, And 1, Herman Miller, Dansko, SONY, De'Longhi, and Michigan State University. www.160over90.com.
