I agree with Christian.  One of the greatest benefits to being a small
historical society is your flexibility- why would you want your labels
to last for decades?  I have worked at many small history venues
(museums, living history centers, and historic homes) and all of them
updated labels every couple of years, as exhibits were revised or new
information was acquired.
At the very least, I would recommend making an inexpensive paper/
foamboard version and trying the labels out for a year or so.  Often
visitors find typos or inaccuracies or point out clarifications that
need to be made.  These suggestions should be solicited and
incorporated before you spend money on something more "permanent".
The last thing you want is an expensive label that people don't
understand...
Just my opinion.
-Casandra

On 3/21/12, "Verlag Dr. C. Müller-Straten" <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> Hi, Dan,
>
> just some general remarks. The main question is: why your museum insists
> on display labels lasting for decades? Is it because of the assumed
> costs? There are many systems which look nice and are not expensive. The
> basis should always be your data on your computer. Do not use any
> systems which stores data only at a graphic studio (where it is deleted
> after production). Once safed these data on your computer, you can
> change the content whenever it is needed. As you will probably make use
> of some kind of specific lights, choose a surface which does not reflect
> light (no plexi glass labelling systems). And take mixed letters, good
> contrast against the fond, and use a character hight which makes relaxed
> reading, also for elderly persons. Avoid all systems which might topple
> down when the showcase vibrates.
>
> Best
>
>
> Christian
>
>
> Am 21.03.2012 12:43, schrieb Dan Ferguson:
>> I am relatively new to the field and doing some work for a small
>> historical society.  We are interested in making new text labels for our
>> display objects.  I’ve worked before with standard foam core
>> board/paper/spray glue style but this institution is looking to create
>> something that will last as they said “decades” and I don’t think the
>> standard foam core board will and we don’t want to have to keep redoing
>> them every few years.  The building goes through a hot/cold cycle as the
>> building is closed for the winter.  It was mentioned to me by a friend in
>> the field to use sintra board with a laminate covering.  I am wondering if
>> anyone has any thoughts on this material, having never worked with it
>> before.  Or, any other suggestions for long term label making?
>>
>> Thanks in advance,
>> Dan
>> Clarks Trading Post&  White Mountain Railroad Museums
>>
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