Accession Number: 2003.185.71
Description: The plaster diorama shows painted figures of Samuel de Champlain, standing at back left, and another man, who is partially visible at front right, on a rocky river bank with a wood and leather travois-like device at front left. A background of a winding river and trees is painted on cardboard. The diorama is displayed in a wood case, painted black, with a top-hinged lid that can be propped open, and is viewed through a front glass-enclosed opening. The back panel of the case is hinged at the bottom and can be fastened at the top with a metal hook (hook is missing). A paper label with black lettering is glued to the top of the lid and reads "Champlain Established Trading Post, 17th Century" and is numbered D-11. "WPA, Kentucky Museum Project" appears within a shield design on the front left of the case. A Kentucky School for the Blind property label with number 107192 is attached to the top left of the case. Diorama was made by Works Progress Administration employees as part of a museum education project and was used at the Kentucky School for the Blind. Small section of plaster is missing from Champlain's right arm; wood piece which props up the lid is missing.
Date Made: ca. 1940
Collection: KSB Collection
History/Provenance: KSB Collection
Credit Line: Gift of the Kentucky School for the Blind, 2003.185
Subjects: History. Instructional aids, tools, and supplies. North America. Trading posts.
Dimension Notes: 9 x 12 3/4 x 9 1/2 in.
Made: Kentucky Museum Project, WPA
Material: Plaster, wood, leather, glass, cardboard
Updated: 06/24/2021
