Mound House board approves exhibit rearrangement to improve visitor flow

The Mound House advisory board voted unanimously Feb. 26 to approve a staff proposal to rearrange exhibits and visitor amenities at the museum in Fort Myers Beach.

The plan, presented by Karina Britas, the museum manager, moves the donation and comment boxes into the museum store so they appear at the end of tours, relocates timeline and bi‑fold panels to the orientation gallery and brings a historic artifact case from the second floor down to the orientation room. Karina said the changes are intended to "provide an excellent summary of the history" visitors learn on a visit and to improve exhibit flow and accessibility.

Board members discussed logistics, including where projection equipment and portable screens would be used and whether display cases could be made mobile so talks and lectures can still take place. Karina told the board staff will ensure the orientation room retains sufficient space for education programs and that relocations will accommodate tour groups and field trips.

A member moved to approve the proposal presented by Karina; another member seconded, and the chair announced the motion "passes unanimously." Board minutes note the preparator/maintenance staff and exhibition team will manage installation and Karina said she will oversee the work and provide placement measurements and timelines.

The board also asked staff to refine exhibit text and provide numbered, paginated proposals so members and the public can easily review the proposed before/after layouts before installation begins. Work on the first phase — moving panel materials and donation stations — will begin once logistics are finalized and display case measurements are confirmed.