Foreword

This exhibition highlights signs seen in Evansville and other locales primarily from the early to mid-20th century. Most of the signs promoted businesses by highlighting their products and services while others provided public service messages. There are examples of several types of signs both in terms of message and medium within this exhibition.

Signs of various types whether they be advertising signs road signs warning signs or of another variety are everywhere in our daily lives. Dating to ancient times and found on stones and in caves signs evolved through the centuries designating town markets in places such as ancient Egypt Rome and Greece. In the Middle Ages merchants made signs for their stores in ever growing colors. During the industrial revolution signs were mass produced with electric and neon signs gaining popularity in the 20th century. Today digital signs and many other types are ubiquitous as this form of mass communication continues to play an ever-present role in our daily lives.

Sign Examples from the Exhibitions