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Table of Contents Proposal Objectives The Team Tour Experience Walkthrough Social Media Campaign Appendix – Detailed Tour Script Florida State University 636 West Call Street Tallahassee, Florida 32306-1124 The Claude Pepper Center is open 9AM to 5PM Monday through Friday. To contact the Claude Pepper Library or to set up an appointment to view the Museum, Please contact Robert Rubero at (850) 644-9217.
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Objectives – why did we choose to do this in this way? First and foremost, the experience is meant to be both entertaining and engaging for guests of all types - educating visitors about the life and legacy of Claude Pepper. This experience would necessitate an after-hours event, which the museum doesn’t currently have, allowing for design of further opportunities during regular hours without taking up that time. The target audience for this, largely, is a quite a bit younger than regular OLLI crowd that populates the space at present, centering on a typically child-like “pajama party” theme. However, care has been taken not to exclude anyone of any age who might want to attend. The tone and message of this tour experience should be both lighthearted and relatable, with the user leaving feeling more engaged and having had fun at the museum, as compared to what is usually assumed to be an academic and dry atmosphere within that type of space.
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The Team – Methods behinf the madness... JUSTYN THOMAS (BRANDING & DESIGN)
Justyn Thomas is a Senior Design student at FSU with extensive knowelage in advertising, design, web development, photography, and branding. Justyn has worked with various agencies and corporations. Justyn researched, pitchched, branded and designed the print and interactice elements of the project.
COLE MOORE (COPYWRITING)
Cole wrote the script used for the tour, and also conducted research into Pepper’s life to produce the script. He played Claude Pepper for the purposes of the tour, and helped conceive the concept of the pajama party and implement it’s details by assisting group members (helped Criss create content for the manual, and helped Justyn formulate a social media campaign). Acquired props for the experience --old books, washcloth, pajamas--as well as refreshments for the guests. CRISS WOOTTON (VISIAL COMMUNICATION)
Criss is a fourth-year Studio Art major at Florida State University, focusing in Public Art & Architectural Art. His background is primarily in printmaking and sculpture. During the process of this project, Criss spearheaded development of the final manual, facilitating collection and organization of the multiple parts of the final proposal.
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JAMES OWENS (HOSTS)
James is a Studio Art Major from Tallahassee Florida with a focus area in drawing and a minor in art history. He has experience in producing artistic renditions and graphic design. He produced props for the tour, an old bottle, a blanket and a glasses case. He aided in the writing of the script and played the role of host for the tour.
TAKIYAH LOVE (HOSTS)
Takiyah Love is a Studio Art Major with a minor in Communications, focusing in Graphic Design. She has experience in Text-Based Media. She helped produced props for the tour: toothbrush, washcloth, teddy bear, blankets. She collaborated with the group with the tour, and also played a Role of being a host for the tour.
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Tour Experience – PePartypper Pajama MATERIALS Costuming for “Claude” – bathrobe, pajamas, etc. Hidden items (picture?) Toothbrush Face cloth Glasses case Bottle of medicine/oil jar Teddy bear Script for “Claude” Diary for Claude to read Logbook “diary” to record guest experience Blankets, sleeping bags, pillows – props Refreshments OUTLINE OF TOUR (FULLY DETAILED VERSION LOCATED IN APPENDIX) Before arrival: Suggested RSVP on constructed Facebook event page(s) – gauge attendance beforehand Suggest parking in nearby faculty lots, or in Call St. Garage, a short walk away Check-in in lobby, similar to OLLI events During visit: Introduction from staff in lobby, led in through double doors into museum area, where actor “Claude” is waiting (Possible suggestion, look for volunteer actors within the school of theatre or history majors?) 6 |Tour Manual Claude Pepper Museum & Library
Claude introduces himself, welcomes everyone to the “pajama party” Claude explains why his items are hidden throughout the museum (blames the dog from the diorama) and leads the group through the sections of the museum Claude reflects on past accomplishments throughout the tour, in order to keep focused on the social goals he wants to accomplish. Tour ends in the large central area, where pillows and blanket props are set up (make sure courtroom motion sensor speech is turned off) Claude then collects the “lost” items, if any have been found, and pulls out his diary to read excerpts from (pulled from online transcripts of his actual diary) Thanks the tour group for visiting and spending time with him. Within script, asks for guests to sign logbook and record their experiences in the museum. Offers the guests refreshments, and hang out for a few minutes until the guests want to leave After leaving: Give “trading cards” to guests as takeaways (picture?) Engage with social media – call to agtion: “post your experience with at Pepper’s Pajama Party” Claude Pepper Museum & Library Tour Manual | 7
Social Media Campaign Objectives Boost awareness, in order to facilitate attendance Provide a way for the public to engage with the museum while mobile Host RSVP event pages for tours Extend the Museum past the physical space, and into the virtual sphere of social media Use hashtags to engage modern trends, bringing Claude Pepper’s positions and focus on issues (most of which are still relevant) to those that might not already know Periodically post information detailing specific stations and exhibit points from the museum tour, still-relevant issues, such as living wage, equal rights, etc. Quotes, ie. “What have I done today…?” Update Facebook page, staff it with someone to make posts and respond to questions Also make companion Twitter and Instagram profiles, possible to post to all 3 at once Send out event invites/make event pages for after-hour tours (base for RSVP) 8 |Tour Manual Claude Pepper Museum & Library
Post pictures of the interior of the space, which are currently hard to find – make it easier to understand what the space is like before visiting
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“Pepper’s Pajama Party” Script General layout: Greeter (James) welcome/opening remarks Claude Pepper introduction Early Life (hidden item: toothbrush) Important Issues (hidden item: washcloth) Service as Senator (hidden item: teddy bear) Loss to Smathers (hidden item: glasses cases) Service as Congressman (hidden item: oil jar) Journal Reading Lighten the Burden Food and Conversation Social Media Campaign Presentation 1. James and Takiyah wait in the lobby for guests to arrive. Their attire is business professional. As guests start to enter from the front doors, they each take turns addressing guests, using the same general script: James/Takiyah: Hello (guest’s name)! Welcome to Claude Pepper’s Pajama Party! We are glad you could join us this evening. Claude should be ready in just a couple of minutes, so we will begin the party shortly. If you need restrooms or water you can find them at the end of the hall to your right. If you have any bags or other items, Criss can take them to the back for you. (Criss introduces himself, helps with bags as needed). James/Takiyah: (as guests begin to notice Claude’s car, some information to include in conversation:) When Pepper used the car (refer to sign) His service in the House of representatives during the time he owned the car. Why is one tire white and one yellow? Ask if guests no anyone with a car like this/have they ever been in one, etc. James/Takiyah: (after all guests have arrived:) It looks like everyone made it ok, and Claude should be ready to start the party now! Let’s head inside and start the party! 2. Claude (Cole): Hello everyone! Welcome to my pajama party! I’m glad everyone could take the time to visit the Pepper Center for this special event. My name is Claude Denson Pepper, and I absolutely love throwing these PJ parties and meeting all the wonderful people who attend. Before we get ready for the fun, what is everyone’s names? 10 |Tour Manual Claude Pepper Museum & Library
(ask each person name, individually; repeat name for all, add “it’s nice to meet you”, etc.) Claude: It’s very nice to meet you all! Before I go to sleep, I usually like to reflect on who I am and what I’ve done--I like to think about how my actions have affected those around me who may not have the same freedoms or luxuries that I have. Reflecting back on my past actions helps me keep my current goals in mind--goals like social equality among all races and genders, and equal pay for equal work. These are important issues even today, and reviewing my past experiences helps me prepare for new ones that tomorrow might bring. But of course, I can’t go to sleep without getting ready for bed! This is a PJ party after all! My dog (gesture to dog in diorama) likes to take my personal items and hide them all over the center. Tonight I’m missing my toothbrush, my medicine bottle, my teddy bear, my glasses case, and my facecloth; so if you see any of those items lying around somewhere during the party let me know, so I can get ready for bed! 3. Claude: (Front of exhibit, near diorama at entrance): I was born on Sept. 8th, 1900, in Chambers County, Alabama. My parents were sharecroppers, so growing up I had a firsthand experience of working-class America. I used to recite Bible verses to anyone who who would listen for extra change--even then people thought I might make a good orator. Is there anything you (audience) enjoyed doing when you were young that had a strong effect on who you are now? (Discuss with guests how this affects what we become). Claude: Eventually I enrolled in the University of Alabama, and then upon graduation attended Harvard Law School. I began my career as a politician when I was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 1928. After practicing privately for 5 years starting in 1931, I was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1936 as a Floridian Senator. Claude: (On finding the toothbrush) Thanks for finding that for me! Can you hold on to that while we look for the other items? 4. Claude: (Moving to the annex room) There is a lot going on in the world today, and I can’t say I’m surprised that many of today’s issues were injustices I battled during my career. Championing workers rights, achieving racial and gender equality, and increasing globalization were all important goals for me. I was a large supporter of the “Fair Labor Standards Act”, which passed in 1938 and introduced both the 40 hour workweek and a national minimum wage. I worked closely with the Jewish Claude Pepper Museum & Library Tour Manual | 11
community and supported the creation of a Jewish state before WWII. I was a huge supporter of universal healthcare legislation as well. In the late 1940s, I even promoted a healthy relationship between the U.S. and the Soviet Union. What are some important issues today facing America? What is important to you? Why do you think these issues are still important today? (It’s important for Claude to engage in these discussions somewhat at length, so the audience feels involved and comfortable. Ask questions without yes/no answers! Use individual names!) Claude (upon finding washcloth): Thank very much for finding that! That dog of mine sure likes to cause trouble. Can you hold on to that for a little longer? I promise it’s never been used! 5. Claude: (moving to the campaign car, and eventually to the effigy) I’ll be honest with you, I really enjoyed representing Florida in the U.S. Senate. I served from 1936 to 1950, and enjoyed every minute of that service. I even enjoyed campaigning, mostly because I got to drive this beauty right here! I assume you all know by now that I love my cars, and this one here was one of my favorites. This car used to be red actually--people called me “red pepper”--but I’ve since painted it black. Going door to door was something I enjoyed; I liked meeting hard working Floridians, because it kept my humanitarian goals clear. While in the Senate I heavily supported New Deal legislation--Franklin Delano Roosevelt was one of my biggest idols during my career. The Great Depression had made life extremely difficult for many Floridians, but I was thankful I was in a position to help my fellow Americans out of tough times through this legislation. Was there ever a time where you were in a position to aid those who could not aid themselves? Were you afraid to let them down? How did you help? (Be loose here. The friendlier Claude seems, the more likely his stories will be believable and partiers will participate. Make a joke about having 6 pictures of FDR.) Claude: (moving towards effigy) Sadly, politics is a tough game. In 1940 I was a strong supporter of the Lend-Lease Act, the legislation that enable the U.S. to provide weapons and goods to Allies before we entered WWII. Most of us knew the war would eventually require direct U.S. action, but many people were upset at our growing involvement. After learning of my support of Lend-Lease, many mothers gathered on Capitol Hill and hung me in effigy. They were worried that their sons would be shipped off to fight a war that, at the time, did not directly involve U.S. safety. Though I had upset mothers and daughters all over the country, I was only trying to do what I felt was right for our country and our foreign allies. Has there 12 |Tour Manual Claude Pepper Museum & Library
ever been a time when your mother stood up for you in a tense situation? Have you ever upset a group of people while trying to the right thing for everyone? Claude: (upon finding teddy bear) Ah, there it is! I’ve always loved this bear--it reminds me of my mother and all the kindness she showed towards me growing up. You can hang on to it for a little bit longer. 6. Claude (moving towards “Redneck Speech”): Alas, my career in the Senate was not as long as I would have liked. A man I once considered a friend, George Smathers, campaigned hard for my Senate seat in 1950, at the direct request of President Truman. It was a long and bitter campaign. Rumors began to circulate of a speech he was using in rural parts of Florida--a speech that used windy and confusing language to dupe voters into voting against me. Many of the words allegedly used weren’t negative at all, but his context allowed them to be perceived as such. (Do the word activity on the wall. Ask guests what “thespian” means, etc. Have fun, but be more somber here to indicate the effect the slander had on Pepper) Claude: I lost the Senate seat in 1950, and it wasn’t really close. Smathers succeeded me, and I return to private practice for about 13 years. Has someone ever gone behind your back--someone you considered a friend? Were you ever friends with them again? How did this false information affect your public life? Claude (upon finding glasses case): I knew it was around here somewhere. Funny that the case was missing and not the glasses themselves! (Joke around. It IS a pj party) 7. Claude (moving over to the office room): Here is where all the magic happened! Thankfully after my loss to Smathers, my political career wasn’t over. I was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1962, representing a newly created district around the city of Miami. I served in the House for over 25 years, sitting on various committees. One of my favorite positions I ever held was chair of the House Select Committee on Aging, which I began in 1977. Through this committee I became an important liaison for the elderly; I helped abolish mandatory retirement age, and in the 1980s I also reformed the social security system to better suit the long lifespan of Americans. I keep all these pictures on the walls to remind me of why I do what I do. Constituents, friends, and family line these walls, and I always made sure to never forget the people I fought my entire life to assist. What inspires you to pursue your goals? Does anyone have more pictures in their office than me? Has there been a time where you stepped away from your passion, only to return? Claude Pepper Museum & Library Tour Manual | 13
Claude (on finding snake oil): There’s that oil! Some of my colleagues make fun of me for using this, but I find it opens the sinuses excellently! (or something cheesy, but not offensive). 8. Claude (walks over to the center of the exhibit): Well thank you all for joining me on this trip down memory lane, and for helping me find my bedtime items! Sometimes as a little bit of light reading I enjoy perusing my old diary entries. I sure was rowdy back when I was a Senator! I have enjoyed hearing all of your stories, so I thought you might like to hear one of mine--of the record, of course. I’m sure you understand. (Pepper reads an interesting but not offensive journal entry) 9. I think I’m just about ready for bed. The very last thing I do every night is ask myself a simple question: “What have I done today to lighten the burden of those who suffer?” If I can answer that question truthfully, than I know that I have made good on the day and on those who need help. I’ve been thinking of keeping a diary of all of my “lightened burdens”, and I’ve enjoyed our party so much, I want to open up my diary to all of you. “What have you done today”--or this week, or this month, or what have you seen people do--”to lighten the burden of those who suffer?” I encourage you all to write that down in this diary so that I can have plenty of ideas on how to help my fellow Americans. (Guests write in book, located next to “Pepper Speech” display) 10. Claude: Well, maybe asking myself that question isn’t the VERY last thing I do! I think we’ve all earned a night-time snack, if I do say so myself! (James and Takiyah wheel in the cookies and milk. Claude encourages guests to sit on the blankets, eat, and talk amongst themselves. Pepper joins them, answering questions as asked. At some point we break the 4th wall and head to the back for the social media presentations.) End.
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