INSPIRE
INSPIRE
INSPIRE
INSPIRE
INSPIRE
INSPIRE
INSPIRE
Kids to learn...
InfoAge Scientists:
Michael Faraday
William Thompson (Lord Kelvin)
James Maxwell
George Stokes
Heinrich Hertz
Oliver Lodge
George F. FitGerald
John Poynting
Lord Rayleigh
Ernst Alexanderson
Edwin H. Armstrong
Alexander Graham Bell
and more....
|
|
Executive Summary
Introduction
The 1990 Base Realignment and Closure Act (BRAC), Public Law 101-510,
requires the closing of the Evans Subpost of Fort Monmouth, located in
Wall Township, New Jersey, and realignment of essential missions to other
installations. The Local Redevelopment Agency (LRA) named the
Marconi Park Complex Advisory Committee (MPCAC) was formed in January 1994
under the authority of the Wall Township Committee. On January 24,
1996 the Wall Township Committee adopted the Reuse Master Plan prepared
by the MPCAC. This paper overviews the museum/learning center envisioned
in the development of the Marconi Park Complex Reuse Plan. The Information
Age Learning Center (Infoage), a not-for-profit corporation was established
in 1998 with the express purpose of preserving Areas B and C of Camp Evans
and creatively reusing the site as a Science-History center. In March
of 2000 the New Jersey Historic Commission review board approved Areas
B and C as a New Jersey Historic District.
Purpose and Need
This learning center will provide a focal point for the preservation
and interpretation of New Jersey’s rich communications, computer and electronic
history while acting as a specialized learning center for Monmouth County
families and school children. This represents the best possible reuse,
preservation, and educational leverage of these historic facilities established
by the Marconi Wireless Telegraph Company of America. This site,
best known as a Marconi Wireless Station, has historical significance in
WWI, then much greater significance as a Top Secret center for U.S. Army
Signal Corps Radar, Electronic Warfare and communications development.
During the Signal Corps’ tenure at Evans major contributions were made
to the U.S. Space Program, satellite program, transistor industry, computer
industry and America’s creation of the electronic battlefield. The
tri-state area is well served with the best science centers and museums
in the nation. This unique center will act as an extension of the
content of these centers focusing on the specialized history, technologies,
and basic science behind information age sciences and presenting these
topics in depth. The center will also serve the many professional
and volunteer service organizations focused on radio, electronics, communications
and science education. The center will provide a platform to maximize
their ability to serve the public and work together toward the common goal
of science education and historic preservation.
SCOPE
This overview addresses the mission, audience and technology focus
of the center. It also reviews the unique history and facilities
at Camp Evans. In addition, how the existing facilities will allow
major cost reductions in developing this center and why a hands-on interactive
center is appropriate. An appendix lists resources used in preparation
of this overview and historical works reviewed relating to Camp Evans.
The development timetable, capital plan, funding plan, renovation plans,
intellectual content outline, outreach programs, funding plan and equal
access provisions will be addressed in other works.
|
