University of North Texas at Dallas

November 1963

In November 1963, Lee Harvey Oswald was America’s most notorious criminal. Arrested for the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, he was taken to Dallas Police Department in Old City Hall—a key location in one of the most publicized events in American history. Less than 48 hours later, he was killed there.

We worked with the University of North Texas to tell the assassination story from a new angle and spark dialogue about the constantly evolving relationship between law enforcement and the press.

At a Glance

  1. Complete exhibit design; in progress AV production, fabrication, and installation
  2. Seamless integration of period-specific objects and AV experiences
  3. High-level strategy around institutional functions and visitor access
  4. Approved by Texas Historic Commission for installation in a National Register of Historic Places building
  5. Coordination and alignment of over a dozen stakeholder groups

Showing over telling.

Rather than using words to describe the events in November 1963, we used actual historic footage, custom 3D models, and CSI-like interactive elements to give visitors an understanding of the investigation of Lee Harvey Oswald and the media frenzy that surrounded his case.

The best of both worlds.

The seamless blend of physical and digital elements helped visitors follow the multiple storylines that took place during this critical 48-hour period in history while emphasizing the methods—and technological limitations—of law enforcement in the 1960s.

The best of both worlds.

The seamless blend of physical and digital elements helped visitors follow the multiple storylines that took place during this critical 48-hour period in history while emphasizing the methods—and technological limitations—of law enforcement in the 1960s.

A keen eye on impact.

Just as time was critical to the Dallas story, it also played a key role in the exhibit process. Our project manager coordinated with more than 12 parties—including several high-level institutional players and politicians—to ensure content reviews, infrastructure updates, and the final installation were completed with minimal disruption to a functioning law school. 

Rave Reviews:

  • “Split Rock Studios was able to take all our ideas and develop them into an amazing story to share with our visitors. The team is very creative, fun to work with, and most importantly, showed a willingness to learn the subject they are creating and designing.”

    Melissa Bender, Director of Education and Programming, Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center

  • “Every aspect of the exhibits has been produced to a very high level of detail and finish, and to a person, the SRS team has been a pleasure to work with.”

    Brad Richie, National Park Service

  • “Please extend our sincere appreciation for the painstaking, methodical, and detail-oriented work that went into the restoration of our dioramas. They have played a central role in the museum for over 75 years, and your team really breathed new life into them. Future generations will benefit from your expertise and care.”

    Denise Young, Ed.D, Executive Director, Bell Museum

  • “We (the SMSC) are forever grateful for you helping us tell our story through Dakota eyes, especially at a time when perhaps our people didn’t have a voice.”

    Andrew Vig, Member, Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC)

  • “Split Rock Studios seemed to genuinely enjoy learning our history so they could help us share it in the best possible way. I can’t begin to tell you how many compliments we get from visitors about the quality and content of the exhibits. We are extremely happy with the results.”

    Sandy (Lampereur) Orsted, Treasurer, Belgian Heritage Center

  • “I have already recommended Split Rock to others in my field who are looking to add to or expand their exhibits. We had a truly wonderful experience working with everyone at Split Rock. Everyone is so creative, has lots of energy and a fun sense of humor. Keep up the amazing work you do!”

    Margaret Gazdacka, Facility Supervisor & Naturalist at Red Oak Nature Center

  • “The installation crew was so easy to work with. They were professional, detail-oriented, personable, and left the space cleaner than when they arrived.”

    Kacie Carlson, Northwest Regional Naturalist, MN DNR

  • “Split Rock Studios was a pleasure to work with and we are thrilled with the end result of our collaboration.”

    Jill Hill, Executive Director, River Legacy Foundation

  • “We wouldn’t think of looking elsewhere.”

    Anne Klenke, Adventure Tourism Director, Visit Lake Charles

  • "10/10. Split Rock did an outstanding job throughout the entire project from design to implementation! I would highly recommend them."

    David Laskey, Director of Enterprise Efficiencies and Facilities Management, Second Harvest Heartland

  • "Working with Split Rock’s team was like working with a long-time friend - easy, comfortable, and supportive! Organized, detail-oriented, and resourceful, their working style meshed well with our museum staff’s and supported a strong, confident, and mutually productive partnership. We whole-heartedly recommend Split Rock Studios!"

    Teresa Armour, Exhibitions Manager, Museum of York County

  • "Split Rock Studios have gone above and beyond to help us implement interactive exhibits into our Dragoon Trace Nature Center. From the initial project discussions and design work, to the completed creation, Split Rock Studios employees are beyond compare in customer care and product quality."

    Kate Zimmerman, Director, Ringgold County Conservation

  • "The people, visitors, artists, and primarily educators and children are thrilled by the quality of the design, content, and images in the exhibits. Even professional translators and academics have come to us and expressed their appreciation for what we did. I truly appreciate your cultural sensitivity, depth of knowledge, and patience as we worked with the smallest of details to make sure the message was clear and direct. ¡Muchas gracias!"

    Pablo Llerandi Román, Natural Resource Education Specialist, US Forest Service, El Yunque National Forest

  • "Split Rock Studios heard what we wanted and did a great job putting those ideas into the design, construction and install. Always accessible for questions and quick to respond to changes or issues. Gotta love common sense and they had it. SRS was one of only two contractors that we didn’t have to push or prod to get our project on track. They are an honest, hardworking company with great staff."

    Lonnie Hebl, Executive Manager, Oxbow Park & Zollman Zoo