Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia

Riggs Ward Design partnered with the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia to create In Pursuit of Freedom, Justice, and Equality, the museum’s inaugural exhibition. Centered on the theme of resistance, the exhibit explores the experiences of Black Virginians through immersive environments, interpretive graphics, and nine unique interactive media experiences. The project scope included research, content development, text and media creation, exhibit design, graphic design, audiovisual planning, and full production documentation.

Each interactive was developed to complement a physical exhibit element, creating a holistic approach to learning about Black history. A key feature is the sculptural Emancipation Oak, designed to evoke the historic tree in Hampton, Virginia where the Emancipation Proclamation was first read in the state and where Mary S. Peake taught African Americans to read. Beneath its canopy, visitors explore personal emancipation stories through an engaging digital interactive.

The exhibition also includes a Civil Rights interactive that highlights individuals who advocated for change during the movement. After exploring these stories, visitors are invited to respond to a series of reflection questions that encourage deeper engagement. Throughout the space, tactile materials, intuitive media, and thoughtful design choices work together to make complex history accessible, meaningful, and memorable for all audiences.