200 Years, 200 Stories

Riggs Ward Design developed an immersive and interactive experience for 200 Years, 200 Stories, creating a dynamic exhibit that brings Virginia’s complex history to life through compelling media, storytelling, and hands-on engagement. The exhibit was designed to present a broad view of the lives of Virginians from many backgrounds, connecting visitors with both well-known figures and those whose stories are often overlooked.

The gallery combines immersive projection, traditional displays, and layered narrative content to help visitors explore the diversity and depth of Virginia’s past. Listening stations and interpretive graphics invite reflection, while thematic groupings present the state’s history in a clear and approachable way. Visitors move through the space at their own pace, discovering stories that speak to resilience, innovation, conflict, and community.

The interactive features include digital biographies that allow guests to dive deeper into individual lives and “discovery drawers” that reveal artifacts and hidden narratives. A large-scale projection serves as the visual centerpiece of the exhibit and supports the storytelling framework, blending modern technology with classic exhibit design to create a personalized and engaging visitor experience.