Exploring the Early Americas

Riggs Ward Design created the exhibition Exploring the Early Americas at the Library of Congress, showcasing the Jay I. Kislak Collection through an engaging and accessible display of over 3,000 artifacts. The gallery presents paintings, rare maps, documents, and prints in a thoughtfully organized environment that invites visitors to explore the rich history and cultural interactions that shaped the Americas.

The exhibition is divided into three sections: Pre-Contact America, Explorations and Encounters, and Aftermath of the Encounter. These areas highlight the cultures of indigenous peoples and the profound changes brought by European exploration. Waldseemüller maps from 1507 and 1516 provide historical context and demonstrate how early interactions shaped our understanding of geography and history.

Interactive elements allow visitors to engage directly with the collection, offering hands-on opportunities to examine individual pieces in detail. Through a combination of artifacts, interpretive graphics, and media interactives, the exhibition balances immersive storytelling with educational rigor, bringing the early history of the Americas to life.