First State National Historical Park

Riggs Ward Design collaborated with the National Park Service to design exhibits and media for First State National Historical Park in New Castle, Delaware. The exhibits, housed in the historic New Castle Sheriff’s House, provide a centralized visitor experience that introduces all six park sites, including John Dickinson Plantation, Brandywine Valley, Fort Christina, Old Swedes Historic Site, New Castle Court House, and The Dover Green.

The displays guide visitors through Delaware’s history, beginning with the indigenous Lenape peoples, continuing through colonial settlement, and addressing contemporary issues of race and inequality affecting indigenous communities, Black Americans, and women. The Sheriff’s House serves as both an orientation space and park administration hub, giving visitors a comprehensive understanding of the park’s scope and significance.

Interactive media and engaging interpretive elements allow visitors to explore stories in depth, providing hands-on and digital opportunities to connect with the history of Delaware. By combining immersive exhibits, graphics, and media, the project balances historical accuracy with an accessible and engaging visitor experience.