National Park Service

Salem, MA

Chris’ work has helped transform Derby Wharf into an exciting corridor of informative exhibits.
The various components he worked on show a distinct elegance, with great color sense
and attention to detail. More importantly, he was able to incorporate historic authenticity into both
the overall design and graphic detailing, better connecting the exhibits to the site.
—Dave Kayser, Salem Maritime NHS

Exhibit Design: Wondercabinet Interpretive Design, Inc.
Exhibit Graphics: Proun Design, LLC
Exhibit Fabrication: Mystic Scenic Studios
Installed: 2011

For over two centuries, Derby Wharf in Salem, Massachusetts was a major center of trade for the city, the nation and the world. A risky business, trade could well reward those who succeeded, and Derby Wharf was a center of bustling activity throughout the American Revolution, the Far East trade, and the Industrial Revolution.

To illustrate changes at the wharf over five distinct eras, a series of custom illustrated trade cargo groupings, trade maps, and view tubes show what the wharf looked like at different times and provide insight into the types of goods that flowed through Salem and sustained a burgeoning country. Other interactives interpret life at sea. Visitors can try their hand (and feet) at furling a sail, take compass bearings, send messages via semaphore flags, and compete in a log line race to see how many knots they can run.

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