Exhibit Design: Wondercabinet Interpretive Design, Inc.
Exhibit Graphics: Proun Design, LLC
Exhibit Fabrication: Mystic Scenic Studios, Inc.
Design/Build Budget: $200,000
At it's peak in the early 1800s, Hampton Estate had over 300 slaves, more than any other plantation in Maryland. Interpretive graphics and hands-on interactives direct visitors’ attention to the extraordinary details that seemed ordinary 200 years ago—the deprivation of personal liberty and a person’s value based solely on their ability to work.
The graphic aesthetic for the historic structures exhibits reflect the oppressed life styles of the people that lived there. A limited color palette and sans serif fonts set justified reference their stifled existence. Information is displayed in a very direct, dispassionate and analytical format to emphasize the loss of individual identity. Where ever possible, photos of real people from the Hampton archives are used to allow for maximum emotional connection with the visitors. Illustrations are used as needed but will appear as black and white or sepia tones, adding to the sense of anonymity. In contrast, first person accounts set in script text reflect the individual behind the quote.