For more than 375 years, New Castle, Delaware, has stood at the center of the American experience, shaping the political, economic, and cultural life of a region long before the United States existed.
This exhibit shows how, through the lives of its diverse people, the town reflects the ambition, conflict, and complexity that define the nation’s story.
Role: Graphic and layout design
Curated by Mike Connolly, Susan Hannell, and Linda Suskie
The Process
1.
Conceptual Direction
This exhibit’s visual direction emphasizes New Castle’s role at the center of events that shaped the region and beyond.
Layered images, documents, and textures highlight these connections, while bold colors and distinct time periods and events guide visitors through the town’s story.
2.
Exhibit Logo
The exhibit logo reflects New Castle County’s story and is inspired by the idea that New Castle sits at the center of the circle, both figuratively as a crossroads of history and literally at the center of Delaware’s circular border.
3.
Exhibit Space Layout
This exhibit’s visual direction emphasizes New Castle’s role at the center of events that shaped the region and beyond. Layered images, documents, and textures highlight these connections, while bold colors and distinct time periods and events guide visitors through the town’s story.
4.
Assigning Colors
The Fight for the River: Center of Trade & Commerce - land and river, resources, control and trade
Deep Teal - mix between land and water
The Colonial Capital of Delaware Under William Penn and His Family - Government, assembly, political order
Ink Purple - iron-gall ink and court records
Birthplace of Delaware’s Independence - Revolution, public action, independence
Burnished Amber/Gold - firelight, metal, aged gilt
Slavery and the Long Road to Freedom - Endurance, and courage
Olive Green - hidden routes, resilience, and the journey toward freedom.
An Early Travel Hub - Movement, bustle, river commerce
Harbor Blue - maritime flags and ship hauls
A Small Industrial Town in the Early 20th Century - Industry, working town
Smokey Quartz - iron and brick
An Incredible Collection of Over 500 Historic Buildings - Longevity, architecture, elegance
Deep Garnet - old brick in shade or sealing wax
5.
Layout Design
Here, I designed the individual panels within a timeline-like flow, using color to guide visitors between sections. Mockups allowed me to test how the panels and elements worked together within the space, ensuring the narrative and design remained cohesive and readable.
