Since 1837, the Lockkeeper’s House is one of the oldest structures on the National Mall. Once a tollhouse for Washington’s canal system, it has witnessed the city’s transformation from waterways and wharves to today’s symbolic landscape of monuments and memorials. The National Park Service is investing in new wayside exhibits to share this layered history with millions of visitors each year.
Scope
Our team designed, fabricated, and installed 15 outdoor exhibits that brought history to life through stories, maps, tactile models, and illustrations. Each panel met accessibility standards, with audio descriptions, tactile maps, and QR codes for expanded interpretation. Using durable materials and innovative design, we ensured the exhibits were engaging, weather-resistant, and easy to access for visitors of all ages and abilities.
Outcome
The result is an immersive visitor experience that connects people to the past, from Native communities and canal workers to presidents and city planners. The new exhibits transform the Lockkeeper’s House into a gateway for understanding how Washington, DC grew and changed over two centuries—helping today’s visitors discover their own place in the story of our nation’s capital.
