Wish You Were Here! Vintage Postcards from Washington, D.C.
July 10–September 8, 2017
July 10–September 8, 2017
Before smartphones and social media, postcards were popular keepsakes that preserved memories. Wish You Were Here! featured over 300 postcards reproduced from collections at the DC Public Library, the Historical Society of Washington, D.C., and the National Building Museum. The exhibition showed how visitors experienced places and landmarks in the nation's capital in the early 20th century.
The visual identity was inspired by the look and feel of vintage postcards.
A scavenger hunt with nine questions encouraged kids to explore the exhibition with open eyes.
Objective
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Transform a collection of historic postcards into an engaging exhibition that invites visitors to experience Washington, DC, through the eyes of early twentieth-century travelers.
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Transform a collection of historic postcards into an engaging exhibition that invites visitors to experience Washington, DC, through the eyes of early twentieth-century travelers.
Topic panel for Traveling to Washington
Topic panel for Commencing the Adventure
Topic panel for Discovering Local Places
Challenge
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Hundreds of small-format postcards needed to be displayed in a way that encouraged close inspection without overwhelming visitors. Conservation and security needs also prevented the display of the original objects.
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Hundreds of small-format postcards needed to be displayed in a way that encouraged close inspection without overwhelming visitors. Conservation and security needs also prevented the display of the original objects.
Businesses
U.S. Capitol
Downtown
National Gallery of Art
Pennsylvania Avenue
Rock Creek Park and C&O Canal
Approach
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The exhibition unfolded as a visitor's journey through six themed sections—from arriving in Washington to reflecting on the trip home. Enlarged postcard reproductions, graphics inspired by vintage postcard backs, and period typography created a cohesive visual identity, while a scavenger hunt encouraged younger visitors to explore the gallery with curiosity and attention.
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The exhibition unfolded as a visitor's journey through six themed sections—from arriving in Washington to reflecting on the trip home. Enlarged postcard reproductions, graphics inspired by vintage postcard backs, and period typography created a cohesive visual identity, while a scavenger hunt encouraged younger visitors to explore the gallery with curiosity and attention.
Elevation
Outcome
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Visitors rediscovered Washington through the perspective of early twentieth-century travelers, comparing familiar landmarks with a city that has continuously changed. The exhibition turned everyday postcards into windows into the capital's history, inspiring visitors of all ages to think about how places are remembered, shared, and experienced across generations.
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Visitors rediscovered Washington through the perspective of early twentieth-century travelers, comparing familiar landmarks with a city that has continuously changed. The exhibition turned everyday postcards into windows into the capital's history, inspiring visitors of all ages to think about how places are remembered, shared, and experienced across generations.
Project Details
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Venue: District Architecture
Size: 1,025 SF
Content: Topic Panels (6), Object Panels (72)
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Roles: Concept, Exhibition Planning and Design, Visual Design, Installation, Program Development
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Organizer: AIA Washington DC, with special thanks to DC Public Library, the Historical Society of Washington, D.C., and the National Building Museum
Editor: Mary Fitch, AICP, Hon. AIA
Printer: ABC Imaging
Installation support: Rostin Rostai
Photo © Scott Clowney
—
Venue: District Architecture
Size: 1,025 SF
Content: Topic Panels (6), Object Panels (72)
—
Roles: Concept, Exhibition Planning and Design, Visual Design, Installation, Program Development
—
Organizer: AIA Washington DC, with special thanks to DC Public Library, the Historical Society of Washington, D.C., and the National Building Museum
Editor: Mary Fitch, AICP, Hon. AIA
Printer: ABC Imaging
Installation support: Rostin Rostai
Photo © Scott Clowney