Waves of History

The Port Royal Sound has a rich history that spans centuries: with stories that range from Native Americans living in the area as early as 2000 BC; to European settlers from France, England, Spain, and Scotland; to the Civil War, Reconstruction, and Civil Rights Movement; to modern day industry and notable people who resided or passed through the Lowcountry.

Client
Port Royal Sound Foundation Maritime Center

The Foundation’s mission is to preserve
the Port Royal Sound for the environmental,
cultural and economic well-being of the area.

Location
Okatie, South Carolina

Completed
Winter 2021

Process

From the beginning the client expressed their desire to tell the rich history of the Port Royal Sound in a non traditional timeline.
The team had compiled hundreds of stories, archival images, and historic documents to display. With such a diversity of stories to tell, the challenge began with figuring out the best way to oraganize all of the information so as not to overwhelm visitors.

Waves were chosen as the main design motif to remind readers of the constant importance of the Sound itself in the area’s history. As the Maritime Center is located directly on the Sound, the client wanted this display to really evoke the impact that the Sound’s waters have had on important historical events and the people who have lived in the region.