About The Charles H. Wright Museum
For over half a century, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History has been a beacon of enlightenment, exploration, and celebration of the rich cultural legacy of African Americans. Established in 1965, the Charles H. Wright Museum stands as a stalwart institution dedicated to preserving, educating, and showcasing the African-American experience.
The museum’s mission is rooted in a commitment to providing invaluable learning opportunities, immersive exhibitions, thought-provoking programs, and engaging events. It draws upon extensive collections and rigorous research to delve deep into the diverse history and culture of African Americans, tracing their roots back to the African continent and following their remarkable journey through the annals of time.
At the heart of the museum lies a treasure trove of historical artifacts and documents that illuminate the path of African Americans, from the struggle for freedom on the Underground Railroad to the powerful voices of iconic figures like Malcolm X and Rosa Parks, whose letters and documents grace the exhibits.
The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History is not only a repository of history but also a dynamic space that invites visitors to engage with the past, present, and future of African American culture. The institution’s commitment to honoring the legacy of prominent figures in African American history is evident through its solemn and dignified hosting of memorial events for luminaries such as Rosa Parks and the “Queen of Soul” herself, Aretha Franklin. In 2005 and 2018, the museum’s rotunda served as a poignant backdrop for those paying their respects to these iconic individuals.
Project Overview
Signarama Troy takes pride in its long-standing partnership with the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, spanning six years of collaboration. Throughout this time, Signarama Troy has successfully completed a diverse array of projects, ranging from exterior wall signs and directional signage to pole flags, comprehensive COVID signage rollouts, exhibit signage, elevator wraps, and much more.
One of the recent highlights of this ongoing partnership was the installation of a large exterior mesh banner and the change-out of pole flags to coincide with the unveiling of the museum’s new exhibit dedicated to Ruth Carter. As an Academy Award–winning costume designer, Ruth E. Carter’s work has left an indelible mark on generations through her contributions to film and television. Her artistic prowess infuses depth, style, and cultural significance into the characters she envisions, lending a profound essence to the actors who don her creations. With meticulous attention to detail and a passion for storytelling through costume design, Carter has played an integral role in conveying narratives of race, politics, and culture on the big screen. Her journey, rooted in humble beginnings in Massachusetts, has significantly shaped the Afrofuturism movement for nearly four decades.
Educating both museum members and the wider Detroit community about this remarkable exhibit has been a central focus of the project. The strategic placement of pole signage and the eye-catching large mesh banners along Brush Street and Warren Avenue serves as a prominent and dynamic means of communication, ensuring that passersby are informed about the exhibition and inspired to explore the rich tapestry of Ruth Carter’s artistic contributions.
Results
Signarama Troy’s partnership with the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History has yielded impactful results, both in terms of visual communication and community engagement. The recent project for Ruth Carter’s exhibit showcased these outcomes:
- Enhanced Visibility: The installation of large exterior mesh banners and the replacement of pole flags has significantly enhanced the visibility of the museum’s latest exhibit. Passersby on Brush Street and Warren Avenue are now greeted with striking signage that effectively communicates the presence of the exhibition.
- Community Awareness: Through the strategic placement of signage, Signarama Troy has contributed to raising awareness about the exhibit dedicated to Ruth Carter. The vibrant and informative banners and pole flags serve as a visual invitation for the local Detroit community to explore and engage with the museum’s offerings.
- Educational Impact: Signarama Troy’s work goes beyond aesthetics; it plays a vital role in educating visitors about the significance of Ruth Carter’s contributions to costume design and storytelling in film and TV. The signage serves as an educational tool, enriching the visitor experience.
- Celebrating Culture: By effectively showcasing the Afrofuturism movement and Carter’s lasting influence on it, the signage pays tribute to African American culture and creativity, aligning with the museum’s mission to celebrate and preserve this rich heritage.
In summary, Signarama Troy’s collaboration with the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History continues to yield compelling results, helping to illuminate the stories and contributions of African Americans while enhancing the museum’s presence within the Detroit community. The recent project for Ruth Carter’s exhibit stands as a testament to the power of visual communication in celebrating culture and fostering education and engagement.
Creating pieces for films such as Black Panther, Malcom X, Selma, and Do the Right Thing, Carter has designed costumes for legends like Oprah Winfrey, Denzel Washington, Chadwick Boseman, Eddie Murphy, Angela Bassett, and Forest Whitaker.
