A Friend In Need – Old St. Paul’s and the U.S. Marines in New Zealand
Client: New Zealand Historic Places Trust
Role: Exhibit Developer
In 2006, I produced a detailed exhibition plan and content outline for A Friend in Need, a special exhibition at Old St. Paul’s Church that tells the story of the U.S. Marines in New Zealand during World War II. The plan acted as the roadmap for the project and included a vision statement, thematic content outline, audience and educational objectives, as well as preliminary ‘look and feel’ concept drawings. I also conducted preliminary research and identification of artifacts, archival photos and original documents for use in the exhibition.
The work involved close collaboration with Historic Place Trust staff and external partners. Participation in the project continued into the design and build phase, providing feedback and advice to the client and the exhibit design firm (Story! Inc) as required. The exhibition was on display from 2007-2009 before touring other parts of New Zealand.
“William developed a great exhibition concept which inspired the creation of a moving and highly successful installation in a nationally significant historic building in New Zealand. William’s working style enabled key stakeholders to participate in the process and ultimately to feel ownership for the product.”
~ Ann Neill, Regional Manager NZ Historic Places Trust
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