National Women’s History Museum

We Who Believe in Freedom: Black Feminist DC

A vibrant and powerful inaugural exhibition in a non-traditional museum environment

For decades the National Women's History Museum had been organizing virtual exhibits and programs before they hired Tessellate to create their first physical exhibit. The museum partnered with the DC Public Library for the exhibit, which focuses on the stories and voices of Black feminist organizers and theorists, including Pauli Murray, Anna Julia Cooper, Nkenge Touré and others. With biographical-focused narratives and large imagery, we wanted to highlight the expansive work and struggle of the women who have made a difference in the lives of Black women in their Washington, DC communities, which reverberated throughout the United States.

Tessellate was challenged with creating an exhibition in a non-traditional space - the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library. Working with the museum and the curatorial team, renowned historians Sherie M. Randolph and Kendra T. Field, Tessellate created a bold and colorful exhibition system with interior nooks and passageways designed for contemplation. Interactive media and audio narratives "in their own voice" are found throughout the experience. The resulting design amplifies the lives of these powerful Black women and their contributions to feminism, politics, civil rights, and reproductive justice.

For more information:

https://www.womenshistory.org/black-feminist-dc

https://www.womenshistory.org/articles/behind-scenes-we-who-believe-freedom