March 26, 2025 – January 11, 2026
Examining the often-overlooked 1942 Japanese invasion of the Aleutian Islands in Alaska, On American Shores: The Aleutian Islands Campaign highlighted the efforts to reclaim the only North American soil seized during World War II, and the experiences of the native Aleuts who were permanently forced from their ancestral homes. Organized in five parts, the visitor moves through the space “hopping” from one section to another, mimicking the American force’s island-hopping strategy throughout battles. The color palette was used to support the content organization, while drawing inspiration from the narrative. As visitors enter, they are set in the snowy, gray Alaska and work their way through the battles that occur on the choppy blue seas. The few land battles during the Japanese invasion were short but bloody, leaving the lives of many soldiers on the islands. A moment of respite is embodied by a neutral yellow, which represents the transitional period post-battle and pre-victory for the entire war. The audience finally learns about the legacy of the Aleutian Island soldiers, natives, and environment, which still has many remnants of war artillery left on it today. To provide visitors with geographical context, a large-scale map was designed at the entrance of the exhibition, and followed visitors throughout the exhibit via isolated islands where specific events occurred. Large-scale murals gave visitors a glimpse of the Aleuts’ experience during the war, as their homes turned into battlegrounds in real time. The graphic identity was based on archival newspapers and postcards created by servicemen stationed in Alaska. Oral history media and listening stations provided visitors with thoughtful accounts by veterans who served in that area. This exhibit is showcased in the Joe W. and Dorothy D. Brown Foundation Special Exhibit Gallery at The National WWII Museum.
3D DESIGN AND WALKTHROUGH – VECTORWORKS
PROCESS
