Designing Marshall County's Transportation Legacy

Atomic Carrots transformed a former banquet hall into an immersive gallery that brings Marshall County’s transportation history to life. The redesigned Transportation Gallery takes visitors on a journey through time using storytelling, design, and hands-on interpretation.

The first section, Origins, honors the Potawatomi people, the original inhabitants of the region. At its center is a custom-built wigwam that represents traditional Potawatomi homes. The wall panels were cast from molds taken from real tree bark. The structure is made of steel rod so it can withstand public interaction.

The windows behind the wigwam are covered with translucent vinyl showing a fall forest scene with tall trees. The Potawatomi were forcibly removed from their lands during the fall and winter seasons. These layered visuals help visitors connect emotionally to place, history, and lived experience.

We collaborated with the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Cultural Heritage Center on the images and text for the Origins section. Their guidance helped ensure the story is shared with care, accuracy, and respect, grounded in lived knowledge rather than interpretation alone.

Throughout the gallery, custom-designed reading rails guide visitors through each storyline in a clear, accessible way. (Yes! These are available in our Exhibit Shop if you’re curious.) https://atomiccarrots.com/collections/reading-rails

Each section title is mounted perpendicular to the wall, like a train station sign. This detail subtly reinforces the transportation theme of the exhibit. The signs were plasma cut, then treated with a rust activator to create a weathered, country-style look.

Beyond the visuals, the Transportation Gallery reflects Atomic Carrots’ approach to exhibit design: blending creative storytelling with historical accuracy. By reimagining this space, we preserved Marshall County’s transportation legacy while creating an experience that feels personal, engaging, and rooted in place. The exhibit invites visitors to explore how movement, migration, and infrastructure shaped the region’s story.