News

Historical Exhibits

Expanding Freedom: Where History Inspires Understanding

When the Shockoe Institute opened Expanding Freedom at Richmond’s historic Main Street Station in April 2026, it marked more than the debut of the organization’s first permanent, historical exhibit. It established a new national destination for exploring one of the most consequential chapters in American history and invited visitors to examine how the legacy of…

Lead Installer

Six Months in Montgomery: Inside Life as a Lead Installer

For many people, a museum visit lasts only a few hours. Visitors walk through galleries, interact with exhibits, and leave with memories that may stay with them for years. What most people never see is the amount of work, precision, and dedication that goes into bringing those spaces to life. Behind every perfectly aligned graphic,…

stepping stones museum for children

Welcome to the Neighborhood: Building a New Village of Character

Some projects feel like coming home again. Years ago, 1220 Exhibits had the privilege of bringing the original Healthyville to life at Stepping Stones Museum for Children — a vibrant, hands-on space where kids could explore healthy habits, wellness and the everyday choices that help us grow strong from the inside out. From crafting the…

Behind the Glass: Celebrating Doug Zellman’s 33 Years of Museum Artifacts With 1220

After more than three decades with 1220 Exhibits, we’re celebrating the retirement of our very own Doug Zellman — a name that’s become practically synonymous with craftsmanship, creativity and dedication to his craft. Doug’s 33-year journey with us has been nothing short of remarkable. His fingerprints can be found on some of the most memorable…

Environmental Design Solutions

Inside Port Wonder—A Top Destination for Kids & Showcase of Environmental Design Solutions

On the banks of Lake Charles, Louisiana, a vibrant new destination is inspiring young minds and delighting families—Port Wonder. This dynamic, shared facility is home to two distinct attractions: the Children’s Museum at Port Wonder and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Nature and Science Center. Together, these spaces span more than 18,000…

3d printing

Layering History: 3D Printing the Legacy of Hooper-Renwick

You can’t always step into the past, but with the right tools and a little creativity, you can hold a piece of it in your hands. When the Hooper-Renwick Library, a site rich in cultural heritage, underwent a major transformation into a new educational and community space, the story of its origins remained central to…