Cloud Gehshan Shapes Exhibits for the African American Museum of Bucks County
The African American Museum of Bucks County (AAMBC) has opened its first permanent home, with exhibit design by Cloud Gehshan Design (CGD). Located at the historic site known as Boone Farm in Middletown Township, Pennsylvania, the museum shares the stories and contributions of African Americans in the county. The farm has strong ties to African American history dating back to the Great Migration.
For more than a decade, the museum operated as a mobile museum. Its programs reached schools, colleges, senior centers, and faith-based groups. It also visited other museums and organizations throughout the county.Opening its first brick-and-mortar location this year marks a major milestone.
Bringing Community Stories Into Focus
CGD developed the museum’s interpretive master plan and exhibit design as part of a larger preservation project. The team included Kelly Maiello Architects (KMA), Night Kitchen Interactive, Pennoni, The Lighting Practice, and Voith & Mactavish Architects LLP.
The collaboration also became the focus of a recent presentation, “How We Found the Voice to Speak with Our Community: Guideposts on Our Journey of Reinvention,” part of the “Black Freedom Movements: Then & Now” event at the Mother Bethel AME Church Symposium. CGD Principal Ian Goldberg joined representatives from the museum and KMA to share their experience working together. The panelists offered advice on how to uplift grassroots organizations so they can reach a wider audience, and they highlighted the importance of being part of a team that leads with respect and compassion.