In a time when the military feels removed from the reality of most Americans, the Duty First exhibit at the First Division Museum strives to make meaningful connections between visitors and soldiers by telling the 1st Infantry Division’s story from 1970 to today.

We developed an experience that breaks a 55-year chronological story into thematic exhibit zones that relate to the kinds of missions the contemporary army completes: Deterrence, Battle, Peacekeeping, Counterinsurgency, and Military Assistance. This non-linear arrangement coupled with an open, flowing floorplan invites visitors to explore this story in any order and as their interests dictate.

Powerful media and interactive installations throughout engage a range of emotions and senses. Large-scale touchscreens allow visitors to encounter life sized soldiers and hear their stories. Entering the helicopter visitors can virtually experience a house raid in Iraq. Within a Bradley fighting vehicle, visitors witness a battle from the Gulf War. Each of these encounters connect visitors with contemporary soldiers and their experiences.

The space is design to allow visitors to reflect on how our decisions as a democracy impact our army and individual soldiers. The gallery strives to encourage visitors to be better informed about our military and not be just a history museum. Everything within the gallery was designed to promote dialog and civic engagement.