Museum Collaborations
Summary
Andrew’s lifelong interest in the preservation of historical artifacts and experiences draws him to museums.
A prime example of this culminates in his contributions to the AACA Museum Inc. In what he describes as a perfect blend of “historic preservation, handcraft, programming, and public service,” the museum supports Andrew’s creative passion to design, build, and implement interactive museum exhibits.
Andrew has always been fascinated by the power of museums to inspire and educate. He believes that the right combination of design, storytelling, and interactivity can transform a museum visit into a memorable journey.
His role is to translate complex concepts, historical events, and artistic visions into tangible and visually/audibly stunning exhibits. It all starts with research and collaboration. Andrew works with curators, historians, educators, and other professionals to understand the content and objectives of each exhibit.
Once the foundation is laid, Andrew and his collaborators embark on the creative process. Drawing on his experience in computer programming, Andrew then crafts a cohesive and compelling work to contribute to an exhibit.
In one example, he produced a functioning vintage television simulator where the channels can be changed to museum-approved content.
In another example, Andrew designed and built a functioning rotary pay phone that visitors can dial historical audio content to listen. In this project, he implemented interactive elements such as a functioning rotary dial, simulated incoming calls (including mechanical ringing), and AI voice-to-text. These elements actively engage visitors to participate in the learning process and make their own discoveries.
One of the most cherished aspects of his work is the mentorship and friendships he has formed with the people he works with. Andrew finds great joy in collaborating with talented individuals who share his passion for creating immersive experiences. From seasoned veterans to fresh minds brimming with innovative ideas, the team he is fortunate to be a part of constantly inspires him.
In yet another collaborative project, Andrew digitized archival 8mm film for the museum. This footage is used in the museum's drive-in theater (seen below).
Throughout the process, the museum and its many volunteers and employees are critical to refining and completing these projects. Andrew is thankful for the support and contributions from the entire community.