History Gallery

Creating a world-class museum for a city most well-known for its challenges was an exciting undertaking. Blue Telescope partnered with the Sloan Museum of Disovery in Flint, Michigan to tell the story of the city with the people who lived it.

We felt a responsibility to tell the stories of the residents with respect and clarity, bringing diverse perspectives and sharing ideas that might be controversial or uncomfortable. Community members joined us to discuss everything from fair housing, to education, to the water crises, to the Anishinaabe tribe, along with important moments in the history of Flint.

The History Gallery serves as a living archive of the city, and uplifts the stories of those who are most often overlooked, creating genuine connections to the community surrounding the Sloan Museum of Discovery.

To bring the narratives to life, we brought the Flint River itself into the gallery to wind along the floor between exhibit areas. As visitors walk along the river, they trigger unexpected video projection and audio perspectives from key moments in Flint’s history.

A lot has been said about Flint in recent years, and this gallery is designed to give the power of narrative back to its people. By giving the community the ability to speak for itself, the History Gallery grants visitors a unique and intimate look into the history and life of the people of Flint.