Cedars in the Pines is a multimedia museum exhibition to commemorate the history of Lebanese immigrants who have made North Carolina their home since the 1880s. The compelling exhibit Cedars in the Pines highlights the diverse experiences and contributions of Lebanese Americans in the state.

Researched and developed by the Khayrallah Program for Lebanese-American Studies at N.C. State University, the multimedia exhibit features personal stories, family photographs, home movies, letters, artifacts, and audio recordings that bring to life the story of Lebanese immigration in North Carolina. Computer games,and other interactive components immerse museum visitors in the Lebanese immigration experience.

In this project, I was the lead graphic designer and UX designer. The exhibition includes several materials including, museum user experiences, interactive and digital games, infographics, interactive maps, storytelling, posters, etc.

Visit here further information about Cedars in the Pines exhibition.

Here are some of my responsibilities for this project:

• Designed and developed visitor experiences, brand identity and communication touchpoints for ‘Cedars in the Pines’ museum exhibition project.
• Created or directed all projects from concept to deliverable.
• Developed brand identity and collateral materials for ‘Cedars in the Pines’ exhibition and Lebanese-American studies program.
• Conceived visual element of museum exhibition including panels, environmental graphics, signage, and infographics.
• Provided social media consulting for museum exhibit.

Cedars in the Pines brings together their remarkable stories in three exhibit sections. A brief description of each follows.

Journeys explores the many choices associated with immigration. The section includes the history of Lebanon, the reasons the emigrants left home, and the hardships of their long journeys. In the 1880s, thousands boarded steamships for America, where new arrivals faced more challenges in a foreign country. Exhibit items, such as an Arabic Bible that belonged to Side Mack, who immigrated at age 17, help tell these important stories.

Belonging focuses on the challenges and opportunities of Lebanese immigrants who moved to North Carolina. Khater notes that the newcomers experienced culture shock, struggled against challenges and discrimination, and earned acceptance and success. The section highlights work, school and those who have given back to their communities. Visitors will see an elementary reader printed in Arabic; a Lebanese passport; items from Parker’s Restaurant, a family-run business in Rocky Mount; and other artifacts that recount these experiences.

Being explores what it means to be Lebanese in North Carolina, centering on home, religion and community. Khater explains that cultural practices like marriage traditions and food, music and religion, along with community organizations, played key roles in their efforts. Some traditions were changed to adapt to American culture, but others were strongly maintained.