Riggs Ward Design, a multi-disciplinary design and planning firm, is celebrating the launch of the new visitor centre at The Fort Fisher State Historic Site. The attraction in North Carolina, US, officially opens on 29 October.
Fort Fisher was the location of the biggest amphibious battle in the Civil War, and the site’s earthworks and waterfront battle remains can still be seen today.
At the new centre, visitors can learn about Fort Fisher’s pivotal role in the Civil War through immersive exhibits created by Riggs Ward Design. These displays share the personal stories and diverse experiences of both civilians and enslaved individuals, and feature artefacts, recorded narratives, and interactive elements that pair Union and Confederate perspectives.
By combining firsthand accounts with physical artefacts to vividly portray the past, this project sets a new benchmark for historical interpretation.
Creating meaningful connections
Visitors to the new centre can explore the site’s history through interactive exhibits, recovered artefacts, and a picturesque trail through its earthworks. It is expected that the attraction, which has been delayed due to inclement weather, will attract one million visitors per year.
The two-storey building was designed by Riggs Ward Design’s architect partner, Clark Nexsen, and includes offices, workstations, a gift shop, multipurpose rooms, and orientation areas. The design’s elegant structure is raised on columns, with a dark charcoal fibre cement and wood façade, and vast glass windows that provide natural light. An outdoor gathering area features replica cannons, stadium seating, and breathtaking views of the fort’s earthworks.
The project’s architecture piece also includes a restored trail system and reconstructed Civil War earthworks, with a sallyport and bombproof to replicate the original construction.
The fully-accessible facility extends to 22,219 square feet, three times the size of the site’s previous visitor centre, and has more classrooms, more staff areas, a larger audiovisual room for orientation films, and additional storage for artefacts that are not on show. With its proximity to the Atlantic coast, the building’s design emphasises resilience. It is elevated above flood levels and can resist winds up to 160 mph.
Brent Ward, principal of Riggs Ward Design, says: “Designing the exhibits for Fort Fisher’s new visitor center was such an exciting challenge. Our goal was to create an immersive experience that honors the fort’s rich history while engaging a modern audience. By pairing personal stories with interactive elements, we invite visitors to connect with the past in meaningful ways.
“Working with the team at Fort Fisher was a rewarding experience. The collaboration allowed us to seamlessly integrate the site’s stories into the exhibit design. We really appreciate how knowledgeable and helpful the team has been at every step of the development process.”
Riggs Ward Design recently celebrated the reopening of The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum in North Carolina, US. The firm’s exhibit designs for the reimagined attraction honour the thousands of ships and maritime workers who fought against war, piracy, and nature off the North Carolina coast.
