The American red wolf is the most endangered canid in the world, and you’ve probably never heard of it! This project proposes a museum exhibition putting the spotlight on an endangered species that needs human support to survive.

To fully develop this project I needed to start with the research. In early January of 2025 I began reaching out to USFWS employees and red wolf researchers to learn more about their experience working with the species and perspectives on its future. I continued to explore this research in more depth during my independent study with Ashley Bales, ultimately developing an interpretive exhibit plan leading my audience through the data. The template I used to make this interpretive plan was provided by my supervisors at the NMAH Smithsonian where I interned as an exhibit designer in spring of 2025.

My exhibit narrative focused on three primary aspects of my research: introduction to red wolves, the tumultuous history of their near extinction and recovery, and a call to action for the audience to save the species. Once establishing these arcs I began to develop my physical exhibit plan. Using a floor plan I modeled after the NCMNS special exhibitions space, I created concept signage and illustrations. My interactive components featured a wolf-den inspired playground, immersive taxidermy dioramas, tactile canid skulls and other ideations.

Throughout this project I kept in mind the surrounding merchandise and advertisements that would need to accompany my exhibit. So, I created my own 3D printed wolf skulls, keychains of my logo, a “cringey” T-shirt, advertisement posters, infographic zines and an activity booklet for children.