Aiming High
Two Projects, One Partnership: Using World War II History to Inspire Innovation
Longtime client Hosanna House (a Pittsburgh nonprofit community organization) approached my agency with an inspiring two-fold vision: to establish a space dedicated to aviation programming for children and to create a hands-on museum component rooted in the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, America’s first Black military aviators from World War II. This ambitious venture would require a thoughtful graphic design effort to establish a visual brand and create supporting exhibition graphics. I was assigned as design lead on the project, and in partnership with the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, we launched a collaborative effort to get the client’s concept airborne.
Project 1:
Center for Aviation Technology & Training (CATT)
Hosanna House established CATT in 2022 to offer a robust introduction to the world of flight for children of all ages. It gives students the opportunity to pursue career interests in aviation through hands-on experiences and several industry-certified courses. Beyond CATT’s physical classrooms and learning labs, a Tuskegee Airmen museum component was developed in partnership with the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. My involvement as senior designer on the project was to work with the client to create a comprehensive visual brand for CATT and with the Children’s Museum to produce graphic assets for their team to use in the museum component’s development.
I created a logomark depicting a stylized eagle in flight, symbolizing our WWII heritage through two powerful elements:
A red tail, inspired by the iconic paint scheme of the 332nd Fighter Group’s aircraft, honoring the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen.
Wings shaped as interlocking V’s, representing the “Double V Campaign” launched by The Pittsburgh Courier in 1942. The two V’s stood for victory abroad against fascism and victory at home against racial injustice.
The Result:
Hosanna House opened CATT and the Tuskegee Airmen Museum in 2022, hosting a traveling exhibit from the Smithsonian Institution called Black Wings: American Dreams of Flight. CATT has successfully developed programs to set students on the path to aviation and STEM careers, with offerings ranging from hands-on activities and summer camps for young aviators to FAA drone certification and credit-bearing courses for advanced learners.
Project 2:
Aim High: Soaring with the Tuskegee Airmen
Hot on the heels of the CATT success, Hosanna House and the Children’s Museum maintained momentum and devised a traveling exhibit titled Aim High: Soaring with the Tuskegee Airmen. Though similar in mission and content, this exhibition would require separate visual identity and elements than what was established for CATT. I once again was assigned as design lead for the project and was responsible for developing the exhibit’s visual brand and supporting graphics.
The Result:
With final branding and exhibit graphics in hand, the Children’s Museum and Hosanna House went on to develop Aim High into an award-winning success, including the 2024 “Best Practices Award” from the American Association of Museums and the 2024 “Making an Impact Award” from the Mid-Atlantic Association of Museums. Aim High has travelled to numerous institutions across the country and is booked for more locations through 2027.
Where the exhibit has travelled:
Opelika Public Library: Opelika, AL
Amazement Square: Lynchburg, VA
Chicago Children's Museum: Chicago, IL
Cape Fear Museum: Wilmington, NC
Children's Museum of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh, PA
Children's Museum of Atlanta: Atlanta, GA
Grand Rapids Children's Museum: Grand Rapids, MI
Kansas Children's Discovery Center: Topeka, KS