The Digital Guestbook Project

The Smithsonian’s newest museum in Washington, D.C., the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), made history when it opened this weekend as the only national museum exclusively dedicated to African American culture. C&G Partners is thrilled and overjoyed about this milestone for the Museum. We are also humbled to have played a small role, creating the digital Guestbook and Member Honor Roll that helps visitors leave something of themselves behind when they enter or leave. NMAAHC is the latest example of this digital guestbook project: there is a story behind the evolution of the idea, and a history of other installations leading up to this one.

To digitize the traditional elements of a guestbook, and add more functions unique to the digital realm, the project leverages web-based technology with an easy-to-manage user platforms. A large touch surface encourages visitors to sign with their fingers, indicate where they’re from, explore an interactive map of all past signers, and share personal experiences—making them part of a global community. A visitor can instantly donate on the spot (a feature going live soon), or become a member, all through tight integration with the organization’s existing business software and secure credit card processing systems. Through the digital guestbook project, everyone can leave something of themselves behind.