rooted wisdom: nature’s role in the underground railroad guided experience

SERVICES: Content Development, Film Production, Design, Web Design, Photography

In collaboration with historian Anthony Cohen, we developed and produced a guided experience—short film and online companion—that explores how freedom seekers used their knowledge of the landscape to aid in their escapes on the Underground Railroad, told through the modern landscape at Adkins Arboretum.

The project includes a short film, presented as a five-part series that introduces the stories of self-liberators, and an accompanying website that offers deeper insight through a collection of resources that invite visitors to explore the full accounts of the freedom seekers, historical photos and etchings, related historical sites, and tools to learn more about the landscape, then and now. Additional promotional assets include a trailer, teaser, press page, and filmed interview series. We researched and scripted the five-part series (co-written with historian Anthony Cohen); produced all film assets; developed project branding; researched, wrote, created, and collected the web content; and designed and built the website.

> Explore the guided experience

This project was based in part on previous programming developed by Arboretum staff and volunteers, as well as based on work assisted by a grant from the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), funded by the Department of the Interior, National Park Service. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of ASALH or the Department of the Interior.

Gardening With Plants Native to the Mid-Atlantic

SERVICES: Content Development, Film Production, Design, Illustration

Enlisted by Adkins Arboretum to create a tool to educate and inspire gardeners to use native plants in their home landscapes, we planned, scripted, and produced three short films that playfully explore design theory—color, shape, and texture—and plants for growers in the Mid-Atlantic region.

THE SWEET LIFE OF STEVE

SERVICES: Content Development, Film Production, Design, Illustration, Photography

In partnership with Chef Steve Konopelski, we planned, scripted, and produced Season 1 of ‘The Sweet Life of Steve,’ a YouTube series featuring Konopelski—classically trained chef and former Broadway performer—as he introduces home chefs and bakers to advanced techniques presented through delicious recipes that range from sweet to savory, delivered with wit—and a bit of singing and dancing.

The series includes ten (12-28 minute) episodes, a short holiday special, and a dozen (1-2 minute) ‘Just the Tip’ videos that demonstrate specific techniques used in featured recipes. The series was supported by a branded build out of Konopelski’s YouTube channel and promotional materials for social media.

> Watch the full series at bit.ly/SweetLifeOfSteve

Adkins Arboretum Field Guides

SERVICES: Content Development, Film Production, Design, Illustration, Photography

In collaboration with Arboretum staff we conceived and produced the first four guides in this new field guide series that series serves as an introduction to some of the 600-plus species that can be found at the Arboretum.

Introductory videos for each species include taxonomy information, plus select points of identification, cultural significances, and environmental significances chosen to spark interest and act as helpful starting points to explore the natural world or to aid in introducing a young naturalist to the wonders of the wild. Supplemental downloads include additional information centered around activities that can be done both at the Arboretum, in relation to the specific species, and at home, in relation to general topics.

> Find the full project at adkinsarboretum.org

This project was made possible by the generous support of the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority and Stories of the Chesapeake Heritage Area.