Origins of the Corps: Continental Marines 1775–1783
MCRD Parris Island celebrated the 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps with an exhibit highlighting the Corps' formation in November 1775. Virtual Grounds provided full exhibit design services, featuring interpretive panels, large-scale backlit displays with historic paintings by Charles Waterhouse, the Marine Corps' official artist, and digital interactive components that bring visitors into the founding era.
Services: Experience design and implementation, custom graphic creation, video content editing, UX/UI programming, BrightSign touch programming, After Effects motion graphics, 3D character modeling and animation, AI-generated historical animations, and fabrication oversight.
Virtual Drummer Boy
A full-size 3D character modeled and animated in classical Waterhouse style serves as the exhibit's welcoming presence. The virtual drummer boy greets visitors with period-authentic movement, creating an engaging entry point into the Revolutionary War narrative.
Marine Uniform Explorer
A custom touchscreen experience allows visitors to explore the first Continental Marine uniform. The interface details the green uniform's components, accoutrements, and musket, with a video demonstrating the musket loading and firing sequence.
Revolutionary War Forces
Touchscreens accompanying the artifact displays provide context for replica uniforms from Continental, Virginia State, British, and Irish forces, featuring an interactive map detailing European powers and prominent figures in the conflict, and an AI-generated naval battle video.
Celebrating 250 Years of the USMC
From maritime tradition to Revolutionary service: the formation, campaigns, and lived experience of the first US Marines
Interactive Gallery Features
A life-size 3D drummer boy welcomes visitors, while touchscreens explore the Continental Marine uniform, Revolutionary War forces and alliances, and an animated naval combat sequence
