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The Discovery Center, a new interactive arcade experience for children and families at the National Archives Museum, was designed by C&G Partners in partnership with Cortina Productions to answer the foundational civics question: what does the government do and what role do ‘we the people’ play? Equal parts entertaining and educational, the games and puzzles within the Discovery Center inspire young visitors to see that their voices matter today, even before they can vote.
The Discovery Center’s games translate the complex components of government into the universal language of play. “Speak Out!” is based on real 1954 Congressional hearings on comic book censorship. In this homage to an 8-bit arcade video game, players explore different points of view on how to apply the First Amendment. The game demonstrates every kid’s right to speak their mind, allowing them to be creative and practice democratic skills all at once.
Kids are quizzed in “Clause of Power” on the specific powers of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches in a race against the timer. The challenge in “In Plain Sight” is helping townspeople solve daily problems by matching them with support from the correct federal agency.
In “Democracy Disco,” players recreate the moves from historical clips in the Archives’ vast holdings, competing with friends to replicate iconic dance scenes. In this groovy game, young visitors see themselves in key figures from the National Archives’ vast holdings across the nation’s history.
The reimagined Discovery Center provides children and families with hands-on, playful civics education activities. More than just a play center, it empowers visitors of any age to see the American project of democracy as an ongoing evolution—one driven by active civic participation—in which they, too, have a say.
Project Partners:
National Archives and Records Administration
National Archives Foundation
Cortina Productions
Carolynne Harris
Available Light
D&P
Grunley Construction Company, Inc
Hartman-Cox Architects
Phase Shift Consulting