The Stanley A. White Recreation Center History Wall blends storytelling, placemaking, and user-centered design to honor the life and legacy of Stanley Augustus White, a beloved local leader and advocate for youth in New Bern, NC. Developed through deep community engagement and a thoughtful, research-driven process, the installation bridges past and present, serving as both an educational resource and a meaningful experience rooted in place.

The design strategy considered a wide range of ages, reading levels, and the needs of both a casual passersby and those who wish to dive deeper. To encourage engagement, the installation is organized with content divided into distinct chapters allowing readers to absorb the narrative in manageable sections. Each chapter blends archival photographs, personal stories, and historical milestones, visually guiding viewers from White’s origins and early influences through his decades of service.