OREANDA-NEWS. September 26, 2016. InterstateMoving | Relocation | Logistics (MoveInterstate.com), based in Springfield, VA, played an interesting role in this weekend’s on-schedule opening of the new Smithsonian National Museum of African American History.

Interstate partnered with Goppian Museum Workshop, Inc., which designed and manufactured the exhibition presentation displays at their facilities in Italy. Interstate was tasked with the supply chain logistics of just-in-time acquisition, transport, and distribution of the crafted cabinets. From there, Goppian’s team of more than 700 technicians worked for more than 6 months to install the units in anticipation of their housing the historical artifacts and exhibits in time for the opening this Saturday, September 24.

The project entailed a high level of planning and coordination due to the visibility of the initiative as well as the delicate nature of the furnishings.  The cabinetry now includes some of the museum’s most iconic articles including the dress Rosa Parks was sewing when she was arrested, and a rare 1864 signed commemorative copy of the Thirteenth Amendment abolishing slavery. 

“All of us at Interstate are highly honored to have worked with Groppian to play a role in the making of this beautiful and historical museum,” said Arthur E. [Bud] Morrissette IV, Chief Executive Officer. “Our entire team has been anxiously anticipating the grand opening of the museum to be able witness first-hand the stories, experiences, and culture of our African American history.”  

The Interstate team has earned an international reputation for its ability to carefully pack and move valuable, delicate and sensitive cargos. Earlier this year, for example, Interstate was called upon to pack, document, and ship what is believed to be the only existing original copy of Thomas Edison’s silent film "Frankenstein." The film was shot on nitrocellulose-based film, discontinued in the early 1950's because it is highly flammable. The shipment, from Wisconsin to Virginia, included nearly 2,000 units of movie film stock (over 1.5 million feet).  Also, Interstate has moved, delivered and installed furnishings and technology medical equipment for new military hospitals at Walter Reed, Ft. Riley, KS and Ft. Benning, GA. 

Interstate is a Washington success story.  Celebrating its 73rd anniversary and third generation of family ownership and management, it is a \\$95-million global enterprise comprising moving and storage, employee relocation, and supply chain management logistics supporting corporations, government and defense, as well as individuals. Most recently, it was named among the region’s top 100 private companies – the seventh time on this list and, for the sixth time, one of America’s fastest-growing private U.S. companies, based on revenue growth. Revenue in 2015 was 18% over the previous year.  In May, Interstate was recognized for the fourth year in a row as the region’s fourth-largest office moving company.