From 16 March to 1 May 2026, a group of computer science students from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in Worcester, Massachusetts were at the Brunel Museum to create an interactive map depicting the life and travels of Marc Brunel. The team — Michael Elkinson, Huy Ho, Minh Ha, and Matthew Dunn — developed the map using free-to-access software, collaborating with Brunel Museum staff and volunteers to input findings, including substantial new research into Marc Brunel’s life conducted at the Museum.
L-R: Michael Elkinson, Huy Ho, Jack Hayes (Brunel Museum), Minh Ha, and Matthew Dunn
Marc Brunel led a very interesting life and travelled extensively for his time. Born in Hacqueville, France, a small village in Normandy, he joined the French Navy and travelled to the Americas before returning on the eve of the French Revolution. A staunch monarchist, Brunel was forced to flee France once the revolution broke out, returning to the United States to settle in New York City. Brunel quickly associated with several influential figures in America, including Alexander Hamilton, and became an American citizen in 1796. Armed with a letter of recommendation from Hamilton, he chose to cross the Atlantic once again to England, where he would live out the rest of his days and spearhead the pioneering Thames Tunnel project.
The WPI team began by visiting other interactive map exhibits, both online and in person, and interviewing professional interactive map designers to gain a better understanding of how to bring a person’s story to life using a map as the medium. The team made the map over the course of three iterations, beginning with a basic map with simple features and interactivity and incorporating feedback from Brunel Museum visitors and staff to build on and improve that original design.
The map, available here on our website, allows you to choose between free exploration and choosing to learn more about events in Marc Brunel’s life that especially interest you, or following Brunel’s travels chronologically using the sidebar to navigate. Each pin on the map corresponds to an event in Marc Brunel’s life, and clicking on a pin will display a description of the event and their significance. The map is complete with a tutorial to show you the different features and how they can be used. The map acts as both a way for people to learn about Marc Brunel’s life and travels and as a repository for Brunel Museum research.
The WPI team’s report will be available soon on the WPI London Project Centre website. The team recommends that the Brunel Museum continue to maintain and update the map with new research as it is discovered. They also suggest that a future project could adapt the map for mobile devices or even an in-person exhibit at the Museum.
The team extends their thanks to the Brunel Museum staff and volunteers, especially Jack Hayes (Collections Access Coordinator), for their assistance with research and advice, and to the Museum visitors who provided valuable feedback throughout the process of creating the interactive map.