On June 4, 1944, USN Task Group 22.3 captured a German U-Boat off the coast of Africa. The German high command thought that the submarine was sunk and didn’t discover that the boat was actually captured until after the war. A key part of the capture was the seizing of the top secret Enigma code machine that allowed the Allies to decipher Nazi codes for the remainder of the war. In 1954, the U-505 was placed on permanent exhibit at Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry.

In 2005, the U-505 was restored and moved inside to a new 35,000 sq ft exhibit space. The Iona Group was a key member of the "Task Group" behind the new exhibit. The Iona Group produced all the film, video and audio for this world class exhibit.

This exhibit won the Themed Entertainment Association’s 2006 THEA Award for "Outstanding Achievement: Museum Exhibit." As they noted, "The exhibit clearly demonstrates MSI’s mission to inspire the inventive genius in everyone by presenting captivating and compelling experiences that are real and educational."

The THEA Awards recognize accomplishments from museums large and small, from zoos and theme parks, ranging from branded retail facilities to world expositions. The impact that Iona’s storytelling, architecture, technology and experience design are having on the guest and visitor experience at the U-505 Exhibit is exemplified by the conferring of the prestigious award.

The award will be presented March 4, 2007 at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, CA.