Abstract: A commemorative plaque, designed to display memorabilia, and method of manufacture are provided. The plaque can include an encapsulation layer that overlies and surrounds memorabilia and other component layers, providing the plaque sufficient protection from breaking due to impacts, as well as preventing the memorabilia from becoming detached. The memorabilia and a mat layer may be coupled to the top surface of a transparent base layer. A text layer can be coupled to the bottom surface of the base layer. The combination of the transparent base layer and the encapsulation layer formed on top of the memorabilia and other components renders a suspended appearance to the memorabilia and creates a desirable “shadowbox” visual effect.