Creating a cutting-edge method to engage with history using augmented reality with mobile devices in a museum. This will be a proposal for the Smithsonian and New York Historical Society Museum upon completion.
In the U.S., most see history as an unexciting subject composed of endless memorization of dates and names. This method devalues the wisdom and meaning of history, not to mention discouraging interest in the subject.
U.S. History Rediscovered: The Great Depression, is an interactive system designed to inspire the American public to learn more about their history. Using augmented reality (AR) with a mobile device is a novel technique to engage with history in a museum setting. No longer is a visitor just a spectator gazing at exhibits, but rather a participant undertaking a journey. AR on a mobile device will enhance the stories from the past and give a deeper meaning to the artifacts, which creates an emotional connection. The participant will be transported back in time and challenged to experience the Great Depression through the eyes of those who survived the era. This participatory set-up with the incorporation of AR will spark interest and generate curiosity about history.
