The DuSable Museum of African American History
740 East 56thPlace
Chicago, Illinois 60637
(773) 947-0600
Contact: Raymond Ward
773- 947-0600 ext 228
rward@dusablemuseum.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
DuSable Museum Unveils New Augmented Reality App
Chicago, IL. – In 2018, Google generously awarded a grant to the DuSable Museum of African American History for technology infrastructure improvements, as well as to develop new technology features for the museum’s permanent exhibit, “The Harold Washington Story.”
With this grant, the DuSable Museum was able to purchase and install three new servers (network, storage and security), new security cameras and a new Wi-Fi system for the museum. The most exciting opportunity afforded the museum is the development of a new augmented reality app titled, “The Augmented DuSable Museum.”
DuSable Museum worked with Avidity Technologies Inc., the museum’s IT consultant and project manager, and BUNDLAR for the development of the new augmented reality app. “The Augmented DuSable Museum app is a coordinated effort of DuSable Museum’s leadership, Avidity Technologies, and BUNDLAR to bring this Google funded project to fruition,” said Mark Hall, Vice President of Avidity Technologies. “It has been amazing to merge the ideas of developers, designers, content creators, curators, and others, resulting in an engaging product that we are confident will enhance the museum experience.”
Features of the app include augmented reality experiences launched when artifacts and images are scanned. The experience begins with a hologram of Harold Washington. The hologram Harold, complete with movement and gestures, offers a brief greeting and overview of the exhibit. There is also a photo booth wall and when launched, visitors can take a picture with the hologram Harold Washington using their mobile device and then share it on social media.
“With any newer technology, first adopters take on risk, but are also rewarded as industry innovators,” said John Martin, CEO of BUNDLAR. “DuSable Museum and Avidity Technologies Inc. immediately understood the power of augmented reality (AR) and how it will revolutionize what they do. They saw the incredible value of giving visitors access to additional information via video and other interactive AR experiences in the palm of their hands using AR delivered by smartphones. Working step-by-step with them has been a pleasure. They get ‘it’ and are setting an incredibly high bar for the rest of Chicago museums to try and reach with the first fully functional AR app in the city.”
In addition, artifacts and pictures that have been selected as markers launch such experiences as related videos, trivia questions, and facts about the artifacts.
The Harold Washington Story exhibit at the DuSable Museum also received a facelift, completed by museum designers Martin Giese and Brenda Liboy. Visitors will enjoy the new open and brighter look of the space. With a few finishing touches underway, the exhibit area will re-open to the public in early March.
The Augmented DuSable Museum app is now available for download on mobile devices at the Apple and Google Play stores. For the convenience of museum visitors, a quick scan of a QR code in the exhibit area is available.
About The DuSable Museum of African American History
The DuSable Museum of African American History is one of the oldest institutions of its kind in the country. Our mission is to promote understanding and inspire appreciation of the achievements, contributions and experiences of African Americans and African history, culture and art. The DuSable Museum is a Smithsonian Institution Affiliate. For more information on the museum and its programs, please call 773-947-0600 or visit us at www.dusablemuseum.org. The DuSable Museum of African American History gratefully acknowledges the Chicago Park District’s partnership and also thanks United Airlines, the official airline of the DuSable Museum, for its support.
About BUNDLAR
BUNDLAR is a market leading augmented reality solutions (AR) provider for businesses and institutions. Our proprietary API, Content Management System (CMS), and Mobile App Platform simplifies the process of incorporating cutting-edge AR technology into corporate and institutional initiatives.
BUNDLARprovides a variety of AR solutions for printers, publishers, & marketers, trade shows & conventions, and for higher education & museums.
