Reimagining Local History Through Interactive Technology
Faculty Mentor Name
Arnaud Ehgner
Format Preference
Poster
Abstract
Traditional museum exhibits often struggle to capture the attention of younger generations, who are accustomed to interactive and visual learning. This project addresses the gap by introducing a modern approach to historical education through the creation of an interactive green screen exhibit. Designed to engage visitors with the rich history of Prescott, the exhibit combines digital media and storytelling, allowing participants to step into recreated scenes from local events. We applied our skills in 3D modeling, animation, and visual design to digitally reconstruct historical sites and bring still photographs to life. Our program emphasizes cross-disciplinary collaboration, combining principles of 3D computer graphics, user experience design, and animation—skills that proved essential in developing this exhibit.
The Western Heritage Museum’s mission is to preserve and promote Prescott’s history through educational displays, art, and collaborative projects. Project goals included digitally recreating the second Yavapai Courthouse and featuring former President Theodore Roosevelt as a symbolic figure of the era, using tools such as Autodesk Maya, Adobe After Effects, and Adobe Substance 3D Painter. This was especially meaningful, as it provided a way to visualize important aspects of Prescott’s history that had previously existed only through text and static images.
The process incorporated green screen production, 3D modeling, video production, and digital compositing to create a functional and engaging exhibit. Ultimately, the project demonstrates how creative media technology and historical storytelling can deepen public understanding, inspire curiosity, and strengthen the connection between higher education and the broader community.
Reimagining Local History Through Interactive Technology
Traditional museum exhibits often struggle to capture the attention of younger generations, who are accustomed to interactive and visual learning. This project addresses the gap by introducing a modern approach to historical education through the creation of an interactive green screen exhibit. Designed to engage visitors with the rich history of Prescott, the exhibit combines digital media and storytelling, allowing participants to step into recreated scenes from local events. We applied our skills in 3D modeling, animation, and visual design to digitally reconstruct historical sites and bring still photographs to life. Our program emphasizes cross-disciplinary collaboration, combining principles of 3D computer graphics, user experience design, and animation—skills that proved essential in developing this exhibit.
The Western Heritage Museum’s mission is to preserve and promote Prescott’s history through educational displays, art, and collaborative projects. Project goals included digitally recreating the second Yavapai Courthouse and featuring former President Theodore Roosevelt as a symbolic figure of the era, using tools such as Autodesk Maya, Adobe After Effects, and Adobe Substance 3D Painter. This was especially meaningful, as it provided a way to visualize important aspects of Prescott’s history that had previously existed only through text and static images.
The process incorporated green screen production, 3D modeling, video production, and digital compositing to create a functional and engaging exhibit. Ultimately, the project demonstrates how creative media technology and historical storytelling can deepen public understanding, inspire curiosity, and strengthen the connection between higher education and the broader community.