Editor’s note; Updated with change of location.
Visit Finger Lakes will celebrate the launch of its new Finger Lakes Virtual Museum with a free, public event at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 25.
The launch will be held during National Historic Marker Weekend at 19 Susan B. Anthony Lane, Canandaigua, behind the Ontario County Courthouse. It had been planned for Canandaigua Inn Park but was moved because of the weather forecast. New York state Sen. Pamela Helming, R-Canandaigua, will speak.
Along with celebrating the launch of the new virtual museum app, the event will offer volunteer opportunities supported by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation and a scavenger hunt where participants can visit different historical markers throughout the county and share their photos on social media for a chance to win prizes from local establishments, according to Visit Finger Lakes.
“The launch of the Finger Lakes Virtual Museum marks a transformational moment for our region, blending innovation and storytelling to bring our history to life in ways that are accessible, immersive, and deeply connected to place,” Visit Finger Lakes CEO and President Alicia M. Richie said. “This launch is more than a new attraction… It’s a powerful way to connect residents and visitors with the people, places, and stories that define Ontario County, right where history happened, preserving local heritage.”
Here’s what to know about the new Finger Lakes Virtual Museum and the upcoming free launch event.
What is the Finger Lakes Virtual Museum?
The Finger Lakes Virtual Museum app was designed to celebrate the history of Ontario County during the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, Visit Finger Lakes stated in its press release.
Using QR codes on more than 65 historic markers in Ontario County, this app will offer users an interactive digital experience through augmented reality and multimedia storytelling.
“We encourage everyone to explore the county and the immersive experiences featured at many of the historic markers in the app,” Richie said. “The Steamer Seneca, for example, is a mural in Geneva depicting one of the steamboats that once traveled Seneca Lake. When viewed through the app, the illustration comes to life through augmented reality, allowing you to see many of its elements in motion.”
Individuals interested in volunteering to clean off virtual museum signs for the event can apply through a form on the Visit Finger Lakes website. Visit Finger Lakes stated that they will provide volunteers with cloths from the Pomeroy Foundation.
For more information about the virtual museum app and the event, visit visitfingerlakes.com/virtual-museum/launch-event/.
—Madison Scott is a New York Connect reporter, covering entertainment, breaking and consumer news, and trending topics with a focus on stories that matter to readers across New York state. She also has an interest in how the system helps or doesn’t help families with missing loved ones. She can be reached at MDScott@USATodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Explore Finger Lakes history from home with new virtual museum
Reporting by Madison Scott, New York Connect Team / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
