FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019
Contact: Kristen Schulze Muszynski
626-8404 / cell: 441-7638  


Maine State Archives to launch virtual reality, PSAs for bicentennial

AUGUSTA – The Maine State Archives will celebrate American Archives Month this October with the launch of two special projects in commemoration of Maine’s bicentennial of statehood: The Maine Bicentennial Moments Public Interest Advertising announcements series; and the Maine Virtual Reality Experience.

Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap will unveil the Archives bicentennial projects at 11 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 24 with students at Windsor Elementary School, 366 Ridge Road, Windsor.

  • cid:image002.jpg@01D585C1.E95EBCA0The Maine Virtual Reality Experience uses VR technology to provide viewers enhanced 360-degree visions of notable Maine places. VR participants will feel as though they are standing at the site of interest. Simply by directing their gaze while wearing the viewer, they can activate pop-up historical anecdotes or informational snippets about the site. Three Virtual Reality experiences are currently available: The Maine State House, the Old Orchard Beach Pier, and the Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory. More will be added during the Bicentennial commemoration.
  • The Maine Bicentennial Moments are 30-second Public Interest Advertising announcements featuring Maine history. Each Moment includes images and documents from the Maine State Archives and other sources to highlight a person, place or event in Maine history. The 72 Moments will be aired on broadcast television throughout the State during the Bicentennial commemoration in addition to being posted online. Each Moment is intended to pique viewers’ interest and to encourage further exploration of the topic.

In addition to launching these special bicentennial projects, The Maine State Archives is presenting a bicentennial exhibit later this fall in the Archives lobby at the Cultural Building in Augusta, featuring the Act of Admission to the Union, historic maps, and the first draft of the State of Maine Constitution.

The Archives will also offer a public tour to mark American Archives Month, giving participants the opportunity to view the areas where the archival holdings are kept, and other spaces normally closed to the public. The tour is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2019 at 6  p.m. Space is limited; please email Kristen.Muszynski@Maine.gov, or call 626-8404 to reserve a spot on a tour.