The Wright Museum of WWII in Wolfeboro, NH recently announced a $10,000 grant from the Madeline G. von Weber Trust to invest in new technology that will add interactivity to its artifact exhibits.
Interactive touchscreens are layered with video, photographs and audio sound, adding new dimension to its collections and bringing them to life. These interactives are also self-directed, which enable visitors to further explore areas that interest them. The touchscreens will allow exhibits to contain layers of information that is customized for different audiences, including children, schools and families.
The new interactives will also allow the Wright Museum to mount virtual exhibitions that expand its offerings, add depth and detail to the existing displays, and create ongoing changes in visitor programs.
“While we may only be able to display five military vehicles at one time in our gallery, a virtual exhibition can feature all of our vehicles,” said Michael Culver, executive director.
The Wright is also the recipient of diaries, photographs, and other fragile memorabilia, which he said lend themselves to digitization.
“We recently acquired materials from a family whose grandfather was a WWII sergeant and who had kept a log during his time as a POW,” he added. “By scanning this material and making it into an interactive with the addition of family photos and interviews, we can make this extraordinary historical document available to the public. The result is a piece of WWII history that is made to come alive in a more complete manner than would be possible otherwise.”
The Wright Museum of World War II in Wolfeboro is open to the public for the 2018 season daily through October 31. Museum hours are Monday-Saturday: 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. and Sunday: 12:00-4:00 p.m. The Museum is a not-for-profit institution focusing on the American home front as well as the war front during World War II.
