MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga., May 23, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- Georgia College &
State University has introduced augmented reality to
Andalusia, once home to its famed alumna and popular Southern
writer Flannery O'Connor, '45.
Interactive, self-guided grounds tours are now available at
Andalusia, allowing visitors to scan a QR code inside the
Interpretive Center with their cell phones. This enhances property
locations using AR technology to project real-time images and facts
about the farmstead for a more in-depth glance into the past.
"This new feature is on the cutting edge of delivery methods for
interpretation in this area," said Matt
Davis, director of Historic Museums at Georgia College. "There's no need to download an
app. We've removed as many barriers as possible. Technology without
barriers is where we want to be."
By simply scanning a QR code with a smartphone, guests can pull
up information about various aspects of the property. For visitors
who don't own a smartphone, iPads are provided.
Pop-up information makes guests feel as if they're at O'Connor's
old farmstead experiencing the Andalusia of long ago through 3D
imagery, panoramic views, videos and sound effects.
As visitors walk where the Nail House once stood, they get a
three-dimensional glimpse of the original structure and hear sounds
of animals once housed in the pens and runs beside it. When
visitors return home, their Andalusia experience continues with
just a click of their phone.
Tours guided by docents continue inside O'Connor's home,
providing visitors with the traditional interpretive experience at
Andalusia, while giving Georgia College
students experiential learning opportunities.
"This value-added upgrade, funded by donors, is a remarkable way
for guests to interact with Andalusia," Davis said. "We hope
everyone comes to experience Andalusia in 3D."
The university partnered with BES Studios and ARtGlass to create
the tour.
Georgia College & State
University acquired the Andalusia homestead in 2017.
Already on the list of National Historic Places since 1980, the
property was named a "Distinctive Destination" by the National
Trust for Historic Preservation in 2019 and a National Historic
Landmark by the National Park Service in 2022.
For those who can't visit, there are also virtual and 3D tours
online. To learn more, visit the Andalusia website or call
478-445-8722.
For additional information and scheduling
interviews, please contact:
cindy.odonnell@gcsu.edu or call
478-445-8668.
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SOURCE Georgia College & State
University