Tourism commissions in Shelby, Jefferson, Oldham, Bullitt, Nelson, and Hardin Counties of Kentucky proudly announce The Kentucky Black Trailblazers Experience. This unique immersive experience highlights influential Black figures who shaped Kentucky's history, using Augmented Reality (AR) technology developed by Tactic and ShelbyKY Tourism.
"We are thrilled to introduce the Kentucky Black Trailblazers Experience, an initiative aimed at honoring and preserving the extraordinary contributions and stories of our local heroes,” says Janette Marson, President and CEO ShelbyKY Tourism. "Through the integration of Augmented Reality technology, we proudly offer visitors the opportunity to travel back in time and encounter the personal histories of these remarkable individuals who have left an indelible mark on our cultural heritage. The Experience is a trailblazer in exploring innovative ways to celebrate the past and inspire future generations."
The AR experience involves detailed "volume capture" technology, faithfully integrating actor performances into the app while properly honoring each historical figure. ShelbyKY Tourism’s creative direction guided Tactic, Metastage, and Director Sean Frank to create 19 three-dimensional interactive experiences across Kentucky, activated by Tactic-designed signage featuring QR codes activating each experience.
“Telling stories centered on the Black experience and these historical figures from the past was an incredible honor,” adds Sean Frank. “Throughout the process, of working to craft each actor's performance, I learned so much about these unsung heroes and their accomplishments. I felt a tremendous responsibility to tell these stories effectively and with emotional truth.”
Visitors can journey through Louisville to meet figures like Muhammad Ali and Oliver Lewis in an unparalleled, immersive experience.
"This is a truly exciting and culturally meaningful use of AR, allowing users to see history ‘come to life’ in a way that hasn’t been done at this scale," says Tactic President Peter Oberdorfer. "The potential of this medium to tell stories is boundless. But, in particular, this mix of augmented and mixed reality with live-action holographic video is a compelling example of the power of creative technology to invite new audiences to explore this important history."
For more information, visit KyBlackTrailblazers.com.
