National Parks Service
The overall project envisions expanding the global reach and impact of the African Burial Ground National Monument (“ABG”) through digital experiences for people to connect to, and interact with, ABG and its Interpretive Center.
ABG, in partnership with the Cultural Museum of African Art (“CMAA”) is in the process of creating the Museum of the Future in lower Manhattan. A Resolution of Support by Community Board 1 (CB1) for the designation of a specific site, puts ABG & CMAA closer to its larger goal of creating the Museum of the Future, and serving as the anchor tenants in a new and expansive Cultural Heritage and Education Center at 22 Reade St. The establishment of this comprehensive site would allow ABG to relocate its Interpretive Center and CMAA to display its 3000+ African artifacts.
22 Reade St. sits adjacent to the ABG site. This area is sacred land, where more than 15,000 African ancestors are interred. New Yorkers will recall discovery of the ABG site during David N. Dinkins‘ term as the 106th Mayor of New York City. The Honorable David N. Dinkins was a supporter of ABG, CMAA and their long-term goals.
Paired with its physical exhibition, ABG & CMAA, in partnership with MASK Consortium, is in the process of developing the first-of-its-kind, 3-dimensional, digital experience for the ABG Interpretive Center and CMAA’s Collection. This digital experience will offer the only fully interactive and immersive VR museum on a global scale.
In this vision, both online and onsite visitor experiences can be expanded and enhanced. Most significantly, individuals will not be required to be physically on site to engage in a meaningful way with the monument, artwork or exhibitions.
- Performed feasibility study & design consultation for Virtual Tour capabilities
- Developed a functional beta of an Interactive, Immersive Tour
- Produced 3D Fly-through Video
- Instrumental in development of support for conversion of 22 READE STREET into Interpretive Center