Project Title: Time Machines and Interactive Map 

Museum/ Institution: History Colorado Center

Media Category: Hybrid/Mixed Media

Program Created: Opened in 2012     

Program URL (if available): http://www.historycolorado.org/museums/exhibits

Project Image(s) and/or Video:

Media Source(s)/Credit(s):

Photo by Cyrus McCrimmon of The Denver Post. Retrieved from http://www.denverpost.com/entertainment/ci_20436908/history-colorado-center-lures-visitors-interactive-fun-activities

Video produced by History Colorado. Retrieved from http://www.historycolorado.org/museums/exhibits

Program Description: (150-250 words)

The brand new History Colorado Center’s Time Machines are giant, moveable kiosks with computer screens lining every side. They float atop a large-scale map map/areal view of Colorado that lines the floor of the Main Hall. Visitors are able to push the time machines around the map, stopping on “hot spots” that trigger videos on the screens. Visitors are then able to select from multiple stories about the area by selecting a year to “travel” back to.  Levers and button give visitors a sensation of operating a time-travel device, and offer an interactive way to learn about the state of Colorado. Visitors can choose from multiple videos at each stop, most of which have 3-4 different choices from different time periods. Individual videos are short, usually combining old photographs with simple animations and graphics. Some also include illustrations for more child-friendly viewing.

Firsthand or secondary review/critique: (150-250 words) 

The time machines are certainly appealing from the moment one spots them— they are large, shiny, and futuristic! Furthermore, one can peer down on the “Google Earth” representation of Colorado from any floor of the museum, as each has a balcony lining the main hall. The exhibit is visually appealing from every viewpoint!

It is not entirely self-evident how one is supposed to use the machines, however. Should one be unfortunate enough to visit at a time when docents are unavailable to explain or when other visitors are not present (as was the case with my visit), one might not understand the exhibit. Furthermore, the machines are HUGE, obviously designed for multiple users working together. Unfortunately, multiple users will not always work in such harmony, especially amongst such a kid-heavy population.

The videos are a bit stale (though content is varied). The interface of the actual program is quite fun, however. The zany sounds/music are entertaining to children, even if content isn’t. Plus, simple “Photoshopped” animations of old photos help liven what children might otherwise deem to be “old” or “boring” subject matter. As for adults, the incredible old photographs and fascinating historical tidbits are enough to keep interest!

Technologies incorporated:

Video, Audio, Programming 

Internally or externally produced:

Externally produced; Map commissioned by artist Steven Weitzman.

Entry Contributor and Date: Juliane Dowell- 2/6/13 

Related projects:  none known