Have you ever wished you could step into historic landscapes and experience the past coming alive before your eyes? On this episode of Go Dig a Hole podcast, recorded live at the American Cultural Resources Association (ACRA) conference in Indianapolis, Indiana in September 2023, Chris Sims and Elliot Helmer talk with Lauren Jensen from ARtGlass about how augmented reality is making that a reality.
GDAH EP91 – Highlights
Chris shares his experience trying ARtGlass’s software firsthand at the conference, blown away by how immersive it was to stand in a virtual world seeing high-resolution landscapes all around him. Lauren describes some of ARtGlass’s past projects, from recreating ancient battlefields in Italy to documenting the removal of Confederate monuments in Richmond through archival images and video.
Elliot and Lauren dive into a discussion about the potential of AR to tell non-dominant stories and visualize indigenous sites that are no longer intact. As an archaeologist passionate about labor history, Elliot is energized by the democratization of heritage stories through digital platforms.
The conversation ranges from engaging public interpretation to enhancing creative mitigation projects, where AR seems poised to benefit cultural resource management. Lauren shares real testing showing people of all ages enjoy AR experiences.
Come listen in as these innovators brainstorm new directions, such as exploring uses with indigenous communities. Walk away inspired by the emerging possibilities for cultural heritage through augmented reality. Press play to step into an imaginative world of virtual archaeology on this engaging episode of Go Dig a Hole.
About the contributors
Chris Sims is an esteemed archaeologist associated with Chronicle Heritage. He has made significant contributions to the field and has been recognized for his efforts, as evidenced by his promotion to Strategic Account Executive at Chronicle Heritage. In this role, Chris is responsible for forging connections with new stakeholders, particularly within the Pacific Northwest, and collaborating on various projects. Beyond his professional endeavors, Chris is also the host and founder of the “Go Dig a Hole” archaeology podcast. This podcast delves into various archaeological topics, and Chris’s expertise and passion for the subject shine through in each episode.
Elliot Helmer is a graduate student at Washington State University, specializing in archaeological studies. In addition to his academic pursuits, he serves as a Graduate Student Instructor at WSU. Professionally, Helmer holds the position of Principal Investigator at Chronicle Heritage, overseeing key archaeological projects. He also co-hosts the “Go Dig a Hole” podcast, further contributing to the discourse in the field.
Lauren Jensen serves as the Chief Commercial Officer at ARtGlass, a leading company in the realm of augmented reality experiences for cultural sites. In her role, she champions cultural clients and untold stories, emphasizing the importance of humanistic sales and marketing strategies. Lauren’s expertise extends to the intersection of augmented reality, culture, tourism, and visitor engagement. Beyond her commercial responsibilities, she is recognized as a place-based storyteller, highlighting the significance of locations and their inherent narratives. Lauren’s contributions to the field emphasize the role of technology in enhancing cultural and historical experiences for audiences worldwide.
