VANCOUVER, Wash. – Washington State University Vancouver’s Creative Media & Digital Culture program will build an “immersive experience” for the pharmacy display at the Museum of the Oregon Territory. MOOT is part of the Clackamas County Historical Society in Oregon City.
Seniors in the CMDC program will use augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies to enhance the museum’s “Kaegi Pharmacy” exhibit, which features an original pharmacy from the early 1900s. The exhibit includes early medicine and remedies in their original packaging and bottles, as well as medical equipment used during the period.
AR and VR use computer-generated technologies, such as video, sound and graphics, to give viewers a sense of immersion in a real-world environment. The goal is to deepen the understanding of the objects on display.
CMDC Director Dene Grigar said although the idea of experiencing the real world via simulation using technologies is not new, the possibilities are just beginning to be discovered.
Four teams are designing, constructing and promoting the exhibit during the fall semester. Leading the development of the VR/AR component of the project is CMDC alumnus Connor Goglin. The teams will work closely with MOOT Executive Director Claire Blaylock throughout the process.
The project, titled “Kaegi Virtual Pharmacy,” has been funded by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, a federal program that supports library innovations.
Kaegi Pharmacy will close temporarily in December for structural changes and will reopen with the completed AR/VR installation Feb. 5. MOOT is located at 211 Tumwater Drive in Oregon City, Ore. The museum is open 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for children ages 5 – 17. Children under 5 are free.
The partnership with MOOT aligns with 91ԹϺ’s strategic plan goal five to establish and maintain mutually beneficial community outreach, research, financial and civic engagement partnerships
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As one of six campuses of the Washington State University system, 91ԹϺ offers big-school resources in a small-school environment. The university provides affordable, high-quality baccalaureate- and graduate-level education to benefit the people and communities it serves. As the only four-year research university in Southwest Washington, 91ԹϺ helps drive economic growth through relationships with local businesses and industries, schools and nonprofit organizations.
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