2024-10-13
National First Ladies Library and Museum Unveils Interactive Augmented Reality Mural
Experience the Magic of Art and Technology with “Commander in Ink”
The National First Ladies Library & Museum is excited to announce the unveiling of a one-of-a-kind Augmented Reality (AR) mural that promises to captivate the imagination of both children and adults alike. This remarkable 5’ x 24’ mural, created by local artist and technology expert Tracy Dawn Brewer, will debut on October 17, 2024, during the Museum’s Third Thursday event at 6:30 PM. The unveiling will take place at the National First Ladies Library, located at 205 Market Ave. South, Canton, Ohio.
The mural, entitled "Commander in Ink” centers on the story of a young girl named Kinley, who is surrounded by her family’s library in the quaint town of Liberty. As viewers interact with the mural using a free mobile app, the characters and scenes come to life and focus on Kinley’s interactions with our nation’s First Ladies. This immersive AR experience offers participants the chance to witness Kinley’s world unfold around them, sparking creativity and inspiring collaboration.
Patty Dowd Schmitz, President & CEO of the National First Ladies Library and Museum, expressed her excitement about this unique project: "This mural is a fantastic way for young people to experience history and literature in a vibrant, modern way. By incorporating augmented reality, we’re creating an experience where our First Ladies can literally leap off the walls and into the imagination of our visitors. It’s a wonderful opportunity to inspire students to engage with the stories of the First Ladies in a fresh and interactive way. We hope this project leaves a lasting impact by showing how technology can make learning fun, engaging, and meaningful."
In addition to the interactive mural, "Commander in Ink" will also be adapted into a children’s book, available exclusively at the First Ladies Gift Shop. This beautifully illustrated book will make for the perfect holiday gift, allowing families to take a piece of this magical mural home with them.
The mural project was made possible through a generous grant from ArtsinStark, whose support allows the Museum to bring the arts and education to life in new and innovative ways.
Tickets for the unveiling and our Third Thursday event on October 17th can be purchased at firstladies.org. Join us as we celebrate the fusion of art and technology and embark on an imaginative journey that promises to inspire all who attend.
About the National First Ladies Library & Museum
We preserve, promote, and educate about the significant role and contributions of our nation’ s First Ladies, inspiring young leaders by telling the story of American history uniquely through the eyes of women.
The National First Ladies Library & Museum was founded in Canton, Ohio, in 1995 by Mary Regula, wife of former U.S. Representative Ralph Regula. It is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to preserve, promote and educate about the significant role of First Ladies of the U.S. and their contributions throughout history. We aim to inspire young leaders by telling the story of American history uniquely through the eyes of the women who served alongside their presidential husbands. The organization operates and manages the First Ladies National Historic Site in a partnership agreement with the National Park Service. In 2000, President Bill Clinton signed a bill establishing the First Ladies National Historic Site in Canton as the 380th unit of the National Park Service. The site consists of the Ida Saxton McKinley House, the family home of First Lady Ida Saxton McKinley and the longtime residence of President William and Ida McKinley, as well as First Ladies Park and the National First Ladies Library & Museum (Visitors Center), which includes exhibit space, a Victorian theatre, a research library, conference and seminar rooms, archival storage and processing rooms, and administrative offices. We preserve, promote, and educate about the significant role and contributions of our nation’ s First Ladies, inspiring young leaders by telling the story of American history uniquely through the eyes of women.