Discover the Hidden Stories of Route 66 through Virtual Reality
The Bloomington-Normal Black History Project is taking exploration to another level by offering a captivating virtual reality tour of the historical Route 66. Through this immersive experience, attendees will gain a unique perspective on the Mother Road, delving into the rich stories of African Americans and their contributions during the Jim Crow and civil rights era.
Scheduled for this Sunday at 2 p.m. at Mount Pisgah Church in Bloomington, the event guarantees an enlightening presentation along with a delightful lunch. The virtual tour will transport participants to significant cities like Chicago, Bloomington, Springfield, Brooklyn, and East St. Louis. It’s a chance to hear, learn, and experience the historical events that shaped African American history along this iconic highway.
While the captivating stories of Black-owned businesses and communities come to life through virtual reality, one particular highlight is the fascinating tale of Brooklyn. Recognized as one of the first incorporated Black towns in Illinois, attendees will be enthralled by the eye-opening stories behind its emergence.
Jeff Woodard, director of marketing and community relations for the McLean County Museum of History, emphasized the significance of this tour in shedding light on the trials and tribulations faced by people of color during this tumultuous period. “What it means to me is an opportunity just to share,” he expressed. “This is an opportunity for people to get together, share some content, and have some time to decompress and share the experiences about how we feel about what we’ve learned, and also what we can take away and share with others.”
Thanks to a generous grant associated with the Route History Museum in Springfield, a limited number of attendees can enjoy this extraordinary event free of charge. The Route History Museum stands as the only brick and mortar museum in the United States using technology to spotlight the profound impact of Black experiences along Route 66.
The collaboration between the Bloomington-Normal Black History Project and the Route History Museum is driven by shared values and aims. Woodard explained, “We basically have a shared mission, which is to tell the stories of local African Americans in McLean County and also throughout the state of Illinois.” Moreover, he emphasized how the virtual reality experience fosters a deeper connection than traditional teaching methods can achieve. By immersing oneself in this tour, participants will gain a profound understanding of the challenges, triumphs, and relationships that shaped African American communities.
Woodard also highlighted the accessibility of this virtual reality experience, mentioning that it can be enjoyed during regular museum hours in Springfield. However, the beauty of this concept lies in its portability, allowing the content to be shared beyond the museum walls. “We can take the virtual reality experience to other areas of the community and share it,” Woodard proclaimed, inviting everyone to embark on this remarkable journey through history.
Additional Relevant Facts:
– Route 66 is a historic highway in the United States, stretching from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California. It was one of the original highways of the U.S. Highway System and is often referred to as the Mother Road.
– The Jim Crow era refers to the period of racial segregation and discrimination that existed primarily in the Southern United States from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century. African Americans faced severe racial inequalities during this time.
– The Civil Rights era refers to the period of activism and social movements in the mid-20th century that aimed to secure equal rights for African Americans. This included significant events such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the March on Washington.
– African American contributions along Route 66 include the establishment of businesses, communities, and cultural landmarks that served as important gathering places and resources for African Americans during a time of segregation.
– Brooklyn, Illinois is one of the notable Black towns along Route 66. It was incorporated in 1873 and became an important hub for African American residents in the area.
– The McLean County Museum of History in Bloomington, Illinois plays a key role in sharing the stories of African Americans in McLean County and throughout Illinois. The museum aims to educate and engage the community in the history and experiences of local African Americans.
Key Questions and Answers:
Q: What is the purpose of the virtual reality tour of Route 66?
A: The virtual reality tour aims to provide attendees with a unique perspective on Route 66, specifically highlighting the contributions and experiences of African Americans during the Jim Crow and civil rights era.
Q: How can attendees access the virtual reality experience?
A: The virtual reality experience can be enjoyed during regular museum hours at the Route History Museum in Springfield, Illinois. Additionally, the content can be shared beyond the museum walls, allowing for accessibility in different areas of the community.
Key Challenges or Controversies:
– One challenge associated with presenting the history of African Americans along Route 66 is the lack of comprehensive documentation. Due to systemic discrimination and the erasure of Black voices in historical records, it can be difficult to gather and present accurate and complete narratives.
– Another potential challenge is ensuring that the virtual reality experience is respectful and accurately portrays the experiences of African Americans. It is important to approach the subject matter with sensitivity and thorough research.
Advantages:
– The virtual reality tour allows for an immersive and engaging experience, enabling attendees to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges, triumphs, and relationships that shaped African American communities along Route 66.
– The collaboration between the Bloomington-Normal Black History Project and the Route History Museum provides an opportunity to share important stories and foster a connection between different communities.
Disadvantages:
– The limited number of attendees who can enjoy the event free of charge due to the grant associated with the Route History Museum may restrict access for some individuals who are interested in learning about the history of African Americans along Route 66.
– The virtual reality experience may not be accessible to everyone, as not all individuals have access to the necessary technology or resources to participate in such an experience.
Suggested Related Links:
– McLean County Museum of History
– Historical Marker Database
– National Park Service – Route 66
