Unlocking the Past with Limitless Creativity

Introduction to the (Un)Known Project

The (Un)Known Project has been working tirelessly to honor the ancestors of enslaved people and make clear Black history. Recently, they launched into a brand new journey, creating cinematic, interactive animations using Augmented Reality (AR) technology. This project, called Footprints Through Time, allowed them to push the boundaries of what is feasible and explore recent ways to share the stories of the past.

Discovering the Past

During their research, the team visited plantations and discovered a mass grave of roughly 123 enslaved people, together with several marked graves of enslaved individuals who were reinterred within the cemetery. This finding was particularly significant for considered one of the team members, Drake, who uncovered that her own ancestors, Hannah and Warren Lorick, were enslaved by the Lorick family, who owned plantations in Lexington, South Carolina.

The Power of Augmented Reality

The use of AR technology in Footprints Through Time allowed the team to bring the past to life in a way that was previously unimaginable. “Augmented Reality permits you to hear voices, music, poetry…and see what the world around you might have looked like centuries ago,” said Drake and Miller. This technology enabled the team to create a very immersive experience, with no limits to what may very well be created visually.

A Personal Connection

As Drake delved deeper into the project, she became more personally connected to the story. The discovery of her ancestors’ history inspired the project’s expansion to incorporate Bookman Cemetery as a site connected to the app. This personal connection added a brand new layer of depth to the project, making it much more meaningful and impactful.

Conclusion

The (Un)Known Project’s use of AR technology in Footprints Through Time has opened up recent possibilities for sharing the stories of the past. With limitless creativity and a passion for honoring the ancestors of enslaved people, the team has created something truly special. As they proceed to push the boundaries of what is feasible, we will expect to see much more progressive and impactful projects in the longer term. The (Un)Known Project is a shining example of how technology could be used to bring people together and create a more informed and empathetic society.