Immersive Augmented Reality Experience: Kentucky Black Trailblazers Launches Statewide

The state of Kentucky is now offering a groundbreaking new way to experience Black history with the launch of “Kentucky Black Trailblazers.” This immersive, augmented reality experience allows visitors to travel back in time and witness the stories of key Black figures in the commonwealth’s history.

Thanks to the collaboration of six tourism agencies, including ShelbyKY, Louisville, Oldham County, Bardstown, Elizabethtown, and Shepherdsville-Bullitt County, visitors can now explore 19 designated locations across the state and scan QR codes to launch live-action holographic videos of heroes such as Muhammad Ali and Civil Rights leader Whitney M. Young.

The project, which took two years to create and officially launched this summer, was made possible through federal ARPA grant funding distributed by Kentucky Tourism. Janette Marson, president and CEO of ShelbyKY Tourism, highlighted the cutting-edge educational technology used in the experience, which aims to honor and preserve the contributions of Black leaders in Kentucky.

Sanda Jones, the Shelby County historian involved in launching the project, emphasized the importance of using modern technology to make history more engaging and relatable to people of all ages. “Kentucky Black Trailblazers” is not only a tribute to the past but also a tool to educate and inspire future generations.

To learn more about this innovative experience and find locations offering the new technology, visit the official website. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore Kentucky’s rich Black history in a whole new way.