Introduction to Kentucky Black Trailblazers
The Kentucky Black Trailblazers augmented reality project has been honored with the 2025 eTSY Award for Best Use of Augmented, Mixed or Virtual Reality on the eTourism Summit, held April 22–24 in Las Vegas. This prestigious national award recognizes excellence in digital tourism marketing and innovation.
What is the Kentucky Black Trailblazers Project?
The Kentucky Black Trailblazers is a groundbreaking, first-of-its-kind augmented reality (AR) experience that brings to life the stories of 19 influential Black Kentuckians across six counties: Shelby, Jefferson, Hardin, Bullitt, Oldham, and Nelson. Using QR code-enabled signage at sites throughout the Louisville region, visitors can hear and see AR reenactments telling the stories of figures corresponding to civil rights leader Whitney M. Young Jr., inaugural Kentucky Derby-winning jockey Oliver Lewis, and world-renowned boxer and activist Muhammad Ali.
Reaction to the Award
“Winning an eTSY Award is a robust affirmation of what we got down to do with the Kentucky Black Trailblazers project: innovate, educate, and encourage,” said Janette Marson, president & CEO of ShelbyKY Tourism. “To be nationally recognized for elevating untold stories through cutting-edge technology is each humbling and exhilarating. This award puts a national highlight on Kentucky’s commitment to meaningful tourism.”
Project Collaboration and Funding
Led by ShelbyKY Tourism in collaboration with five other Kentucky tourism agencies—Louisville, Oldham County, Bardstown, Elizabethtown, and Shepherdsville/Bullitt County—the project was made possible through federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding distributed by the Kentucky Department of Tourism. The AR technology was created by San Francisco-based innovation studio Tactic, offering users a singular opportunity to interact with history in a dynamic and academic way. In all, greater than 200 partners from Kentucky historians to Hollywood casting directors were involved within the project.
Technology and Innovation
“Tactic was proud to have had the chance to assist create the augmented reality experiences for Kentucky Black Trailblazers. It was an exquisite opportunity to see the most recent in AR tech leveraged to bring this essential history to life,” said Peter Oberdorfer, CEO of Tactic.
The eTSY Awards
The eTSY Awards, presented annually on the eTourism Summit, rejoice essentially the most revolutionary and impactful digital marketing campaigns within the tourism industry. The Kentucky Black Trailblazers project’s recognition underscores the project’s success in combining technology with storytelling to teach and encourage visitors and locals alike.
Conclusion
The Kentucky Black Trailblazers project is a singular and revolutionary solution to experience the history of Black Kentuckians. With its use of augmented reality technology, the project brings to life the stories of influential figures and provides a brand new solution to interact with history. The project’s recognition with the 2025 eTSY Award is a testament to its success and innovation. For more information in regards to the Kentucky Black Trailblazers experience, including locations and stories featured, visit www.kentuckyblacktrailblazers.com.
