Fenton History Center Using QR Codes To Enhance Exhibits

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JAMESTOWN – A local museum has launched a new program to enhance their visitor’s experince.

The Fenton History Center is embracing technology by using QR-codes to provide more information about their exhibits.

Noah Goodling, the center’s director, says the codes not only provide general information about the exhibits, but also spotlight individual artifacts.

“The codes take the place of a tour guide for groups that aren’t comfortable,” Goodling said. “ They make sure you have a more personalized experience as you’re going around the house rather than just looking at what the exhibits themselves have to offer, and it also gives us a chance to put some more dynamic content in there.”

Because of health concerns, the museum has closed off a few areas, such as the popular tower room, where it is impossible to maintain social distancing.

“Everywhere we have had to shut people out we have found some kind of alternative so that even if you can’t get that exact experience you were looking for you can get something close to it or something that gives you a similar experience,” furthered Goodling.

During weeks when the museum was forced to close completely, they released videos highlighting different artifacts within the collection.

“The videos could be about something you’ve probably walked past 20 times and never really noticed it or realized the significance, but it turns out it had a really rich history behind it – something interesting and relevant to our area. We wanted to make sure that those little things got the spotlight too,” Goodling said.

The mansion is now back open six days a week, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the research center is open all days except Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

“I guarantee you’ll learn something interesting and fun if you come,” Goodling said.

The Fenton mansion was built in 1863 and now brings visitors back to the Victorian era. The History Center’s mission is to provide historical education and preservation of heritage, it is a valuable cultural institution of the city of Jamestown.