Let’s Get Real-ish with Augmented Reality, Hamilton

HAMILTON, ON – AUGUST 13, 2021 – Hey Hamilton. Now that this city is 175 years old, we want to show you how to explore its past, present and future with Augmented Reality. Check out ExperienceCommons.ca and on Saturday Aug 14, 11am-3pm, visit HPL’s Locke Branch for a live demonstration and then take a self-guided tour in Hamilton’s Victoria Park.

Coined AR for short, it’s a way to see the world around you with images of what isn’t there. Make sense? If not, we can show you how easy it is to explore with a simple, handheld device such as a smartphone or tablet. If you already know about AR, we can help you expand your digital skills and add to the fun.

Together with Hamilton Public Library, Hamilton Civic Museums and Hamilton Parks & Recreation, we’ve created a series of local landmarks and intriguing artifacts to play with and experiment as you learn about AR.

Want to explore the Crystal Palace as it once stood in Victoria Park in 1860? Can do with AR. Remember the Birks Clock that once hung at King and James streets and now keeps time in Hamilton Farmers’ Market? You can project its image and watch the hourly joust in your living room. How about a virtual, in-depth visit to the heritage home of early Black settlers Enerals and Priscilla Griffin? You can do that too with AR.

As you build your skills, you can create scans and share them with other AR fans to create and recreate a new reality. In addition to complete Crystal Palace, Birks Clock and Griffin House National Historic Site Experiences, ready-to-play scans include:

•  Hamilton Street Art (Graffiti Wall)
•  The Green Lantern at High Level Bridge on York Boulevard
•  The Burlington Canal Light Station
•  The Cockpit Theatre Museum at Dundurn Castle
•  The Hermitage Gatehouse Museum Ruins

Go to ExperienceCommons.ca to learn more, experience and share.

“The ability to see and explore many of Hamilton’s historical sites using Augmented Reality (AR) is an exciting use of new technology for our city. This innovative and interactive way to experience Hamilton provides a chance for our community to learn more about our rich 175-year history,” said Mayor Fred Eisenberger.

“Hamiltonians can now cheer on the Birks Clock jousters in their living room or explore a long-lost Palace in a City park. The Experience Commons project really combines technology with the past, present and future of our region. From long-lost buildings to everyday objects, the power is in the device in your hands,” says Paul Takala, CEO and Chief Librarian of Hamilton Public Library. “HPL has programs and a full slate of how-to information on our newly launched ExperienceCommons.ca site."