Technology Embraces the Past

Owen Sounds Museums presents two initiatives that will enhance the visitors’ experiences at the museums and in the community.

With the addition of touch screen technology, visitors can now view information and images selected from the collections on stations set up throughout the Marine and Rail Museum and the Billy Bishop Home and Museum - A National Historic Site. These screens allow visitors to access the collections not currently on display, and they provide virtual access to upstairs exhibits for guests who cannot climb the stairs at the Billy Bishop Home & Museum.

Owen Sound Museums is also expanding beyond its buildings and into the community with its “Bringing the Museums to You” project. Armed with a portable touch screen to showcase virtual displays, costumed volunteers will share the life of the museums with retirement home residents. Kits with historic objects will also be brought to inspire memories. By sharing the museums' information and collecting stories from area residents, Owen Sound Museums continues to be deeply rooted in the community. A pilot project will begin in the late fall of 2011 with a local nursing home, and themed programs will be available for rent to schools and community groups thereafter.

In-house museum touch screens are currently available for visitors' use at both the Billy Bishop Home & Museum and the Marine & Rail Museum.

For more information, please call the Billy Bishop Home & Museum – A National Historic Site at 519-371-0031 or the Marine & Rail Museum at 519-371-3333.

“The support of the Government of Ontario, through the Ministry of Culture, is acknowledged.”