DURHAM, N.C. (WNCN) — A Durham-based company is using new technology to tell the story of the city’s past.
Durham Productions, a local theatre and digital production company, offers a new augmented reality experience with a Halloween twist.
Their AR Ghost Hunt is part of their augmented reality series “Project Aeschylus”.
On Ghost Hunt, you’ll find ghosts all over Durham city centre – and they’ll hide in your phone.
“They’re all whimsical little guys scattered around the city center,” said JL Klinck, art director at Durham Productions. “Each of them is themed around what they’re doing.”
All you have to do is download a free app called “Mmbit” and you’ll see a list of AR ghosts to track down.
From there, you can click on a ghost and follow the instructions to find one.
“You don’t really understand its impact [augmented reality] Until you see it,” Klink said. “It’s here now. It’s happening now. We want to bring it here. “
On a ghost hunt, you’ll have the chance to find bartenders, wagons on the street, ghosts communicating with birds, and more.
Ghost Hunt is based on fictional characters, but it’s a fun way to bring Durham’s past to life, Clink said.
The company has partnered with resources like the Durham Public Library and the Durham Historical Museum to bring historical accuracy to their AR experiences.
One such experience—the Tobacco Card Scavenger Hunt—follows Clara Von Faucette, a fictional 10-year-old girl who runs errands with her parents in 1888.
It uses the real location of the then Durham city centre scene.
During the experience, participants will help Clara find her collection of lost tobacco trading cards, the predecessor to baseball trading cards.
The cards in the AR experience are based on real cards made at the time.
“We found it really fascinating,” Klink said. “We think it’s an incredible tool for bringing to life stories that need to be told, and interesting stories.”
The ghost hunting experience is free and open to the public. It runs through midnight on Halloween.
For more information on Durham Productions, Click here.