History Meets
Virtual Reality
About “The Great Experiment” Project
Redebating the Electoral College in Virtual Reality
Shenandoah University is excited to celebrate the launch of “The Great Experiment,” an educational virtual reality experience that immerses participants into a key moment in U.S. history. For over five years, students and faculty collaborated to create this experience, which places users within a virtual Independence Hall in Philadelphia during the Constitutional Convention of 1787. Through a series of progressively immersive and interactive stages, participants join the country’s founders as they discuss and debate how to select the chief executive of a new republic.
NPR’s ‘Weekend Edition Saturday’
“Ever wonder how we ended up with the Electoral College? A new virtual reality experience lets you get inside the 1787 debate over how a U.S. president should be elected.”
– Randi Hagi, news reporter with WMRA public broadcast station
Learning from the past requires empathy for the people of the past. Immersive technology provides the means and the medium to see and experience the world from their point of view. It’s a very powerful tool for studying history.”
Warren Hofstra, Ph.D. professor of history
Who Is It For?
Any individual or group interested in learning more about the American Constitution, the Constitutional Convention, and the origins of the Electoral College.
School and university students and educators wishing to use the app as an educational tool to supplement classroom learning in history, politics, government, architecture, tourism, and other topics.
History enthusiasts and tourists interested in visiting Independence Hall and learning about the Constitutional Convention but cannot physically travel to Philadelphia.
Museums and historical sites wishing to enhance the visitor experience and offer immersive (all or half-day) experiences and virtual tours.
Libraries and community centers intending on providing educational resources for their patrons.
Homeschooling families and parents wanting to provide interactive and engaging educational content for their children.
Individuals interested in architecture and preservation of historical buildings and heritage.
Researchers investigating immersive technologies and learning, memory, cognition, neuropsychology or many related subjects.
Scholars exploring immersive technologies as a medium for creating and communicating knowledge.
Features
+ Founded on accurate historical research and scholarship
+ Authentic simulation and representation of Independence Hall and Founders
+ Spatial sound and audio
+ High fidelity visuals and graphics
+ Professional grade voice over
+ State-of-the-art spatial computing and immersive content
+ Easy navigation and friendly user control
Debate is so often viewed as an adversarial activity; we forget that it can be our greatest tool for collaboration. This innovative VR project allows participation in history and reminds us that although our self interests may be vastly different, it is always in our collective interest, as a nation and as a planet, to find common ground through the protection and promotion of civil debate.”
Matt Corr, Ph.D., associate professor of media and communication and a debate coach
Behind The Scenes
Development of the project included the writing of a script using notes taken at the Constitutional Convention by James Madison and others present for the discussions in 1787. Monologues given by the virtual delegates were drawn from biographical and documentary materials.
The project relies on a variety of amateur and professional actors and voice actors to bring the virtual delegates to life. On the technical side, a team of Shenandoah students from various academic programs – including VR design, music production and recording technology (MPRT), and film production – was assembled and supported by SCiL Lab personnel. The project necessitated the construction of a customized motion and performance capture system, the adoption of new state-of-the-art software tools, and collaboration with experts, including Independence Hall’s chief curators and exhibit managers at The National Constitution Center.
At The National Constitution Center
Creating the Virtual Reality
Scenes of The Great Experiment
At the 2023 Augmented World Expo
Supplemental Materials
For Educators
Through immersive technology, history is no longer something abstract, to be imagined and pictured. Immersive history will be lived and experienced; I’ve watched it happen. This is how you get students to fall in love with history.”
J.J. Ruscella, M.F.A., AccessVR EVP and Chief Immersive Officer
In The News
‘The Great Experiment’ Featured On NPR’s ‘Weekend Edition Saturday’
Shenandoah University-developed VR experience recreates 1787 debates that led to the creation of Electoral College
Shenandoah University Releases ‘The Great Experiment’
Educational VR experience immerses users in 1787 debates that led to the creation of the Electoral College
“The Great Experiment” featured in the Newsmagazine of the American Historical Association
Perspectives On History is the principal source for news and information about the discipline of history
Shenandoah Faculty, Students Showcase VR Project at History Conference
‘The Great Experiment’ places participants in Independence Hall during the Constitutional Convention of 1787