The Champaign Aviation Museum (CAM) announced its launch of an interactive 3D virtual tour of the museum, made possible with support provided by the Ohio Humanities, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the federal CARES Act of 2020.
With widespread shut-downs due to COVID-19 during the spring and summer, Museum Development Manager Jessica Henry sought ways to connect with visitors during the pandemic and partnered with Reality Capture Experts, a Columbus-based team specializing in 3D virtual reality scanning and marketing, to design the 3D virtual tour of CAM.
“In these uncertain times, we needed to create an opportunity for stay-at-home audiences and students to enjoy the museum and learn about World War II aviation history. The 3D virtual tour was a perfect solution, and its audio-visual components provide greater ADA compliance for our diverse audiences,” Henry said.
Visitors can take the free 3D virtual tour at champaignaviationmuseum.org/3d-virtual-tour where they can explore the museum space, read and/or hear audio recordings about WWII aircraft, artifacts and veterans, watch videos, shop in the CAM store and donate to support the museum’s mission just as if they were visiting the site in person.
“Though our doors are still open for visitors with face masks and social distancing, we don’t know what the future holds. We’re very grateful to have received the grant funds, which will allow CAM to remain easily accessible to all during the pandemic,” Henry said.
For more information about the 3D virtual tour, the museum or becoming a CAM member, contact Jessica Henry at 937-652-4710.
About Champaign Aviation Museum
Home of the B-17 Champaign Lady restoration project, the mission of the Champaign Aviation Museum is Touching Lives by Restoring History with guiding principles that focus education and resources on the World War II era, honor veterans and their families, educate the public about the experiences of past generations that flew in combat, restore and maintain the Museum’s historic aircraft in flying condition for public appreciation, and educate the public about aircraft construction and maintenance. CAM was established as an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in October 2007 with a vision to build its reputation as a center of excellence for the restoration and maintenance of World War II era aircraft, to exhibit personal stories, artifacts, and experiences of World War II veterans and their families, and to keep and expand the unique hands-on learning experience available at the Museum for future generations.
