Virtual Journey through the Past

About the Program

Category: Arts, Culture and Historic Preservation (Best in Category)

Year: 2021

Somerset County’s Virtual Journey through the Past is a free, online tool created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was designed to provide the public with a safe, visually captivating means to experience the County’s history which spans four centuries, and its historic assets which include significant buildings and sites as well as nonprofit organizations and their passionate staff and volunteers. By coordinating with the Planning Division, GIS Department, Graphics Department, Public Information Office, County Clerk’s Office, Office on Aging and Disability Services as well as the Somerset County Library System (SCLS), the County Superintendent of Schools and multiple local nonprofit organizations, the Somerset County Office of Cultural & Heritage created, in house, a GIS story map that included rich visuals, interactive maps and videos, and a history hunt of County sites that could be done independently. The purpose of this project was to provide a tour of the County’s historical assets as well as a positive, memorable experience for both residents and visitors at a time when people could not gather or meet face-to-face due to the uncertainties brought about by the pandemic. Online analytics show that this program was a success in building awareness of the County’s historic assets (which in turn support local businesses and nonprofits), as well as Cultural & Heritage and its services.