Portals to the Past: An Augmented Reality Exploration of the History of Sheridan 2023

For the Winter 2023 semester, the Public History theme focuses on the exploration of the history of the Sheridan Trafalgar campus and the creation of augmented reality exhibits. The goal of the theme is to help rebuild a sense of community at the campus now that in-person learning has largely recommenced following the pandemic and lockdowns. Now that we are back in person, the goal of this theme is to help students, faculty, staff, and visitors alike develop a sense of place and connection with the college through self-guided augmented reality exhibits around campus. Each group of students has been tasked with the creating the content for two exhibits. One exhibit came through researching archival materials such as the Sheridan Sun student newspaper and the other exhibit came through alumni who shared their stories and experiences with the students. The exhibits, or "portals to the past" were installed in the Spring and Summer semesters by student workers in the Interaction Design program.