Smart Phones Enhance Experience at Museum of Natural History

Visitors to the Museum of Natural History in Halifax will be able to use their smart phones to learn more about exhibits through new technology introduced today, Feb. 4.

The museum is adding quick response codes into its exhibits that can be scanned with smart phones. The codes allow visitors to view online videos of museum staff providing short narratives that interpret the museum collection.

"This is an exciting and interactive way to provide more background to museum visitors by using the newest interactive technology and the Internet," said Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage Dave Wilson. "This is one more way the museum is promoting life long learning that helps make life better for families and their children."

Using quick codes, visitors will be able to access information about the museum's tide tank, live animal collection, artifacts and of course Gus, the museum's 88-year old gopher tortoise.

A quick response code that shows the construction of the blockbuster exhibit A T. rex Named Sue has also been developed. It can be viewed online at http://museum.gov.ns.ca/mnhnew/en/home/whattoseedo/sue/timelapsevideo.aspx

The province-wide pilot project has been developed under the direction of the Association of Nova Scotia Museums.

"This is an exciting new project that uses the latest technologies to deliver interpretive materials to museum visitors," said Anita Price, managing director of the Association of Nova Scotia Museums. "The association champions museums through education, outreach, networking and advocacy to achieve excellence. Using quick response codes helps us deliver this mandate and engage audiences in new ways."

More information about museum programs is available at http://museum.gov.ns.ca/mnhnew/en/home/.