Sangamon Sun

AT&T's "Ghosts of the Library" exhibition at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum and Library in downtown Springfield has become a top attraction in the city. Since its debut in 2005, the purpose of this high-tech immersive exhibition has been to provide visitors with a glimpse into the world of a presidential library.

In "Ghosts of the Library," visitors are welcomed into a theater by a live actor who guides them through the museum. As the actor shares information about strategically placed artifacts, ghostly holographic images appear, capturing the audience's attention. For example, an actor may read the Gettysburg Address while an image of Abraham Lincoln appears and completes the reading.

This exhibition seamlessly combines showmanship and scholarship to create an educational experience for all ages. The use of Holavision, a proprietary technology owned by BRC Imagination Arts, adds a touch of magic to the show. It allows the live actor on stage to seemingly control smoke and vapors, forming interactive images that captivate and respond to the actor's movements. The technology also allows for the actor to fade away or disappear, adding to the overall mesmerizing effect.

The planning for "Ghosts of the Library" began two years before the museum's opening. Meetings were held with historians, educators, writers, and members of the community to gather their thoughts, questions, and ideas about the content. The goal was to create a show that would run seven days a week, 362 days a year. Since its inception, over 70,000 performances of "Ghosts of the Library" have been presented.

The show is meticulously synchronized using a computer track, ensuring that lighting, projections, music, and audio cues are perfectly timed. It requires a significant amount of practice, with sections of the show being rehearsed in short intervals dozens of times. The script is filled with captivating images, providing an experience that remains thrilling, powerful, and moving even after nearly two decades.

Representative Mike Coffey of Springfield highly recommends visiting the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum and Library, stating, "When visiting Springfield, families should prioritize visiting the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum and Library. The Ghosts of the Library show is a must-see for everyone, as it is captivating, thrilling, and full of historical context. The work and production on this show is second to none, and it has been a staple since the museum opened."

The success of AT&T's "Ghosts of the Library" exhibition at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum and Library is a testament to the power of technology and storytelling. It has become a top attraction in Springfield, offering visitors a unique and immersive experience that brings history to life.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://repcoffey.com/2023/10/26/atts-ghosts-of-the-library-holavision-show-a-top-springfield-attraction/