Creating the St. James AME Zion Church Immersive Tour

Local Histories of the Underground Railroad

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In the fall of 2021, CyArk traveled to Ithaca, NY to document St. James AME Zion Church. 

Archaeology Field School, Cornell University, CyArk, and St. James AME Zion Church (2021-09-22) by CyArkCyArk

Collaboration at St. James

In 2021, CyArk, Cornell University, and St. James AME Zion Church in Ithaca, NY collaborated to digitally document and produce a virtual guided tour of the church, which historically served as a station on the Underground Railroad. CyArk worked with Cornell and church leaders to document and share histories, memories, and songs part of the church's legacy historically and today. 

NarratorsCyArk

Voices of St. James

CyArk worked with the community in Ithaca to identify significant stories and features of the church. Eight different community members guide you through the virtual experience including members of the congregation and scholars from Cornell University. 

Recording St. James History by CyArkCyArk

CyArk recorded stories and histories with each person at significant areas part of the Church's history. Here, Whitney Peterson interviews Cornell professor Gerard Aching near an area in the floor where freedom seekers may have hid, according to oral histories.

st. james laser scanningCyArk

Creating the Canvas

To create the explorable space in the virtual tour, CyArk utilized methodologies in digital documentation. Through laser scanning, and photogrammetry, CyArk was able to create a 3D model of the church with millimeter accuracy.


Reviewing Data Capture at St. James (2021-09-22) by CyArkCyArk

CyArk's Production Manager Avi Fernandez shows Gerard Aching preliminary data collected of the church

CyArk Digital Documentation WorkshopCyArk

During the week-long documentation work, CyArk facilitated a workshop on digital documentation for Cornell archaeology students. 

St. James Virtual Tour by CyArkCyArk

Lift Every Voice by Mabel Welch
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Experience St. James

The immersive experience includes 17 stops with songs and memories performed and shared by members of the congregation. Explore the Virtual Tour

Reverend KingCyArk

Importance of Project by Reverend King
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"This opportunity becomes our legacy...even as we are thinking about delving into history, we are creating history for those persons after us."

St. James Altar, CyArk, 2022-09-22, From the collection of: CyArk
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logos, From the collection of: CyArk
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Launch Celebration at St. James AME Zion Church, From the collection of: CyArk
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Thank you to the Ithaca community and our partners at St. James AME Zion Church and Cornell University for bringing this project and history to life. Explore the Virtual Tour

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