In the fall of 2021, CyArk traveled to Ithaca, NY to document St. James AME Zion Church.
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.
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
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
"This opportunity becomes our legacy...even as we are thinking about delving into history, we are creating history for those persons after us."
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
