Embry-Riddle Students Bring Prescott’s History to Life at Western Heritage Center

A collaboration between Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and the Prescott Western Heritage Foundation was announced during a private reception at the Western Heritage Center prior to the Foundation’s Boots on the Row fundraiser on Saturday, Sept. 27. Community members learned more about an innovative student-led project that is already enriching the Western Heritage Center.

“The Prescott Western Heritage Foundation is proud to be a partner in this exciting new collaboration with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University,” said Dennis Gallagher, founder and CEO of the Prescott Western Heritage Foundation, Inc. “Together, we are harnessing cutting-edge technology to create dynamic, interactive experiences that inspire curiosity and connect students and visitors from across the globe to Prescott’s remarkable Western history and heritage.”

Through a $5,000 grant from the Foundation, two Simulation Science, Games and Animation (SSGA) students at Embry-Riddle developed and installed an interactive exhibit now on display at the Western Heritage Center. The project allows visitors to step into historically inspired backdrops — such as the second Yavapai Courthouse or a stagecoach robbery — using green screen technology, a video production technique that replaces a solid-color background with digital imagery. Prescott’s past comes to life through immersive graphics.

A new interactive exhibit at Prescott’s Western Heritage Center lets visitors place themselves in historic local settings — such as Arizona’s oldest saloon, The Palace — through green screen technology. (Photo: Embry-Riddle / Western Heritage Foundation)For Kayleigh Hasselmeier, a senior in the SSGA program, the project was a natural fit.

"I was drawn to the project by my passion for 3D modeling, especially using software such as Maya and Zbrush," she said. “In the previous semester, I had taken a set design class where we selected a building to model from downtown Prescott, and I thoroughly enjoyed the process. That experience made it easy for me to accept the project without hesitation when our professor approached me.”

Supervised by Embry-Riddle’s Undergraduate Research Institute, the project gave students hands-on experience in video production, visual effects and user-centered design while also advancing the Foundation’s mission of connecting the community with local history.

The Western Heritage Foundation plays a key role in preserving and promoting Prescott’s “Spirit of the West.” From the “World’s Oldest Rodeo” and historic Whiskey Row to local museums, ranches, Rough Riders and history of film, the foundation works to celebrate regional heritage through education, events and community projects.

By collaborating with Embry-Riddle, the foundation is expanding that mission through new technologies that invite residents and visitors alike to experience history in fresh, interactive ways.

“This partnership blends technology and history in a way that benefits both our students and the Prescott community,” said Dr. Anne Boettcher, assistant director of research at Embry-Riddle. “The Boots on the Row event allowed us to celebrate that success and to share our vision for future phases of collaboration.”

Ethan Hammonds, another student involved in the project, said his favorite part was exploring the region’s history.

“What piqued my interest the most was being able to look into the rich history of Prescott and the Wild West and bring it to life for visitors of all ages to enjoy,” he said. “I’ve always been a history buff, so it was an honor to be entrusted with representing Prescott’s history.”

Plans are already underway for continued upgrades to the museum experience, including additional green screen images, interactive touchscreens, a hologram and augmented reality — all part of a multi-year partnership.

“These projects are designed to bring history to life in fresh and engaging ways,” Gallagher said. “The Western Heritage Center is energized by this partnership and looks forward to expanding these groundbreaking opportunities with Embry-Riddle for many years to come.”