The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (ALPLM) has introduced Lincoln Unlocked, a new digital tool designed to enhance visitor engagement and accessibility. Developed in collaboration with Google Public Sector and global technology consultancy Thoughtworks, Lincoln Unlocked offers interactive experiences that bring history to life through augmented reality, themed tours, and multimedia content.
Visitors to ALPLM can use their smartphones to access additional historical context at exhibits, including augmented reality features that animate historical figures and artifacts. The tool provides opportunities to hear Lincoln deliver the Gettysburg Address, listen to a music box owned by Mary Lincoln, and explore exhibits focused on the roles of women and African Americans during Lincoln’s era. Additionally, it functions as an accessibility aid, offering content in six languages and enhancing experiences for visitors who are Deaf or visually impaired.
According to Christina Shutt, ALPLM’s executive director, the platform expands opportunities to engage with Lincoln’s legacy. “This digital tool adds new layers to the experience of visiting the presidential museum. It lets us share more information about the material in our collection, the evils of slavery, and the amazing men and women who helped Lincoln change history,” Shutt said.
Beyond the museum, Lincoln Unlocked allows users to explore Lincoln’s life remotely, with educational content on figures such as Robert Smalls, who helped enslaved individuals escape to freedom, and Anna Ella Carroll, a writer and activist who advised the Lincoln administration. The platform also includes interactive elements, such as themed tours and trivia challenges that visitors can play with family and friends.
Google Cloud technology powers the interactive experience, providing immersive, photorealistic features through augmented reality. Brad Hoffman, Director of State & Local Government and Education at Google Public Sector, emphasized the role of technology in engaging audiences with history. “Technology has the power to transform learning, creating immersive experiences that bring history to life and make it accessible to everyone,” Hoffman said.
Joe Murray, Global Head of CX and Product at Thoughtworks, highlighted the museum’s commitment to innovation. “The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum has once again led the way in leveraging technology to engage visitors. This augmented reality experience represents a dynamic way for families to connect with Lincoln’s legacy,” Murray said.
Lincoln Unlocked is available for free download on Google Play and Apple’s App Store. More information can be found at LincolnUnlocked.com.