CINCINNATI, Ohio —Electronic Art, an interactive agency specializing in custom kiosk software, kiosk hardware and integrated Web sites, has announced it is providing kiosks and custom-designed software to support the "Passage to Freedom" program, a series of kiosks to be placed at or near Ohio Underground Railroad sites. The kiosks feature a new Web site created to showcase Ohio's Underground Railroad sites and aid visitors in their travels. The campaign is the result of a collaboration between The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, the Ohio Department of Development's Division of Tourism and American Express.
The program, the first of its kind covering an entire state, features the "Passage to Freedom" Web site, where visitors can access detailed information about Ohio Underground Railroad sites and other local attractions. The Web site will link to a network of interactive kiosks that will be located in former Underground Railroad communities around the state to provide visitors with regional travel information.
The first three kiosks will be located in Oberlin, Zanesville and Ripley, Ohio — each with several important Underground Railroad sites in their immediate vicinity. Kiosks will be placed at three additional sites later in the year.
The interactive kiosks at selected Ohio Underground Railroad sites will enable visitors to access detailed information about the site and its history using a touchscreen interface. Customized maps printed from the kiosk will enable travelers to seek out interesting, yet often overlooked regional attractions, as well as nearby restaurants, hotel accommodations, churches and other essential information.
Each kiosk will be linked to the Web site and constantly updated with the latest information about local and regional events, such as fairs, arts and cultural festivities and children's activities. The kiosks will also offer details about other Underground Railroad locations within driving distance.
