Historic Third Ward

At the end of the 19th century, the Third Ward was a manufacturing powerhouse; a bustling hub of activity and industry. Today, it has transformed into the city’s vibrant arts and entertainment district. Amidst this modern evolution, the ghost signs on the sides of buildings remain as a silent testament to the area’s rich industrial heritage. These faded advertisements offer a glimpse into a bygone era, standing as historical markers that tell the stories of businesses and communities of the past.

Dubbed “Augmented History,” the project is an ambitious effort to digitally recreate these iconic ghost signs. The digitally recreated signs are now accessible through an augmented reality experience, enabling users to see these pieces of history restored to their original glory on their smartphones.

To engage with Augmented History, users can visit augmentedhistory.org for a unique walking tour. Immediately, their device becomes a window to the past, overlaying the vibrant, restored sign over today’s scenery.