The Verde Valley Archaeology Center and Museum (VVAC) has begun a multi-year effort to install interactive digital kiosks in every museum gallery. On June 14, VVAC will officially unveil its first three kiosks. Our programming developer, Ken Zoll, will give a short presentation on the technology at 10:30 in the Kemper Meeting Room. Some of the advanced techniques employed include:

• Personalized Experience: Visitor experience is enhanced by providing additional information at a pace they choose for themselves, spending more time on topics of interest. and the experience more relevant and engaging to a diverse audience.

• Multi-language: The VVAC kiosks are multilingual that display the information in English, Spanish and German.

• Accessibility: The touch screen kiosks are mounted at a height that ensures that they are accessible to children and wheelchair users, to create a more inclusive environment where everyone has the opportunity to engage with and learn from the exhibits.

Kiosks provide interactive ways to explore exhibits, allowing visitors to delve deeper into context, multimedia content, and interactive elements. Visitors can explore multimedia content and engage with interactive elements to learn more about exhibits. Kiosks present information in a dynamic and engaging way, allowing visitors to explore exhibits at their own pace and delve deeper into topics of interest. 

VVAC seeks to engage today’s visitors—especially younger ones—who want digital experiences alongside traditional exhibits. Museums that use interactive kiosks often see more buzz on social media and through word-of-mouth, helping bring in new visitors. The first three kiosks have been sponsored by members. They are:

• Indigenous Astronomy -Drs. Jane and Marshall Whitmire

• Pottery of the Verde Valley - Ron and Linda Holtom

• Dyck Cliff Dwelling - Domestic Life - Jerry and Janet Walters

The goal is to have a kiosk in all 10 galleries, depending upon funding from sponsors.