Virtual Joust: A Technological Interpretation of Medieval Jousting and Its Culture.

FAIN: HD-51068-10

John Woodman Higgins Armory Museum, Inc. (Worcester, MA 01606-2464)
Jeffrey Louis Forgeng (Project Director: March 2010 to October 2013)

The development of an interactive museum exhibition that uses game technology to engage visitors of the John Woodman Higgins Armory Museum in the history of medieval jousting.

Virtual Joust, a project of the Higgins Armory Museum, will use 21st century technology to interpret medieval jousting to museum visitors and on-line participants. Virtual Joust is an innovative on-site jousting simulation that will use popular Wii technology to engage museum visitors in a virtual exploration of the cultural complexity and excitement of a medieval jousting tournament. The Joust will also feature an on-line component, thus extending the Museum's educational reach to those who are beyond its geographic area or constrained by physical limitations. It incorporates pre- and post- educational material, allowing participants to develop their own heraldry and learn about the chivalric culture that surrounded jousting. The development of Virtual Joust from a concept to a practicable reality will inform other small/medium sized museums about the challenges and potential of emerging digital technologies to enhance interpretation and engage visitors with their educational mission.

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