Interactive North Carolina History Explorer exhibit display for America 250 NC, with plants and museum backdrop.
American Battlefield Trust

North Carolina History Explorer Interactive Kiosk

Overview

Interactive Knowledge partnered with the American Battlefield Trust and the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources’ America 250 NC to design and develop an immersive kiosk experience that covers North Carolina history from the Revolutionary War to the Civil War. Timed to align with the America 250 celebration, the initiative brings North Carolina’s rich history to life through an ADA-compliant, map-based touchscreen application deployed at Welcome Centers and key public sites.

Challenge

North Carolina sought a compelling way to connect travelers with its diverse historical assets while encouraging in-person visitation. The experience needed to serve a broad audience—from casual visitors to educators—while meeting accessibility standards and functioning seamlessly across a range of physical environments. Additionally, the solution had to unify complex historical narratives spanning multiple eras into a clear, engaging format.

A touchscreen display shows an interactive map of North Carolina with various colored location markers.

Approach

Interactive Knowledge designed a flexible digital platform centered on exploration and storytelling. The team developed a map-driven interface that allows users to discover sites, events, and stories across three key periods in North Carolina history. Content strategy focused on clarity and narrative cohesion, while the technical approach prioritized scalability for future expansion.

The project was implemented in two phases: an initial flagship installation at the North Carolina Legislative Building alongside application development, followed by a broader rollout to Welcome Centers statewide. This phased approach allowed for iterative refinement and ensured consistency across diverse installation contexts.

A person’s hand touches a touchscreen display showing categories like People, Places, and Stories on a digital map.

Key Features

  • Interactive Map Experience: A touch-enabled map that allows visitors to explore historic locations by era, theme, or region.
  • Era-Based Storytelling: Content organized into three distinct historical periods, creating a structured and intuitive user journey.
  • Guided “Lesson Mode”: A curated storytelling feature designed for educators and group experiences, combining cinematic transitions with multimedia content.
  • Accessible Design: ADA-compliant interface with high-contrast visuals, large touch targets, and inclusive interaction patterns.
  • Flexible Kiosk System: Custom “Keystone” flagship installations complemented by smaller, cost-efficient kiosks for broader deployment.
An older man interacts with a large touchscreen at the North Carolina History Explorer exhibit display.

Results

The North Carolina Interactive Heritage Tourism Kiosk initiative provides a scalable platform to engage public audiences with the state’s history. By combining intuitive design with rich storytelling, the experience encourages deeper exploration and supports increased visitation to historic sites.

The phased deployment ensures long-term sustainability, while the platform’s flexibility positions it for future content expansion. As part of the America 250 celebration, the project plays a key role in elevating heritage tourism and connecting visitors with North Carolina’s unique historical narrative.