Apr 8, 2026
New augmented reality experience brings Ontario County’s history to life through interactive storytelling and on-site exploration
Canandaigua, NY — Visit Finger Lakes (www.VisitFingerLakes.com) is pleased to announce the launch of the Finger Lakes Virtual Museum during National Historic Marker Weekend on Saturday, April 25, at 10:30 a.m. at Canandaigua Inn Park, Historic Public Square (23 N. Main Street, Canandaigua, NY 14424). This free, public event will feature the official launch of the virtual museum app, volunteer opportunities supported by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation, and a scavenger hunt with the opportunity to win prizes from local establishments.
“The launch of the Finger Lakes Virtual Museum marks a transformational moment for our region, blending innovation and storytelling to bring our history to life in ways that are accessible, immersive, and deeply connected to place,” said Alicia M. Richie, President & CEO of Visit Finger Lakes. “This launch is more than a new attraction... It’s a powerful way to connect residents and visitors with the people, places, and stories that define Ontario County, right where history happened, preserving local heritage.”
As the country commemorates the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, Visit Finger Lakes is excited to celebrate Ontario County’s history with this program. Through augmented reality and multimedia storytelling, this interactive digital experience allows visitors and locals to discover the stories that shaped both the region and the nation—from Seneca Native American culture and local women’s suffragists to the abolitionist movement, civil rights, and beyond.
With QR codes placed on more than 65 historic markers across Ontario County—both existing and newly installed—users are invited to engage with the people, places, and events that shaped the Finger Lakes region. From trailblazers and changemakers to local communities and landscapes, the platform connects stories across time—right where they happened.
Taking place during National Historic Marker Weekend, this initiative supports the preservation of local historic markers. Visit Finger Lakes will provide cleaning cloths—courtesy of the Pomeroy Foundation—to community members interested in volunteering. Those who wish to participate can sign up by completing this formhttps://forms.office.com/r/
“We encourage everyone to explore the county and the immersive experiences featured at many of the historic markers in the app,” adds Richie. “The Steamer Seneca, for example, is a mural in Geneva depicting one of the steamboats that once traveled Seneca Lake. When viewed through the app, the illustration comes to life through augmented reality, allowing you to see many of its elements in motion.”
The Finger Lakes Virtual Museum project is an initiative of Visit Finger Lakes and Ontario County in partnership with MAGIC Spell Studios at Rochester Institute of Technology and STQRY, supported in part by a grant from New York State Empire State Development and Ontario County.
About Visit Finger Lakes/Finger Lakes Visitors Connection
Visit Finger Lakes, the public-facing brand of Finger Lakes Visitors Connection (FLVC), is the official tourism promotion agency for Ontario County. Organized in 1984, the mission of our 501(c)(3) is to stimulate economic growth through both leisure and meeting travel and increase the number of overnight stays across the county.
Located in the heart of the Finger Lakes region, within a 6-hour drive radius of most major East Coast and Midwest cities, Ontario County provides friendly and authentic lakeside experiences, from award-winning wines and farm-to-table cuisine to rich history and outdoor adventures.
Media Contacts:
Alicia M. Richie
President & CEO
Alicia@VisitFingerLakes.com
Carolina Taylor
PR & Content Associate
Carolina@visitfingerlakes.com