Colonial Philadelphia reborn

"I'm bringing them into 3-D and I'm tracing them in the computer, and building, based on the original drawing, a geometry that matches exactly with those. It's a process that's relatively simple but will allow us to create a data base of doors and windows that can be used eventually in the complete Colonial Philadelphia."

The project is still small, fueled by the interest and enthusiasm of students and faculty, and minuscule amounts of money. The group has received a small grant from the university to explore use of the 3-D recreations in the teaching of fourth-grade American history. (The group has also re-created Franklin Court and the mill drivetrain at the Anselma Mill in Chester County.)

But hooking fourth graders into an interest in American history is only one small possibility inherent in the project. The simulations, for instance, could also provide historic sites with virtual support for real visitors at the real places.

"What we hope to do is, through the use of videotapes, 3-D models, create a Web site with downloadable podcasts so that people can load up their iPods and bring them to the site and do self-guided tours," said Muschio. Visitors to this as-yet-to-be-created Web site, will be able to view videos of Whitall House and its docents, for example, before visiting the actual house; downloaded clips can be used on visits when docents might not be available.

Students, for the most part involved because of their interest in technology, are hooked.

"I actually learned a lot about the Dexter house while doing it," said Cunanan, the graduate student. "How they had the first meetings there that eventually led to the first African American church in Philadelphia and how the Quakers worked with that.

"When you first start, it starts as a 'project,' but then you have to learn about the history of the place to build the place properly, and then the history catches you at that point.

"So when it starts, yes, we're not totally interested in history, but when it ends, you're not only interested in the place, but the history and the place. The history pushes you forward, the impetus that drives you after the initial 'Oh, yeah, a new thing to play with!' wears off."