Geo-Heritage App
Legacy Lines
Connecting Stories to Spaces
Introduction
Legacy Lines is an innovative storytelling initiative designed to bring history to life by connecting people with the rich narratives embedded in their local environments. Using a blend of technology, creativity, and community engagement, this project transforms physical spaces into immersive experiences that celebrate diversity, inclusion, and shared heritage. While still in the concept stage, Legacy Lines has already sparked excitement for its potential to engage audiences in meaningful ways—whether exploring the literary legacy of Haworth or uncovering hidden histories in Leeds.
Project Overview
Concept: A digital storytelling experience that links personal narratives to specific locations through QR codes, audiovisual content, and gamified exploration.
Execution: Participants scan QR codes at key sites to access stories told through videos, audio recordings, and interactive features. The project incorporates accessibility considerations, such as British Sign Language (BSL) and Audio Description (AD), ensuring inclusivity for all users.
Adaptability: Initially envisioned for the University of York’s EDI Exchange initiative, Legacy Lines can be tailored to other settings, including heritage walks in towns like Haworth and cultural hubs like Heritage Corner in Leeds.
Key Features
QR Code Integration: Strategically placed plaques serve as gateways to multimedia stories, blending technology with real-world exploration. Inspired by the success of apps like Pokémon Go, this approach transforms physical spaces into interactive storytelling hubs, encouraging participants to engage with their surroundings in new and meaningful ways
Gamified Exploration: Inspired by scavenger hunts and the global phenomenon of Pokémon Go, participants earn points for discovering stories tied to specific locations. This gamified approach not only encourages active exploration but also fosters a sense of adventure and accomplishment. By turning storytelling into an interactive quest, Legacy Lines appeals to a wide range of audiences, from students to tourists to lifelong residents.
Inclusivity Across Formats: A mix of audio and video content ensures accessibility for diverse audiences, including those who are d/Deaf, hard of hearing, or visually impaired.
Community-Centric Design: Stories are co-created with local communities, ensuring authenticity and relevance to each location’s unique history.
Vision for Adaptation
Haworth, West Yorkshire:
Focus on the town’s literary and industrial heritage, including the Brontë sisters’ legacy.
Engage younger audiences with interactive, tech-driven storytelling that makes history accessible and engaging.
Use blue English heritage-style plaques with embedded QR codes to guide participants through key locations.
Heritage Corner, Leeds:
Highlight underrepresented stories from Leeds’ diverse communities.
Create an inclusive experience that connects participants with the city’s rich cultural tapestry, fostering pride and ownership.
Potential Outcomes
Community Engagement: Encourages locals and visitors to explore and connect with their surroundings in new ways.
Heritage Preservation: Ensures that important stories are preserved and shared with future generations.
Economic Impact: Boosts local economies by attracting visitors and increasing engagement with cultural sites.
Why It Matters
Preserving Heritage: By digitising oral histories and linking them to physical locations, Legacy Lines ensures that important stories are not lost over time.
Engaging Audiences: The combination of technology, storytelling, and exploration appeals to a wide range of participants, from students to tourists to lifelong residents.
Building Connections: Whether celebrating Haworth’s literary icons or amplifying marginalised voices in Leeds, the project delivers a sense of belonging and pride in local heritage.
