Moose Jaw's Heritage: Unveiling Stories Through QR Codes

The heritage advisory committee in Moose Jaw has taken a significant leap into the digital age with the launch of their "Moose Jaw Memories" project. This innovative initiative aims to bring the rich history of Moose Jaw to life through an engaging online platform, where stories of local buildings, people, and events can be shared and explored.

A Vision Comes to Life

After over two years of meticulous planning, the committee, alongside the Moose Jaw-based tech company memoryKPR, has rolled out this ambitious project. Janie Fries, the committee's vice-chairwoman, expressed her relief and excitement at seeing the project come to fruition. While the path to this launch was fraught with challenges, the collaboration with memoryKPR marked a turning point, providing both the platform and the technical expertise needed to realize the committee’s vision.

Fries acknowledged that learning to use the new digital tools was a "steep learning curve," but with the guidance and patience of memoryKPR's CEO, Jessica MacNaughton, the committee members and city staff successfully adapted. The goal was not merely to rely on static heritage plaques but to leverage technology to create a dynamic storytelling platform.

Expanding Possibilities

Initially, the focus was on narrating the history of Moose Jaw’s historic buildings. However, with the online platform's capabilities, the scope quickly expanded. Now, residents and committee members can contribute personal stories, photos, audio recordings, and even videos, enriching the tapestry of Moose Jaw’s history.

"The more we did, the more we realized we can do even more," Fries noted. The hope is to engage the community deeply, encouraging individuals to share their own narratives—whether they are about working at iconic local sites like the Capitol Theatre or attending memorable events like Canada’s 1967 centennial celebrations.

Engaging the Community

The committee is actively looking to collect stories and memories from various sources. They plan to visit seniors' residences to gather historical insights from those who have witnessed the city’s evolution first-hand. Moreover, they aim to connect tech-savvy youths with seniors, fostering intergenerational exchanges that capture valuable stories.

Efforts are also being made to collaborate with administrators of local history-focused Facebook pages, inviting them to contribute their collections of stories, photos, and videos to the "Moose Jaw Memories" archive.

Utilizing QR Codes

In an interesting twist, the committee has started using QR codes as a bridge between the physical and digital realms. Currently, there are seven QR codes linked to heritage plaques around the city. And there’s a grand plan to install a post on Main Street brimming with QR codes, each leading to different stories about nearby landmarks and historical events.

Fries humorously mentioned the logistical issue of placing QR codes on buildings that no longer exist—an intriguing challenge when it comes to preserving history. Nonetheless, this approach ensures that even as physical structures may change, their stories remain accessible to all.

Memorable Stories

Among the 29 stories currently on the memoryKPR website, Fries highlights a few favorites. The story of the "beautiful" library is particularly notable, enhanced by a Saskatchewan Polytechnic student’s award-winning video. Another engaging narrative revolves around city hall, while a cherished non-building story covers the band and choral festival.

The committee also envisions equipping families who sponsor veterans’ banners downtown with QR codes that connect to the memoryKPR website, providing an interactive layer to these commemorations.

The Role of Technology

The use of a QR code generator has been instrumental in bringing these stories to life. By integrating QR codes into the physical landscape of Moose Jaw, the committee has created an innovative way to connect the past with the present.

As the project continues to evolve, the hope is that more residents will be inspired to contribute, ensuring a vibrant and inclusive record of Moose Jaw's heritage that future generations can explore and appreciate.

With each new story and every QR code scanned, the "Moose Jaw Memories" project not only preserves the past but also celebrates the enduring spirit of a community rich in history and culture.