Historic New Orleans Collection hosts U.S. premiere of augmented reality exhibition “American Revolution”

Written By Alicia Vial

The fight for freedom comes alive March 20 in the French Quarter

NEW ORLEANS — As the United States prepares to mark its 250th anniversary, the Historic New Orleans Collection (HNOC) announces the U.S. premiere of “American Revolution: The Augmented Exhibition,” opening March 20. The augmented reality experience allows visitors to travel back in time and dissolve the museum walls, stepping into 20 defining moments of the nation’s founding through 360-degree reconstructions. Admission is free.

“American Revolution: The Augmented Exhibition” moves beyond the traditional museum experience by utilizing handheld HistoPad technology, allowing each visitor to create a customized experience according to their own curiosity and interests. Guests can travel through places and events from the past and present, from the hushed air of Philadelphia during the signing of the Declaration of Independence to Spanish Governor Bernardo de Gálvez’s pivotal battle that took place on the Gulf Coast.

“In addition to displaying the national narratives focused on the original thirteen colonies on the Atlantic Coast, this exhibition includes the involvement of the Gulf South, with Louisiana soldiers and militia facing off against British troops,” said HNOC Chief Curator Jason Wiese. “We hope visitors will come away understanding that the American Revolution is a much bigger story than what they may have learned in school, and that important events happened in places like Pensacola and New Orleans that affected the course and outcome of the war.”

The exhibition combines the best in digital display and augmented reality to create an interactive and engaging experience that’s fun for people of all ages, including a digital treasure hunt and selfie activations for younger visitors. “American Revolution” is accessible in multiple languages including Spanish, French and German. As a certified Sensory Inclusive facility, HNOC also provides sensory bags and inclusive technology options to ensure that the stories of the past are accessible to every person who visits.

“As we celebrate our 60th anniversary at the Historic New Orleans Collection, we are proud to serve as the cultural hub for the Louisiana America 250 commemorations," said Daniel Hammer, HNOC president and CEO. "Over the last six decades, HNOC has become a vital institution, preserving the world’s largest collection of materials related to New Orleans and the Gulf South. Hosting this U.S. premiere is a celebration of our 60-year commitment to historical education and community engagement.”

"American Revolution” is produced and designed by Histovery, a French technology firm, with promotional support from New Orleans & Company, Louisiana America 250 and media sponsor WVUE FOX 8. The exhibition has been recognized by the embassy of France as part of the America 250 France initiative, acknowledging 250 years of French-American friendship. 

The exhibition will be on view at 520 Royal St. from March 20, 2026, through Jan. 17, 2027. While admission is free, timed-entry tickets are required to ensure a seamless experience. For more information or to plan a visit, please visit hnoc.org.

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About the Historic New Orleans Collection
The Historic New Orleans Collection (HNOC) is a nonprofit institution dedicated to preserving the distinctive history and culture of New Orleans and the Gulf South. Founded in 1966 through the Kemper and Leila Williams Foundation, HNOC operates as a free museum, research center and publisher spanning more than 14 historic buildings in the heart of the French Quarter. For more information visit hnoc.org.

Alicia Vial

Alicia Vial is a New Orleans native with more than a decade of experience elevating client stories and leading crisis response. As the senior director of strategy, Alicia acts as a leader within the Gambel Communications team ensuring each agency team member is positioned to deliver strategic public relations services that meet the highest standards of the industry. In addition to supporting the agency’s long-term business growth and development, she coordinates day-to-day account services and oversees strategic direction while staying abreast of best practices and industry trends to provide innovative solutions to meet client’s needs.

Before joining Gambel Communications, Alicia served as the communications director for the Louisiana SPCA, the oldest and largest animal welfare organization in Louisiana that impacts more than 74,000 animals per year. During her nearly eight-year tenure, Alicia oversaw numerous crises, served on national communication taskforces, oversaw all aspects of internal and external relations and worked alongside the development department to raise critical funding. Prior to that, she worked in the fast-paced New Orleans hospitality industry focusing on digital public relations for multiple hotels.

Alicia is a member of the Public Relations Association of Louisiana (PRAL), Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF), a board member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) New Orleans Chapter and a member of the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute. An accredited public relations practitioner (APR), Alicia is also certified in crisis communications, organizational leadership, content marketing and social media.

A well respected and trusted public relations practitioner, Alicia has been recognized by SPRF as a ‘Senior Practitioner of the Year’. Dubbed early on in her career as one to watch, she also received the ‘Rising Star’ award by PRAL and was profiled in St. Charles Avenue Magazine as part of their Young Bloods series. Most recently, she was recognized at PRSA’s annual Fleurish Awards and received four Awards of Excellence for her work along with the ‘Plate Spinner’ award for her efforts on the board of directors for the chapter.

An LSU graduate, Alicia received a bachelor's degree in mass communications with a concentration in public relations and minors in business administration and leadership development. She is a frequent speaker and presenter on public relations topics, most recently presenting at the Jefferson Economic Development Commission and SPRF annual conference.

When Alicia is not at work, you can find her at the ballpark with her three boys or cheering on the Tigers in Death Valley.

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