Spirits of ’76? U.S. Interior chief proposes holograms to invigorate Independence Hall

U.S. Interior Secretary floats the idea of holograms in Independence Hall.

Peter Crimmins

February 12, 2018

U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke has suggested that holograms may enliven Independence Hall in Philadelphia. No further information was available on Zinke's idea. (Emma Lee/WHYY)

The historic Independence Hall in Philadelphia may soon be reanimated by holograms, or three-dimensional images.

The site where the U.S. Constitution was crafted and ratified is now operated by the National Park Service. During a budget conference call Monday, Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke said the department is looking at ways to enliven the iconic building.

“We’re looking at innovative ideas to bring that building alive a little more, with perhaps holograms,” said Zinke. “I was there recently when a bunch of kids were there from the local schools. For me, Constitution Hall was where much of the discussion about the shape of this country happened, but for a lot of those kids, they saw a dusty old building.”

Zinke later corrected himself, explaining he meant Independence Hall.

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In an email sent to National Public Radio, Gina Gilliam, a spokeswoman for Independence National Historic Park, said the park is looking at many ways to use technology to enhance visitor experience, but had no definite plans yet.

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