Demonstrating the Power of AI and GPS

Introduction

The Thurman Story Initiative aims to showcase the unique history, culture, and natural beauty of Thurman, New York, by harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and GPS-triggered storytelling. This initiative will be implemented on the Explore Warren County app, launched on the STQRY platform, to create an immersive and engaging experience for visitors exploring the Thurman Fall Farm Festival and the surrounding area.

The Power of Storytelling with AI and GPS

This initiative leverages cutting-edge technology to create a dynamic and personalized experience for visitors. AI, in the form of Gemini 1.5 and ChatGPT, will be used to craft compelling narratives based on historical data, interviews with community members, and information uploaded to Google's NotebookLM. These narratives will be seamlessly integrated with the Explore Warren County app and triggered by GPS as visitors drive from place to place.

Imagine this: As visitors drive along the scenic roads of Thurman, their smartphones come alive with stories of the past. At the site of the former Crane Mountain Fire Tower, they hear Gary Martin's account of the day his grandfather's barn burned and how the observer in that tower summoned help.

Community Collaboration: The Heart of the Project

The success of the Thurman Story Initiative depends on the active participation of the Thurman community. We believe that everyone has a story to tell, and those stories will form the backbone of the audio tour. To capture the essence of Thurman, we will:

● Conduct interviews with a wide range of community members, including:

○ Historians to provide context and insights into Thurman's past.

○ Long-time residents to share personal anecdotes and memories.

○ Farmers and artisans to showcase their expertise and passion for their craft.

○ Business owners to highlight the vitality of the local economy.

● Organize a community gathering at Town Hall, where residents can:

○ Share their stories and historical knowledge.

○ Contribute to the development of the audio tour's narrative.

○ Provide feedback on the project's progress.

Featured Voices: Bringing Thurman's History to Life

Based on our research and initial conversations, we have identified several individuals whose stories should be featured in the Thurman Story Initiative:

● Mike and Ingrid Richter (Candy Mountain Maple Farm): Their deep understanding of sustainable farming practices and their passion for STEM education will offer a fascinating perspective on Thurman's agricultural heritage.

● Sheila Flanagan and Lorraine Lambiase (Nettle Meadow Farm): Their journey from careers in law and finance to creating a renowned cheese-making business and animal sanctuary is a testament to their love for animals and the Adirondacks.

● Gary and Wini Martin (Martin's Tree Farm): Their commitment to preserving Thurman's history, evident in their hosting of the Woods Walk and Artisan Market and their efforts to relocate the Crane Mountain Fire Tower cab, makes their contributions invaluable.

● Andy LeBlanc (Barn Builder and Mushroom Forager): His unique skills and his deep connection to the natural world, from his barn building to his mushroom foraging, will add a rich and nuanced layer to the audio tour.

● Other Local Artisans: The richness and diversity of Thurman's artisan community should be showcased, including individuals like Ed Braley, Jim Martin, Ellen Kenny, Ken Raisner, and others.

● Descendants of Will Wood, who spotted the fire at Ben Reynold's farm from the Crane Mountain Fire Tower

Reporting Progress and Expanding Reach

We are committed to keeping the Thurman community informed and engaged throughout the development of the Thurman Story Initiative. We will provide regular updates and feature stories on Stories from Open Space, a platform dedicated to highlighting local history and culture in the First Wilderness Heritage Corridor.

Furthermore, we aim to generate as much media attention as possible for the reopening of the Crane Mountain Fire Tower at Martin's Tree Farm. This event will serve as a culmination of our efforts, highlighting the importance of preserving history and showcasing the innovative ways technology can bring the past to life.

A Partnership for Success

The Thurman Story Initiative is made possible by the generous support of the Warren County Occupancy Tax Committee, whose funding of the First Wilderness Story Collaboration has laid the foundation for this groundbreaking project. We are deeply grateful for their commitment to promoting heritage tourism in Warren County.

Three years ago, the Warren County Department of Planning and Community Development partnered with C&R Interactive to explore the potential of new communication technologies for storytelling in support of heritage tourism. This collaboration has led to the development of the Explore Warren County app, the platform on which the Thurman Story Initiative will come to life.

Conclusion

The Thurman Story Initiative is poised to become a shining example of how AI-powered storytelling can enrich visitor experiences, preserve local history, and promote heritage tourism. By working together, we can create a legacy that celebrates the unique character of Thurman and inspires future generations.