Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Cultural Event Technology topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board clears Halloween augmented-reality tour; allows QR codes on private and adjoining properties
Summary
The board approved a time-limited augmented-reality (AR) historical "spirit" tour for late October, permitting organizers to place QR-code signs on private properties that granted permission and on property adjoining Village Hall; the board declined to authorize QR codes on core municipal grounds but discussed cosponsorship and liability.
Jennifer, a local business owner working with the Dutchess County Historical Society, presented a proposal to bring an augmented-reality (AR) historical "spirit" tour to Rhinebeck for the Halloween period. The project uses geolocated AR scenes accessible via smartphone: when a visitor is at a specific place and opens the web-based experience the phone overlays historical images and short narratives onto the real-world view.
Jennifer said the program would include about 10 scenes using historical photographs and short contextual text; most scenes are sited on private properties where organizers had secured permission. She asked the village for permission to place small QR-code signs at select public locations to make the experiences easier to find. The board discussed whether QR codes and virtual overlays constituted an "event" or an installation requiring more formal permitting, and raised liability questions about visitors using phones while walking.
Trustees explored several options: limiting QR codes to private property and the village bulletin board, cosponsorship with the Dutchess County Historical Society, and requiring a volunteer or attendant for busy locations. Several trustees expressed enthusiasm for the tourism and history angle but also concern about potential liability and a precedent for future digital overlays.
After discussion, a motion carried to allow the AR experience and place QR-code signs around the village with the exception of interior village property; the motion also asked organizers to place any QR-code sign for Village Hall on an adjoining private property or other nearby private location with permission. The board also encouraged organizers to provide event instructions and safety caveats, and recommended coordination with the local historical society and with village staff on signage placement.
Ending: The board gave organizers conditional permission to operate the AR tour Oct. 24'Nov. 2, 2025, using QR codes on private properties and on an adjoining property near Village Hall; trustees asked organizers and staff to coordinate signage, messaging and safety instructions and to consult the village attorney if they plan longer-term or permanent installations.
