Kelly Griffiths at the Yorktown Museum with one of the QR code placards she created. Photo courtesy of the Town of Yorktown
Visitors to the Yorktown Museum can now enjoy interactive exhibition narrations on their smart phones thanks to a new Eagle Scout project.
Kelly Griffiths, 17, a senior at Yorktown High School, recently completed the narration project using QR codes mounted next to displays at the museum located in the Albert A. Capellini Community and Cultural Center. The project consists of 10 new narrations, with five for adults and five for children.
“This project means so much to me, especially as a history buff. I’m in my school’s History Honor Society. It’s what I love,” said Griffiths, who first approached the museum about a year and a half ago to inquire about projects she could realize there. “This project is the first Eagle Scout project in our newly co-ed Boy Scout troop. We’re one of the first in the country to have girls and boys in one troop, and that’s reflected in this project. I had both male and female scouts as some of my narrators.”
Griffiths credits her love of history in part to the Yorktown Museum, which she remembers visiting on a field trip when she was in pre-school. Eagle Scout projects are community service activities performed by scouts to earn scouting’s highest rank of Eagle Scout by demonstrating leadership skills and commitment to their community.
Supervisor Ed Lachterman and other Town officials attended a reception on January 29 for the unveiling of the new QR codes.
“I think it’s amazing that a young woman like Kelly was able to put together this narrated walking tour of our museum. It shows a love of her Town, a love of history, and it will benefit all people who come to the museum…. It’s a very cool project,” said Supervisor Lachterman.
Town Clerk Diana Quast worked with Griffiths on the project. She said that an Eagle Scout project is not just about completing a task, it is about leaving a positive impact on your community through leadership and service.
“Kelly has done that for the Yorktown Museum through her love of history and her commitment to scouting that will enrich her community for years to come. It was my pleasure to work with her on this project and I wish her all the best in her future endeavors,” said Town Clerk Quast.
The Yorktown Museum holds historical artefacts, and it features displays recreating an 18th-century home and an early Mohegan Indian settlement. There is also a diorama with a working toy train depicting Yorktown Heights in the past when the Old Putnam Railroad operated.
The Yorktown Museum is located at 1974 Commerce Street in Yorktown Heights. It is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Special tours are by appointment.
