With the celebration of Mohonk’s 150th year, our guests are now able to immerse themselves in the history that created this one-of-a-kind castle. The mobile app, Hidden Histories, is an augmented reality (AR) experience that will engage guests in the history of our storied resort. Through this app specifically developed for Mohonk, guests will be sent on a journey to locate 12 pieces of artwork on the property that act as trigger points for the app. When viewing the artwork through the app, guests will see the walls of the Mountain House come to life and unlock Mohonk Stories of Smiley Family members, longtime staff, and loyal guests.
“Throughout our 150 years of operation, Mohonk Mountain House has welcomed five U.S. presidents and countless world leaders, hosted conferences that were the genesis of the United Nations, and preserved thousands of acres of land in New York’s Hudson Valley,” said President Eric Gullickson. CEO Tom Smiley added, “As an historic resort, we’re incredibly mindful of how we use technology. Hidden Histories uses the latest technology in a thoughtful way that encourages guests to engage with our history, fueling conversation among family and friends.”
MOHONK STORIES
This year, Mohonk will continue to release Mohonk Stories videos via Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Pinterest. This micro-documentary series will provide an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at Mohonk and its owners, staff, and guests. Some of the deeply personal narratives highlighted in Mohonk Stories include those of Smiley Family member and Chairman of the Board of Directors David Smiley, Executive Chefs Jim Palmeri and Steve Anson, Spa Retail Supervisor Diane West, Barn Museum curator Jim Clark, and more.
From a look at the beginning of our Festival of the Arts to how the summerhouses came about on the property, each video illustrates the history and traditions that are prevalent to Mohonk. As you continue to each artwork and capture the moment that is linked with the video, you will grasp a better understanding of how two brothers, Albert and Alfred Smiley, came to create a magical place for people to experience.
INSTRUCTIONS
Walk the halls of Mohonk Mountain House to unlock videos hidden within the artwork.
- Tap the artwork in our virtual gallery to reveal where the videos are hidden.
- When you find the artwork, tap the camera icon and center it in your screen to view the effect and unlock the hidden video.
- Play the video to watch one of our Mohonk Stories and learn more about the 150 years Mohonk has been around.
- Challenge yourself to unlock all 12 videos during your stay on the mountaintop!
Download our Hidden Histories AR App from the Apple App Store to play during your stay!
