PHMC Launches New Mobile Website to Promote Historic Sites

Trail of History Now Easier to Explore Using Smartphones, Mobile Devices

HARRISBURG, Pa., Oct. 4, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) today launched a mobile-friendly website to make it easier to find and explore nearby state-owned historic sites and museums.

The site, utilizing content at PATrailsofHistory.com, automatically recognizes smartphones and other mobile devices, allowing users to explore nearby historic attractions along the Pennsylvania Trails of History®. The site uses geolocation technology to identify the nearest site and provides driving directions from the current location.

Smartphone users will have the opportunity to explore the four "classic" Trails of History including Military History, Industrial Heritage, Historic Homes and Rural Farm and Village, or map their own personal trail.

"We know visitors to a destination do not plan every moment of their trip," said Barbara Franco, PHMC executive director. "They are constantly looking for other things to do once they arrive.

"Many of our visitors pick up brochures at visitors centers, chambers of commerce offices or hotel lobbies. Unfortunately, printing is costly and often the information is out of date by the time the brochure reaches the consumers. Now, using a smartphone, visitors can find out the nearest Trails of History destination, gather detailed information to help them determine if they want to visit and download the directions to get there," she added.

The site also allows PHMC to send out information on events happening at sites "right now," including special promotions, discounts and more to potential visitors at the moment they are making their decisions. The site also includes a link to VisitPA.com, the mobile version of state's tourism web site which helps visitors find out about other nearby attractions and amenities to complete their tour plans.

In addition to searching nearby sites and getting directions, visitors will be able to check in with Foursquare and share their experiences (and photos) immediately with Twitter and Facebook via popular social media channels built into the site.  

In conjunction with mobile website's launch, PHMC is offering $2 off general adult admission on any Trails of History site if the visitor shows the mobile site at check in. The offer is good through the month of October. It cannot be combined with other discounts and does not apply to special programs or events.  

The Pennsylvania Trails of History comprises 25 state-owned historic sites operated by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission in partnership with local support organizations.  These sites share more than 300 years of Pennsylvania's— and America's—history. Information on these sites is available at www.PATrailsofHistory.com. Those accessing the website from a mobile device will automatically be redirected to the mobile-optimized site.

The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission is the official history agency of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Media contact: Howard Pollman, 717-705-8639

SOURCE Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission

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