About the Project

At the heart of the Virtual Fairgrounds project lies a profound commitment to preserving the essence of Oklahoma City's historic Fairgrounds District, an area once teeming with life and culture, now remembered only through scattered narratives and memories.

This initiative leverages immersive cutting-edge web platforms designed by Drone's Eye View (DEV) to resurrect a neighborhood once vibrant with culture and community, but lost to the tides of urban renewal. The project, inspired by the visionary guidance of Librarian Judith Matthews, is not merely a technical feat; it is a heartfelt tribute to an Oklahoma City treasure tragically lost.

By weaving archival recordings and oral histories into the fabric of the virtual environment, DEV aims to offer an immersive educational experience that honors the district's legacy. The urgency of this mission is underscored by the dwindling number of individuals who experienced Fairgrounds firsthand, making this project a crucial bridge between past and present generations.

Historical Significance

The Fairgrounds District, also known as Deep Deuce, was a vibrant cultural hub in Oklahoma City's history. This area was once home to a thriving African American community with rich musical traditions, including jazz clubs and venues that hosted legendary performers.

Urban renewal in the mid-20th century led to the displacement of this community and the destruction of many historic buildings, making this virtual preservation effort critically important for maintaining cultural memory.

Technical Implementation

This browser-based Virtual Fairgrounds experience uses cutting-edge WebGL technology through Three.js to create an immersive 3D environment accessible to anyone with a web browser.

The project features advanced rendering techniques including custom fog effects, dynamic lighting, and detailed 3D models that recreate the historical atmosphere of the district.

For the full VR experience, visit our dedicated VR application repository.

Educational Mission

This project serves as a collaborative educational initiative between the Metropolitan Library System and DEV, integrating real-world software development practices with community preservation efforts.

The initiative combines technical achievement with meaningful service to historical preservation, creating a bridge between past and present generations.