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Virtual reality allows Rockpile Museum visitors an inside look at coal equipment

Museum Educator, then assistant, Brittney Elsasser (left) and Museum Director Robert Henning and showcase the virtual reality exhibit in October 2022. (Mary Stroka/County 17)

GILLETTE, Wyo. —  With virtual reality courtesy of Gillette College, Rockpile Museum visitors now have a 360-degree view of eight different pieces of equipment that help facilitate work at local coal mines.

While still sitting on swivel chairs at the museum, they can pretend they’re instead in the cab of the equipment such as a water truck, a bulldozer, a loader or a haul truck. The views, after all, are right in front of them. The images are from Black Thunder Coal Mine and Dry Fork Mine.

Museum Director Robert Henning and Museum Assistant Brittney Elsasser said the exhibit has been especially popular among adults.

Small details like handheld controls instead of a steering wheel or a beverage in a vehicle cab, are some of the most beloved parts of the exhibit, Elsasser said. She said that’s what people tend to remark about first when she’s helped them launch their exploration.

But the exhibit is enjoyable for all ages, she said.

“It gives a new appreciation [of] the coal miners and the work that they do,” she said. “You don’t understand the complexity of their job until you see the equipment up close and personal. Plus, it’s fun. We have spinning chairs.”

Visitors to the Campbell County area especially enjoy it, Elsasser said. It gives them an opportunity to envision the size and extent of the work in the coal mines, she said.
Henning said this VR experience is the next best thing to getting to go on local mine tours.

Since some people found operating the software to be challenging, Elsasser developed a troubleshooting packet with pictures and labels a few weeks ago. She said it’s also helpful for visitors to have a partner join in the experience at the same time so they can figure it out together. She’s also available to help as needed.

The exhibit has been available since June, but the museum prioritized highlighting other new exhibits and events. Elsasser said she attended a Gillette College presentation regarding the software and expressed interest this past spring in having the museum and the college collaborate for the exhibit. Henning said that there’s been no time limit so far on how long the museum can offer the exhibit, as long as the community and visitors enjoy the activity and Gillette College provides the programming, they’ll keep it available to the public.

“I think it’s a nice addition,” he said.

Henning said he’s been thinking about having the museum offer explorations of other sites as well, such as the Eiffel Tower.

The museum is at 900 W. Second St. in Gillette.

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