FAQ: An Interview with Frank DeFreitas, Project Facilitator

What are the objectives of this project?

The objectives are several-fold. The primary objective is to give the students an opportunity to experience lasers, optics and holography in a live-project, real world working environment that has significant value and meaning to their region (Jacksonville, Florida). This will be accomplished by recording recovered artifacts from the Maple Leaf shipwreck as large-format (30 x 40 cm), display holograms, under a tight -- and real -- production schedule.

Why record holograms of the objects, when the objects themselves already exist?

Museum objects are extremely valuable -- and vulnerable. That is why so few ever leave any museum. If they do leave, there are very high insurance costs due to the ever-present danger of damage or breakage. Keep in mind that even air and light itself can damage some objects over time. Valuable historical items must be highly protected to insure their safe journey into the future for generations to come. Recording the objects as 3-dimensional holograms allow the holograms, rather than the objects themselves, to go on the road -- increasing the number of people who can experience their history and their place within our culture. You can only have one "real" object -- but you can have numerous holograms of that object being viewed in many different locations, by large numbers of people, all at the same time.

Is this a new concept?

No, not at all. In Ukraine and Russia they have been recording priceless museum artifacts as holograms for decades. They put these holograms on a touring bus, and take the bus out in to the far-reaching rural areas to educate people who would not make it in to the cultural centers and museums. A good example in England is Lindow Man, a hologram created of a male human body found preserved in the bogs. The actual Lindow Man is on permanent display at the British Museum, but holography has allowed people from all over the world to see it right in front of them as a 3-dimensional hologram. In the 1980's, I made holograms of the skeletal remains of a British Revolutionary War solider unearthed at the site of the Battle of Germantown. The remains were given a proper military burial, then the holograms were placed on display at the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archeology and Anthropology. This was a unique project in that the holograms are the only remaining record (this hologram will be on display during the Feb. 7th meet & greet night at the school). There are many other examples as well. So, there are already-existing real world practical applications, and many more new ones to explore.

How did the artifacts from the Maple Leaf come to be part of the project?

In setting up the program, both myself and Mr. Bill Pugh of Englewood discussed having a theme to this program. I suggested recording museum objects as display holograms, and Mr. Pugh suggested the Maple Leaf. Mr. Pugh began meeting with museum representatives. It was then through the willingness and cooperation of the Jacksonville Museum of Science & History (MOSH) -- along with Mr. Pughs representation of the project objectives -- that the Maple Leaf became the theme.

It also bears mentioning that the project would not be possible at all without the support of administration, both at Englewood and at the district level of Duval County. This is my third or fourth project visit to Jacksonville over the past 8 years or so, and they have been extremely forthcoming in their commitment to lasers and holography for students.

As a holographer, what is your role in the project?

My role, as always with an educational project such as this, is as a facilitator. This is different than a coordinator. A coordinator deals primarily (but not always exclusively) with the logistics of a project. A facilitator works in a much broader project context. I'm the third party that provides the necessary catalyst to insure that invested participants, at all levels, are able to easily move from point A to point B to achieve their objectives. In short, its basically someone who has an understanding of group dynamics and processes, along with the necessary content skills (in this case, holography), to help the group get the job done. It is part democratic, part directive. A good facilitator knows which applies at any given moment.

What will happen with the holograms created?

There is a world-wide conference coming up in September 2008 in England on holography in the modern museum. One of the holograms will be sent to that conference for display, along with a multimedia presentation on the project. Holograms will also be displayed at the MOSH for visitors. What happens in addition to that we will just have to wait and see. I'm hoping to have a hologram of my own to bring back to include in my speaking engagements.

What is the "Meet & Greet" night at the school?

The meet & greet will be held on Thursday night, February 7th, 2008 beginning at 7:00 p.m. At that time, visitors can come and tour the school laser & holography lab, see an exhibit of holograms, ask questions, and meet the project participants, myself and Bill Pugh included. Its not often that a holography event comes to any town or city, so we're hoping to have a good response, and we look forward to meeting folks.