Explore regional history, geography and topography through Da Vinci’s new ‘Earthwalk Explorer Map’
Written by Victoria Scialfa on May 18, 2021
Explore regional history, geography and topography through Da Vinci’s new ‘Earthwalk Explorer Map’
By Tyler Pratt
May 17, 2021
Kids in the Lehigh Valley have a new opportunity to explore the history and geography of the region. The Da Vinci Science Center in Allentown is launching its “walkable map” on May 20.
“Earthwalk Explorer” is a three-dimensional floor exhibit where you can experience hundreds of miles of terrain in a single step. Mary Ellen Snyder, co-founder and executive director of the Zionsville-based National Scenic Visitors Center helped create it.
“You walk on it, your socks you can feel the mountain range, you can see the rivers and then we have projected shows that help you enjoy it even more,” Snyder says.
The map centers on the Keystone State but covers a swath of the eastern U.S. and highlights some cultural history about the original inhabitants of the area, the Lenape Native American tribe. Their trailways have since become highways.
“We felt that people in the area didn’t really appreciate or understand that they are still here and that their connection with the land has an importance that we ourselves can relate to,” Snyder says.
Northampton County invested $15,000 on the project in hopes it will attract more tourists to the area.
Sign up for our WLVR weekly newsletter to stay up to date with the latest news from the Lehigh Valley and across Pennsylvania.
Music