FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 4, 2024
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The General Board of Church and Society of The United Methodist Church, in partnership with the General Commission on Archives and History and the non-profit organization CyArk, today announced the launch of an interactive online virtual tour of the United Methodist Building as part of its 100th anniversary celebration.
The United Methodist Building tour features a photorealistic 3D-model of the site, video interviews, archival multimedia and digital animated navigation inside and outside the building, providing a realistic in-person experience for generations to come.
“If you have never visited the United Methodist Building, you can now experience an incredibly realistic online tour,” said Bishop Julius C. Trimble, General Secretary at the General Board of Church and Society. “With a virtual tour of this historic landmark, you will learn about the legacy of our social witness as United Methodists working from this iconic UMC building on Capitol Hill.”
Throughout 2024, the General Board of Church and Society has celebrated 100 years of social witness at the United Methodist Building on Capitol Hill, which officially opened in 1924.
“This online tour is the culmination of a year-long celebration of the momentous 100-year history of the United Methodist Building,” said Aimee Hong, Assistant General Secretary of Programs at the General Board of Church and Society. “As we mark this moment, we remember the significant actions that have taken place in the building since 1924 and look forward to continuing the legacy in the years to come.”
On September 25, 2024, Church and Society received a permanent building plaque from the United Methodist General Commission on Archives and History, identifying the United Methodist Building as a historic landmark of the United Methodist Church.
“The United Methodist Building has stood as a beacon of Methodist witness for social justice through political action for the last century,” said Dr. Ashley Boggan, General Secretary, United Methodist General Commission on Archives and History. “It is our hope that the past, present, and future witness of United Methodists will continue and that more persons will engage within these walls and on the front steps through the interactive virtual tour.”
According to Church and Society, the virtual tour is a way of providing an equitable opportunity for those who cannot come to Washington, D.C. to experience the building. The tour also offers more information to those who would like to go deeper into understanding the significance and legacy of the building.
“This project has been an incredible opportunity to bring together history, technology, and storytelling to ensure the United Methodist Building’s legacy is accessible to all,” said John Ristevski, CEO of CyArk. “We are proud to partner with the General Board of Church and Society and the General Commission on Archives and History to create an immersive experience that connects people around the world to the rich history and ongoing impact of this historic landmark.”
Resources
Experience the United Methodist Building Online Tour.
As part of the United Methodist Building’s 100th Anniversary in 2024, GBCS has celebrated social witness of people called Methodists by creating and posting education videos, news stories, events, Congressional special orders and a book. View the United Methodist Building (UMB) 100th Anniversary website page of resources here.
About GBCS
The General Board of Church & Society (GBCS) is the social justice agency for The United Methodist Church (UMC) addressing and advocating for social issues endorsed by United Methodists. Its mandate is to uphold UMC’s Social Principles among church leaders, government policymakers, interfaith partners, non-government entities, and ecumenical leaders around the world. GBCS is headquartered in the United Methodist Building on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. and has offices at the Church Center for the United Nations in New York City. Learn more at umcjustice.org.
About GCAH
The General Commission on Archives and History (GCAH), organized in 1968, is one of the general agencies of The United Methodist Church, with a mission to promote and preserve the denomination’s Ministry of Memory. GCAH, with offices located on the campus of Drew University in Madison, N.J., provides resources for local churches and annual conferences through publications, workshops, research services and other programs. The Commission maintains relationships with the five Jurisdictional Commissions on Archives and History, the Central Conferences, the World Methodist Historical Society, the World Methodist Council and the Charles Wesley Society. Learn more about ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory.
About CyArk
CyArk is a nonprofit organization committed to unlocking the power of 3D technology to make the world’s cultural heritage accessible to new audiences and future generations. Founded in 2003, CyArk pioneered the application of 3D recording technologies to the preservation and celebration of cultural heritage and has worked with local partners at over 300 sites in more than 60 countries. CyArk strives to connect new audiences to heritage through place-based web, mobile, and immersive experiences that inspire reflection, conversation and imagination. Learn more at cyark.org.
View the entire press release here.