August 13, 2020 – Daniel Voyager

On 12th August Linden Lab released a new press release about the new virtual world extension of the Peale in Baltimore which is the first purpose-built museum building in the United States. The Peale in Baltimore will be opening to the public on 15th August 2020.

There will be a special Lab Gab episode starting at 11am SLT on Friday 14th August 2020 where Strawberry Linden will be speaking with the team that helped to bring The Peale in Baltimore into Second Life.

This ambitious new project allows virtual visitors to explore the 1814 museum building online and attend curated exhibits and interactive events safely from the comfort of their homes. Current highlights of the virtual museum include the 3D interactive Peale Museum building and the virtual world exhibition, “Redefine/ABLE: Challenging Inaccessibility.”

Here is the full press release…

2020-08-12 00:00:00 UTC

Exclusive Exhibits and Events to be Held in Second Life

BALTIMORE, Aug. 12, 2020 — The Peale in Baltimore, which is housed in the first purpose-built museum building in the United States, has extended its reach into the virtual world known as Second Life. While the current pandemic may prevent many people from visiting the Peale in person, this ambitious new project allows virtual visitors to explore the 1814 museum building online and attend curated exhibits and interactive events safely from the comfort of their homes.

“It has been thrilling to develop this new experience of the country’s oldest museum building in Second Life,” says Dr. Nancy Proctor, Executive Director of the Peale. “Thanks to the amazing work of Linden Lab and Virtual Ability, Inc., we are now able to welcome a huge new community to the Peale, and share its rich history as well as the authentic stories and creativity of Baltimore with the largest and oldest virtual world on the Internet.”

Current highlights of the virtual museum include the 3D interactive Peale Museum building and the virtual world exhibition, “Redefine/ABLE: Challenging Inaccessibility.” Exhibits and events will change regularly, and include playful and surprising elements inspired by the Peale’s and Baltimore’s history and stories – like a virtual mastodon, recalling the mastodons famously excavated in 1801 and exhibited by the Peale family in their museums in Philadelphia and Baltimore!

“This has been an excellent partnership opportunity for us,” says Virtual Ability, Inc. President Alice Krueger. “The staff of the Peale are strongly committed to accessibility, as you can see by their choice of a first exhibition in Second Life. Virtual Ability is happy to assist them to create an accessible experience in their virtual museum.”

The museum was developed in partnership with Linden Lab, maker of Second Life, who developed extensive interior spaces for a 3D model of the Peale Museum building that was originally created by the Imaging Research Center at UMBC for its online map of Baltimore ca. 1815. Over time the interior of the virtual Peale Museum building will grow to include more galleries, both extant in the physical world and inspired by the Peale’s programming and partners, making the Peale in Second Life a creative hybrid of the “real” and the imaginary. The Internet’s largest virtual world has recently experienced a resurgence in popularity as more people seek out safe and fun social interactions online during the pandemic.

“We are pleased to see The Peale bring an extension of its museum and exhibits to Second Life,” says Linden Lab CEO Ebbe Altberg. “The virtual world is the perfect home for museums that are seeking a way to extend their reach to a global audience.”

To experience The Peale in Second Life and learn more about how to access the virtual museum, visit SecondLife.com.

ABOUT THE PEALE
The Peale Center for Baltimore History and Architecture is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, non-profit corporation established to restore the historic Peale Museum building as a center to celebrate the unique history of Baltimore, its people, and places. By creating a more inclusive cultural record of the city, we aim to help people everywhere see Baltimore in a new light. For more about the Peale, visit its website.

ABOUT LINDEN RESEARCH, INC.
Linden Research, Inc. dba Linden Lab develops platforms that empower people to create, share, and benefit from virtual experiences. Founded in 1999, the company first launched Second Life, the groundbreaking virtual world enjoyed by millions around the globe, in 2003, which has since gone on to boast nearly two billion user creations and a vibrant $500 million (USD) economy. For more about Linden Lab, visit its website.

For more information, contact info@thepealecenter.org at The Peale or presscontact@lindenlab.com at Linden Lab.

A new press release has been sent out for the upcoming SL Christmas Expo 2020 which officially starts on 4th December though until the 13th of December. This year marks the SL Christmas Expo 10th anniversary and it’s going to be incredible. This is a mega event that raises funds for the American Cancer Society so there is loads to look forward to.

This year Linden Lab has set a goal of $25, 000 (L$6, 250, 000) to provide funding for the fight against childhood cancer. It’s time to come together to Give the Gift of Hope to Children with Cancer.

Merchant Registration

Here is the full press release…

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release
August 14, 2020

From Nuala Maracas (slchristmasexpo@slchristmasexpo.com)

“CHRISTMAS MEMORIES”
The 10^th Anniversary SL Christmas Expo Now Accepting Merchants

Christmas trees towering over your head while the Lionel train makes is journey around the base. Brightly wrapped gifts spread under the lowest boughs, as the aroma of sugar cookies and gingerbread drift in from the kitchen. Carols playing on the Victrola while the family gathers together to celebrate the holidays. Christmas Memories of all shapes and sizes spring to mind each year as the holidays approach.

The 2020 SL Christmas Expo, December 4^th -13^th celebrates its 10^th anniversary this year. Once again merchants from across the grid will come together to Give the Gift of Hope to Children with Cancer.

In support of the American Cancer Society, the Expo and its partner Linden Lab has set a goal of $25,000 (L$6,250,000) to provide funding for the fight against childhood cancer.

The 2020 Expo, “Christmas Memories”, will feature a multiple region collection of more than 150 of Second Life’s premier Merchants, Breedable and One Of A Kind Auctions, Gotchas, Hunts and lots more. As always you will find Christmas Tree lots, Ice Skating, our annual Snowman Building Contest and appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus. The Holly Jolly Café returns bring nearly nonstop entertainment and the 3^rd Annual Lights of Hope contest will feature the best builders and teams of Lindens and Moles competing in a holiday home decoration competition to be judged by YOU.

Our 10 days of Christmas will culminate with our Live Auction, featuring amazing one of a kind items from Linden Lab and SL’s top creators and the Annual Holidays of Hope Ball.

Since 2011 the SL Christmas Expo has provided Second Life residents with the premier Holiday Shopping and Entertainment event and Christmas Memories is sure to do the same. Believe in the Magic of Christmas… Reserve your shoppes and sponsorships NOW at SLChristmasExpo.com.

*In-world Inquiries should be directed to: Merchant Registration Coordinator Emirsyn (Emi Resident)

The American Cancer Society is the world’s leader in the fight against childhood cancer, attacking cancer from every angle. All proceeds from the SL Christmas Expo support the Society and its mission to Save Lives, Celebrate Lives and Lead the Fight for a World Without Cancer.

If you or a loved one has questions or needs help with a cancer diagnosis call the American Cancer Society 800 227-2345 visit cancer.org or the American Cancer Society region in Second Life.