The Ghosts of Svensksund – issues in the virtual modeling and immersive presentation of 18th century naval warfare

Authors

• Aaro Sahari University of Helsinki https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5099-8249

DOI: https://doi.org/10.33355/tw.100576

Abstract

Virtual technology or VR can help museums give visitors a sensation of lost physical past and to experience history and cultural heritage. Technology intensifies the accessibility of historical cultural heritage and scientific interpretations thereof. VR differs from literal history and more traditional museum exhibitions on the past in that VR interpretations demand seamless coordination and cooperation between researchers and VR technologists. The exhibition Fateful Svensksund, opened at Maritime Centre Vellamo in June 2020, applies multimodal VR technologies to tell the story of the War between Sweden and Russian in 1788–1790 and its repercussions to the Kymi estuary. One exhibition piece, the virtual experience Smoke on the waves in particular presents an accessible 180 degree interpretation of the second battle of Svensksund that ended the war. The construction of this VR experience took a great deal of historical research in order the construct digital reimaginations of the many different kinds of ships and boats and tens of thousands of people who took part in this dreadful battle. This article discusses the many epistemic issues of digital reimagination and the use of VR in museum settings. VR in its dominant gamified modes calls for a complete interpretation of the past to ensure immersion. Archival sources rarely provide enough information forcing designers to make significant interpretations and creative decisions without the safety net of traditional, textual historical format with footnotes and discussions of epistemic risks.