Text Messaging Saves the American Revolution!

    SAN FRANCISCO, CA, August 05, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The Revolution is in danger! On July 15, The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation launched RevQuest: Sign of the Rhinoceros, a new on-site, interactive gaming experience utilizing Guide by Cell text message technology.

RevQuest: Sign of the Rhinoceros is the first multi-episode educational experience based on real historical events. Guests learn about the American Revolution as they explore Colonial Williamsburg's Historic Area, unlocking clues and deciphering codes via text message to help the elusive Agent 368 uncover a sinister plot against one of the Revolution's leaders and save the Revolution.

Players use Guide by Cell text message technology to receive clues and text in their answers to discover the location of the next clue and continue gameplay. After solving the mystery and completing the game, guests can text in to find out the time and place of their "closing ceremony," and receive a link to a secret website with more historical background and information about the Revolution.

The game was designed for families, but because text messaging and cell phone usage are a prominent piece of the experience, many teens and adults have participated in the quest.

"RevQuest: Sign of the Rhinoceros is designed to immerse guests in the world of the American Revolution in a new way," said Lisa Fischer, Director of the Digital History Center at The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. "This alternate reality game is one of the many important ways we are using digital technologies, both online and onsite, to engage 21st-century audiences with the 18th century."

"We're proud to be working with such a prestigious cultural organization as The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation," said Dave Asheim, President/Founder of Guide by Cell. "RevQuest is really a cutting-edge use of mobile interaction for visitor engagement and education. It goes to show that mobile isn't an isolating tool - rather, it can bring families and groups together to enjoy a shared experience."

RevQuest: Sign of the Rhinoceros will continue through the month of August. For more information, please visit: http://www.colonialwilliamsburg.com/revQuest.

About The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is the not-for-profit educational and cultural organization dedicated to the preservation, interpretation and presentation of the restored 18th-century Revolutionary capital of Virginia. This town-sized living history museum tells the inspirational stories of our journey to become Americans through programs in the Historic Area and through the award-winning Revolutionary City program. Colonial Williamsburg is committed to expanding its thought-provoking programming through education outreach on-site and online. Purchase of Colonial Williamsburg products and services supports the preservation, research and educational programs of the Foundation. Philanthropic support by individuals, corporations, and foundations benefits the educational mission of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.

Williamsburg is located in Virginia's Tidewater region, 20 minutes from Newport News, within an hour's drive of Richmond and Norfolk, and 150 miles south of Washington, D.C. For more information about Colonial Williamsburg, call 1-800-HISTORY or visit Colonial Williamsburg's website at www.history.org.

About Guide by Cell

Guide by Cell is the world's largest provider of interactive mobile technology solutions for cultural institutes and nonprofit organizations. Since 2004, the company has expanded its services to include mobile audio tours, text messaging systems, mobile web and mobile giving solutions. For more information visit www.guidebycell.com.

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