NISC Programs of Excellence 

• Year Awarded: 2025
• Programs of Excellence Name: Bridging Generations and Preserving Memories through Virtual Reality
• Hosting Organization: Macedonia FACE, Pittsburgh
• Pittsburgh Population: 1.2 million
• 60+ Population: 280,000
• Senior Center Members: 157

About Bridging Generations and Preserving Memories through Virtual Reality

Macedonia FACE, in collaboration with Tim Huang, PhD, from the University of Pittsburgh, the Charles “Teenie Harris” Archive at Carnegie Museums, and funding made possible by Age-Friendly Greater Pittsburgh, launched an innovative virtual reality (VR) program to connect older adults with their personal and community history. This program addresses social isolation, fosters intergenerational dialogue, and leverages cutting-edge technology to create meaningful experiences for participants.

Huang was initially connected to Macedonia FACE through the University of Pittsburgh Community Engagement Center in the Hill District. He had previously worked with older adults in the Midwest, using technology to help explore places they longed to revisit but could not physically access. When meeting with consumers, the senior center introduced the technology through hands-on VR demonstrations, where they engaged in an immersive game of Fruit Ninja. Those wearing headsets experienced the game firsthand, while others watched and laughed as individuals sliced and chopped the air.

When asked where they wanted to travel using VR, participants expressed a desire to return to the Hill District's vibrant past. The collaboration then took shape, incorporating historic photographs from the Charles “Teenie” Harris Archive, paired with participant lived stories, to create immersive experiences of the community's heyday.

These VR sessions allowed older adults to "walk" through cherished landmarks and share memories, not only fostering community pride and connection, but also sparking conversations about how these historical insights can inform and inspire future generations. The program culminated in two community dinners funded by Age-Friendly Greater Pittsburgh, where older adults shared their experiences with family members and neighbors, demonstrating the power of technology in preserving history, fostering meaningful intergenerational exchanges, and building a collective vision for the future.

Key takeaways from Bridging Generations and Preserving Memories through Virtual Reality:

• The virtual reality program profoundly impacted participants, who reported increased social engagement, emotional connection to their history, and renewed pride in their community.
• For the senior center, the program not only enhanced visibility, but also attracted new participants and reinforced the center’s role as a hub of innovation and cultural preservation.
• The program created opportunities for younger generations to engage with their elders' experiences, sparking new conversations about resilience, legacy, and the future of their community.

About Macedonia FACE

The Macedonia FACE (Family and Community Enrichment) Active for Life Senior Center offers a supportive gathering space for adults 60+ in the Hill District and nearby Pittsburgh communities. "Our goal is to provide a range of services and activities to enhance your well-being and foster a sense of community."