Rhode Island Launches GPS Scavenger Hunt to Promote State’s Revolutionary War Role

A new GPS-driven driving and walking tour app called Revolutionary RI250 Quest will launch this summer, giving users a way to make history education more fun. 

Participants who take part in the summer-long, statewide scavenger hunt will receive a game code to enter into the MooveGo app to “register in each of eight Rhode Island towns the quest spotlights for their role in the fight for the nation's independence, activating the app's map, and all of its puzzles, trivia, and video challenges,” according to Michelle Girasole, the founder of Rhode Island-based Fresh LLC.

According to The Boston Globe, explorers will compete on a statewide leaderboard to earn points and prizes. The competition begins on May 3 at the Nathanael Greene Homestead in Coventry and runs through July 11. Sites include the Varnum House Museum in East Greenwich, Smith's Castle in North Kingstown, and The Colony House and historic wharves of Newport.

When asked about the inspiration for her idea, Girasole recalled a tall ships event she attended in Newport as a child. During that event, as she stood on the docks and viewed the ships and colonial-era living historians, she gained an appreciation for history. 

"To do something innovative like this has been really popular with the historians because they see technology as the way of the future. And the kids really like learning through their phones, and it kind of blends," she said of Revolutionary RI250 Quest. "Rhode Island is important in the story of American independence, and there are a lot of women, people of color, and really, most citizens went through so much during this time, through two occupations, sending their loved ones off to war. There are so many heroes that lived on the streets where we live, and I really hope that Rhode Islanders get to know them."

The Revolutionary RI250 Quest plans to support 250 teams. Team fees of $250 for up to four players will include all eight challenges and prizes. Those who do not want to purchase the full contest can buy a single history hunt for $25.

Sign up at ri250quest.com.