Elders' Tales Revive Digital Models of Lost Columbus Communities

Ohio State researchers use 3D models and oral histories to preserve memories of historically Black neighborhoods demolished for freeway construction.

Mar. 24, 2026 at 12:42am

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Researchers at The Ohio State University have created 3D digital models to depict lost neighborhoods in Columbus, Ohio that were demolished to make way for new freeways. By talking to elders who lived in these communities, the team is adding trees, cars, people, photographs and life stories to the digitized infrastructure, filling in historic gaps that technology alone cannot capture. The models and oral histories will be featured in a new African American museum set to open in 2028.

Why it matters

This project aims to recount the human impact of past urban renewal decisions, using technology and community engagement to preserve the memories and stories of historically Black neighborhoods that were fragmented or demolished to make way for new freeways. The insights gained could help inform more thoughtful approaches to future development.

The details

The research team has digitally reconstructed three historically Black communities that were impacted by the 1956 National Interstate and Defense Highways Act: Poindexter Village, Hanford Village, and Mount Vernon Avenue. They are using machine learning to extract data from historical maps and accelerate the 3D modeling process. The team is also working closely with community elders to gather oral histories and add realistic details like brick streets and grass to bring the digital models to life.

  • The Ghost Neighborhoods of Columbus project was launched in early 2021.
  • In 2023, the researchers reported on using machine learning to extract data from Sanborn fire insurance maps to create digital models.
  • The Poindexter Village African American Museum, which will feature a dedicated room for the Ghost Neighborhoods project, is set to open in 2028.

The players

Harvey Miller

Professor of geography and director of Ohio State's Center for Urban and Regional Analysis (CURA), leading the Ghost Neighborhoods of Columbus project.

Tshui Mum (Summer) Ha

Graduate student working on ways to streamline and accelerate the 3D modeling process for the project.

Shelbi Toone

Project director for the Poindexter Village African American Museum, which will feature the Ghost Neighborhoods project.

Poindexter Village African American Museum

The newest site within the Ohio History Connection system, set to open in 2028 and feature a dedicated room for the Ghost Neighborhoods project.

James Preston Poindexter Foundation

Historians and elders who have provided oral histories related to landmarks and neighborhoods in the digital models.

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What they’re saying

“Doing this in a community-engaged way is not trivial. What we're trying to do is show how we went about making sure that these models not only have validity, but that they actually reflect what people remember, what these neighborhoods used to look like – and also add value to the community.”

— Harvey Miller, Professor of geography and director of Ohio State's Center for Urban and Regional Analysis (CURA)

“I thought this was something that people need to see and experience. It needs to be tangible to the public. There's a lot of narrative to tell when you pull back to 1940 and really talk about the thriving neighborhood that used to be there. And I think it gives people a true sense of preservation and understanding of what was here through the technology since so many of these buildings have turned over, been demolished or changed.”

— Shelbi Toone, Project director for the Poindexter Village African American Museum

“One important thing is that we're trying to establish a platform for people in the community to tell their stories. They're not our stories – they're theirs.”

— Harvey Miller, Professor of geography and director of Ohio State's Center for Urban and Regional Analysis (CURA)

What’s next

The research team plans to ask elders for suggestions for other lost-city themes, such as ideas for churches and the funk music scene, that should be digitally re-created with accompanying stories.

The takeaway

This project demonstrates the power of combining digital technology and community engagement to preserve the memories and stories of historically marginalized neighborhoods that were lost to urban renewal. By centering the voices and experiences of elders, the researchers are creating a lasting record that can inform more thoughtful approaches to future development.