Benicia’s historical sites are getting a modern touch that will help residents and visitors learn more about the city’s past and specific sites’ significance, said Toni Yosick, Benicia Public Library board secretary.
These are the square icons called Quick Response (QR) codes, and anyone with a smart phone or tablet can use a scanning application to read the code, Yosick said.

The addition of these modern codes to the city’s significant sites is part of “This Place Has History,” a program that is a collaborative effort of the Benicia Public Library, Benicia Historical Museum and the Benicia Historical Society, Yosick said.

“The program ‘This Place Has History’ allows anyone with a smart phone or tablet to access information on local sites and historic buildings using a QR code scanner app,” she said.

“The scanned codes connect users to a website that contains photographs and information about the history of the location,” she said.

For example, a QR code has been put on a sign outside the Southern Pacific Train Depot Building, 90 First St., she said.

“Scanning the QR code links the person to a mobile website with photos of the historic depot, information on the Benicia-Martinez ferry, a link to the Library’s California of the Past video about the Ferry, and other relevant library and museum materials,” she said.

But what if someone doesn’t have a QR code reader available? That’s not a problem, she said, because the same information is available online at m.historicalbenicia.org.

This isn’t the first time the library has been involved in using modern, digital tools to relate Benicia history. It also received a California State Library grant in 2007 it used to record residents’ descriptions of stories of their lives that relate to city events.

Those stories were recorded in three to five minute films, and describe events related to World War II, the history of Benicia High School, the ghosts associated with the city’s downtown area and personal experiences about growing up and living in Benicia.

Yosick said the Library’s mission is to contribute to the success of our community by being a vital centerof learning, communication, culture, and enjoyment.

“This project embraces our mission by bringing new and innovative services that enhance the culture and vitality of the community,” she said. “The Library staff hopes this will provide relevant information and a valuable service to our residents and visitors for many years to come.”

Those interested in learning about the library’s “This Place Has History” project and sites chosen for the second phase of the project may call the library at 707-746-4343.