CANYON, TX.-The Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum has produced its first podcast, which is available on their website. PPHM is one of only two museums in the state using this new technology.

Podcasting provides audio broadcasting via the Internet and can be downloaded through an iPod or MP3 player. In addition to music, podcasts are used like a radio talk show or promotional piece to enhance existing text.

The museum’s first podcast is an overview of “Granville Bruce: Old Texas” currently on exhibit in the Foran Gallery. It was produced by Buster Ratliff, PPHM Operations Coordinator, and includes a gallery talk by PPHM Curator of Art, Michael Grauer. Personal impressions of the exhibit are expressed by Shianne McCracken and Ryan Brantley, both students at West Texas A&M University and employees of the museum.

“The Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum is constantly searching for ways to reach new audiences and provide visitors with an exceptional museum experience. By embracing new technology and making it free and accessible to all, we hope to better serve our visitors.”

The podcast is available at www.panhandleplains.org, on the exhibits sidebar, with the Granville Bruce exhibit information. The RRS (a feed to deliver an enclosed file) is given and people can cut and paste the URL into their podcast software (two examples are iPodder and RRS Radio) or simply download the MP3 file. Without an Ipod or MP3 player, the MP3 download allows the podcast to be accessed on Windows Media, Real Player, or Quick Time.