Aaron Rice is the Founder and CEO of the Virtual Reality Collaboration Lab (VRCOLAB), a Baltimore-based digital heritage and immersive technology studio dedicated to preserving and expanding access to African American history.

VRCOLAB develops immersive experiences, digital twins, and cultural storytelling platforms that reconnect communities to the places where history happened. Through its flagship initiative, Taste of Freedom, the organization transforms overlooked historic sites into living classrooms where participants can explore freedom, resistance, identity, memory, and community through place-based learning.

More than a tour, Taste of Freedom explores the ongoing work of historical understanding and repair through immersive storytelling, historical reflection, and digital preservation.

Using advanced 3D scanning, digital twin technology, spatial storytelling, and community partnerships, VRCOLAB documents endangered cultural landscapes and creates interactive experiences that preserve history while making it more accessible to future generations.

Today, Taste of Freedom combines guided walking, bus, boat, and virtual experiences with the Digital Freedom Network—a growing platform that maps historic sites connected to African American life, freedom-seeking, resistance, and community building.

Doing The Work:

Preserving Hidden Histories. Expanding Access. Building Community.

We are building the infrastructure to preserve and experience African American history through immersive technology, cultural storytelling, and community collaboration. With your support, we can document endangered historic sites, expand educational access, strengthen descendant community engagement, and ensure these stories remain visible, relevant, and accessible for generations to come.