Cell phone can talk visitors through tour

OKC Memorial cell phone tour AT&T president and the Memorial designers talk about the new cell phone tour...
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Cellular phone tours of the symbolic outdoor memorial are available by dialing 445-4792.

Executive Director Kari Watkins said she was excited about the new service, which has been in the works for about a year.

Oklahoma City National Memorial Foundation Chairman Bill Scheihing said the phone tour — voiced by designers Hans and Torrey Butzer — offers insight into the symbolism of the memorial, which draws half a million visitors each year from all 50 states and about 90 countries around the world.

Hans Butzer said he hopes their words can enhance the experience of visiting the memorial, dedicated to those affected by the April 19, 1995, bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building.

One hundred-sixty eight people died as a result of the blast.

Torry Butzer said she was honored the couple's design has found resonance with the community.

Now Butzer said she is delighted their voices can help guide people through the outdoor memorial, which is designed to teach that goodness always prevails in the end.

The cell phone tour includes information about 11 sites at the memorial, with additional details about several key spots.

The tour is funded by a $25,000 grant from the AT&T Foundation.

AT&T Oklahoma President Bryan Gonterman dialed the ceremonial first call Friday morning.

He said the cell phone project combines everyday technology with the memorial's mission to educate people about the impact of violence.

"It's a great opportunity to do something different,” Gonterman said.

The cell phone tour makes information about the memorial available at all times, he said.