Museum-goers can interact with AI replicas of WWII Veterans at the National WWII Museum in New Orleans (Photo: The National WWII Museum)
At the National WWII Museum in New Orleans, an innovative exhibition titled “Voices From the Front” offers visitors a unique opportunity to engage with the past through artificial intelligence.
The experience features life-sized video renditions of 18 individuals who served in diverse roles during World War II, ranging from Veterans to home front workers and nurses. Museumgoers can ask the replicas questions, triggering the AI program to select the most fitting responses from a repository of pre-recorded videos.
Veterans like 102-year-old Olin Pickens, who served with the 805th Tank Destroyer Battalion in Tunisia, shared their personal stories, contributing to a rich tapestry of wartime experiences. Each of the 18 participants had answered as many as 1,000 questions. For Pickens and others, the exhibition is not only a means of preserving history but also a source of pride in being able to share their experiences with the world.
As the number of living World War II Veterans dwindles, the museum wanted to preserve their narratives in an authentic and engaging manner. With only a fraction of the millions who served still alive, the exhibition serves as a reminder of the urgency to capture and preserve these firsthand accounts. Stephen Watson, president and CEO of the museum, said honoring the sacrifices made by these individuals is significant, and this interactive experience provides a powerful way for future generations to connect with the past.
However, the AI replicas are not without limitations. Visitors may encounter moments where responses are delayed or the AI confesses its inability to answer certain questions. Despite some limitations in the AI’s comprehension and response speed, the program is expected to evolve over time and improve its effectiveness in engaging with guests. The exhibition was made possible by a generous $1.5 million donation and produced in collaboration with StoryFile, a company specializing in AI conversational videos by blending cutting-edge technology with historical preservation.
For participants like 98-year-old Navy Veteran, Tolley Fletcher, who participated in the D-Day invasion and anti-submarine operations, engaging with their virtual counterparts elicits a mix of emotions, from amusement at their likeness to the surreal experience of conversing with oneself. Tragically, some participants passed away before the debut of their virtual personas, including Hershel Woodrow “Woody” Williams, the last surviving World War II Medal of Honor recipient. The exhibition ensures that heroic deeds and legacy such as Woody’s endure, offering visitors a rare opportunity to interact with these American heroes.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.
