Connecting with History: Conversations with WWII Veterans through AI at The National WWII Museum

Connecting with History: Conversations with WWII Veterans through AI at The National WWII Museum

As the years pass, the opportunity to personally connect with World War II veterans becomes increasingly limited. These brave men and women who fought for freedom and endured unimaginable hardships are fading into history, leaving future generations longing for a chance to hear their stories firsthand. But fear not, as technology comes to the rescue. The National WWII Museum in New Orleans has unveiled an interactive exhibit that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to allow visitors to engage in virtual conversations with images of veterans. This groundbreaking project, titled “Voices From the Front,” aims to bridge the gap between past and present, ensuring the stories of these heroes continue to resonate for years to come.

Four years in the making, Voices From the Front is the culmination of video-recorded interviews with 18 veterans of the war or the support effort. These veterans answered as many as a thousand questions about their experiences during the war and their personal lives, creating a treasure trove of knowledge and memories. Among the participants was Marine Corps veteran Hershel Woodrow “Woody” Wilson, a Medal of Honor winner who fought at Iwo Jima and sadly passed away in June 2022 after recording his responses.

So how does this interactive experience work? Visitors to the exhibit will stand in front of a console and choose which veteran they would like to converse with. Suddenly, a life-sized image of that person, comfortably seated in a chair, appears on a screen. The magic then happens when visitors ask questions, which the AI system uses to match with the most appropriate recorded response. Peter Crean, a retired Army colonel and the museum’s vice president of education, explains the process, stating, “Any of us can ask a question. It will recognize the elements of that question. And then using AI, it will match the elements of that question to the most appropriate of those thousand answers.”

Of course, as with any new technology, there are bound to be some quirks. When Crean asked veteran Bob Wolf whether he had a dog as a child, the AI system provided a lengthy answer about Wolf’s childhood, including his favorite radio shows and breakfast cereal, before mentioning that he had pet turtles. However, Crean assures visitors that the AI mechanism learns and adapts as more questions are asked, leading to improved accuracy and responsiveness.

The exhibition of Voices From the Front coincides with the opening of the museum’s new Malcolm S. Forbes Rare and Iconic Artifacts Gallery. This gallery, named after infantry machine gunner Malcolm S. Forbes, showcases significant artifacts from the war, including his Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and a blood-stained jacket he wore when wounded. Surviving veterans who participated in the recordings were invited to attend the opening, creating a poignant moment of connection between past and present.

The National WWII Museum has always been a place where visitors could personally interact with veterans, as they manned tables near the entrance and shared their stories with anyone willing to listen. However, as these veterans age and pass away, the opportunity for such encounters diminishes. The COVID-19 pandemic has only further exacerbated the issue, making it even more challenging for the remaining WWII generation to engage with the public. But with the introduction of AI-driven conversations, the museum aims to ensure that future generations can still receive a personal glimpse into history.

As the grand opening of Voices From the Front draws near, anticipation fills the air. Visitors are eager to step into the shoes of the past, to engage in intimate conversations with these extraordinary individuals who shaped the course of history. The voices of WWII veterans will continue to resonate, thanks to the power of AI and the unwavering dedication of the National WWII Museum to honor their sacrifices. So, step forward, ask your questions, and be transported into a world where heroes live on through the power of technology.

Note: This article was written on March 21, 2024, and the opening of the exhibit mentioned has already occurred.