The National World War II Museum in New Orleans uses AI to allow visitors to interact with virtual representations of 18 veterans, including one who participated in the D-Day invasion.
As the number of living World War II veterans dwindles, The National World War II Museum in New Orleans has embraced artificial intelligence (AI) to preserve their stories for future generations. The museum's new exhibit, "Voices From The Front," features 18 veterans who were interviewed and recorded using volumetric technology, capturing their responses to over 1,000 questions.
Among the veterans featured in the exhibit is Tolley Fletcher, who served in the U.S. Navy during the war. On June 6, 1944, Fletcher was stationed at Utah Beach, one of the five landing areas on D-Day.
"On the morning of the invasion, you could look up and as far as you could see in front and back of you and sideways, there wasn’t anything but airplanes," Fletcher recalled. "I was at my gun station, and I don’t mind admitting I had the shakes to some extent. I think it would bother most to some extent. Basically, you know there is a possibility of getting killed."
Fletcher described the rough waters that made it difficult for soldiers to reach the shore. Despite the challenges, he remained optimistic about the Allied forces' chances of victory.
"I’ve been asked a few times if we had any doubt if we would win the war," Fletcher said. "And I don’t know anyone that doubted it, not on our side anyway."
Visitors to the museum can now interact with Fletcher and the other veterans virtually, asking them questions about their experiences. The AI system matches each question to a relevant response recorded by the veteran.
Peter Crean, vice president of education and access at the museum, believes the AI exhibit will allow future generations to connect with World War II history in a meaningful way.
"A hundred years from now, somebody's children or grandchildren will be able to come here and actually have a conversation with a World War II veteran," Crean said. "That’s the primary source material that is going to the source, and it’s becoming, of course, ever so important as that generation is beginning to fade from history."
The AI technology used in the exhibit is constantly learning, making each response more accurate and faster after each use. This ensures that visitors will have the opportunity to engage with the veterans' stories in a realistic and informative manner.
The "Voices From The Front" exhibit is a powerful testament to the importance of preserving the firsthand accounts of those who fought in World War II. Through the use of AI, the museum is ensuring that these stories will continue to inspire and educate for generations to come.
