The National World War II Museum is showcasing a new interactive oral history project called “Voices From the Front,” which allows visitors to speak with virtual versions of World War II heroes and witnesses. Among those featured is Hershel Woodrow “Woody” Williams, the last living World War II Medal of Honor recipient who passed away in 2022. Using technology such as AI, the museum aims to make these stories more engaging and memorable for visitors. The exhibit also includes stories from individuals like Grace (Janota) Brown, a factory worker who made parts for Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress bombers, and Tolley W. Fletcher, a U.S. Navy veteran who participated in the D-Day landings in Normandy.
The conversations with the virtual heroes and witnesses are facilitated by StoryFile’s Conversa AI tool, which focuses on contextual understanding to make the interactions as lifelike as possible. The goal is not to generate answers using AI, but rather to assist in producing interview questions and recognizing contexts for them. This technology also enables video morphing to create seamless transitions between poses and make the movements of the interviewees more realistic. The exhibit aims to preserve the personal accounts of those who served and sacrificed during World War II, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to engage with history in a personal and impactful way.
The National World War II Museum, dedicated in 2000 as the National D-Day Museum, is known for its focus on the American experience in the war. “Voices From the Front” is displayed in the Forbes Gallery of Rare and Iconic Artifacts, formerly the Forbes Theater, which features artifacts related to entrepreneur and politician Malcolm S. Forbes’ service as a World War II U.S. Army machine gunner. The museum’s president and CEO, Stephen Watson, emphasized the importance of preserving the personal accounts of those who experienced the war first-hand, stating that it is foundational to the museum’s mission.
James Fong, CEO of StoryFile, explained that “Voices From the Front” seeks to rekindle a sense of personal wonder, connection, and empathy for visitors as they engage with the stories of the Greatest Generation. Fong shared his own personal connection to World War II through his grandmother’s stories of air raids and loss during the war in China, indicating the profound impact that these historical narratives can have on individuals. The use of technology and AI in the exhibit helps to bring these stories to life and create a more immersive and interactive experience for museum visitors, allowing them to engage with history in a new and impactful way.
In addition to Hershel Woodrow “Woody” Williams, the interactive exhibit features stories from individuals like Ben Lesser, who survived four Nazi concentration camps before being liberated from Dachau, and Margaret Kerry, who entertained U.S. troops at USO shows around the country. The exhibit aims to provide a platform for these individuals to share their experiences and insights with a new generation, ensuring that their stories are preserved and honored for years to come. Through the use of technology and artificial intelligence, the museum is able to bring these stories to life in a way that is engaging, educational, and emotionally impactful for visitors of all ages.
