Speaking with the Past: AI, Historical Figures, and the Future of Human Memory

Date: Friday, September 11, 2026
Time: 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Location: Scholars Event Theater, Price Gilbert Library, Georgia Tech

Event Description

As advances in artificial intelligence enable the recreation of voices, personalities, and perspectives from the past, new questions emerge about history, memory, authenticity, and representation. This interdisciplinary conversation will bring together scholars and practitioners to explore how these technologies are shaping how we teach, learn, preserve, and engage with history.

The discussion will feature Joel Silverman, who will share insights from his innovative GT Arts Einstein Project, which explores how AI can create new forms of interaction with historical figures; La'Neice Littleton, Senior Historian & Director of Community Collaborations at the Atlanta History Center; and Brian Margeko, Regents' Professor and James and Mary Wesley Chair for New Media Studies.

Together, panelists will consider questions such as:

• What does it mean to "talk" with a historical figure through AI?
• How might these technologies transform education, museums, and public history?
• Where do we draw the line between historical interpretation and historical recreation?
• How should developers, artists, and researchers navigate questions of authenticity, bias, consent, and representation?

Please RSVP here by Wednesday, September 9th.     We look forward to welcoming you.