How well does artificial intelligence know history? The ALPLM will find out.
Historians quiz ChatGPT at free event May 24

 

[May 22, 2023] 

Artificial intelligence tools have exploded in popularity and power over the past six months. But can AI make sense of the complex, contradictory field of history? The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum will put it to the test at a special event May 24.

Our historians will quiz ChatGPT to see how well it handles historical research and interpretation related to Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War, two subjects where the basic facts are surrounded by almost limitless nuance.

“Our 16th President in the 21st Century: Lincoln and Artificial Intelligence” is free and begins at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 24. Reserve your seat by clicking on the Events page at www.PresidentLincoln.Illinois.gov.

Will ChatGPT prove to be a useful tool for researchers? Or will this test reveal weaknesses and misinformation? Join us for the answers – and perhaps a few more questions – during this examination of artificial intelligence and its future.

“We think this will be a lighthearted but thought-provoking look at a vital topic,” said Christina Shutt, executive director of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. “Artificial intelligence is a powerful tool, but it has limitations. We should understand those limitations better before AI becomes a part of daily life.”

The mission of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is to inspire civic engagement through the diverse lens of Illinois history and sharing with the world the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln. We pursue this mission through a combination of rigorous scholarship and high-tech showmanship built on the bedrock of the ALPLM’s unparalleled collection of historical materials – roughly 13 million items from all eras of Illinois history.

For more information, visit www.PresidentLincoln.illinois.gov.

[Christopher Wills]