Document Type
Article
Publication Title
Metaverse
Abstract
This study investigates the emerging realm of digital resurrection, focusing on Mary Sibley (1800–1878), the esteemed founder of Lindenwood University. The core objective was to demonstrate the capability of advanced artificial intelligence, specifically a customized version of ChatGPT, in revitalizing historical figures for educational and engagement purposes. By integrating comprehensive diaries from Sibley with Claude 2.0, the research utilized a substantial autobiographical dataset to develop a GPT beta version that replicates her distinct voice and tone. The incorporation of her official portrait and diaries into the GPT Builder was pivotal, creating an interactive platform that accurately reflects her perspectives on critical issues such as gender roles, women’s education, and religious beliefs. This approach signifies a considerable advancement from previous methods of historical engagement, offering a more dynamic and immersive learning experience. The collaboration with the university archivist was instrumental in refining the AI to align closely with the known worldview of the subject, showcasing the significance of expert input in achieving authenticity in digital recreations. The successful implementation of this project illuminates the potential for future research in digital resurrections, especially for historical figures with extensive personal writings. It underscores the necessity of interdisciplinary collaboration, involving both historical expertise and technological innovation, to ensure the accuracy and ethical representation of such figures. The results from this study contribute significantly to the field of digital humanities, proposing a novel approach to historical education and interactive learning.
DOI
10.54517/m.v4i2.2424
Publication Date
1-2024
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Hutson, James; Huffman, Paul; and Ratican, Jeremiah, "Digital resurrection of historical figures: A case study on Mary Sibley through customized ChatGPT" (2024). Faculty Scholarship. 590.
https://digitalcommons.lindenwood.edu/faculty-research-papers/590
Included in
Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Commons, United States History Commons, Women's History Commons