A century after his passing, President Theodore Roosevelt is poised for a remarkable return. Not on the silver screen, but through a groundbreaking application of artificial intelligence, offering a unique opportunity to engage with one of America’s most dynamic leaders.
The vision extends beyond a simple recreation; Roosevelt will be embodied as a human-avatar within a new exhibit at Theodore Roosevelt National Park, straddling the North Dakota-Montana border. This innovative display will allow visitors to pose questions and receive intelligent responses, directly from the “voice” of the 26th president.
The exhibit’s grand unveiling is slated for the America250 celebration, coinciding with the Fourth of July weekend. This project represents a significant undertaking for the Department of the Interior, promising an immersive and educational experience for all who visit.
Housed within the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, the AI Roosevelt will draw upon the president’s extensive writings – he authored more books than any other president – and his prolific speeches, rivaled only by those of President Donald Trump.
The landscape surrounding the park remains remarkably unchanged since Roosevelt first arrived in the Dakota Territory in 1883, drawn by the allure of bison hunting. The park itself delves into Roosevelt’s ranching life, the complex relationships with Native American tribes, and the booming cattle industry of the era.
Echoes of Roosevelt’s adventures can even be found in Washington, D.C., where many of his hunting trophies found a home adorning the walls of the historic Old Ebbitt Grill, a saloon just steps from the White House.
Visitors to the library will have the extraordinary chance to converse directly with Roosevelt, experiencing his unique perspective and engaging with his powerful rhetoric. The AI is designed to respond in his own words, promising a captivating and authentic interaction.
The experience is anticipated to be a major draw, with officials predicting children will be eager to bring their parents to explore this unprecedented museum exhibit. It’s a chance to connect with history in a profoundly new way.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park stands apart from other national parks, uniquely named for an individual rather than a geographical feature – unlike Hawai’i Volcanoes, Yosemite, or Gettysburg. It’s a testament to the enduring legacy of the man himself.
Adding to the park’s historical authenticity, the Presidential Library will feature a hitching post, a nod to the era when horseback riding was the primary mode of transportation during Roosevelt’s lifetime, born in 1858.
