Outrage in Washington: Smithsonian’s AI “Historians” Spark Job Fears at National Mall
Imagine walking into the Smithsonian and instead of a friendly human guide greeting you, a glowing, life-size hologram recites facts at machine speed. That reality just launched—and people are furious. From tour guides to local labor unions, Washington, D.C. is buzzing over the museum’s new AI historian exhibit. Let’s unpack what’s happening, why workers are worried, and what this could mean for the future of museum jobs.What Exactly Is the Smithsonian’s AI Exhibit?
The “Non-Fungible Historians” installation, opened last week, fills a high-ceiling gallery on the National Mall with:
- Hyper-realistic digital avatars of historical figures—Ben Franklin in a waistcoat, Harriet Tubman in 1800s attire—speaking in first person
- Interactive touchscreens where visitors can ask questions and receive polished, AI-generated answers laced with humor and historical accuracy
- Motion-tracking cameras that tailor the speech: if a child walks up, the avatar shortens its answer and sneaks in a fun dinosaur fact
On paper, it sounds innovative. After all, younger generations love tech. But here’s the catch: trips to the Smithsonian used to equal jobs for historians, teachers, and tour guides who rely on those weekday school-bus pilgrimages and summer tourist surges. Suddenly, a seat that used to belong to a smiling docent now fits a server rack.Why Are People Protesting on the National Mall?
By 10 a.m. Tuesday, crowds waving protest signs—“Humans Teach History Best!”—circled the Smithsonian Castle. Chants and drumbeats echoed against classical columns. Tourists filmed with phones, while union reps passed out flyers. The main objections boil down to three fears:
1. Job Displacement for 300 Workers
Union president Dana Morales told reporters,
“My guides aren’t tech glitches—they’re professionals whose families eat because of these jobs. Replace them and you replace a community.”
2. Loss of Personal Connection
Ask veteran tour guide Lucas Greene, who’s shepherded fourth-graders from Kansas for 17 years:
“When a kid’s eyes light up at a real story about the Wright brothers, you can’t replicate that warmth with pixels.”
3. Accuracy & Narrative Control
AI learns from existing texts, often written by a narrow slice of authors. Critics worry voices of color, female achievers, and Indigenous perspectives could get shrunk into footnote-sized nuggets—all while sounding silky smooth.What Does the Smithsonian Say in Defense?
Dr. Linda Carver, chief curator of digital innovation, claims the AI exhibit is meant to augment, not replace:
“Our digital historians free staff to focus on deeper, small-group tours. It’s like calculators and math teachers—tools, not threats.”
Official numbers show:
- $2.8 million budget for the installation—half funded by a private tech foundation
- Projected 14% spike in attendance thanks to TikTok buzz
- Zero planned layoffs, according to the museum’s HR press release (though temporary).
AI,Science
