Episode 12: Leonard Garfield on History and Innovation in Seattle
In our 12th episode of the Responsible AI podcast from The AI Forum, we delve into the intricate relationship between artificial intelligence, history, and society. Featuring Leonard Garfield, Executive Director of the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI), this episode explores the notion that "history is dangerous," as it can be used to reshape our understanding of reality.
Leonard and Alex discuss how Seattle's rich history of innovation, from the resilience shown after the Great Seattle Fire to the rise of tech giants, continues to influence its present and future. Seattle stands as a testament to the power of innovation and community.
As we explore these themes, we also consider the role of museums in preserving authenticity amidst rapid technological change. Leonard shares insights on how MOHAI is reimagining its core exhibits to reflect the evolving landscape of AI and innovation. This episode invites listeners to reflect on the lessons of the past and their implications for a responsible future.
Topics
01:43 Leonard Garfield's Journey to History and Museums
02:54 Understanding MOHAI: A Museum of Community and Innovation
04:14 The Role of Innovation in Seattle's History
07:01 Lessons from the Great Seattle Fire
09:04 Reimagining Exhibits: Engaging with New Technologies
10:56 The Significance of MOHAI's Location
13:21 Craftsmanship and Authenticity in a Digital Age
15:47 Exploring AI: Past Exhibits and Future Implications
19:52 The Challenge of Historical Narratives
24:18 Education as a Core Mission of MOHAI
26:58 The Role of Sports in Community Identity
29:44 The Future of Museums in the Age of AI
About Leonard Garfield: Leonard Garfield is Executive Director of Seattle’s Museum of History & Industry, an award-winning history center with a collection of 4 million historic artifacts and archives, and a robust schedule of exhibits and educational programs related to the history of Seattle, the Pacific Northwest and the United States. MOHAI is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and is an official affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, and has been recognized by USA Today as one of the top ten history museums in the nation.
Garfield led MOHAI in the move to a new museum at Lake Union Park and a new Resource Center in Seattle’s Georgetown neighborhood, both of which opened in 2012.
Before joining the museum, Garfield served as director of the King County Office of Cultural Resources (now 4Culture) from 1993-1999. From 1985-1993, Garfield served as Washington State historic preservation manager and State Architectural Historian, directing the National Register of Historic Places program in WA. He previously worked for the State Historical Society of Wisconsin from 1978 to 1985, where he served as Wisconsin’s preservation historian.
Garfield has taught in the College of Architecture and Urban Design at the University of Washington in Seattle. Among other writings, he is co-author of Built in Washington, an architectural history of Washington State published by WSU Press.
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