The Smithsonian Institution is turning to artificial intelligence to unlock new stories from the American Revolution. A project called Revolution Crossroads, launched this spring, applies AI models to link artifacts across multiple catalogs and connect them with institutions like the Library of Congress. Researchers have already identified roughly 10,000 objects dating from 1770 to 1810, including a silversmith who ran a creamer business around 1774. Trained historians review all findings to catch details the technology might overlook, and the public can now explore these records online.
Meanwhile, the AI industry continues to reshape major American cities. Seattle and San Francisco are experiencing the combined pressure of tech backlash and an AI boom. Amazon and Microsoft built Seattle's economy over decades, while San Francisco has become the capital of AI, hosting companies like OpenAI and Anthropic. Both regions remain deeply interconnected even as they compete for venture funding and talent.
On the policy front, President Trump wants AI companies to police themselves in order to stay ahead of China. That stance has drawn criticism, with an opinion letter arguing that financial harm from unregulated AI poses a greater threat than existential risk and urging lawmakers to act immediately. A separate White House executive order issued in September 2026 mandates replacing the term "Artificial Intelligence" with "Super Intelligence" throughout the federal executive branch, requiring a new formal definition within 60 days. Legal experts warn this could spark courtroom battles and complications for government contracts.
Internationally, North Korea announced it tested a medium-range strategic missile on October 3 that it said used artificial intelligence, claiming the weapon can alter its flight trajectory at low altitude. The missile reportedly flew more than 700 kilometers. Kim Yo Jong stated no other country could access such technology for several years. The launch followed a dispute over an explosion in the demilitarized zone.
Concerns about AI's impact extend to everyday life as well. A study found Australians lost an average of 338 spoken words per day between 2005 and 2019, and oral historian Shirleene Robinson warns AI tools threaten human conversation and empathy, drawing on over 58,000 hours of recordings at the National Library of Australia. In the software world, engineers increasingly cannot understand code generated by AI tools — OpenAI engineers could not explain an AI-written kernel for DeepSeek, and Amazon launched a 90-day code safety reset after outages linked to AI-generated code. A survey found 94 percent of engineers encountered AI code problems within six months.
On the education front, a Century Foundation poll found most Americans want government regulation of AI in K-12 schools. The American Federation of Teachers is calling for screen bans in early grades and limits on AI tools. As of June, 22 states and Washington, D.C., have adopted cellphone bans. New York City banned screens and AI use for younger grades, and Virginia passed laws on phone bans and safe AI use guidance for schools.
Key Takeaways
- The Smithsonian's Revolution Crossroads project uses AI to link roughly 10,000 American Revolution artifacts across catalogs, with historians reviewing all findings for accuracy.
- Seattle and San Francisco face overlapping tech backlash and AI booms, with Amazon and Microsoft shaping Seattle and OpenAI and Anthropic based in San Francisco.
- President Trump wants AI companies to police themselves to compete with China, while critics argue financial harm from unregulated AI demands immediate legislative action.
- A White House executive order from September 2026 requires replacing "Artificial Intelligence" with "Super Intelligence" across the federal executive branch within 60 days.
- North Korea tested a medium-range missile on October 3 claiming it used AI to change flight trajectory, covering over 700 kilometers.
- Australians lost an average of 338 spoken words per day between 2005 and 2019, with experts warning AI tools threaten empathy and human conversation.
- OpenAI engineers could not explain an AI-written kernel for DeepSeek, and Amazon launched a 90-day code safety reset after AI-generated code caused outages.
- 94 percent of engineers reported encountering AI code problems at least once within six months, signaling a major shift in software development.
- A Century Foundation poll found most Americans support regulating AI in K-12 schools, with 22 states and D.C. adopting cellphone bans as of June.
- New York City banned screens and AI use for younger grades, while Virginia passed laws on phone bans and safe AI guidance for schools.
Smithsonian uses AI to uncover hidden stories from the American Revolution
The Smithsonian Institution is using AI to study its American Revolution collection. A project called Revolution Crossroads began in spring and uses AI models to link artifacts across catalogs. Researchers found a silversmith who ran a creamer business in the 1700s. The team identified about 10,000 objects from 1770 to 1810. Historians review all findings to ensure accuracy.
Smithsonian applies AI to connect American Revolution artifacts
The Smithsonian is using artificial intelligence to better understand its American Revolution items. The Revolution Crossroads project lets the public and scholars search collections and link them with groups like the Library of Congress. Researchers quickly found connections that would have taken years of manual work. Becky Kobberod leads the digital effort and stressed human oversight. The public can now explore these records online.
Smithsonian uses AI to reveal stories behind Revolution-era artifacts
Smithsonian leaders are using AI to bridge the gap between the American Revolution and modern technology. The Revolution Crossroads project applies AI models to link items across multiple catalogs. A silversmith running a creamer business around 1774 was discovered through the technology. About 10,000 objects from 1770 to 1810 have been identified. Trained historians review the data to catch details AI might miss.
Smithsonian AI project reveals new links to American Revolution history
The Smithsonian Institution is using AI to study artifacts from the American Revolution. The project allows the public to search records and draw connections across the Smithsonian and the Library of Congress. Researchers found a silversmith who placed newspaper ads for a creamer around 1774. About 10,000 objects from 1770 to 1810 have been digitized for the effort. Historians carefully review all findings to preserve nuance.
Smithsonian turns to AI to mark 250th anniversary of independence
As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, the Smithsonian is using AI to study items tied to the American Revolution. The Revolution Crossroads project began applying AI models in spring and quickly found new links between artifacts. Researchers located a silversmith who ran a creamer business around 1774. About 10,000 objects from 1770 to 1810 have been identified and digitized. The public can now search these records online.
Seattle and San Francisco face tech backlash and AI boom
Tech transformed Seattle and San Francisco over 30 years, bringing jobs and wealth but also high housing costs and political backlash. The AI boom now hits both cities before old tensions are resolved. Amazon and Microsoft shaped Seattle while Silicon Valley became the tech hub near San Francisco. Both regions depend on each other despite competing for AI venture funding. San Francisco is considered the capital of AI, home to OpenAI and Anthropic.
US and China compete to lead the AI revolution
President Trump wants AI companies to police themselves to win the race with China. Experts discuss whether the US and China are on a path of unstoppable AI competition. They also consider whether the world's AI leaders should collaborate instead. The discussion was held on the PBS program Compass Points with Nick Schifrin moderating.
Executive Order renames AI to Super Intelligence
White House Executive Order #14434 was issued on September 29, 2026. It mandates replacing AI and Artificial Intelligence with Super Intelligence and SI throughout the federal executive branch. The order also requires creating a new federal definition for SI within 60 days. Legal experts warn this could trigger courtroom battles and complications for government contracts. Previous contracts and historical documents are not affected by the name change.
US lawmakers urged to regulate AI development
An opinion letter criticizes the US for failing to regulate artificial intelligence. The writer says financial harm is a more compelling threat than human annihilation for motivating lawmakers. The author suggests actions like writing to legislators and supporting AI safety nonprofits. The letter was written in response to President Trump's views on AI. The writer urges immediate action to safeguard everyone.
US government sells AI to the world
Brandon Remington, Executive Director of the US National AI Center, discussed AI sales to other governments. The center operates as a one-stop shop to help navigate government processes for selling AI abroad. Remington previously built AI for the Marine Corps as a lawyer at the Pentagon. He addressed safety guardrails and the competitive landscape with China. He argued that betting on the American tech stack is a strong long-term strategy.
AI may cost us the ability to truly listen to others
A recent study found Australians lost an average of 338 spoken words per day between 2005 and 2019. Oral historian Shirleene Robinson says AI tools threaten human conversation and empathy. She draws from over 58,000 hours of recordings at the National Library of Australia. She argues that listening to diverse perspectives improves mental and physical wellbeing. The greatest loss may be our ability to practice empathy through real human speech.
AI is writing code that humans can no longer understand
Engineers are increasingly unable to understand code generated by AI tools. OpenAI engineers could not explain an AI-written kernel for DeepSeek. Amazon launched a 90-day code safety reset after outages linked to AI-generated code. A survey found 94 percent of engineers saw AI code problems at least once in six months. Experts say this represents a major shift in how software is developed.
North Korea says it tested a missile using artificial intelligence
North Korea tested a medium-range strategic missile on October 3 that it said used artificial intelligence. Kim Yo Jong said the missile can change its flight trajectory at low altitude. Seoul reported the missile flew more than 700 kilometers. Kim claimed no country could access such technology for several years. The launch followed a dispute over an explosion in the demilitarized zone.
Groups push rules to keep students safe from AI and tech
A Century Foundation poll found most Americans want government regulation of AI in K-12 schools. The American Federation of Teachers called for screen bans in early grades and limits on AI tools. As of June, 22 states and Washington, D.C., adopted cellphone bans. New York City banned screens and AI use for younger grades. Virginia passed laws on phone bans and safe AI use guidance for schools.
Sources
- How the Smithsonian Is Using AI to Connect Artifacts From the American Revolution
- How the Smithsonian is using AI to connect artifacts from the American Revolution
- How the Smithsonian is using AI to connect artifacts from the American Revolution
- How the Smithsonian is using AI to connect artifacts from the American Revolution
- Here's how the Smithsonian is using AI to connect artifacts from the American Revolution
- Seattle and San Francisco: Big tech, political backlash and the AI boom
- Inside the U.S.-China battle to lead the AI revolution
- Executive Order On Renaming AI To ‘Super Intelligence’ Signals Unexpected Legal Bumps Ahead
- Opinion | Waiting, impatiently, for US to step up on regulating AI
- Selling AI: U.S. Government As A Vendor To The World
- AI threatens to destroy so much of our culture. Our greatest loss might be our ability to listen
- AI Now Writing Code That Humans Can't Even Understand
- North Korea reported using artificial intelligence during a missile test
- Column: Keeping students safe from unregulated tech and AI
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