Why Project Heirloom?

A stylized tree icon with red branches, purple leaves, and purple text box.

History comes alive through the experiences of people who lived it. Project Heirloom preserves the stories of the Japanese American incarceration during World War II—stories that deserved to be remembered and shared across generations, just like treasured family heirlooms.

Using conversational AI, we make these firsthand accounts accessible and engaging. Now, students, educators, and communities can interact with these stories as if they were sitting across from the people who lived them. We believe that hearing directly from those who lived through this injustice opens the door to real empathy and honest conversations about civil rights, identity, and justice, issues that still matter profoundly today.

Meet the Team

  • Young woman with long dark hair standing against a plain light-colored wall, smiling, wearing a black blazer and hoop earrings.

    Audrey Nishida

    Marlborough School

  • A young woman with long black hair, wearing a black blazer and a blue top, standing in front of a plain, light-colored wall.

    Allison Liu

    Alhambra High School

  • Young woman in a black blazer and white shirt standing against a plain light-colored wall.

    Maya Nawachi

    West High School

  • Young woman with long dark hair wearing a black blazer and white top, standing against a plain light-colored wall.

    Kira Lockwood

    Mira Costa High School

  • A young woman wearing a black blazer and white top, standing in front of a plain beige wall.

    Rebecca Choi

    Torrance High School

 FAQs

  • We use StoryFile’s Conversa AI technology, which allows users to ask pre-recorded individuals questions and receive responses as if they were having a real conversation. When users ask a question, the AI technology searches all relevant interview clips within the StoryFile to provide a natural, conversational response. Learn more about the technology here.

  • Educators can integrate these stories into history and social studies curriculum using our lesson plans and classroom activities. Students can engage with the StoryFiles to gain a deeper understanding of the Japanese American incarceration.

  • You can support the project by spreading the word, donating, or partnering with us to bring these stories into more classrooms and communities.

  • Users can ask their own questions using either voice or text input, and the system will find and play the most relevant video response. To use voice, press and hold the mic button; to use text, simply type your question into the input box and submit.