Why Project Heirloom?

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

  • Audrey Nishida

    Marlborough School

  • Allison Liu

    Alhambra High School

  • Maya Nawachi

    West High School

  • Kira Lockwood

    Mira Costa High School

  • 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.