Monthly Office Hours
 
Opportunity to Network

This is a friendly reminder and your invitation to join other Central District Librarians for our monthly "office hours" online gathering. This is a great way to meet and network with other librarians. Simply click the link below to join. We always meet the "third Thursday" afternoon of each month from1:30-2:30. Mark the dates below:

Thursday, October 19

Thursday, December 16

Thursday, January 18

Join Office Hours

History and AI Speaker
 
I (Maryann) recently volunteered at the 150th anniversary of Woodland Cemetery in Des Moines and met the creator of "Fine Spirits," a company that brings historical figures "to life" through the use of research and AI. In talking with the founder of the company, it seems he has programs to offer libraries in parts of Central Iowa. See the blurb and contact information below. NOTE: I have not seen his programs; I have only seen some of the work he has done with the AI creations, such as this one about General Grenville Dodge.

This speaker is available in the following counties:

 - Boone
 - Dallas
 - Greene
 - Hamilton
 - Jasper
 - Madison
 - Marion
 - Marshall
 - Polk
 - Story
 - Warren

"Fine Spirits specializes in animating portraits of historical figures to have them tell their history through their own voice. Our mission is to bring history to life through animated storytelling. AI technologies are developing at an incredible rate, as are the potential applications. We explore the multi-media potential of AI and what it can do for our historical monuments, our educational programs, and our legacies, especially in the age of digital information. Our period for example will be the Civil War, where we hear the lives of three very impactful northerners that played significant roles in the Civil War and in Iowa's history. Delia Ann "The Petticoat Abolitionist" Webster, the feminist celebrity freedom fighter, Samuel Harlow Teft, the 49er working on the Underground Railroad, and General James Madison Tuttle, Union veteran and Iowa legislator. Presented by Henry Winber."

If you are interested in learning more about Henry and his presentations, contact him at [email protected]