KC Reporter

The Kansas City Museum has announced a new project featuring Sonia Warshawski, a Holocaust survivor, businesswoman, and great-grandmother. Known as "Big Sonia," she will be part of a conversational AI video initiative similar to the "Dimensions In Testimony" projects at the USC Shoah Foundation. A behind-the-scenes video titled "Behind The Scenes: Big Sonia & StoryFile" is available on Vimeo.

Leah Warshawski, Sonia's granddaughter and Impact Producer and Director of Inflatable Film, is collaborating with the museum on this project. The AI media experience is set to launch in 2025 and will be located in Corinthian Hall’s third-floor gallery named Our City, Our Stories.

This endeavor marks the Kansas City Museum as the first in the United States to feature such an AI media experience. It aims to enhance educational impact through materials developed using restorative practices methodology.

Fundraising efforts for the project are underway. A significant contribution has been received from the Barton P. Cohen and Mary Davidson Cohen Charitable Trust at Midwest Trust Company. Those interested in contributing can contact Paul Gutiérrez, Deputy Director of Visitor Experience & Public Engagement, at pgutierrez@kansascitymuseum.org.

Photo of Sonia Warshawshi courtesy of Leah Warshawski.