Talking World War I Hero at War Museum
This war hero gets very real for visitors
Museums often face a significant challenge: how to make history feel vivid, personal, and truly engaging. At Westfront Nieuwpoort, we’ve taken a remarkable step forward by bringing visitors face-to-face with one of Flanders’ most beloved war heroes, Hendrik Geeraert, using groundbreaking AI technology.
Let’s talk to Hendrik Geeraert
Conversation with WW I war hero
The man, the legend, the hero:
Who was Hendrik Geeraert?
Hendrik Geeraert (1863-1925) wasn’t your typical soldier. A boatman by trade and later appointed lock keeper, Geeraert became instrumental during World War I when he helped open the sluices in Nieuwpoort, flooding the Yser plains and halting the German advance, a pivotal act of bravery that earned him multiple military decorations and a permanent place in Flemish history.
Yet, what makes Hendrik truly fascinating to visitors isn’t just his courageous actions but his personality: rebellious, grumpy yet humorous, and refreshingly straightforward. Our installation at Westfront Nieuwpoort captures exactly this.
It takes input via a microphone. You choose one of 4 languages first (English, Dutch, French or German) and then just hold a button while you speak. You get a response in 1 – 2 seconds.
Let’s talk!
If our project resonates with you and you see potential for a collaboration, we would 💙 to hear from you.
Why Talk to Hendrik?
Visitors don’t just learn about history—they experience it directly from the person who lived it. Questions asked are strikingly personal:
“What was the war like for you?”
“Why did you become a hero?”
“What did you eat during the war?”
“Why do you wear your moustache like that?”
- “What do you think about the Germans?”
The ability to ask such intimate questions transforms a typical museum visit into something memorable and profoundly human. Hendrik’s gruff yet jovial personality not only entertains but provides unique, authentic insights into his life and times.
Let’s talk!
If our project resonates with you and you see potential for a collaboration, we would 💙 to hear from you.