Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming genealogy by streamlining research, enhancing records, and uncovering new insights. Whether you're a seasoned genealogist or just starting your journey, my top tips will help you use AI tools effectively while maintaining accuracy and ethical practices. 1. Set Clear Goals and Choose the Right Tools Begin with a clear plan for what you want AI to accomplish. Are you transcribing handwritten records, enhancing old photos, or translating documents? Match the right AI tools to each task. For example, Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software can extract text from handwritten records, while translation tools like DeepL or Google Translate can help decode foreign-language documents. 2. Provide Specific and Detailed Prompts When using AI, such as chatbots, be precise with your instructions. Detailed (and detailed does not mean long) prompts yield more useful results. For instance, instead of asking, “What can you tell me about this ancestor?” try, “Summarize this letter, highlighting all names, dates, and relationships mentioned.” Action-oriented prompts like this guide AI to produce tailored answers. 3. Ensure High-Quality Data AI works best when provided with clean and accurate input. Use high-resolution scans for images, clear transcriptions for text, and reliable records, or better yet, your own research. For example, ensure newspaper clippings or historical documents are scanned without blurriness or distortions to allow AI tools to extract accurate details. Better input guarantees better output. 4. Understand AI’s Capabilities and Limitations While AI excels at tasks like transcription, summarization, and translation, it has limitations. AI may misinterpret historical nuances or fail to provide context. For example, AI-translated documents might still require manual verification by a language expert. Treat AI outputs as drafts that need your expertise to refine. 5. Prioritize Privacy and Ethics Safeguard personal data and avoid sharing sensitive information online. Always verify the privacy policies of AI tools before use. For example, avoid uploading living relatives’ data to unsecured platforms for analysis. Protecting privacy ensures your research remains ethical and secure. 6. Evaluate and Verify Outputs AI is not infallible, so cross-check its suggestions against primary sources and reliable records. For instance, if AI summarizes a historical letter, double-check the summary against the original text to ensure no important details are missed, or if AI-generated dates or locations seem unusual, consult additional records or historical references to verify their accuracy. AI’s output should be validated through further investigation; hence treat AI's suggestions as a guide for further research. 7. Leverage AI for Time-Saving Tasks Automate repetitive tasks to save time for deeper research. Use AI to extract names, dates, and places from records, or enhance old photos for readability. For example, tools like Transkribus can transcribe handwritten letters, freeing you to focus on analysis. 8. Experiment and Stay Creative Think beyond traditional uses of AI in genealogy. Use tools to map ancestors' travels based on historical data or even create stories or poems inspired by family history. Experimentation can uncover unexpected insights and bring creativity to your research. 9. Stay Updated and Personalize Your Experience AI technology evolves rapidly, so stay informed about the latest tools. Customize your interactions with AI to suit your research style. For instance, save frequently used prompts for tasks like generating timelines or creating story summaries, as well as personalizing it with the “Customize” settings to introduce yourself and using any “Memory” features it has. Tailoring AI use to your needs enhances its effectiveness. 10. Foster Continuity and Treat AI as a Partner Keep related tasks in the same AI session to maintain continuity and context. For example, after AI transcribes a document, ask it to summarize key points within the same session. Treat AI as a collaborative tool that complements your expertise, not as a replacement for your skills. Also, treat a chatbot as a friend that you are having a friendly chat with, not as a search engine. After all, the main component in the word chatbot, is Chat. Final Thoughts AI is a powerful ally in genealogy when used thoughtfully. By combining its capabilities with your expertise, you can uncover new insights and save time while preserving the integrity of your research. Start small, stay curious, and let AI enhance your genealogical journey. Are you ready to dive into the world of AI-assisted genealogy? Share your experiences and favorite tools in the comments! More AI and Genealogy ResourcesLearn about more AI in Genealogy and other family history and genealogy resources under the AI in Genealogy and Genealogy Resources category and on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page. P.S.Stay on the lookout for the presentation that complements this post and dives deeper!
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Ancestry.com has started the year off with a bang, releasing new features and tools that may offer great value to genealogists. Alongside these updates, some beta features are being tested that could further enhance the user experience if fully implemented. Let’s take a look at what’s new and potentially coming soon. 1. Prioritize Your Ancestors This new feature allows you to focus on up to 10 individuals in your tree by marking them with a star (★) icon. Here’s how it works:
2. Smart Search (BETA) The introduction of the Smart Search option offers an alternative to Ancestry’s Classic Search. Designed to simplify and improve search results, Smart Search includes:
Note: While I got the pop up for this new tool, I do not seem to have the feature after logging out then back in the next day; therefore, I can not provide a screenshot. Also, this is something you can already do in the Classic option by just choosing the type of data you’d like to search. 3. Expanded Custom DNA Match GroupsFor those managing DNA results, Ancestry now allows users with any subscription to create up to 64 custom DNA match groups, more than doubling the previous limit of 24. This expanded capacity is particularly exciting for those working on complex family trees or DNA mysteries. Key Details:
Note: Although Ancestry shows I’ve used 22 groups of 64, I only see the same 32 colors to use for grouping, which I have had for close to a year now. So, I am not sure if we are to recycle the colors, which would make 64. If so, that would then cause confusion with the groups. Ancestry also seems to have removed the crossed out colors showing what you have already used, which can add to the confusion. 4. Add DNA Matches from Ancestor Profiles (BETA)This beta feature integrates the ThruLines tool directly into ancestor profiles, allowing users to connect DNA matches to their tree from an ancestor's profile card—even if the match is not already part of their tree. How It Works:
My Thoughts on These Updates Among these new features, the expanded custom DNA match groups stand out as particularly useful for genealogists tackling challenging DNA cases. The ability to organize up to 64 groups significantly enhances efficiency when managing numerous matches, especially for brick-wall research. The Prioritize Your Ancestors feature might appeal to beginners or those with smaller research scopes, while advanced users may find it too restrictive, let alone steer away from hints. Similarly, the Smart Search beta and the ancestor profile DNA match feature show promise but may require further refinement before they become staples in genealogists’ toolkits. Final Takeaway Ancestry continues to innovate, adding tools that aim to enhance the genealogical experience. While some features, like expanded match groups, are likely to gain widespread use, others may appeal to specific research styles or levels of expertise. As always, remember to verify information and remain cautious when integrating beta features or hint-based suggestions into your family tree. If you’ve tried these new tools, what are your thoughts? Are they game-changers for your research, or do you find yourself sticking to the tried-and-true methods? Share your experiences in the comments! More Ancestry and Genealogy ResourcesLearn about more Ancestry updates, tips, tools, and features and other family history and genealogy resources under the Ancestry.com and the Genealogy Resources categories of my blog and on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page.
The devastating fires here in Los Angeles County have left many families grappling with profound loss—loss of loved ones, homes, and irreplaceable memories. As genealogists, we often focus on preserving the stories of those who came before us. Yet, these tragic events are a stark reminder that preserving our own memories and legacy is just as crucial. In genealogy, the foundational rule is to start with yourself and work backward. I believe this principle should extend beyond research and encompass all aspects of genealogy preservation. When my daughter and her husband had to evacuate due to the Eaton Canyon fire here where we live, it brought this truth into sharp focus. While packing essentials—vital documents, medications, water, food, and supplies for their dog—she hesitated when deciding whether to grab one of her “memory boxes.” In that moment, the importance of preserving those irreplaceable personal memories became evident. Homes and material possessions can be replaced, but the unique pieces of our family’s story cannot. Why Starting with Yourself Matters Genealogists dedicate countless hours to documenting family histories. We preserve old photos, letters, and heirlooms from previous generations. Yet, how often do we turn the lens inward to safeguard our own stories and memories? Starting with yourself is not only the first rule in genealogy research but should be the guiding principle for all preservation efforts. Here’s how to make it happen: Steps to Preserve Your Memories
Lessons from the Fires When disaster strikes, the things we value most become clear. For my daughter, it wasn’t the house or the furniture she worried about—it was the box of cherished memories. This underscores the need to prioritize preserving the intangible pieces of our lives that define who we are and where we come from. As genealogists, our mission is to honor and preserve the past. Let’s ensure that future generations have a complete story—one that includes us. By starting with yourself, you not only protect your legacy but also set an example for others to follow. In doing so, you contribute to a living, breathing family history that can withstand the tests of time and tragedy. Final Thoughts The first step in genealogy research is to start with yourself and work backward. Let’s expand that rule to encompass all of genealogy. Start with yourself first in preserving your memories, stories, and legacy. By taking these steps now, you ensure that your family’s story—including your chapter—will endure, no matter what challenges lie ahead. Quick Summary
"My heart goes out to everyone who has endured unimaginable loss during the devastating fires in Los Angeles County. To our dear family friends who have suffered so greatly: please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers, and we are deeply sorry for your loss. To my family: we faced incredibly close calls, and I am profoundly grateful that we are all safe. Our physical well-being is a blessing I do not take for granted."
Exciting news, genealogy enthusiasts! MyHeritage’s Legacy Family Tree Webinars—the leading genealogy and DNA webinar series in the world—has just announced its 2025 lineup, and registration is officially open! This year marks the 15th anniversary of this incredible educational series, which offers 173 classes taught by 132 speakers from 17 countries. Among the highlights for 2025 are two brand-new members-only series:
I’m Honored to Be a Speaker! I’m thrilled to share that I’ll be part of this fantastic series again this year! I’ll be presenting two sessions:
Both topics are designed to provide practical tools, insights, and inspiration for genealogists at all levels. Why Register? All live webinars are free to attend, and recordings are available for free during the first week after each event. A webinar membership ($49.95/year) unlocks even more, including:
Ready to Register?Don’t miss out on this unparalleled opportunity to learn from genealogy’s leading educators! Whether you register for one class or all of them, you’ll gain valuable tools and strategies to enhance your family history research. 👉 View the full lineup and register here. 👉 Download PDF of 2025 full lineup here. Join me and many other passionate genealogists as we celebrate another year of advancing family history research through Legacy Family Tree Webinars. I look forward to seeing you there! More Genealogy Events and EducationStay tuned for more genealogy events and education under the Genealogy Events category.
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BlogI hope my family history and genealogy blog on genealogy research tips, resources, events, and more, along with my own genealogy journeys, will help you in your research and in building your family tree to learn more about your ancestors and family history to preserve for future generations to come! Come visit me at Know Who Wears the Genes in Your Family if you're interested in starting your family history journey, booking me for your next speaking event, or family history and genealogy heirloom products!
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