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3/29/2026 Bringing Ancestors to Life (Again): Testing NotebookLM’s New Cinematic Video Overview FeatureRead Now Explore how NotebookLM’s Cinematic Video Overview is transforming genealogy storytelling into a visual experience When Google continues to roll out new features in NotebookLM, I pay attention—especially when those features have the potential to change how we tell family stories. Earlier this month (March 4), NotebookLM introduced a brand-new option within its Video Overviews: Cinematic Video Overview. Initially available only to Ultra users, it has now expanded to Pro users as well—which means I was able to put it to the test. And of course… I did. What Is the Cinematic Video Overview? NLM Video Overview Option to ↓  NLM Cinematic Video Overview Option The Cinematic Video Overview takes the standard NotebookLM video output and elevates it into something more immersive and visually engaging. Instead of a simple narrated summary, this feature:
In short: it’s designed to tell a story, not just summarize information. My First Tests (Client Work & Personal Research)I didn’t waste any time testing this out. ✔️ Client Projects My first tests were actually on client cases—and the reaction was immediate: 👉 They loved it. The earlier versions I generated felt:
Personal Test: My 2nd Great-GrandfatherNaturally, I had to test it on one of my own notebooks—one I had already built around my 2nd great-grandfather and his family. Here’s where things got… interesting. What Worked Well:
👉 AI is only as good as how it interprets the data—and sometimes it makes unexpected (or incomplete) choices. Time Investment: Not InstantOne thing to be aware of:
Instead, it feels more like: ➡️ A “set it and come back later” feature ➡️ Something you use when you want a polished storytelling output, not a quick answer First Impressions: Exciting… But EvolvingAfter multiple tests, here’s my honest take: 👍 The Pros
Genealogist Takeaway: This Is a Storytelling Tool—Not a Research ToolThis is important. The Cinematic Video Overview is not:
📄 Your research report 🎬 A shareable family story Ideas for Using This in GenealogyHere are a few practical ways you might use it:
Final ThoughtsIs it perfect? No. Is it worth experimenting with? Absolutely. What stood out to me most is this: 👉 We are moving into a space where genealogy is no longer just documented—it’s experienced. And while this feature is still evolving (and clearly changing even within weeks), it’s a glimpse into where things are heading. I’d Love to Hear From YouHave you tried the Cinematic Video Overview yet?
More AI and GenealogyLearn about more AI in Genealogy updates, tips, and resources, along with other family history and genealogy resources under the AI in Genealogy and Genealogy Resources categories and on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page.
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 Testing MyHeritage’s Scribe AI tool on challenging historical genealogy records. When MyHeritage introduced Scribe AI at RootsTech 2026, it promised something genealogists have long hoped for: an AI tool capable of analyzing historical images, transcribing difficult handwriting, interpreting gravestones, and even providing insights about old family photographs. Naturally, I wanted to see how well it actually performs in real genealogy research. So instead of testing it on a few easy examples, I deliberately ran Scribe AI through a series of challenging records, including Hebrew gravestones, faded and water damaged German Bible entries, messy Spanish handwriting, a blurry newspaper screenshot, an 1848 probate letter, historical photographs, and even a degraded German parish marriage record preserved only as an old photocopy. The results were surprisingly impressive. Scribe AI is designed to analyze several types of historical images, including:
One thing that quickly became clear during my testing is that Scribe AI is not simply a transcription tool. In addition to transcribing text, the system also analyzes the image itself and provides genealogically useful insights based on the type of record being uploaded. In many cases, these insights were just as valuable as the transcription itself. The tool automatically identifies key information, historical context, and research suggestions without requiring any prompting. This is particularly useful for genealogists because the output often highlights details that might otherwise be overlooked during a quick review of a document or image. Rather than testing only one or two examples, I selected records that would challenge the system in different ways. For each example below, I am showing the Scribe AI output generated by the tool. Test 1: Jewish HeadstoneThe first test involved a Jewish headstone from a current client case. Jewish gravestones often contain valuable genealogical information such as Hebrew names, patronymics (the name of the father), and traditional Hebrew phrases or abbreviations. Scribe AI Output *Click to view  Example 1-1: MyHeritage’s Scribe AI analyzing a Jewish headstone
Result Scribe AI successfully transcribed the Hebrew inscription and identified the structure of the information on the stone. For genealogists researching Jewish ancestry, tools like this could be especially helpful when Hebrew inscriptions contain details not found in civil records. Test 2: Blurry Jewish HeadstoneNext, I intentionally uploaded a blurry image of a Jewish headstone to test how well the system could handle poor image quality. In real genealogy research, gravestone photos are often taken under less-than-ideal conditions and may be slightly out of focus. Scribe AI Output *Click to view  Example 2-1: MyHeritage’s Scribe AI analyzing a blurry Jewish headstone
Result Even with the reduced image clarity, Scribe AI still produced a usable transcription of the inscription. This was an encouraging result, since many genealogy images are not perfectly photographed. Test 3: German Family Bible EntryFor the next test, I uploaded very old handwritten German entries from my 3rd great-grandfather’s family Bible. The writing was extremely challenging to read due to faded ink, messy handwriting, and water damage. Scribe AI Output *Click to view  Example 3-1: MyHeritage’s Scribe AI analyzing a damaged German bible entry
Result Scribe AI produced a strong attempt at transcribing the text. While a few names (there were 3 pages, in which only one is shown) were incorrect, the system clearly identified portions that were illegible rather than attempting to guess. This is actually a positive feature, since it prevents researchers from relying on potentially incorrect interpretations. Test 4: Spanish Handwriting on a Dark PhotocopyAnother test involved a document written in old Spanish handwriting, preserved only as a very dark photocopy from the 1960s. The background of the image is extremely dark, making it difficult to read even with the naked eye. Scribe AI Output *Click to view  Example 4-1: MyHeritage’s Scribe AI analyzing Spanish handwriting on a dark photocopy
Result Despite the poor image quality, the transcription generated by Scribe AI was remarkably accurate and readable. Test 5: 1848 Probate LetterI also tested Scribe AI with an 1848 handwritten probate letter from one of my client cases. Older legal documents are often written in cursive styles that modern transcription tools struggle to interpret. Scribe AI Output *Click to view  Example 5-1: MyHeritage’s Scribe AI analyzing an 1848 probate record
Result Scribe AI handled the handwriting extremely well and produced a clear transcription of the document. Test 6: Blurry Newspaper ScreenshotFor another test, I intentionally uploaded a blurry phone screenshot of a newspaper article, from another client case, to see how the system handled degraded newspaper print. Scribe AI Output *Click to view  Example 6-1: MyHeritage’s Scribe AI analyzing a blurry newspaper screenshot
Result Despite the lower image quality, the transcription was essentially flawless. Test 7: Benchmark Death CertificateOne document I frequently use to evaluate transcription tools is my 2nd great-grandfather’s death certificate. This record contains a mixture of printed fields, handwritten entries, and medical terminology, which makes it a good test for transcription accuracy. Scribe AI Output *Click to view  Example 7-1: MyHeritage’s Scribe AI analyzing a benchmark death certificate
Result Scribe AI produced the most accurate transcription I have seen so far for this document. The only differences were the registrar’s middle initial and the word duplex in the cause of death, which was interpreted as a variation of “double.” Everything else was transcribed correctly. Test 8: Historical Family PhotographScribe AI also analyzes historical photographs, generating contextual insights about the image. I tested this feature using a photo of my 2nd great-grandmother with several of her daughters, including my great-grandmother. Scribe AI Output *Click to view  Example 8-1: MyHeritage’s Scribe AI analyzing a historical family photograph
Result The system generated a detailed description of the photograph and provided contextual insights about the scene and the individuals pictured. This feature could be especially helpful when analyzing unidentified or poorly documented family photos. Test 9: German Parish Marriage RecordThe most impressive result came from a German parish marriage record for my 4th great-grandparents. The image I uploaded was a very poor photocopy from the early 1980s that my father received after hiring a German researcher to extract records directly from parish registers. The page itself presents several challenges:
Scribe AI Output *Click to view  Example 9-1: MyHeritage’s Scribe AI analyzing a German parish marriage record
Result Scribe AI transcribed nearly the entire entry correctly. The only notable differences were in my ancestor’s surname being incorrect and interpreting his father’s occupation as master mason instead of master cartwright. Considering the poor image quality and age of the record, the accuracy was impressive. Beyond Transcription: Genealogical InsightsOne of the most impressive aspects of Scribe AI is that the results go well beyond simple transcription. Depending on the type of image uploaded, the system generates different categories of analysis designed specifically for genealogical research. During my tests, the outputs included several types of insights. Gravestones For gravestone images, Scribe AI generated sections such as:
Foreign Language Documents For records written in another language, Scribe AI produced:
Documents in the User’s Language For documents written in the user interface language, the output still included:
Newspapers When analyzing newspaper articles, the system also provided:
Historical Photographs When analyzing family photographs, Scribe AI generated insights including:
Final ThoughtsAfter running Scribe AI through a wide range of real genealogical records, I came away genuinely impressed. What makes this tool particularly interesting is that it goes well beyond simple transcription. In addition to extracting text, Scribe AI analyzes the record itself and provides contextual insights, historical background, and research suggestions that are directly relevant to genealogical research. During my tests, it handled a wide variety of challenging genealogical materials including:
Of course, as with any AI tool, the results should always be reviewed carefully and verified against the original record. AI should assist genealogical research — not replace careful analysis. However, as a research assistant for extracting information and identifying clues within historical records, Scribe AI shows a great deal of promise. I will certainly continue testing it as I encounter new records in my research. For a limited time, you can try MyHeritage's Scribe AI for free. What Do You Think?AI tools are evolving rapidly in genealogy research, and Scribe AI is one of the newest tools designed specifically to help analyze historical records and images. Have you tried MyHeritage’s Scribe AI yet? If so, what types of records did you test it with? Did you find the results accurate? I would love to hear how it performs with other types of historical documents. More AI Tips, Tools, and FeaturesLearn about more AI in Genealogy tips, tools, features, and resources under the AI in Genealogy category. More MyHeritage and Genealogy ResourcesLearn about more Ancestry updates, tips, tools, and features and other family history and genealogy resources under the MyHeritage and the Genealogy Resources categories of my blog and on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page.
2/15/2026 From Research Report to Legacy Book: Giving Family History to a Teenager (Without Making It Boring)Read Now Turning professional genealogical research into a meaningful legacy book for a graduation gift Most genealogists know the feeling. Hand a fully sourced, carefully written research report to someone in their 60s or 70s, and they may read every page. They’ve reached a stage of life where identity, legacy, and connection to the past feel deeply personal. Hand that same report to a 17-year-old about to graduate high school… and it may never be opened. So what happens when family history is meant to be a graduation gift? That was the question behind a recent Legacy Book project I completed for a godmother who wanted to give her goddaughter something meaningful for graduation — something lasting. Not a gift card. Not a piece of jewelry. But her story. And that required a very different approach. The Reality of Audience There is nothing wrong with a formal genealogical report. In fact, I firmly believe in them. They document the work. They preserve the evidence. They protect professional standards. But a 75-page report full of citations, research logs, and formal analysis is not the same thing as a legacy gift — especially for someone just stepping into adulthood. Younger generations are not necessarily less interested in family history. They are simply at a different stage of identity formation. They are building careers, friendships, and independence. They are not usually searching for ancestral closure. If we want them to engage, we have to meet them where they are. That means shifting from documentation to storytelling. Professional Standards vs. Presentation Within the genealogical community, there is often an expectation that professional work must include a formal report with full citations, analysis, and documentation — and I agree with that standard. For this project, I completed all of that. There is a fully documented research report. There are source citations. There are timelines and supporting materials. But that documentation was not the presentation layer. The gift book was not the research report. It was the story built from the research. There is a difference. One documents. The other resonates. Both matter. What I Included (and What I Didn’t) The Legacy Book included:
The documentation exists — it just doesn’t interrupt the story. A teenager does not need to read footnotes to understand that her ancestors were resilient, determined, and strong. She needs to feel it. Using AI as a Writing Assistant This project also reflected something I’ve been exploring more intentionally in my work: the use of AI as a structuring tool. I used ChatGPT to help:
AI did not conduct the research. It did not interpret the records. It did not draw conclusions. It helped structure and polish storytelling based on research I had already completed and verified. Used responsibly, AI is not a replacement for professional genealogical work. It is a drafting assistant — much like an editor, style guide, or writing tool. And in a project like this, where tone and engagement really matter, it proved useful. Why This Matters If we only prepare family history for those already deeply interested in it, we risk waiting until stories are nearly gone. What if we introduced legacy earlier? At graduation. At marriage. At major life transitions. What if family history became something that accompanied identity formation instead of something pursued only in retirement? This project reminded me that genealogy is not just about preserving the past. It is about placing that past gently into the hands of the future. And sometimes, the most professional thing we can do is tell the story in a way that invites someone in — rather than overwhelms them. A Personal Reflection This book will likely mean different things at different stages of her life. At 17, she may appreciate the strength and determination. At 27, she may notice the sacrifices. At 37, she may see herself reflected in the generations before her. That is the beauty of legacy work. Research preserves facts. Storytelling carries them forward. And when done thoughtfully, you can uphold professional standards while still creating something that feels personal, accessible, and deeply human. Because in the end, genealogy is not just about the past. It’s about belonging. Some Examples from the Legacy BookMore Publishing Your Family HistoryLearn about more ways to publish your family history and genealogy under the Publishing Your Family History category.
 Ancestry’s New AI Research Ideas Tool: A Genealogist’s First Look Artificial intelligence continues to make its way into everyday genealogy workflows, and Ancestry has quietly rolled out a new BETA feature for research called Ideas. Designed to surface “research opportunities” directly within an ancestor profile, this tool aims to help users identify next steps—and explain why those steps matter. I spent two days testing the Research Ideas feature using well-documented ancestors already in my tree. Below is a look at what the tool does well, where it still struggles (as expected in beta), and who will benefit most right now. What Is the Ancestry “Research Ideas” Tool? Essentially, Research Ideas is an AI-powered suggestion engine. For a selected ancestor, it generates a list of potential research tasks—called Ideas—each paired with:
Day 1 Test: How It Performed with a Well-Researched Ancestor Example 1: 2nd Great-Grandfather – Samuel “Sam” Steinman On the first day, the tool generated several Ideas focused on classic record types:
However, in this case:
Notable hiccup (Day 1): Every Action Plan—regardless of topic—began with the same introductory sentence referencing missing marriage records. This appears to be a simple beta-level glitch, not a conceptual flaw.  Ancestry AI Research Ideas- Example 1
Example 2: Great-Grandmother – Estefana Gutierres Testing the tool on a Mexican-American ancestor produced Ideas focused on:
In practice, however:
 Ancestry AI Research Ideas- Example 2
Day 2 Test: Different Results, New Layer of Context On Day 2, the Research Ideas for the same ancestor changed noticeably. This time, each Idea included a research level (Beginner or Intermediate), which is a promising addition. Examples included:
Still, the Action Plans remained strong, offering sensible, well-structured guidance that many users would find reassuring and easy to follow.  Ancestry AI Research Ideas- Example 3
Where This Tool Truly Shines Despite the limitations revealed by testing advanced cases, this feature definitely has some clear strengths:
Important Considerations Going Forward As with any AI-assisted genealogy feature, a few thoughtful questions naturally arise:
Final Thoughts The Ancestry Research Ideas tool is very promising. While it currently leans toward generalized guidance and beginner-level methodology, that is not a weakness; it simply defines its current audience. As a BETA feature, it shows clear potential:
Use it as a guide, not a replacement, for critical thinking, analysis, and sound methodology. I’ll be keeping an eye on how this feature evolves, because with continued development, it has the potential to become a really helpful starting point for many family history journeys. More AI Tips, Tools, and FeaturesLearn about more AI in Genealogy tips, tools, features, and resources under the AI in Genealogy category. 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.
 Testing AI Photo Animations: Which Style Brings Ancestors to Life Best? Over the last few years, short-form video has become one of the most effective ways to draw in family members who don’t normally engage with genealogy. Quick, visually interesting clips can spark curiosity in relatives who might scroll past a long family history write-up—but will happily stop for a short animation or video. With this in mind, I’ve been exploring how AI tools can help create brief, eye-catching “animated shorts” featuring ancestors from my own family tree. For this round of testing, I used an animated version of my 2nd great-grandfather, Samuel Steinman. About six months ago, I generated a stylized animated image of Samuel using ChatGPT, based on my original photograph of him. Because realistic animation of historical individuals can be easily misunderstood, I intentionally focused on tools that produce clearly stylized, cartoon-like results. The goal is to entertain, not to mislead. To see how different platforms handle animation and movement, I ran Samuel’s two different styles of animated portraits through three major AI tools: 1. MyHeritage MyHeritage continues to be one of the most accessible platforms for genealogy-friendly imagery and animations. Their tools for movement, facial expression, and video enhancement are extremely user-friendly and tend to produce smooth, subtle animations.
2. Meta AI Meta’s tools offer a modern, slightly more animated feel—sometimes more dynamic, sometimes a bit bolder. Their animations often introduce movement in the background or in facial expressions, which can add energy to a short clip.
3. Grok Grok’s animation style leans more heavily into artistic interpretation. Depending on the prompt and output, the results can feel more stylized, bold, or cartoon-inspired, making it an interesting contrast to the other two platforms, while also automatically adding sound.
Comparing the Styles: Subtle, Animated, and Full Cartoon To make this a meaningful test, I created three slightly different versions of Samuel’s animated portrait—each one with a distinct level of stylization:
Why These Experiments Matter for Family History Family history can be deeply meaningful, but not everyone feels naturally drawn to written research summaries or long narratives. Quick, animated shorts offer a different kind of entry point—something fun, visual, and accessible. When a relative recognizes a face, even a stylized one, it opens the door to conversations, stories, and deeper engagement. At the same time, it’s important to be clear that these animations are creative interpretations, not authentic representations. That’s why the cartoon-style versions are so valuable: they help ensure viewers understand that these clips are playful and imaginative, not historical reconstructions. Your Turn: Which One Should I Use? To make this experiment even more engaging, I shared these versions on social media, a few months ago, and asked viewers to vote on their favorite style. Seeing how others respond—especially relatives who aren’t typically invested in family history—helps me understand what resonates most. Each version offers something unique, and I’ll continue exploring how these tools can be used responsibly and creatively in family history storytelling. If you’ve tried any of these platforms, or if you’ve experimented with animated ancestor videos yourself, I’d love to hear what worked (and what didn’t!) for you. More tests coming soon—Samuel is becoming quite the animated star. More AI Tools, Features, and ResourcesLearn about more AI in Genealogy tools and features that can be used in your family history and genealogy under the AI in Genealogy category, and find more of my AI Genealogy Animation experiments on my YouTube Channel. More Genealogy ResourcesLearn about more family history and genealogy resources under the Genealogy Resources category and on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page.
 Exploring Google NotebookLM's Data Table Feature for Genealogy One of the most exciting aspects of using AI tools in genealogy is how quickly they evolve. Just when you think you’ve explored all the current features, something new appears that can genuinely change how you work. That’s exactly what happened last month. While attending an AI for Genealogy presentation, I noticed a slide showing NotebookLM with a button I had never seen before: “Data Table.” Since I had been using NotebookLM just days earlier, it immediately caught my attention. Sure enough, when I checked the next morning, the feature was live—and it had only been released two days earlier, on December 18. After testing it with an existing genealogy notebook, I can confidently say this is a very promising new tool for genealogists.  NotebookLM Data Table Option in the Studio Example What Is the NotebookLM Data Table Feature? The new Data Table feature allows NotebookLM to automatically extract structured information from your notebook and generate a clean, organized table within seconds. With a single click, NotebookLM:
While you can customize the table if you wish, I opted for the automatic option during my first test—and the results were impressive. Testing the Feature with Real Genealogy Data To test the Data Table feature, I used an existing NotebookLM notebook for my 2nd great-grandparents, John William Taylor and Sarah Stubbins, including their children, parents, and related records. Within seconds, NotebookLM generated a table with the following column headings:
Not only was the data laid out clearly and logically, but NotebookLM also included all sources used as footnotes at the bottom of the table. For genealogists, this is a critical and very welcome detail.  NotebookLM Data Table Output Example Instant Export to Google Sheets One of the standout benefits of this feature is how easily the data can be reused. With a single click, the table can be exported directly to Google Sheets—almost instantly. This opens up tons of possibilities, including:
For genealogists who already use spreadsheets as part of their workflow, this integration alone makes the feature incredibly useful.  NotebookLM Data Table Automatic Export to Google Sheets Example Why This Matters for Genealogists The real value of the Data Table feature isn’t just speed—it’s structure. Genealogists often work with:
Being able to take all of that information and instantly convert it into a structured, source-linked table is a major time-saver. While the output should always be reviewed and verified (as with any AI-generated content), it provides an excellent starting point for analysis, reporting, and visualization. This feature is especially promising for:
Breaking down complex research into manageable views Another Big Win for NotebookLM NotebookLM continues to evolve quickly, and this new Data Table feature is another strong example of how AI tools are becoming more practical—and more genealogy-friendly. If you’re already using NotebookLM for research notes, source analysis, or case studies, this feature is well worth exploring. And if you’re new to NotebookLM, the Data Table option alone makes it an excellent tool to add to your genealogy toolbox. As always, AI works best when paired with solid genealogical methodology—and this feature fits perfectly into that approach. More AI and GenealogyLearn about more AI in Genealogy updates, tips, and resources, along with other family history and genealogy resources under the AI in Genealogy and Genealogy Resources categories and on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page. #Genealogy #FamilyHistory #AIinGenealogy #GoogleNotebookLM #GenealogyTech #GenealogyTools #GenealogyInnovation
1/11/2026 Would You Animate Your Ancestors’ Photos? What Genealogists Really Think About AIRead Now  AI and genealogy collide as family historians debate animating ancestor photos What a Facebook Poll Reveals About Memory, Ethics, and AI in GenealogyEvery so often, I return to a style of blog post I truly enjoy—one rooted in social genealogy, where community conversations themselves become a source worth examining. This week’s blog grew out of a simple Facebook poll I posted on Friday, January 11, 2026: Would you use AI to animate your ancestors’ photos?
What followed was not just a tally of votes, but a thoughtful, emotionally layered discussion that highlights where genealogists—and family historians more broadly—currently stand with AI-generated photo animation. What struck me most was not which answer won, but why people felt the way they did. A Community Divided—But ThoughtfulThe responses fell fairly clearly into the three poll categories, yet very few answers were flippant. Even those who chose a firm “no” often articulated deeply held values about memory, authenticity, and responsibility. “Yes” — Curiosity, Connection, and EmotionThose open to animating ancestor photos often framed it as:
Several people emphasized joy—seeing a smile, a blink, or a subtle movement that made an ancestor feel momentarily present. Others noted that they were comfortable animating photos of ancestors from long before their own lifetimes, but not relatives they personally remembered. For these respondents, AI animation was described as emotional storytelling, not documentation. “Maybe” — Fascinated, But UncomfortableThe “maybe” responses were some of the most detailed. Common themes included:
Several people stressed clear labeling—making sure that any AI-altered image was explicitly identified as such. Others described mixed emotional reactions, especially when animating images of close relatives, noting that the experience could feel sad, uncanny, or unexpectedly intense. This group seems to occupy the growing middle ground in genealogy’s AI conversation: open to experimentation, but anchored by ethical guardrails. “No” — Preservation, Authenticity, and ContextThose firmly opposed to animating ancestor photos expressed strong and consistent reasoning:
Many respondents drew a clear distinction between minor restoration (such as sharpening or repairing damage) and transformative changes like animation or colorization. For them, animation crossed a line—from preservation into invention. A recurring concern was accuracy. Eyes, mouths, and facial movements were frequently mentioned as areas where AI “gets it wrong,” making the result feel less like a loved one and more like a digital approximation. An Important Observation One particularly interesting note: The first wave of responses came from an AI-focused genealogy group, yet even within that audience—people already comfortable with AI tools—the reactions were far from universally enthusiastic. That alone is telling. It reinforces that acceptance of AI in genealogy is not all-or-nothing. Genealogists may embrace AI for transcription, analysis, clustering, or restoration—while simultaneously rejecting its use in other areas. The Real Issue Isn’t Technology—It’s Trust At its core, this conversation is not really about animation software. It’s about:
Many respondents—across all three answers—agreed on one crucial point: Transparency matters. If AI is used:
This mirrors long-standing genealogical best practices. We already distinguish between original records and transcriptions, abstracts, interpretations, and hypotheses. AI-generated images simply introduce a new category—one that requires even clearer explanation. Where I Land (and Why It Matters) As someone who works extensively with AI in genealogy, I find these conversations essential. AI can be:
Animating an ancestor’s photo can be meaningful, moving, and even beautiful--if it is treated as a modern interpretation, not a historical truth. And it is equally valid to say: this is not for me. Final Thoughts This poll reminded me why community discussions are so valuable in genealogy. There is no single “right” answer—only thoughtful choices rooted in respect, context, and intention. Whether you answered yes, maybe, or no, one thing was clear: Genealogists care deeply about how family history is preserved, presented, and passed on. And that, more than any tool or technology, is what truly matters. Have you ever animated an ancestor’s photo—or chosen not to? Conversations like this are shaping the future of genealogy, one thoughtful decision at a time. More AI and GenealogyLearn about more AI in Genealogy under the AI in Genealogy and Genealogy Resources categories and on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page.
12/28/2025 Combining Google NotebookLM’s Slide Deck with Google Slides and Google Vids: A Fast, Powerful New Workflow for GenealogistsRead Now  Combining Google NotebookLM’s Slide Deck with Google Slides and Google Vids: A Fast, Powerful New Workflow for Genealogists Every once in a while, a new tech discovery comes along that changes the way we share our family history—instantly, unexpectedly, and in the best way possible. The day the Slide Deck feature came out was one of those days. Google NotebookLM quietly rolled out two new features: Infographic and Slide Deck. After spending most of that morning testing them (using my 2nd great-grandfather, Samuel Steinman, as my official “AI ancestor tester”), I was already impressed with what they could produce. Then, something even more exciting happened: I discovered a simple workflow that turns those auto-generated Slide Decks into fully narrated videos within minutes—and all for free. This combination of tools opens a brand-new door for genealogists who want to share family histories creatively, quickly, and beautifully. Here’s how it works. Step 1: Generate a Slide Deck in Google NotebookLM The new Slide Deck option in NotebookLM creates a clean, nicely structured presentation directly from your notebook content. In my test case, I used a notebook full of research notes and analysis on my 2nd great-grandfather, Samuel Steinman, and the resulting deck provided:
 NotebookLM to Instant Videos with Vids, Example 1 Step 2: Save Each Slide's PNG for FlexibilityTo make the slides editable and usable across multiple platforms, I saved each slide of the slide deck's PNG images (you can also save each slide of the PDF as an individual PNG image). This only takes a moment, and once done, you’re free to:
 NotebookLM to Instant Videos with Vids- PDF or PNGs Download the PDF of the slide deck and convert them to images, or expand the slide deck and save each PNG image from the slide deck itself, as seen above and below.  NotebookLM to Instant Videos with Vids- Expanded Slide Deck View Step 3: Import the PNG Slides into Google Slides Once the images were ready, I uploaded them into a blank Google Slides presentation—one image per slide. This creates a clean, ready-to-use slide show version of your NotebookLM Slide Deck. This step is fast, and it sets up the real magic that follows.  NotebookLM to Instant Videos with Vids- Importing NLM Slide Decks to Google Slides Step 4: Pull Your Google Slides into Google Vids This is the part that surprised me. Google Vids now allows you to import your Google Slides directly—and once you do, it automatically builds a complete narrated video from your slides in a matter of seconds. The results include:
In under a minute, my Slide Deck on Samuel Steinman transformed into a polished ancestor video—without any editing, recording, or design work on my end.  NotebookLM to Instant Videos with Vids- Coverting NLM Slide Decks in Google Vids  NotebookLM to Instant Videos with Vids- Outcome of Google Vids Automatically Coverting Google Slides NotebookLM to Instant Videos with Vids- Final Video Product Why This Workflow Is a Game-Changer for Genealogy This simple chain--NotebookLM Slide Deck → PNG Slides → Google Slides → Google Vids—opens a fast, low-effort way to produce beautiful, engaging family history content. Genealogists can now create:
For professionals, it can add a polished, optional supplement to project deliverables (with a note about citation limitations, of course). For hobbyists, it makes sharing family stories with relatives easier and more exciting than ever. Final Thoughts That day of discovery felt like stumbling into an entire new genealogy storytelling toolset. The automation, speed, and quality make this workflow truly stand out—and I can already see endless uses for it in family history work. If you haven’t explored these new features yet, I highly recommend giving them a try. The possibilities are incredible, and you may find, like I did, that a simple test becomes an entirely new way of bringing your ancestors to life. More AI VideosMore AI and GenealogyLearn about more AI in Genealogy updates, tips, and resources, along with other family history and genealogy resources under the AI in Genealogy and Genealogy Resources categories and on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page. #Genealogy #FamilyHistory #AIinGenealogy #GoogleNotebookLM #GenealogyTech #GenealogyTools #GenealogyInnovation
12/20/2025 Ancestry Expands Its AI Record Explore Feature: Introducing Listen and Explore (Beta)Read Now  Ancestry Expands AI Record Explore with New “Listen and Explore” Feature (Beta) Back in April of 2024, I introduced Ancestry’s first major step into AI-powered record interpretation in my blog post, Ancestry’s New AI Record Explore Feature! At the time, the feature provided AI-generated summaries of individual records—an exciting development that helped genealogists better understand what a record contained and how their ancestor appeared within it. Fast forward to now, and Ancestry has taken that concept several steps further with a new, expanded beta feature: Listen and Explore. This enhancement builds on the original AI Record Explore tool by transforming static records into richer, more contextual narratives about our ancestors’ lives. I recently tested this new feature using my 2nd great-grandfather, Samuel Steinman, and his 1920 U.S. census record, and the results were genuinely impressive.  Ancestry AI Listen and Explore Record Feature- Example What Stays the Same: AI Record Summaries At its core, the feature still includes an AI-generated summary of the record, clearly explaining:
 Ancestry AI Listen and Explore Record Feature- Example 1, Summary What’s New: “Listen to Their Story” The biggest enhancement is the addition of a “Listen to their story” option. This feature expands well beyond a simple summary and provides a narrative-style explanation that includes:
Even better, this narrative is downloadable, making it especially useful for:
 Ancestry AI Listen and Explore Record Feature- Example 2, Listen to Their Story “Explore What Shaped Their Life”: A Dynamic Research Companion Another standout addition is the “Explore what shaped their life” section. Using Samuel Steinman’s 1920 census record, Ancestry presented me with four thematic topics to explore further. What was particularly interesting is that these options changed each time I revisited the feature, offering new angles and research prompts. Some of the topics I was offered included:
This rotating selection encourages deeper thinking and prevents the experience from feeling repetitive.  Ancestry AI Listen and Explore Record Feature- Example 3, Explore What Shaped Their Life  Ancestry AI Listen and Explore Record Feature- Example 3, Explore What Shaped Their Life 1  Ancestry AI Listen and Explore Record Feature- Example 3, Explore What Shaped Their Life 2  Ancestry AI Listen and Explore Record Feature- Example 3, Explore What Shaped Their Life 3 Footnotes, Sources, and a Very Pleasant Surprise Clicking on Occupation in butcher shops (in two slightly different versions) produced two similar but not identical explorations—and both included footnotes at the bottom. This is where the feature really shines. In the first version, the cited sources included:
In the second version, the sources included:
Each exploration also includes a copy function, making it easy to save, reuse, or adapt the content. The Drawback: Speed As exciting as this feature is, it does come with one notable drawback: it is slow. Clicking on “Listen and Explore” can take a significant amount of time to load. In some cases, the delay is long enough that users may assume the feature isn’t working at all, as I did at first, and navigate away. This may be a beta-stage issue, and while understandable, it’s worth noting so users know to be patient while the AI processes the request. Final ThoughtsAncestry’s Listen and Explore feature is a meaningful evolution in how genealogists interact with records. Rather than simply extracting facts, this tool helps:
If you haven’t explored this feature yet, it’s well worth your time—just be sure to give it a moment to work. More Ancestry and Genealogy ResourcesLearn about more Ancestry updates, tips, tools, and features and other family history and genealogy resources under the Genealogy Resources category and on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page.
12/7/2025 Exploring Google NotebookLM’s New Infographic and Slide Deck Features for GenealogyRead Now  Exploring Google NotebookLM’s New Infographic and Slide Deck Features for Genealogy Google NotebookLM has been rolling out new tools rapidly over the past year, but a couple of weeks ago brought one of the most exciting updates yet: two brand-new features designed to turn your research into highly engaging visuals--Infographic and Slide Deck. These were not available even a day before when I generated a family history narrative for a client. Naturally, I had to test them right away. To get a clear picture of what these tools can do, I used my long-running Steinman Family Notebook. This notebook focuses on my second great-grandfather, Samuel Steinman, his wife, their children, and brief notes on early descendants. It includes research, notes, sources, timelines, context, and more, and I have used it as my controlled “tester ancestor” since last May to evaluate various AI features. These two new tools did not disappoint. In fact, they may be the most exciting additions to NotebookLM so far—especially for those of us who want to make family history more accessible and appealing to relatives who tend to “glaze over” when reading long narratives. The Infographic Feature: A Family Story in One Visual The new Infographic feature generated a clean, concise, and eye-catching summary of the Steinman family. It captured the major life events, relationships, and themes in a single, well-organized layout. What stood out most was how accurately it distilled the family’s history. In one view, it presented key milestones, family dynamics, and important historical context—exactly the kind of visual summary that can help non-genealogists understand a family story in seconds. There were two small hiccups worth noting:
These minor inconsistencies didn’t detract from the overall usefulness of the infographic. For quick summaries, family sharing, or visual storytelling, this new feature is incredibly promising.  The Steinman Family American Story- NotebookLM Infographic Day 1 Test, November 22, 2025 The Slide Deck Feature: A Full Visual Presentation of Family History Next, I tested the brand-new Slide Deck feature. This one truly impressed me. NotebookLM automatically created a multi-slide presentation--15 slides in total—based on the Steinman Notebook. Each slide focused on a different piece of the family’s story, turning the narrative into an easy-to-follow visual journey. The slides included:
Each slide felt like a standalone infographic, which made the entire deck engaging and easy to read. I could immediately imagine relatives finally showing interest because of how approachable and visual this format is. There was only one noticeable hiccup: one slide stated that all five children survived to adulthood while also noting that one child died in infancy. A simple contradiction, but the only one across the entire deck. Even so, the overall quality was excellent. This feature has incredible potential for storytellers, genealogists, family historians, and anyone trying to present complicated information in a way people will actually want to look at. Why These New Tools Are Game-Changers for Genealogy Both of these features point toward an emerging trend: AI tools are becoming more visually oriented and more capable of transforming dense research into formats that connect with modern readers. For genealogists, this means:
Best of all, these tools work instantly, and they draw on the information already in your NotebookLM collections. That means you can generate multiple visual formats from the same research without starting from scratch. As more families lean toward quick, visual content, these features offer a meaningful way to bridge the gap between our research and the people we want to reach. More AI and Genealogy Learn about more AI in Genealogy updates, tips, and resources, along with other family history and genealogy resources under the AI in Genealogy and Genealogy Resources categories and on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page. #Genealogy #FamilyHistory #AIinGenealogy #GoogleNotebookLM #GenealogyTech #GenealogyTools #GenealogyInnovation
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Author, Diane HenriksHi, I'm Diane Henriks, a professional genealogist, speaker, author, investigator, and the founder of Know Who Wears the Genes in Your Family who... Know Who Wears the Genes in Your Family: Family History and Genealogy 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! Categories
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