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5/17/2026 Finding Living Relatives: How a Weekend of Deep-Dive Research Reconnected Me to My Mom’s FamilyRead Now Reconnecting with family through genealogy and living people research Finding Living Relatives: How a Weekend of Deep-Dive Research Reconnected Me to My Mom’s Family There are some areas of genealogy research that become more than just records, dates, and documents. Sometimes, they become deeply personal. This past weekend, I found myself diving back into a side of my family that I honestly had not researched intensely in well over a decade, my mother’s immediate family line in Ohio. While I’ve spent years helping clients locate living relatives, biological family members, heirs, unknown family connections, and long-lost cousins, this time the search was for me. And oddly enough, it all started because I simply could not stop thinking about my mom after Mother’s Day this year. A Side of the Family I Never Really KnewGrowing up in California, my immediate family was physically and emotionally distant from much of my mother’s side of the family, who largely lived in Ohio. There were first cousins I never knew. Stories I never heard. Relationships that never had the chance to form. As genealogists, we often spend so much time researching ancestors from the 1800s and early 1900s that we sometimes forget there are still living chapters of our family story waiting to be uncovered. This weekend reminded me of that in a very powerful way. Living People Search Starts Long Before GoogleOne of the biggest misconceptions people have about living people research is that it starts with a people-search website. It doesn’t. It starts with genealogy. Good living people research requires a very well-built tree. That means:
You have to fan out completely. Only then can you accurately narrow down who the living relatives likely are today. That foundational genealogical work is what makes successful living people searches possible. The Early Days of Living People SearchAs I worked through my mom’s family over the weekend, I found myself laughing a bit thinking back to how different living people search was when I first started heavily doing this type of work around 2010. Back then, there were far fewer public online directories and searchable public-record databases than there are today. Some of the old-school sites many genealogists and researchers probably remember include:
It was a very different research landscape. Then Came the Explosion of Public Record DatabasesA few years later, living people search changed dramatically. Sites like BeenVerified and Instant Checkmate started becoming much more visible in Google search results around 2013 or so, and suddenly researchers had access to significantly more searchable data in one place. I remember when:
Now there are countless public record databases and directory sites available, including tools such as:
Experienced researchers know that one database may have outdated information while another has current addresses, phone numbers, possible relatives, or useful location clues. That’s why experienced living people research almost always involves comparing information across multiple sources. But Records Alone Are Never the Whole StoryOne of the things I always emphasize is that living people research is not just about locating someone. It is about context. It is about understanding family relationships. It is about carefully piecing together lives and movements across decades. And sometimes, it is about healing. Over the weekend, I was able to successfully make contact with several cousins. We shared stories. We filled in gaps. We talked about family history, difficult relationships, old memories, and the things that were never fully understood growing up. And honestly? Some of those conversations helped me understand my mother in ways I never fully had before. Why she was the way she was. Why she made certain decisions. Why she ultimately cut off contact from parts of her family. Genealogy has a way of humanizing the past, even when the past is still living. Living People Research Is Genealogy TooSometimes people separate “living people search” from genealogy, but in reality, they are deeply connected. Living people research often requires:
And while records can help us find people, it is often the conversations afterward that become the most meaningful part of the journey. This weekend reminded me of that. Sometimes genealogy is not just about discovering the past. Sometimes it is about reconnecting with the living pieces of it. More Genealogy ResourcesFind more family history and genealogy resources under the Genealogy Resources category and on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page.
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5/10/2026 Recreating Memories with ChatGPT Images 2.0: A Mother’s Day Journey Back to the Santa Monica MallRead Now Recreating 1970s Childhood Memories at the Santa Monica Mall with ChatGPT Images 2.0 Recreating Memories with ChatGPT Images 2.0: A Mother’s Day Journey Back to the Santa Monica MallThere are certain childhood memories that never really leave us. Not necessarily the big moments. Not birthdays or holidays. But the small, everday moments that somehow became permanent. For me, some of those memories are tied to the old outdoor Santa Monica Mall, long before it became today’s Santa Monica 3rd Street Promenade. I can still vividly remember walking there with my mom in the 1970s. Just the two of us.  Recreating My Childhood Memories in Scenes Using ChatGPT Images 2.0, Example 1 We would wander through the outdoor mall streets, stop at her favorite Mexican restaurant on the corner, eat chips from those classic red plastic oval baskets, and sip drinks from those swirly, textured clear plastic restaurant glasses with straws that seemed to exist in every Mexican restaurant back then.  Recreating My Childhood Memories in Scenes Using ChatGPT Images 2.0, Example 2 At the end of the day, we would stop by the bakery where I always got a peanut butter cookie, the kind with the crisscross fork marks pressed across the top.  Recreating My Childhood Memories in Scenes Using ChatGPT Images 2.0, Example 3 And somewhere in those memories was my pediatrician’s office, Dr. Levy’s Pediatrics, located right there at the mall.  Recreating My Childhood Memories in Scenes Using ChatGPT Images 2.0, Example 4 What fascinates me now is how specific these memories still feel. The sunlight. The walkways. The feeling of holding my mom’s hand. The colors. The textures. The atmosphere. Even stranger? I’m not entirely sure why so many of these memories are just me and my mom. Maybe my brother and sister were in school. Maybe these outings happened on doctor appointment days. Maybe it was simply our little routine together. But those memories stayed. And this Mother’s Day, I decided to try something different. Testing ChatGPT Images 2.0 for Memory RecreationA couple of weeks ago, I wrote a blog about the new ChatGPT Images 2.0 update and some of its new capabilities, including enhancement and restoration-style features. This time, however, I wanted to test something much more personal. I used one of OpenAI’s example prompts for the new image feature as inspiration, but modified it substantially to fit my own family memories and old photographs. Using actual childhood photos of me and photos of my mom as references, I prompted ChatGPT Images 2.0 to recreate scenes inspired by my memories of those outings to the Santa Monica Mall. Not exact historical recreations. Not fabricated “fake memories.” But visual interpretations inspired by real memories, real places, real feelings, and real family photographs. And honestly? The results surprised me emotionally more than technically. Seeing visual recreations of memories that had mostly existed only in my head for decades felt strangely powerful. Why This Hit Differently Than Photo RestorationAs genealogists, many of us have already experimented with AI photo restoration, enhancement, colorization, and repair tools. But this felt different. This wasn’t restoring a damaged image. This was recreating a moment. A feeling. A memory. A family story. That opens up a completely different category of possibilities for family history. New Possibilities for Family History & GenealogyAs I worked through these memory recreations, I immediately started thinking about how this could be used in genealogy and family history storytelling. Not as evidence. Not as historical fact. But as visual storytelling companions to our memories and research. Imagine being able to create memory-inspired scenes for:
But they were remembered. And storytelling has always been part of genealogy. This simply adds another visual layer to that storytelling. The Emotional Side of AI Memory RecreationOne thing I did not expect was how emotional this experiment would feel. When I saw the recreated bakery scenes with the peanut butter cookie… The Mexican restaurant scenes with the red chip basket… The pediatrician office scenes… …it genuinely felt like pieces of memory had been visually pulled back to the surface. Not perfectly. Not literally. But emotionally recognizable. That’s the important distinction. AI isn’t replacing memory here. It’s helping visualize it. There’s a difference. A New Creative Tool for GenealogistsI think this is where tools like ChatGPT Images 2.0 become especially interesting for genealogists and family historians. Not just for:
The stories behind the photographs. The memories between the photographs. The moments nobody thought to document at the time because they seemed ordinary. Until decades later when they suddenly became priceless. A Mother’s Day TributeIn the end, this little AI experiment became something more personal than I expected. A quiet tribute to my mom. A revisit to small childhood moments I hadn’t thought deeply about in years. And a reminder that sometimes the memories we carry most vividly are not the major milestones of life… …but the simple excursions. Walking through an outdoor mall. Holding your mom’s hand. Stopping for a cookie. Sitting in a restaurant booth eating chips before the meal arrives. Going to the doctor and then spending the rest of the afternoon together. Those moments mattered. And thanks to new tools like ChatGPT Images 2.0, we now have some really fascinating new ways to revisit, visualize, preserve, and share those memories with future generations. And honestly? That may be one of the most meaningful AI use cases for genealogy and family history yet. The Original Photos Behind the Memory Recreation
Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms, grandmothers, and mother figures whose everyday moments became lifelong memories. More AI and GenealogyLearn about more AI in Genealogy updates, tips, and resources (including photo tools), along with other family history and genealogy resources under the AI in Genealogy and Genealogy Resources categories and on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page.
5/3/2026 Genealogy Wish Grants 2026 Is Now Open: Your Chance to Make a Family History Wish Come TrueRead Now Genealogy Wish Grants 2026 is now open—apply for a chance to have your family history wish granted Genealogy Wish Grants 2026 Is Now Open: Your Chance to Make a Family History Wish Come TrueWhat if this was the year everything finally came together? The missing piece. The long-standing brick wall. The answer you’ve been searching for, sometimes for years. Every family historian has that one question… the one that lingers no matter how many records you search or how many clues you follow. ✨ This is your chance to take that next step. The Genealogy Wish Grants Program for 2026 is now officially open, and once again, one story will be selected and one genealogy wish will be granted, just in time for Christmas. Each year, I read through heartfelt stories, complex research challenges, and deeply personal journeys. And each year, one of those stories becomes something more: a breakthrough, a discovery, a connection that may not have happened otherwise. If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to share your story… this may be it. 🌿 What Is the Genealogy Wish Grants Program?The Genealogy Wish Grants Program is an annual initiative that awards one recipient with focused genealogy research based on their specific wish and research goals. The selected recipient will receive up to 10 hours of professional genealogy research, tailored to their unique case. Depending on the nature of the project, this may include:
📅 Important Dates for 2026
📝 How to ApplySubmitting your application is simple. Visit the Genealogy Wish Grants Program page and complete your entry through the Contact form by selecting “Genealogy Wish Grants Application.” Your application should include:
🕵️♀️ What Makes a Strong Application?Each entry is carefully reviewed and selected based on three key factors: 1️⃣ Agreement to all program rules 2️⃣ A feasible research request 3️⃣ A compelling and meaningful story The strongest applications go beyond just stating a goal; they tell the story behind the research. What have you already discovered? What challenges have you faced? Why does this particular wish matter to you or your family? 💚 A Few Important NotesTo ensure the best possible outcome, selected projects should align with my areas of expertise, which include:
✨ Looking AheadEach year, the Genealogy Wish Grants Program has led to meaningful discoveries, emotional breakthroughs, and stories that might not have been uncovered otherwise. If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to take the next step in your family history journey, this may be it. 👉 Ready to Apply?Take the time to reflect on your story, define your wish, and submit your application before the deadline. 🔗 Apply here: Genealogy Wish Grants Program “Want to see past winners and their stories?”
 ChatGPT Images 2.0 enhances old family photos with AI ChatGPT Images 2.0: A New Era for Visual Genealogy (and My First Tests with Photo Enhancement)On April 21, 2026, OpenAI released a major update to its image generation capabilities: ChatGPT Images 2.0. This isn’t just a minor improvement, it's a significant step forward in how artificial intelligence can create, transform, and interpret images. In OpenAI’s own words, this is: “a state-of-the-art model that can take on complex visual tasks and produce precise, immediately usable visuals… our first image model with thinking capabilities.” As someone who regularly explores how AI can be applied to genealogy, I wanted to test this new tool right away. Over the first few days, I experimented with quite a few of its features, but one stood out immediately for its practical use: Enhancing old photographs. Before diving into my results, let’s take a look at what this new tool actually offers. What Is ChatGPT Images 2.0?ChatGPT Images 2.0 is a built-in image creation and transformation tool inside ChatGPT. After clicking “Create an image,” you can either write your own prompt or select from the “Explore ideas” feature, which is a list of instant, one-click creative options, which I used. As of now, those include:
Key Capabilities (and Why They Matter for Genealogy)What makes Images 2.0 different isn’t just what it can create, but how well it understands what you’re trying to do. Looking through the examples on the OpenAI blog, here's what really stood out to me: 1. "Thinking" Capabilities This is the first image model from OpenAI with reasoning abilities. That means it doesn’t just generate visuals, it also, for the most part, understands what you're trying to do. For genealogists, this means:
2. More Realistic Images Looking through the examples on the OpenAI blog, I saw that the new model can generate pretty realistic images in a wide range of styles, including:
3. Different Styles You Can Use I also learned that you could even create:
4. Better Text in Images One of the biggest improvements: Text inside images is now actually readable and usable. This is a huge step forward for:
5. Works in Different Sizes and Layouts Whether it’s:
6. Smarter Visuals and Ideas It can now handle more complex ideas, such as:
7. Ready to Use This is where things get really interesting. This feels like something meant to be used in real, everyday situations, which I will definitely be trying next:
less time creating those visuals manually and more time focusing on research and storytelling. My First Tests: Enhancing Historical PhotosI wanted to start with something practical and useful right away: Enhancing old family photographs. Test 1: 2nd Great Grandparents Family PhotoOn the first day of its release, I tested a photograph of my 2nd great grandparents and their family (including my great grandfather). Results:
A fantastic enhancement overall but of course not a perfect preservation of every original detail.  ChatGPT Images 2.0 Enhance Photos- Example 1 Test 2: Great Grandparents PhotoAnother strong result:
The eyes, and their expression, are everything in a photograph.  ChatGPT Images 2.0 Enhance Photos- Example 2 Test 3: 6th Grade Friendship-Size PhotoThis was a much smaller, lower-quality image I tried. Result:
 ChatGPT Images 2.0 Enhance Photos- Example 3 Test 4: 2nd Grade Wallet PhotoThis one was the most accurate. Result:
 ChatGPT Images 2.0 Enhance Photos- Example 4 Overall Thoughts on Photo EnhancementThis tool is extremely promising and already useful. But it’s important to understand what it is (and isn’t): What It Does Well
Important Reminder for GenealogistsThis is where I want to be very clear: This tool enhances, but it also interprets. In other words, it is still creating parts of the image. For genealogical use:
Final ThoughtsThis is definitely a huge step up from before. We're moving from:
And this is just one of its new capabilities. In future posts, I’ll be exploring other uses I saw on the OpenAI blog:
We’re just getting started. More AI and GenealogyLearn about more AI in Genealogy updates, tips, and resources (including photo tools), along with other family history and genealogy resources under the AI in Genealogy and Genealogy Resources categories and on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page.
 Brick wall troubleshooting checklist to help guide your next steps when genealogy research stalls Brick Wall Troubleshooting Checklist: A Quick Reference Guide for Stuck Genealogy ResearchEvery genealogist eventually hits that point where the trail goes cold. A missing parent. A sudden disappearance. A surname that shifts without explanation. A record gap that destroys an entire timeline. Brick walls are frustrating, but most of them fall with a structured, methodical review of what you already have and what you may have overlooked. This checklist gives you a practical way to re-examine your research, identify weak points, and uncover new paths forward, perfect for those moments when you feel like you’ve tried everything… but know there must be more. Genealogy Brick Wall Troubleshooting Checklist1. Reconstruct the Known Facts
2. Review All Records with Fresh Eyes
3. Identify Weak Links in the Chain
4. Expand Beyond the Direct Line
5. Deep Dive into Locality Research
6. Search for Name Variants
7. Redirect Your Approach to Different Record Types
8. Reevaluate Geographic Assumptions
9. Take Advantage of DNA
10. Form New Research Questions
Putting It All Together Brick walls rarely fall with just one discovery; they fall when the research is rebuilt from the ground up. By reviewing assumptions, widening your circle of people and records, focusing on locality, and using both traditional and DNA evidence, you give yourself multiple paths forward. This checklist works best when used periodically, especially during long-term or difficult projects. The goal is not to force an answer, but to create the strongest possible foundation so the right record, or the right connection, becomes visible. More Genealogy Research TipsGet more genealogy research tips, under the Genealogy Research Tips and Genealogy Quick Tips categories.
 A practical city directory genealogy research checklist to help track families between census years City Directory Research Checklist: Tracking Families Between Censuses City directories are one of the most valuable, yet often overlooked, resources for filling gaps between census years. Published annually or every few years, they offer detailed snapshots of where people lived, what jobs they held, who lived in their households, and how neighborhoods changed. When used strategically, city directories can help genealogists trace movement, identify relationships, pinpoint life events, and uncover clues not found in more familiar records. This City Directory Research Checklist provides a structured, easy-to-follow guide for analyzing directories, extracting every possible detail, and using them to strengthen your research. City Directory Research Checklist 1. Start With a Broad Overview
2. Extract Core Details
3. Track Movement Year by Year
4. Analyze the Household
5. Search Surrounding Entries
6. Look Beyond Residential Listings
7. Use Reverse Directories for Advanced Research (Available in many early 20th-century directories)
8. Compare Directories with Other Records
9. Troubleshooting Directory Challenges
10. Document Your Findings
Putting It All Together City directories provide valuable, year-by-year insight into your ancestors’ lives between census years. With careful analysis, you can identify moves, family changes, employment shifts, and even community connections that point to new research paths. Whether you're breaking down a brick wall, tracing a migration pattern, or simply building a much more detailed picture of an ancestor’s daily life, directories provide vital clues that help link together the missing pieces. More Genealogy RecordsLearn about more genealogy records and resources, under the Genealogy Records category and the Genealogy Resources category, along with on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page. More Genealogy Research TipsGet more genealogy research tips, under the Genealogy Research Tips category.
 Vital Records in Genealogy: Digging Deeper Beyond Names and Dates Vital Records: Digging Deeper When most genealogists think of vital records—birth, marriage, and death certificates—we tend to focus on the basics. A name, a date, and perhaps a place are often all that researchers record before moving on. Yet, vital records hold so much more than just the bare facts. When analyzed with a professional eye, these documents can reveal family connections, cultural practices, and even subtle clues that open new research paths. Look Closely at the Informant On death certificates especially, the “informant” can be a key to family relationships. Was the informant a spouse, a child, a sibling, or even a neighbor? If the informant’s name is unfamiliar, it’s worth pausing. That person may represent a previously unknown branch of the family—or they may help you separate individuals with the same name. Keep in mind that informants may have provided incorrect or incomplete details, particularly when under stress, so compare what they reported with other sources. Example: If a death certificate lists the informant as “Mrs. John Smith,” and you don’t recognize her name, she may be a daughter-in-law. This clue can help you identify a married child and lead you to a new family line. Marriage Banns and Licenses: Two Sides of the Same Story In some traditions and jurisdictions, marriage banns were announced in church before a wedding, while marriage licenses were issued by civil authorities. These records often appear together, but each serves a different purpose and may contain unique information.
Late-Filed Birth Certificates: Hidden Layers of Evidence Many researchers treat birth certificates as straightforward records—but late-filed births complicate the picture. These were often created decades after the fact, usually for legal reasons (such as applying for Social Security, pensions, or passports). Because the person had to prove their birth, the certificate may reference supporting documents: baptismal records, school registers, Bible entries, or affidavits from relatives. When you encounter a late-filed birth certificate, don’t stop at the date and location. Examine what evidence was used to support the claim. Those references can point you directly to additional records that might otherwise be overlooked. Beyond the Basics: Putting It All Together Vital records are foundational to genealogical research, but they shouldn’t be treated as static, one-dimensional documents. Instead, use them as stepping stones:
More Genealogy RecordsLearn about more genealogy records and resources, under the Genealogy Records category and the Genealogy Resources category, along with on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page.
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.
3/22/2026 When “Cringe-Worthy” Sources Become Gold: Using Early Family Histories the Right WayRead Now Using early genealogy sources like family histories and cemetery records to uncover hidden clues If you’ve been doing genealogy for any length of time, you’ve probably had the same reaction I often do: Family histories make you cringe. And honestly? For good reason. They’re often filled with:
Yes--on purpose. The Reality of Early American ResearchWhen you’re working with families who:
The records thin out, scatter, or don’t exist in the way we wish they did. This is where many genealogists hit a wall. But it’s also where strategy matters most. Why I’m Using Family Histories (Carefully)In this case, I’m working with:
But here’s the key: 👉 I am not using them as evidence. 👉 I am using them as leads. Turning “Bad Sources” Into Good ResearchFamily histories—especially older ones—can still be incredibly valuable when used correctly.Here’s how I approach them: 1. Look for Patterns, Not Proof If multiple independent histories mention:
2. Extract Clues Others Missed Even inaccurate histories often include:
3. Follow the Geography In this case, the migration path itself tells a story:
4. Rebuild the Evidence from Scratch Once a clue is found in a compiled source, I:
👉 It doesn’t make it into the final conclusion. The Tools Making This PossibleThis case has been a great reminder of how powerful a layered approach can be. Some of the most useful resources I’ve been using include:
A Quick Reality CheckIt’s easy to say: “I don’t use family histories—they’re unreliable.” But the truth is more nuanced. In early American research, especially in the 1700s and early 1800s: Sometimes they’re one of the only starting points we have. The difference isn’t whether you use them… 👉 It’s how you use them. Final ThoughtSome of the most solid, well-supported conclusions I’ve built started with sources I didn’t trust at all. Not because the sources were good-- …but because the methodology was. If you’re working in early New England or early New York research and feel stuck, try this: 👉 Don’t ignore those old family histories. 👉 Just don’t believe them either. Use them as a map—not the destination. More Genealogy RecordsLearn about more genealogy records and resources, under the Genealogy Records category and the Genealogy Resources category, along with on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page.
 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.
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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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