MyHeritage Ethnicity Estimate v2.5: A Game-Changer in DNA Ethnicity Estimates The long-awaited update to MyHeritage’s DNA ethnicity model is finally here! Ethnicity Estimate v2.5 has officially launched, bringing a higher-resolution breakdown of ethnic origins and nearly doubling the number of ethnicities identified—from 42 to 79. As a MyHeritage Friend, I was granted early access to test this update before its public release, and I’m excited to share my thoughts and personal experience with my new results. What’s New in Ethnicity Estimate v2.5? The new model is a major leap forward from the previous version (v0.95), which had been in use for years. Here are some of the key highlights:
Why the Update Took So Long MyHeritage initially planned to roll out an updated model (v2) in mid-2024 but chose not to fully launch it after early feedback revealed areas for improvement. Instead, they went back to the drawing board, refined their algorithms, and developed v2.5. The extra time paid off, as user feedback on v2.5 has been significantly more positive compared to both v0.95 and the incomplete v2 model. While no ethnicity model is ever perfect, MyHeritage is committed to continued improvements and acknowledges that some ethnicities, such as Maasai and Sierra Leonean, were removed due to insufficient training data. However, these could make a return in future updates as more reference samples become available. My Old vs. New Ethnicity Estimates Before updating to Ethnicity Estimate v2.5, my results were as follows: After opting into the new model, my updated results changed to: My Thoughts on My New Estimates The update brought some interesting changes to my results! One of the most noticeable differences is the complete disappearance of my African ancestry, which was previously estimated at 6.3% (North African and Nigerian). I never fully agreed with that high percentage in the first place, but since every other DNA testing company shows 1-2% for me and my mom, and I see similar levels of African ancestry in matches from one particular line on my mom’s paternal side, I expected to still see a trace of it. Its absence makes me question whether the new model overcorrected or whether my original result was inflated. Another significant change is the sharp increase in my Scottish and Welsh percentage, now at 36.6%, making it my largest category. While I do have strong Scottish ancestry, I wasn’t expecting it to be that dominant compared to my English percentage, which has now dropped from 49.1% to 24.3%. I’m also intrigued by the introduction of Breton (3.6%) and Dutch (5.3%), which weren’t detected in my earlier results but could align with known migration patterns in my family history. As for my family, my mom’s new results seem fairly accurate, and my uncle’s estimate looks spot on. But for my own ethnicity estimate, I’m still on the fence. I love the increased regional specificity, but I’m not entirely convinced by some of the percentage shifts. One feature I particularly appreciate is the ability to switch between v0.95 and v2.5 at any time. This flexibility is helpful for those who may feel attached to their previous results while still allowing them to explore the new data. My mom's old estimates vs her new estimates: My uncles's old estimates vs his new estimates: How to Update Your Ethnicity Estimate If you’re a MyHeritage DNA user, here’s how to access your new ethnicity estimate:
Final Thoughts The launch of Ethnicity Estimate v2.5 is an exciting milestone for MyHeritage users, offering a more refined, detailed, and accurate picture of their ancestral origins. Whether you’re new to DNA testing or a seasoned genealogist, this update enhances the depth and accuracy of your family history research. Have you updated to Ethnicity Estimate v2.5 yet? What did you think of your new results? Let’s discuss in the comments! PS: Did You Know that MyHeritage Generates a Cool Video for Your Ethnicity Results?Check out my ethnicity video below! More MyHeritage, DNA, and Other Genealogy ResourcesLearn about more MyHeritage, AI in Genealogy, and other family history and genealogy resources under the MyHeritage, Genetic Genealogy and DNA, Genealogy Resources category and on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page.
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Looking to expand your genealogy knowledge in 2025? Whether you're a beginner or an experienced researcher, I’ll be speaking at several genealogy events this year—many of them free and open to the public! Below is my current schedule, and I’ll be adding more events as the year progresses. Upcoming Genealogy Presentations
Special Webinars with Legacy Family Tree & MyHeritage I’m thrilled to be presenting for Legacy Family Tree Webinars and once again, MyHeritage! These webinars are free to attend live and available for free replay for up to seven days. Start Your Family History Journey for Free with MyHeritage Discover how to begin your family history research without spending a dime! Learn how to build a basic family tree, explore free records, and utilize MyHeritage’s free tools and features to uncover your roots. 📅 Date: March 25, 2025 🔗 Register Here: Legacy Family Tree Webinars – Upcoming Webinars Filipino Genealogy: Tracing Your Filipino Roots Have Filipino ancestry but don’t know where to start? This session covers the challenges of Filipino genealogy, key resources, and the best strategies for tracing your Filipino roots. This presentation is also for anyone wanting to branch out with their research skills and knowledge in other geographical areas. 📅 Date: August 13, 2025 🔗 Register Here: Legacy Family Tree Webinars – Upcoming Webinars Register for any of over 80 new presentations this year at Legacy Family Tree Webinars Register for upcoming webinars here: 2025 Upcoming Webinars Download the 2025 PDF Schedule here: 2025 Schedule Stay Updated! I’ll be adding more events throughout the year, so be sure to check back for updates. Whether you prefer in-person, virtual, or hybrid events, there are plenty of opportunities to learn and enhance your genealogy skills in 2025! Let’s make this year a great one for family history research. Hope to see you at an event! More Genealogy Events and EducationStay tuned for more genealogy events and education under the Genealogy Events and Genealogy Presentations categories, as well as the always updated Speaking Events Coming Up page.
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!
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.
Today, a photograph transported me back in time—a candid shot of my grandpa, brother, and me at one of my skating lessons. It was a sweet reminder of those formative years when the ice rink was not just a venue but a second home. My grandpa had come to watch me skate, and that moment sparked a wave of nostalgia that had me Googling the ice rinks of my youth and looking up old photos. Those rinks were more than just buildings; they were the backdrop to my childhood, a reflection of an ice-skating family’s dedication and love for the sport. The Early Years: Skates and Figure Eights I started skating in the very early 1970s, officially beginning lessons at the age of 5. For nearly a decade, the rink was my playground, classroom, and stage. From the painstaking perfection of figure eights to the exhilaration of free skate sessions, the ice demanded discipline and grace. Practices often began at the crack of dawn. Sometimes, I found myself practicing figure eights not on ice but on a peculiar surface made of plastic patches designed to mimic it. It was rigorous, sometimes draining, and always a little surreal. Those mornings were not just about learning to skate but about developing a resilience that stays with me even today. Our family was deeply entrenched in the skating world. My mom had been an avid skater since childhood, performing in shows well into adulthood. My sister, the natural performer, was a showstopper in both competitions and ice shows. While she left the sport by 12, her brief career was marked with dazzling spins and theatrical flair. The Rinks That Built My World The Los Angeles area of the 1970s and 1980s was home to an array of iconic ice rinks, but 4 were our rink-hop rinks, Pickwick Ice Rink, Culver City Ice Arena, West Covina Ice Arena, and the Santa Monica Ice Capades Chalet, depending on factors like my mom’s rehearsal schedule, the rinks’ operating hours, or which skating friends she planned to meet up with. Each one holds a special place in my memory, as well as a few others:
Each rink had its quirks and culture, from the cozy coffee shops where parents waited to the bustling energy of rehearsals and free skates. My dad, for instance, spent hours in the coffee shop adjoining West Covina Ice Arena, patiently waiting while I practiced during my later years. A Skating Family’s Life As an ice-skating family, we lived by the rink’s rhythms. My mom, always connected with the skating community, often practiced after hours, long after the rink had closed. The early days were spent with my brother and I roaming around the rinks ALL day. We knew everyone at the rinks, and everyone knew us, so we always had others looking out for us. That was the 70s for you. I sometimes slept in the car during these late-night sessions, though I vividly recall a scary moment when a stranger peered into the window. These were sacrifices we made as part of the sport’s demanding culture. I met fascinating people through the rink, including skating legends like Dorothy Hamill, at the Pickwick Rink, who once gifted me her Barbie doll modeled after her Olympic triumph in 1976; the actor Peter Falk, who played as Columbo, at the Santa Monica Rink and for some reason was dressed in his famous coat and giving us his Columbo routine; Peggy Flemming; and many more. Encounters like these brought the magic of skating alive. The Decision to Step Away By the time I reached 13, the grind of skating had begun to wear on me. The hours of practice left little room for fun, and I longed for time to spend with friends. When I told my mom I wanted to stop, her disappointment was unmistakable. Skating had been such a central part of her life and ours that stepping away felt monumental. But it was the right decision for me. A Legacy on Ice My mom continued skating long after we had grown up, performing in shows at the Pasadena Ice Skating Center. Her dedication was a testament to the lifelong joy that skating brought her. Reflecting on those years, I see skating as more than a sport. It was a tapestry woven with memories of family, discipline, and the pure magic of gliding across the ice. The rinks, now lost to time or transformed, remain alive in my heart—a frozen piece of my history, preserved forever. Closing Thoughts Whether you grew up skating or simply watching from the stands, the rink has a way of bringing people together. It’s a place of camaraderie, creativity, and countless stories. For me, those stories are etched into the ice, a legacy of a childhood spent in motion and a family that lived to skate. Image Descriptions
©Diane Henriks #nostalgia,#nostalgicmemories,#1970s,#1980s,#iceskating,#Genealogy,#familyhistory
2024 Genealogy Wish Grants Winner!The 2024 Genealogy Wish Grants Winner has just been announced! Congratulations to Mari Knapp of Ohio, who won this year for her double long standing mysteries/brick walls! About This Year's Winner Mari Knapp has been researching her family history and genealogy for over 20 years. She has been following Know Who Wears the Genes in Your Family for close to 3 years, while being an active participant. Like many who have been working on their genealogy for decades, she just cannot solve her family mysteries! A Tough Choice, Once Again There were many entries for this year's third Genealogy Wish Grants! It was down to two compelling stories, an emotional journey and struggle with belonging and double long-standing family mysteries, that made it a tough choice. One of these two was a story that is deeply personal, emotional, and filled with struggles, from his adoption to his challenging family dynamics and personal setbacks. His wish to connect with his biological father's family (who he was told was his father) seems rooted in a desire for closure and belonging, which makes it heart-wrenching. His honesty and sense of hopelessness (“stuff like this just doesn’t happen for me”) added to the emotional weight. Mari’s story spans two significant mysteries on both sides of the family, showing her long-standing passion for genealogy. The maternal mystery (a teenage pregnancy and family cover-up in a small town with intermarrying) is a poignant story rooted in historical context and societal norms, while the paternal mystery involving a surname mismatch revealed by Y-DNA and autosomal testing is intriguing from a genealogical perspective, especially with the additional layer of the surname appearing elsewhere in the family tree. Not only did Mari meet all the criteria to apply, but her mysteries were intriguing as well. This Year's Story Entry “I have been researching my family tree since 1999, but more so since retiring in 2020. I have a mystery on both sides of my family and both have me pulling my hair out. On the maternal side, my grandmother states that her mom at age 13 was impregnated by a certain man who was 19. Her father forced her into marrying someone else. This was in West Virginia, small town, and a lot of intermarrying going on. I would like to find out if her birth father was truly who she said it was. And/or On my paternal side, Y-DNA matches showed up an entirely different paternal last name than the one we knew as ours. Autosomal 2-3 cousin matches confirm it as well. I am not sure if the culprit is a grandfather or great-grandfather. To confound the issue, my father's great-grandmother also shares this surname and is tied into the family somewhere. This all takes place in Georgia and Alabama. Thank you!” Thank You Thank you to all of this year's Genealogy Wish Grants applicants! I hope you all continue to follow and participate! Don't forget to apply to Genealogy Wish Grants 2025, details coming soon! The entry start date will be posted on my Facebook Page, my Facebook Group, my blog, and on the Genealogy Wish Grants page, so stay tuned! P.S. I wound up solving the other’s case as well. After all, it is Christmas. 😉
Over the past few months, I've been diving deeper into the potential of AI for genealogy and family history. One of the fascinating aspects of AI is how it continuously evolves and improves, especially when applied to a complex and personal field like genealogy. To test how far the technology has come, I decided to recreate a biography for my 2nd great-grandfather, Samuel Steinman, one that I had first generated around five months ago. For context, this project was part of a study I had conducted for an "AI and Family History" presentation. I wanted to see if ChatGPT had improved since that time—after all, family history is ever-evolving, and so too should our tools. Five months may not seem like much in the grand scheme of things, but in the world of AI development, it's a significant span. The Experiment I approached this test with the same mindset I had months ago. First, I used my own gathered research—Samuel Steinman’s entire family history, meticulously compiled on Ancestry.com. Then, I took the same steps I had previously: I opened ChatGPT, prompted it to generate a biography, and copied and pasted Samuel Steinman’s entire ancestor profile page (in one swoop) directly into the prompt. What happened next was nothing less than impressive. A Flawless Result, First Try Unlike the earlier version where I had to tweak and fine-tune the generated text to remove overly flowery language or adjust historical context, this time ChatGPT nailed it on the first try. The biography it created was clean, well-structured, and detailed without unnecessary embellishment. It pulled in my research flawlessly and even incorporated a touch of historical context, just as I had requested. Gone were the excessive adjectives that usually muddled early versions of AI-generated content. Instead, I received a biography that was not only factual but written in a professional tone that resonated with my family history documentation style. Here’s why this was particularly impressive: I didn’t feed the AI much detail other than the ancestor profile/my research. There were no long-winded instructions, just a simple prompt. Yet, ChatGPT was able to seamlessly weave together all the relevant information into a cohesive narrative—just the way I had imagined it. How AI Has Improved Over Time The key takeaway from this experiment is just how much AI, specifically ChatGPT, has evolved in such a short period. Five months ago, I could see the potential, but I still had to make manual adjustments to refine the generated text. This time, I was left with a ready-to-use biography that required no extra work. Here are a few improvements I noticed:
A Game-Changer for Family Historians For those who might be skeptical about using AI in genealogy, this experience highlights just how transformative these tools can be. Not only can AI significantly reduce the time it takes to compile and write family biographies, but it also allows researchers to focus on the other aspects of family history—like uncovering stories and connections—while leaving much of the writing and organization to AI. Imagine how this could help you write your family history! Whether you’re working on biographies, timelines, or even trying to contextualize historical events within your family’s narrative, AI tools like ChatGPT are becoming even more invaluable resources. The Future of AI in Family History This recent test of ChatGPT reaffirms my belief that AI will continue to play an essential role in family history research. With the ongoing improvements, AI will likely become even better at organizing and interpreting complex genealogical data, turning raw information into compelling, accurate stories. It has already streamlined a significant part of the process for me—and I can’t wait to see how it continues to evolve. For anyone curious about using AI to assist in your genealogy research, now is the perfect time to start experimenting. The tools are here, and they are more powerful than ever. So, what’s next for me and my AI journey? I’ll continue testing and fine-tuning my approach, looking for ways to integrate AI into every aspect of my family history research. And who knows, maybe the next big breakthrough will come in just a few months, as AI continues to advance and redefine the possibilities for genealogists like us. In the meantime, Samuel Steinman’s biography stands as a testament to how far we’ve come in just a few short months. I look forward to seeing what the future holds. 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.
The holiday season is a magical time of year when family and traditions take the spotlight. It’s also the perfect time to connect with both your living relatives and the ancestors who shaped your family’s story. Whether you’re just beginning your genealogical journey or are a seasoned researcher, incorporating family history into holiday traditions can enhance your celebrations and strengthen bonds across generations. Here are some creative ways to combine genealogy and the holidays. 1. Start a Family History Project The holidays often bring relatives together, making it the perfect time to start a collaborative family history project. Here are a few ideas:
2. Ask Relatives the Right Questions Holidays are the perfect time to chat with older relatives and learn more about your family history. To make the most of your time together, prepare thoughtful questions in advance:
3. Incorporate Family History into Holiday Traditions Make your family history a living part of your celebrations by weaving genealogy into your holiday traditions:
4. Share Family Recipes Food often carries deep connections to family and culture. Take time to prepare and share dishes that have been passed down through generations.
5. Gift Genealogy Genealogy-inspired gifts are meaningful and personal, making them perfect for the holidays:
6. Plan a Virtual Family History EventIf your family is spread out, consider hosting a virtual gathering focused on family history. Use video calls to share stories, show family photos, or even host a trivia game about your family’s past. 7. Reflect and Remember The holidays can also be a time to honor and remember loved ones who have passed:
Why Genealogy and the Holidays Go Hand in Hand Incorporating genealogy into your holiday season doesn’t just help preserve your family’s history; it creates new memories and strengthens relationships. By connecting with your family’s past, you gain a deeper appreciation for the traditions you enjoy today and pass them on to future generations. This holiday season, take the time to incorporate family history with your celebrations. Whether it’s starting a new project, asking relatives about the past, or simply enjoying a meal together, these efforts will keep your family’s story alive for years to come. Happy holidays, and happy researching! 🎄 Related Content |
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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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