Artificial Intelligence and Writing Your Family History (Audio podcast)

SHOW NOTES: In episode 292 of the Genealogy Gems podcast, Lisa Louise Cooke discusses the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on genealogy research, exploring its evolution, ethical considerations, and the importance of data privacy. Genealogists need to understand AI’s capabilities and limitations and develop a balanced approach to its use in research. She also covers the significance of being aware of data privacy when using AI tools. This video comes from our full-length “Elevenses with Lisa” live show exclusively available to Premium Members.  Then we discuss genealogy resources, storytelling techniques, and the impact of AI on writing in the genealogy field with author Sunny Morton

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Artificial Intelligence and Genealogy Research

AI has been around for a while – genealogy websites have used variations of it. But clearly we are experiencing a big uptick in the role that AI is playing not only in genealogy research, but life in general.

What is AI?

According to ChatGPT: “These terms describe different levels of artificial intelligence:
1. AI (Artificial Intelligence): This is a broad term referring to machines or software that can perform tasks typically requiring human intelligence, such as recognizing speech, analyzing data, or playing chess. Most AI today is narrow AI (ANI), meaning it is specialized for specific tasks (e.g., ChatGPT for conversation, DeepMind’s AlphaFold for protein folding).
2. AGI (Artificial General Intelligence): This refers to AI that can understand, learn, and apply intelligence across a wide range of tasks at a human-like level. An AGI system would be able to reason, solve novel problems, and adapt like a human without being limited to pre-programmed tasks.
3. ASI (Artificial Superintelligence): This is a hypothetical AI that surpasses human intelligence in all aspects, including creativity, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence. ASI would be capable of independent thinking and continuous self-improvement, potentially leading to intelligence far beyond human capabilities.

Right now, we have narrow AI (ANI), while AGI is still theoretical, and ASI remains a concept in science fiction and futurist discussions. We are currently at “AI” with AGI as a long-term goal that has not yet been achieved.”

Lesson: Real is usually better than artificial.

Analogy: Even though grandma’s home cooking is better than the cheaper and faster McDonald’s, it doesn’t mean I won’t occasionally take advantage of it carefully and selectively.

Is AI good or bad? Should I avoid AI?

My personal opinion is that there’s no way that AI won’t be used for evil. It’s just human nature. So, AI can be both good and bad. A knife is a perfect example. It’s good on a dinner table, and bad in the hands of a killer.

For me, it boils down to my world view. Personally, I have a Biblical worldview and that makes things much clearer for me. It dictates how I will use it – for good, to help people. However, there will always be people seeking power and control. And there are serious concerns that ASI could get to a place where it attempts to take power and control. I know, it sounds like science fiction…as did airplanes to our ancestors! AI could easily become an idol to mankind. It’s not hard to imagine finding it difficult to live without the conveniences of AI once we get used to them. In fact, we might think we can’t bear to give it up. I don’t personally fear that because my worldview makes my choice crystal clear.

No matter where you currently stand on all this, AI is here, and we can do our best to understand it together. The scope of this show isn’t about a future we can’t control. I don’t believe that you or I can control the acceleration of AI. But we can focus on how it can help us in our research, and to help others.

Keep in mind the Silicon Valley saying that Vice-President Vance shared during his speech to the global AI Action Summit recently held in Paris, “If you aren’t paying for the product, you are the product.” I’ve said this myself when teaching about using Google and other technology. In other words, we may be tempted to only use free AI tools. However, we must keep in mind that nothing is free. We learned that with the evolution of Google, genetic genealogy, and many other forms of technology. Assume that what you are doing on free AI tools is public and once said can never be retracted. Keep an eye on the way various tools use your data. You get what you pay for.

Copilot’s Integration into Windows 11

The AI chatbot Copilot is now integrated with Windows 11 by default. You don’t need to download it separately. Use Alt + spacebar to open it wherever you’re working on your PC.

Family History Writing and Storytelling

Guest: Sunny Morton
In this conversation we discuss genealogy resources, storytelling techniques, and the impact of AI on writing in the genealogy field.

Resources mentioned:
• Get Sunny Morton’s book How to Find Your Family History in U.S. Church Records: A Genealogist’s Guide
• Watch the Genealogy Gems video class on Church Records with Sunny Morton (Premium)
• Genealogy Gems video class by Sunny Morton: Share Your Life Story in a More Meaningful Way (Premium)
• Genealogy Gems video class by Sunny Morton: Reconstructing Your Family’s Amazing Stories (Premium)
Takeaways:
• Storytelling is crucial for sharing family history effectively.
• Genealogists should focus on the stories that resonate with them personally.
• AI can serve as a helpful tool in genealogy writing. (Lisa will be covering these techniques in upcoming episodes.)
• Practicing storytelling can enhance engagement with family members.
• Finding the right hook is essential for captivating an audience.
• Genealogy writing should be concise and impactful.
• Understanding the historical context of ancestors enriches storytelling.
• Ethical considerations are important when using AI in genealogy.

Resources

Download this episode’s show notes. (Premium Membership required.)

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Beginning Genealogy with Archives.com – How to get started for free

VIDEO: Genealogy doesn’t have to take a lot of time and money. See how easy and affordable it is to quickly get started learning about your family history with Archives.com. Lisa Louise Cooke gives practical tips on how to start building a family tree, the importance of gathering information from relatives, and reviews the types of records available at Archives.com. (This is a sponsored video, however my views & content are my own.)

Watch the Video

Show Notes

Let’s start by reviewing the top beginner genealogy research strategies when using Archives.com.

Top Takeaways

  • You can start your family history research without a huge investment of time or money.
  • Archives.com offers a 7-day free trial to explore their genealogical records.
  • Before you search the website, begin by gathering information from family members.
  • Genealogy research typically works backwards from yourself to ancestors. Therefore, start by looking for death records and work your way back to the birth record for each family member.
  • U.S. Federal census records were created every 10 years starting in 1790 and are the “backbone” of genealogy. Start with the most recent (1950).
    • Keep in mind that each “relationship” listed is to the head of the household.
    • Addresses can often be found in the left columns. Use free tools like Google Earth to see the location today.
Addresses in the 1950 US Federal Census

Addresses in the 1950 US Federal Census

    • “Dwellings” is the order in which the enumerator visited the home. It is not the house number.
      Dwelling column US Federal Census 1950

      Dwelling column US Federal Census 1950

    • Don’t just rely on the index. Always check the information on the record.
    • City directories can help fill in gaps between census records. Start with the collection at Archives.com and then expand your search to other online and offline sources. Start with the free genealogy website FamilySearch.

Record Collections at Archives.com

 Census (federal and some states)
 Vital Records (Death, divorce, marriage and birth)
 Military
 Immigration and Passenger Lists
 Living People Search
 City & Telephone Directories
 Family Trees
 Newspapers
 Books
 Obituaries
 Cemetery Listings
 Memory Pages (from WeRemember)
 Surname Histories

Resources

Interview with Crista Cowan of Ancestry.com on the 1921 England and Wales Census (Audio podcast)

SHOW NOTES: In episode 291 of the Genealogy Gems podcast, I’ll be discussing the launch of the 1921 England and Wales census on Ancestry with Crista Cowan, Ancestry’s corporate genealogist. The census covers 38 million people and is significant for several important reasons which Crista will explain. She also highlights the importance of understanding the context, including the delay in census day due to a potential worker strike, the impact of World War I on marital status, and new employment details. Our conversation also touches on the use of AI for indexing and the importance of family history storytelling. Listen in as Crista shares her answer to the question “what are you most excited about for the future of genealogy?”  Then we’ll expand beyond the 1921 census as Maureen Taylor, The Photo Detective, shares strategies for identifying your old family photos from the 1920s.

Lisa Louise Cooke and Crista Cowan talking genealogy

Listen to the Podcast Episode

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A Conversation with Crista Cowan of Ancestry.com

Fast Facts from the interview about the 1921 Census of England and Wales at Ancestry.com:

• The 1921 England and Wales census is now available on Ancestry.com for users with a World Explorer or All Access subscription.

• Ancestry estimates that around 10-11% of the U.S. population will be able to find close family members in the 1921 Census of England and Wales (according to the 2020 American Community Survey). This suggests that a significant portion of the U.S. population, around 1 in 10 people, have ancestors from England or Wales that they may be able to locate in this new census record collection.

• The 1930 US Census lists over 850K people with a birthplace in England with over 100K of those likely to be found on the 1921 England and Wales Census.

• The 1921 Census of England Wales was conducted on June 19th, 1921, and captures a critical moment in history. It offers a look into the lives of roughly 38M individuals, including those who survived the war and the infamous 1919 flu pandemic.

Head of household completing the 1921 England and Wales Census (image courtesy of Ancestry.com)

Head of household completing the 1921 England and Wales Census (image courtesy of Ancestry.com)

• The next England and Wales Census will not be available until 2051 given the records of 1931 were destroyed during the Second World War and no census was taken in 1941 – adding to the significance of this release.

• Demographic Shifts: 1.7 million more women than men in England and Wales, largely due to the loss of men during WWI.

• This census is the first to include details about employment, including the name and address of the employer and the materials used in the occupation.

• The census was originally scheduled for April 24, but it was delayed until June 19 due to a threatened worker strike. This resulted in an increase in the population count in resort towns and holiday destinations.

1921 England and Wales Census in the newspaper

“Fill Up the Form Day” for the 1921 England and Wales Census (image courtesy of Ancestry.com)

• The census forms asked for information about the people who were living in a household on the night of June 19, regardless of their usual residence.

• There are 25 different forms for the 1921 census, including separate forms for institutions, the armed forces, prisons, and Merchant Marines.

• This census is the first for England and Wales to record divorces.

• There was an increase in the number of widows listed in the census, likely due to World War I.

• People were more likely to report their age accurately in the 1921 census than in previous censuses where they were encouraged to provide round numbers.

• The Scottish census was taken at the same time as the England and Wales census, but the forms were separate.

• Northern Ireland was not included in the 1921 census because they were in the middle of their war of independence.

• Ancestry.com uses artificial intelligence to index handwritten census records.

• Ancestry.com is working on using AI to make search results more findable and to help people connect the dots between different records in their family trees.

Get Answers to Questions about the 1921 England and Wales Census (Timestamps)

Navigate the podcast quickly with the help of these timestamps on the top questions answered in this episode. 

• 01:45 – When was the 1921 census officially available?

• 03:13 – Is the 1921 census available to all Ancestry users?

• 03:38 – When was the 1921 England and Wales census conducted, and how many people did it cover?

• 06:15 – When will the next England and Wales census be available?

• 10:18 – How the census was conducted

• 17:59 – Women and their changing roles as reflected in the census.

• 20:50 – The Marriage Column.

• 22:41 – The accuracy of ages provided.

• 24:28 – Who might not appear in the 1921 census, even though they were physically there or nearby?

• 28:45 – How AI faced the challenges of handwritten census entries.

• 32:51 What is Crista most excited about these days when it comes to genealogy and what’s coming next from Ancestry.com?

Identifying Photos from the 1920s with Maureen Taylor, The Photo Detective

Maureen Taylor’s expertise as a photo detective can help you unlock the stories behind family photographs from the 1920s in several ways:

1. Identifying clues in the photographs

Look for details like the clothing, hairstyles, technology, and background elements to help date the photographs and provide context about the time period.

2. Considering the physical format

Examine the size, paper type, and borders of the photographs to determine the camera and printing methods used. These can offer insights into when the photos were taken.

3. Exploring the context

Review the full set of family photographs, not just individual images. This can reveal patterns, missing pieces, and the broader story behind the photos.

4. Asking questions

By asking thoughtful questions about the photos, it can help uncover hidden details and stories that the family may have overlooked or forgotten over time.

5. Providing a fresh perspective

Asking a friend, fellow genealogist or an expert like Maureen to review your photos can bring a new lens to examining the photographs, spotting details and connections that the family members may have missed due to their personal connection to the images.

Visit Maureen Taylor The Photo Detective.

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Facebook.com/genealogygems
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Genealogy Gems YouTube Channel

Comment below:

What would you like to see next from MyHeritage? Longer clips? Full video editing capabilities? The ability to purchase a larger number of videos?

Resources

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Become a member here.  Learn more about Genealogy Gems Premium Membership.

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Archives makes research quick and easy with an intuitive approach to genealogy.

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5 Genealogy Gems from 2024 that will boost your research – Podcast and Video

AUDIO PODCAST SHOW NOTES: In episode #290 of the Genealogy Gems podcast, Lisa Louise Cooke covers 5 of the top gems that came out of 2024. Use these to boost your family history now!

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5 Genealogy Gems from 2024

#1 MyHeritage LiveMemory™

Get all the basic details on LiveMemory on the show notes page for Genealogy Gems Podcast episode #289.

Since the launch MyHeritage has added a set of 10 custom animation options. Now you can choose the action and resulting emotion for more fun. You can choose from emotional gestures such as hugging. laughing, kissing, dancing, and singing. You can also go more playful with zero gravity, underwater, rain, balloons, and even add a T-Rex to the scene!

With the newest update your videos will now be stored in your MyHeritage account. This makes them easily available through the app gallery. Photos with a LiveMemory™ have a play icon on the bottom. Tap the photo, then tap “LiveMemory” to play your video. You can also download the video to your device.

It’s now easy to share your videos with friends and family directly from the app to Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, Bluesky, WhatsApp, and other social media. Tap the Share button at the bottom of the screen, then select the social media platform of your choice.

Tips from MyHeritage for Best Results:

  • Make sure you have the latest updated version of the MyHeritage mobile app installed.
  • MyHeritage recommends that you upload “an iconic family photo with interesting content. If you upload an ordinary selfie or a photo showing two people standing, there is no scene to speak of and the output video may look boring, unless you use one of the custom animations.
  • The results can vary depending on the resolution of the original photo and the angle of a person’s face. If you aren’t satisfied with the results, try uploading higher-resolution photos or photos with larger, more visible faces.”

Check out Lisa’s extended LiveMemory™ video on the Genealogy Gems Facebook page.

Extra: New Records:  Read Major Breakthrough: 3.4 Billion Records Extracted From Historical Newspapers Were Added to MyHeritage.

#2 Ancestry.com New Records

Ancestry added loads of new records in 2024. The best way to quickly find and review them is in the Card Catalog:
1. Go to https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/catalog/
2. From the Sort by drop-down menu select Date Added
3. Records will be listed starting with the most recently added. They will be marked New.

#3 FamilySearch new records updates

FamilySearch also added millions of new records. Most were added to existing collections, expanding them even further. FamilySearch also used AI to generate indexes for many of their existing collections making them much more usable. This all means it’s worth revisiting collections where you came up empty in the past.
If you’re looking for free international records, FamilySearch is hard to beat! It includes,

#4 Library of Congress’ Chronicling America

Chronicling America is a huge collection of free digitized old newspapers from the United States. However, in the past it did not include all of the newspapers available through the Library of Congress website. Now all digitized newspapers have come under one search umbrella with the new Chronicling America website.

Chronicling America is in the process of transitioning from the legacy Chronicling America interface to a new Chronicling America interface and back-end search infrastructure. Read more about it.

Search the 4,000+ newspaper title with the Advanced Search at Chronicling America.

Explore all the titles using the interactive map.

chronicling america interactive map

Use the interactive map at Chronicling America to search for family history in old newspapers.

#5 AI Increased Use in Genealogy

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is here and will be with us in 2025 and many years to come. AI has been incorporated into genealogy websites for quite some time. However, in 2024 we saw a real uptick in genealogists using stand alone AI sites like ChatGPT, Gemini, and others to assist with their research.

If you’re going to start using these AI sites, keep a couple of key things in mind.

1) It’s not a person.
No matter how realistic it sounds, or how many times it refers to itself as “I”, it’s not a real person. This is important to remember as you’re interacting with it. When AI talks to you like it’s a person, and you work with it for a period of time, you can start to have the impression or the feeling that it knows what it’s talking about. It can come across as authoritative. You can get the impression that it understood what you asked for, and that’s just not the case. It’s a language tool, and it’s trying to put together what it thinks makes sense based on what it has already “learned”.

This means you must be in the driver’s seat and stay in the driver’s seat. Continually analyze what you’re getting from AI. Think about what it is “saying: Go check it out and verify the information and get more evidence to back it up.

2) It’s not a stand-alone search engine.
At this point AI isn’t ready to be used as a stand-alone search Q and A tool. However, it does have strengths we can use today for such activities as:
• Translating typed text,
• Summarizing large documents,
• Reassembling information into desired formats,
• Finding information buried within a document.
• Quickly determining if particular items appear in a document.

It can do much of the legwork, thereby speeding up the research and writing process.

If I had to predict, I would say we’re going to see AI and search merge more and more. In fact, over at Google’s Gemini, we’re noticing that it sometimes provides users with a check this at Google button. For now though, be aware that Google’s search results are not fully represented in Gemini’s responses. Go search it separately on Google, and then review the results provided. Make sure you can actually find sources for yourself that verify everything that AI tells you.

Learn more about AI and Genealogy with Genealogy Gems:

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