Why would you or I use yet another family tree website like Tree Crossing? Because it’s solving problems!
Solving Family Tree Problems with Tree Crossing
In this video we explore the problems that still exist for genealogists when it comes to sharing family tree information with our family members. Creators Bob Meyers and David Pugmire explain how Tree Crossing strives to solve those problems with a new approach.
Tree Crossing Show Notes
In the ever-evolving world of genealogy, finding effective ways to share family histories is a challenge many enthusiasts face. Enter Tree Crossing, a new tool designed to bridge the gap between genealogists and their family members. In this article and videos, we’ll explore how Tree Crossing addresses common pain points and offers a user-friendly, engaging experience for those looking to connect with their roots.
Understanding the Challenge of Sharing Family Trees
As genealogists, many of us spend countless hours building detailed family trees on software like RootsMagic, Legacy or Family Tree Maker. However, sharing this information effectively with family members who don’t do genealogy research and don’t have the software too can be challenging.
David Pugmire, co-creator of Tree Crossing, highlights this issue by asking, “Have you ever tried to share that with the family? What are you going to do? Are you going to hand them your RootsMagic file? Probably not.” This encapsulates the core problem: how do we share our extensive research in a way that is accessible and enjoyable for non-genealogists?
Tree Crossing: Designed with Family in Mind
Tree Crossing aims to provide a solution to this challenge by creating a platform that allows genealogists to share their trees without the complexity that often comes with traditional genealogy software. David emphasizes that the key is to keep users working in their preferred genealogy programs while offering an effortless way to share their findings. This platform is not just about displaying data; it’s about creating an engaging experience for family members who may not have a genealogical background.
Bob Myers, Tree Crossing co-creator, explains that Tree Crossing is designed as a website where users can upload their family tree data using a simple app that syncs directly with their genealogy program. This eliminates the need to export and import GEDCOM files.
The free Tree Crossing Sync app allows users to choose privacy settings and manage what information to share, making the process straightforward.
the Free Tree Crossing Sync app
Creating an Irresistible Experience
The creators of Tree Crossing recognize that not everyone in the family is a genealogist. This means they don’t need the vast array of views, tools, reports and data that our genealogy software provides. In fact, all of that can actually detract from the sharing experience.
As David points out, many family members need a different experience that is engaging and easy to navigate. The mission of Tree Crossing is to make family trees irresistible by providing a user-friendly interface that invites exploration without overwhelming users.
Tree Crossing allows family members to browse a visual and engaging representation of their family trees. This makes it easier for them to learn about their heritage without feeling lost or confused. The goal is to create a custom experience that resonates with each family member, allowing them to see their place in the family narrative.
Overcoming the Limitations of Existing Platforms
One common concern among genealogists is the need to share trees that represent all sides of a family. David mentions that many existing online services, like Ancestry or FamilySearch, may not adequately represent a user’s entire family. Tree Crossing addresses this by allowing users to combine multiple family trees into one cohesive experience, ensuring that family members can see their entire lineage.
I’ve been doing genealogy research for decades, and to this day I still have two separate RootsMagic family tree files – one for my family and one for my husband. But of course my kids want to see both. Sharing multiple family trees is a common struggle for many of us, and Tree Crossing offers a solution that consolidates this information seamlessly as the family expands.
Why You Should Consider Tree Crossing
Tree Crossing is not just another genealogy tool; it’s an innovative platform that prioritizes family engagement and ease of use. Whether you’re a seasoned genealogist or just starting your family history journey, Tree Crossing offers a free version that allows you to get started without any financial commitment. With paid plans available for those who want additional features, there’s something for everyone.
(Audio Podcast & Show Notes): In this episode of the Genealogy Gems Podcast, Lisa Louise Cooke interviews Elephind.com creator Stefan Boddie and Damien Bennett of Veridian Software (the engine behind Elephind). They discuss the relaunch of the free newspaper search site and its new AI enhancements. Then Lisa compares the most popular AI chatbots and reveals which one is currently the best at newspaper transcription.
Join us as we explore the exciting relaunch of Elephind, a powerful search engine for historical newspapers. Discover how Elephind is revolutionizing access to genealogical treasures with its AI-driven smart search features. Featuring insights from Stefan Boddie, the Creator of Elephind, and Damian Bennett, manager at Veridian, this video delves into the challenges and solutions to newspaper research. Don’t miss out on unlocking thousands of hidden newspaper gems with Elephind!
Imagine having the power to access centuries of history at your fingertips. Elephind.com is a free tool that scours thousands of newspaper pages from a wide range of sources faster and more thoroughly than ever before thanks to the power of AI. In our recent interview, we explored how this innovative platform is transforming the way we search for historical newspapers.
Challenges in Newspaper Research
I liken newspaper research to herding cats. With countless sources scattered across the internet and the globe, finding the right information can be daunting. Elephind.com addresses this challenge by aggregating newspaper pages from various collections, saving researchers time and effort.
Value of Old Newspapers
Newspapers are rich resources for genealogists and historians. They contain unique information often not found in other records. For the genealogist, they may reveal the backstory to their family’s historical records.
Elephind’s Return
Elephind.com, a favorite among genealogists, has been relaunched after being offline due to high maintenance costs and outdated technology. It’s now more secure and features new AI-powered tools.
Veridian’s Role
Veridianprovides Elephind’s infrastructure. It works with libraries and cultural organizations to digitize newspapers, making them accessible and discoverable online.
Elephind as a Search Engine
It serves as a specialized search engine that aggregates newspaper pages from collections held by a wide variety of libraries, archives, and other organizations. This saves search time and resources for users.
AI and Smart Search Features
The new Elephind is more secure now with updated technology. It includes cool new AI features, particularly the smart search. Previously search was based only on the keywords that you entered. Now it can understand the meaning and include synonyms and more modern verbiage in the results. Elephind also includes an AI summary assistant. You can use the assistant to summarize results for you to help you get a better understanding of them quickly.
Multilingual and Niche Collections
Elephind includes smaller, lesser-known collections and multilingual resources, offering diverse perspectives on historical events. Check back often for new additions.
Subscription Models
While Elephind is currently free, it does offer a paid subscription that support its operations. There are ongoing discussions around sustainable monetization strategies for the future.
Future Plans
The Veridian team plans to expand the indexed pages and include more international and multilingual collections, aiming for a balanced and comprehensive resource.
Conclusion
Elephind.com is more than just a search engine; it’s an efficient gateway to the past. By making historical newspapers accessible and searchable, the platform is empowering researchers and enthusiasts to uncover the stories that shaped our world.
(Audio Podcast & Show Notes): In this episode of the Genealogy Gems Podcast, Lisa Louise Cooke explores takes a trip down memory lane sharing highlights from the last 300 episodes, and some of her personal favorites.
I founded the Genealogy Gems Podcast in 2007. Back then you had to use iTunes on your computer to listen, and you could then sync that with your iPod. Apple’s iPhone debuted that same year, but we were a long way off from Apple’s podcasting app which debuted in 2012.
I thought it would be fun – or maybe just embarrassing – to go back and listen to that first episode. It consists of my explaining how and why I started the podcast, and the first Gem I ever shared. And in fact it’s still relevant today.
Episodes 1 of the Genealogy Gems Podcast featuring Site Search.
Update to Site Search – Site: search can still be used, although these days just about every website has it’s own search engine. However, it’s still worth using when you’re not finding what you need on a large website, because Google’s search engine is likely more than the website’s engine. It’s a great way to get a streamlined results list of everything that matches your search query on the website. In that gem I mentioned the plus sign, and of course that has gone away. Now we use quotation marks around the exact words and phrases we want to find.
As I was preparing this 300th episode, I started to review all the past episodes. Talk about falling down a rabbit hole! I have been so blessed to have so many thoughtful, intelligent and talented people on this podcast over the years. Many of them came on early on, before most people even knew what a podcast was. But I think the smart ones understood that it was the future, and it was a great way to reach very niche audiences.
Actress Lisa Kudrow was one of those people. A celebrity known for starring in the iconic Friends TV series, Lisa went on to produce what I think was probably the first genealogy themed television series for a major network, called Who Do You Think You Are?
CeCe Moore Episode 178
Genetic genealogist CeCe Moore about using DNA for genealogy research, adoption, and the Finding Your Roots TV show.
Dr Turi King Episode 152
Highlights from Who Do You Think You Are? Live 2013 in London including an interview with Dr. Turi King who confirmed the identity of the remains of King Richard III through DNA.
Dick Eastman Episode 107 Future technology predictions from 2011.
Crista Cowan, The Barefoot Genealogist at Ancestry.com Episode 228
J Mark Lowe Episode 274
Marriage Records and Gretna Green.
Dr. Robert Leonard, Ph.D. Part 1 – Episode 89
Part 2 – Episode 90
Forensic Linguistics for genealogy with Dr. Robert Leonard, Ph.D. (Forensic Files TV series guest)
Discovering great grandma’s crazy quilt Episode 39
The Golden State Killer case and the investigator’s use of genetic genealogy websites, and the questions that it raises. Episode 217
The story of Roy Thran and how his short life story is impacting lives today. Episode 230
We are all just bit players in everyone else’s show through home movies. David Haas MD shares his family’s history of filming home movies, and the tremendous impact they’ve had on countless other families. You’ll learn how to digitize and share your home movies. Episode 223
Listeners
Episode 213
Tom Boyer’s Where I’m From poem and video
