Using AI in Genealogy: New Tools for Traditional Family History Research

Introduction to Using AI in Genealogy and Family History Research

Spell Check. Google Search. Siri. Google Assistant. Alexa.

We’ve been unknowingly using artificial intelligence for the last couple of decades. OpenAI’s ChatGPT was publicly released in November 2022. Since then, purpose-built, general AI tools have been popping up everywhere. Companies are using AI models to power chatbots to help users with frequently asked questions. Interior designers are easily visualizing their ideas using image generation. Like it or not, AI tools are quietly making their way into our lives. They are used in personalized news feeds, weather forecasting, email spam filters, autocorrect and language translation. Traffic predictions in real-time navigation apps, and music recommendations on popular streaming platforms both depend on AI.

So, what does all this mean for traditional genealogists?

Personally, I’m excited about what AI will bring to our hobby.

Since I began my family history journey, I’ve transitioned from doing research via postal mail to using microfiche and microfilm. Later, I used CDs with census data. Now, I use online databases like Ancestry, Findmypast, and FamilySearch.

I used to record my findings on paper pedigree charts and family group sheets. Now, I keep my data in ever more powerful purpose-built genealogy software. This software is both on my computer and online. As the tools I use have advanced, the mechanics of doing research have become easier. This has increased my enjoyment in pursuing my ancestors’ history.

Advances in technology have transformed access to data. Records that once required expensive travel are now digitized. They are searchable, making millions of records available at minimal cost. I can access these records from home without even changing out of my pajamas.

None of these advances diminished the excitement of the search. They did not reduce the necessity for careful analysis and source citation. Instead, they have allowed me to focus on research methodology rather than clerical work or managing travel logistics.

In this series, I plan to

• explore the available AI tools
• review AI tool uses and limitations
• suggest how to use AI effectively
• discuss ethical considerations for using AI responsibly and thoughtfully.