Learn how to use artificial intelligence to help find important family information, understand old documents, and craft compelling family stories to support your family history research. This webinar will introduce you to the best uses of AI in genealogy today and give a peek behind the curtain of what genealogists can look forward to from AI advancements in 2026.
Learn how to use artificial intelligence to help find important family information, understand old documents, and craft compelling family stories to support your family history research. This webinar will introduce you to the best uses of AI in genealogy today and give a peek behind the curtain of what genealogists can look forward to from AI advancements in 2026.
Alcina Furkey’s birth name and her parents’ identities were unknown in 19C Vermont. Alcina had many forenames: Alcenia, Arsena, Christina, Elcena, Elena, Jane, Josephine, Julia, Lucy, and Reusta, and Rosanna. But none of them was her baptismal name. Reconstructing her birth family, together with a connection found in deeds and the clues in Catholic records, led to her real identity.
Alcina Furkey’s birth name and her parents’ identities were unknown in 19C Vermont. Alcina had many forenames: Alcenia, Arsena, Christina, Elcena, Elena, Jane, Josephine, Julia, Lucy, and Reusta, and Rosanna. But none of them was her baptismal name. Reconstructing her birth family, together with a connection found in deeds and the clues in Catholic records, led to her real identity.
Incorporating social context in a Kinship-Determination Project isn’t just about weaving historical events and descriptions of daily life into a family narrative. Community and culture shape behavior and relationships. To understand and document our ancestors, we need to understand the society in which they lived. When we estimate a marriage date based the birth of a couple’s first child (or that the birth of a child implies a marriage), we base those assumptions on context. This lecture will explore social context and illustrate how to research and write about it within a Kinship-Determination Project.
Incorporating social context in a Kinship-Determination Project isn’t just about weaving historical events and descriptions of daily life into a family narrative. Community and culture shape behavior and relationships. To understand and document our ancestors, we need to understand the society in which they lived. When we estimate a marriage date based the birth of a couple’s first child (or that the birth of a child implies a marriage), we base those assumptions on context. This lecture will explore social context and illustrate how to research and write about it within a Kinship-Determination Project.
Ancêtre militaire : de carrière ou appelé ? (XIXe-XXe siècles) – Explorer des parcours uniques
Les archives militaires sont une véritable mine d’or pour les recherches généalogiques et biographiques. Grâce à elles, chaque généalogiste peut redonner vie aux parcours de ses ancêtres, qu’ils aient été soldats de carrière ou appelés du service militaire. Si la numérisation massive des fiches matricules de la Première Guerre mondiale a largement facilité les recherches, elle ne doit pas occulter la richesse des autres périodes. Du XIXe au XXe siècle, chaque époque — en temps de paix comme en temps de guerre — offre des pistes passionnantes et complémentaires. Au Service historique de la Défense, aux Archives départementales, ou encore en ligne, les sources sont nombreuses. Il s’agit surtout de connaître les bonnes méthodes pour avancer avec succès. Ce webinaire vous guidera pas à pas pour découvrir, comprendre et exploiter pleinement ces ressources, afin de retracer des parcours militaires uniques et d’enrichir votre histoire familiale.
Les archives militaires sont une véritable mine d’or pour les recherches généalogiques et biographiques. Grâce à elles, chaque généalogiste peut redonner vie aux parcours de ses ancêtres, qu’ils aient été soldats de carrière ou appelés du service militaire. Si la numérisation massive des fiches matricules de la Première Guerre mondiale a largement facilité les recherches, elle ne doit pas occulter la richesse des autres périodes. Du XIXe au XXe siècle, chaque époque — en temps de paix comme en temps de guerre — offre des pistes passionnantes et complémentaires. Au Service historique de la Défense, aux Archives départementales, ou encore en ligne, les sources sont nombreuses. Il s’agit surtout de connaître les bonnes méthodes pour avancer avec succès. Ce webinaire vous guidera pas à pas pour découvrir, comprendre et exploiter pleinement ces ressources, afin de retracer des parcours militaires uniques et d’enrichir votre histoire familiale.
City directories are an integral tool in genealogical resources in locating individuals and businesses at specific time periods, and gleaning other details that may point you to other evidence. They can help you determine the date of arrival or departure, residence, occupation, and more. They are great substitutes for census records and for the in-between years. Introduction to City Directories tells you what you can find, places you can find them, and how to obtain the most information from them. You’ll also see images of many types of city directory pages so that you will know what they can tell you.
This webinar was first released on the Genealogy Guys Learn website.
City directories are an integral tool in genealogical resources in locating individuals and businesses at specific time periods, and gleaning other details that may point you to other evidence. They can help you determine the date of arrival or departure, residence, occupation, and more. They are great substitutes for census records and for the in-between years. Introduction to City Directories tells you what you can find, places you can find them, and how to obtain the most information from them. You’ll also see images of many types of city directory pages so that you will know what they can tell you.
This webinar was first released on the Genealogy Guys Learn website.
Scattered Leaves: Reconnecting family branches with DNA
When our families scattered across the globe, they often left close family behind. The family connections were lost over the subsequent generations. Now through family history research and DNA we are reconnecting with the branches of our family tree as shown in these case studies.
When our families scattered across the globe, they often left close family behind. The family connections were lost over the subsequent generations. Now through family history research and DNA we are reconnecting with the branches of our family tree as shown in these case studies.
¿Cómo se deletrea tu Apellido? Historia y Particularidades de los Apellidos Españoles
Exploraremos la fascinante historia y las particularidades del sistema de apellidos en España y otros países hispanoparlantes. Descubriremos cómo la influencia visigoda, la adopción del sistema de doble apellido y las variaciones regionales han moldeado la identidad familiar a lo largo de los siglos. Aprenderemos a interpretar y comprender la información contenida en los apellidos, desentrañando su significado histórico y geográfico.
Exploraremos la fascinante historia y las particularidades del sistema de apellidos en España y otros países hispanoparlantes. Descubriremos cómo la influencia visigoda, la adopción del sistema de doble apellido y las variaciones regionales han moldeado la identidad familiar a lo largo de los siglos. Aprenderemos a interpretar y comprender la información contenida en los apellidos, desentrañando su significado histórico y geográfico.
This database of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) contains WWI and WWII military burials world-wide. Not all burials in CWGC cemeteries are military. Burials include civilians, diplomats, medical personnel, and volunteer aid workers, including women. Most CWGC cemeteries have burials of the unknown as well as Monuments listing the Missing. Some military burials in civilian cemeteries are in this database. Photos of headstones and lists of missing in several CWGC cemeteries in Italy are included. Advises on best utilization of CWGC search engines with different approaches. Information on identification of unknown burials, research possibilities, and CWGC outreach programs are available on the website.
This database of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) contains WWI and WWII military burials world-wide. Not all burials in CWGC cemeteries are military. Burials include civilians, diplomats, medical personnel, and volunteer aid workers, including women. Most CWGC cemeteries have burials of the unknown as well as Monuments listing the Missing. Some military burials in civilian cemeteries are in this database. Photos of headstones and lists of missing in several CWGC cemeteries in Italy are included. Advises on best utilization of CWGC search engines with different approaches. Information on identification of unknown burials, research possibilities, and CWGC outreach programs are available on the website.
Gedcom files are useful for transferring family tree data but they aren’t easy to read or work with on their own. In this TechZone, we’ll explain how you can use AI to easily extract information from a gedcom file and create word documents or spreadsheet.
Gedcom files are useful for transferring family tree data but they aren’t easy to read or work with on their own. In this TechZone, we’ll explain how you can use AI to easily extract information from a gedcom file and create word documents or spreadsheet.
Unlocking the X-Factor: Key Tips for Using X-DNA in Your Research
X-chromosome DNA is often one of the hidden gems of the genetic genealogy world especially when used in conjunction with autosomal DNA. This webinar will present an overview of the unique inheritance patterns of X-DNA and set out how and why X-DNA matching differs from atDNA matching. Michelle will guide you through the advantages of utilizing X-chromosome data and demonstrate how to use it to effectively narrow down and identify connections with your DNA matches. She will also cover which companies provide access to X-DNA data, include an array of tips on how to set yourself up to succeed with X-DNA and provide genuine case study examples that show what can be achieved when you harness this powerful type of DNA.
X-chromosome DNA is often one of the hidden gems of the genetic genealogy world especially when used in conjunction with autosomal DNA. This webinar will present an overview of the unique inheritance patterns of X-DNA and set out how and why X-DNA matching differs from atDNA matching. Michelle will guide you through the advantages of utilizing X-chromosome data and demonstrate how to use it to effectively narrow down and identify connections with your DNA matches. She will also cover which companies provide access to X-DNA data, include an array of tips on how to set yourself up to succeed with X-DNA and provide genuine case study examples that show what can be achieved when you harness this powerful type of DNA.
English DNA Matches: Tools for quickly building modern trees
Many English DNA matches have rudimentary online trees. Learn about online resources for quickly and inexpensively extending the trees to find possible connections. Many North Americans have limited or no understanding of twentieth century online records that can be used to extend rudimentary or no online trees for their English DNA matches. There is a big need to be able to get the trees far enough back in time to possibly find the nearest common ancestors. This presentation will look at the different record groups explaining, with examples, how to use the different records together, and the time periods for which they are appropriate. Records discussed with illustrations and limitations include: – Civil Registration – Probate – Cemeteries / Crematoriums – Newspapers – Funeral notices – Voter registrations – Telephone directories – More
Many English DNA matches have rudimentary online trees. Learn about online resources for quickly and inexpensively extending the trees to find possible connections. Many North Americans have limited or no understanding of twentieth century online records that can be used to extend rudimentary or no online trees for their English DNA matches. There is a big need to be able to get the trees far enough back in time to possibly find the nearest common ancestors. This presentation will look at the different record groups explaining, with examples, how to use the different records together, and the time periods for which they are appropriate. Records discussed with illustrations and limitations include: – Civil Registration – Probate – Cemeteries / Crematoriums – Newspapers – Funeral notices – Voter registrations – Telephone directories – More
Genealogy Meets the Internet Archive and AI: A Comprehensive Review
Wed, January 7 2026: 16:30 UTC
Learn to harness the Internet Archive’s free digital library—a treasure trove of digitized family histories, city directories, census and church records—to enrich your genealogy research. Learn how to build complex prompts to build an index of surnames on a 400 page genealogy book from 1898. Learn how to extract a list of migration routes from the same book, organized by surname, then in generation order, and placed in an Excel file. With the help of AI, you can get the most out of Internet Archive.
Learn to harness the Internet Archive’s free digital library—a treasure trove of digitized family histories, city directories, census and church records—to enrich your genealogy research. Learn how to build complex prompts to build an index of surnames on a 400 page genealogy book from 1898. Learn how to extract a list of migration routes from the same book, organized by surname, then in generation order, and placed in an Excel file. With the help of AI, you can get the most out of Internet Archive.
AI as Partner, Not Replacement: Human-Led Research Planning in the Sally Keaton Case by Nicole Elder Dyer
Wed, January 7 2026: 17:45 UTC
This lecture explores how modern AI tools can assist genealogical research planning through the case of Sally Keaton, where the objective was to identify her children using limited historical records and DNA evidence. The presentation demonstrates how to structure effective research plans with AI assistance, covering essential elements including clear objectives, summaries of known facts, working hypotheses, identified sources, and prioritized strategies. Using Sally Keaton’s case as the central example, the lecture showcases practical AI tools, such as side-by-side editors: Canvas (ChatGPT and Gemini) and Artifacts (Claude); also advanced capabilities including reasoning models and organizational tools like ChatGPT’s Projects, Claude’s Projects, Perplexity’s Spaces, and Gemini Gems. While AI can create research plans on its own, human-AI collaboration produces better results. When researchers guide and refine AI-generated strategies instead of using fully automated planning, they achieve more accurate results.
This lecture explores how modern AI tools can assist genealogical research planning through the case of Sally Keaton, where the objective was to identify her children using limited historical records and DNA evidence. The presentation demonstrates how to structure effective research plans with AI assistance, covering essential elements including clear objectives, summaries of known facts, working hypotheses, identified sources, and prioritized strategies. Using Sally Keaton’s case as the central example, the lecture showcases practical AI tools, such as side-by-side editors: Canvas (ChatGPT and Gemini) and Artifacts (Claude); also advanced capabilities including reasoning models and organizational tools like ChatGPT’s Projects, Claude’s Projects, Perplexity’s Spaces, and Gemini Gems. While AI can create research plans on its own, human-AI collaboration produces better results. When researchers guide and refine AI-generated strategies instead of using fully automated planning, they achieve more accurate results.
From Problem to Solution: A Case Study Approach to Using AI in Genealogy
Wed, January 7 2026: 20:30 UTC
Artificial intelligence is changing the way genealogists work—but how do you move beyond tips and tricks to apply AI in a sound, methodical way? In this session, Andrew Redfern demonstrates how a case study approach provides the answer. Using real examples, he walks through the stages of tackling a genealogical problem with AI, showing how tools can assist with transcription, analysis, correlation of evidence, and presentation of findings. Rather than treating AI as a shortcut, Andrew highlights how to integrate it into the established genealogical research cycle—problem definition, source gathering, analysis, and conclusion. Attendees will see how AI can clarify complex evidence, save time on repetitive tasks, and support storytelling, while still requiring human expertise and critical thinking. By the end of the session, participants will have a practical framework they can adapt to their own research problems, ensuring that AI becomes a trusted partner in genealogical methodology.
Artificial intelligence is changing the way genealogists work—but how do you move beyond tips and tricks to apply AI in a sound, methodical way? In this session, Andrew Redfern demonstrates how a case study approach provides the answer. Using real examples, he walks through the stages of tackling a genealogical problem with AI, showing how tools can assist with transcription, analysis, correlation of evidence, and presentation of findings. Rather than treating AI as a shortcut, Andrew highlights how to integrate it into the established genealogical research cycle—problem definition, source gathering, analysis, and conclusion. Attendees will see how AI can clarify complex evidence, save time on repetitive tasks, and support storytelling, while still requiring human expertise and critical thinking. By the end of the session, participants will have a practical framework they can adapt to their own research problems, ensuring that AI becomes a trusted partner in genealogical methodology.
La fotografía de un desconocido: ¿punto de partida para una genealogía?
Tue, January 13 2026: 14:00 UTC
En la actualidad, cuando casi cualquier cosa pasa por la IA, el descubrimiento de una fotografía hecha a finales del siglo XIX o principios del siglo XX, no solo nos traslada a otro momento de la historia en el que el contexto era totalmente diferente, sino que nos abre las posibilidades de estudio de una persona y de una familia. Pero, además, ¿qué nos aporta una fotografía de un desconocido? ¿cuánto podemos averiguar de él y de su entorno? Una fotografía es un documento de memoria colectiva y, como tal, aporta una fuente de información sobre estructura familiar, estilo de vida y valores sociales de la época.
En la actualidad, cuando casi cualquier cosa pasa por la IA, el descubrimiento de una fotografía hecha a finales del siglo XIX o principios del siglo XX, no solo nos traslada a otro momento de la historia en el que el contexto era totalmente diferente, sino que nos abre las posibilidades de estudio de una persona y de una familia. Pero, además, ¿qué nos aporta una fotografía de un desconocido? ¿cuánto podemos averiguar de él y de su entorno? Una fotografía es un documento de memoria colectiva y, como tal, aporta una fuente de información sobre estructura familiar, estilo de vida y valores sociales de la época.
Using MyHeritage in Your Genealogical DNA Testing Plan
Tue, January 13 2026: 19:00 UTC
We often need other family members to take a DNA test for us to help us solve our genealogical problems. We’ll discuss ways MyHeritage can help us find, test, and collaborate with our DNA cousins.
We often need other family members to take a DNA test for us to help us solve our genealogical problems. We’ll discuss ways MyHeritage can help us find, test, and collaborate with our DNA cousins.
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