What happens when AI challenges your family tree? After uploading Hutchinson records to NotebookLM, I was forced to reconsider the parents of my 2nd great-grandfather, Civil War veteran Albert Hutchinson. The evidence raises new questions—and reminds me that AI can suggest, but records must decide.
This week’s Monday’s Diggings features an 1887 county history biography of Civil War veteran and Woodson County settler George Mentzer. Read the complete transcription and discover the story behind this fascinating historical sketch. #heartlandgenealogy
The 1870 census should include my second great-grandparents, Washington Marion Crawford and Mary (Foster) Crawford—but I still can’t find them! This week’s Saturday Night Genealogy Fun explores one of my biggest census mysteries and how AI helped generate new research strategies. #heartlandgenealogy
Can AI help tell an ancestor’s story? I combined Noah W. Briles’ Civil War military record with research on the 1st Iowa Cavalry to create two cinematic YouTube videos using Google Gemini and NotebookLM. Watch both videos and see how AI can bring historical records to life.
Remember GeoCities? One of my early genealogy finds is a preserved GeoCities page about Revolutionary War patriot James Crawford. This Friday’s Find looks at an old web page, the Wayback Machine, and how genealogy research continues to evolve. #Genealogy #FridayFind #FamilyHistory
Can AI help uncover new genealogy sources? A few prompts in Google Gemini about Civil War ancestor Noah Briles led me to an unexpected pension reference in the U.S. Statutes at Large—and a source with potential for other family research.
Do you have a favorite digital newspaper archive? I usually turn to Newspapers.com, but this search reminded me to look beyond one site. See how The Ancestor Hunt helped me locate a 1942 Iowa obituary in a free online newspaper collection.
What happens to a lifetime of genealogy research? Inspired by Randy Seaver, I asked ChatGPT how to preserve 48 years of family history research. The response included practical ideas, a one-year action plan, and a vision for a “Heartland Genealogy Archive.” #heartlandgenealogy
What can an old historical society bulletin add to a family story? A 1970 biography of George Mentzer preserves his Civil War service, journey to Kansas by covered wagon, friendship with George W. Allen, life along West Owl Creek, and even the capture of an escaped cattle thief. It’s a wonderful example of how local histories can add context—and new clues—to genealogical research.
Who is your Farthest-Flung Ancestor? 🌍 This week’s Saturday Night Genealogy Fun had me calculating the distances from my ancestral homelands to Seneca, Kansas. The winner surprised me! Read more on Heartland Genealogy. #heartlandgenealogy