Do you use artificial intelligence in your genealogy research? If so, are you figuring it out on your own, or do you have mentors and resources that help you learn?
While much of using AI involves experimentation, I’ve found it incredibly helpful to learn from others who are exploring the same tools and sharing their successes (and sometimes their missteps).
My favorite AI mentor is Randy Seaver of Genea-Musings. His posts about the workflows he has developed using AI—whether for writing biographies, creating songs, and generating infographics—have been especially useful. Seeing how another genealogist integrates AI into an established research process has helped me think more creatively about my own projects.
Beyond Randy, I regularly turn to several other people and resources as I continue learning how to use AI in my genealogy work:
- The Family History AI Show with Steve Little and Mark Thompson
A great source for practical discussions about AI tools, genealogy workflows, and emerging trends. - Genealogy and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Facebook Group
A community where genealogists share ideas, ask questions, and experiment with AI-powered approaches. - Ancestors and Algorithms: AI for Genealogy Facebook Group
Another active community focused specifically on using AI for family history research and storytelling. - The Family History Guide by James Tanner – AI blog posts
James frequently explores technology’s role in genealogy, including AI applications. - AI Genealogy Insights by Steve Little
Steve consistently provides thoughtful ideas about how AI can enhance genealogy research and productivity. - RootsTech sessions on AI
RootsTech has become a valuable source for learning about new AI tools and seeing demonstrations of how others are applying them to family history.
When I asked ChatGPT for additional suggestions of genealogy educators and resources exploring AI, it recommended the following:
- Nicole Dyer / Family Locket
Particularly useful for those interested in combining AI with genealogy research methods and analysis. - Diahan Southard
Especially helpful if your genealogy work involves DNA analysis, since AI tools may increasingly support DNA interpretation workflows. - Thomas MacEntee
Long known for genealogy technology education, with growing discussion of AI-related tools and workflows. - Genealogy creators on YouTube experimenting with AI
Sometimes the most practical ideas come from watching how other researchers are actually using these tools in real projects.
And, perhaps most obviously:
- ChatGPT itself
Not just as a writing assistant, but as an interactive mentor for brainstorming, troubleshooting, refining workflows, and experimenting with new ideas.
One of the exciting things about artificial intelligence is how quickly the landscape changes. New tools appear, existing tools improve, and genealogists continue to discover creative ways to apply them. That means the learning never really stops—which may be part of what makes it so much fun.
Since I’m preparing a presentation on using AI in genealogy for the Topeka Genealogical Society this July, I’d love your input. Who do you consider leaders in the genealogy AI space? What blogs, videos, podcasts, or communities have helped you learn? Share your suggestions in the comments—I may discover some new favorites before July!