Dear Fellow Genealogist,
As we venture into 2025, I’m reaching out to share an exciting opportunity that could transform your family history research. Integrating artificial intelligence into genealogy isn’t just another trend—it’s revolutionising how we discover, analyse, and share our ancestors’ stories. Let me guide you through this journey of combining traditional genealogical expertise with cutting-edge AI tools.
Why AI Skills Matter for Today’s Genealogist
Every genealogist knows those moments of both triumph and frustration: the thrill of discovering a new ancestor, followed by the challenge of deciphering their story through faded handwriting and fragmentary records. What if you could transform those challenging moments into breakthrough opportunities? That’s exactly what AI offers. I have been exploring and fine-tuning my AI skills with tools such as Chat GPT 4, Claude 3.5 Sonnet, and Perplexity.ai over the last two years, and I want to share my learning with you in practical and empowering ways.
Imagine having a tireless research partner available whenever inspiration strikes, ready to help you unlock the secrets in those difficult documents, suggest innovative research strategies you hadn’t considered, and help you weave your discoveries into compelling family narratives that will captivate your family members and their descendants. It’s all about amplifying your expertise and intuition with AI’s analytical power to uncover the stories your ancestors are waiting to tell.
Consider the case of Elizabeth Barrett Browning, whose family history was obscured by complex Victorian-era records. Modern genealogists using AI tools can now analyze multiple document variations simultaneously, cross-reference historical contexts, and uncover connections that might have taken years to discover traditionally.
The Sequential Journey to AI Mastery
Your path to becoming an AI-skilled genealogist follows a natural progression:
Foundation Building (Steps 1-3)
First, we establish a solid understanding of AI tools and their role in genealogy research. You’ll learn to communicate effectively with AI assistants and create structured research plans that combine traditional methodology with AI capabilities.
Core Skills Development (Steps 4-6)
Next, we dive into practical applications: using AI for document analysis, transforming raw facts into engaging stories, and creating images to illustrate our stories. This is where you’ll see AI’s power in handling tasks that once consumed hours of research time.
Advanced Integration (Steps 7-10)
Finally, we explore sophisticated techniques: solving complex research problems, organising AI-assisted research, and creating custom tools for your specific needs. You’ll learn to combine multiple AI tools effectively while maintaining the highest standards of genealogical research.
| Solving Mysteries with AI | Crafting Specialist GPTs | Organising and Managing AI-Assisted Research | Creating Your AI-Enhanced Genealogy Future |
Real-World Applications
Let me share some examples of how I have been using these skills:
- Planning: ChatGPT 4 has assisted in creating my research checklists for 2025 as a CANVAS and setting up reminder TASKS for each week.
- Researching: Perplexity.ai has assisted in creating SPACES to collect my research prompts (and responses in THREADS) on historical events, places, and resources relevant to my 2025 research.
- Writing: Claude 3.5 has assisted in transforming the research and history notes for my ancestors, into narrative, using PROJECTS and ARTEFACTS for my 2025 genealogy projects.
(Note: Claude has helped me structure the content for this blog post.)
Your Next Steps
The journey to becoming an AI-skilled genealogist is both exciting and achievable. I’ve designed a comprehensive 10-step plan that will take you from basic understanding to advanced application. Each step builds upon the previous one, ensuring you develop a solid foundation while steadily advancing your capabilities.
Ready to begin? Start the 10 Steps to Building AI Skills in Genealogy from my YouTube Playlist today. For more information, use the resource links below.
- Detailed information about the 10-step learning path
- Free resources to start your journey
- Access to our supportive community of AI-embracing genealogists
- Information about advanced courses and workshops
The Future of Family History Research
As we embrace 2025, you have an extraordinary opportunity to pioneer the future of genealogy. By developing AI skills now, you’ll unlock powerful new ways to discover your family’s history. Imagine breaking through those long-standing brick walls, uncovering stories that have waited generations to be told, and leading the way in preserving your family’s legacy. This is your moment to transform how you research and share your family’s unique story.
January is a great month to learn how AI can enhance your genealogy projects and keep up-to-date with the latest tools, features, and functions of top large language models. Check out these four help desks.
I have a new course waiting for you in the Essential Genealogy 2.0 Academy! The modules include lessons on each of the four AI tools listed above, as well as a set of Challenge Projects and a Capstone Project to finalise your AI-Assisted learning journey.
Mastering AI in Genealogy 2.0: Your 2025 Roadmap
Remember, embracing AI doesn’t mean abandoning traditional genealogical methods but enhancing them. We’re not replacing our expertise; we’re amplifying it with powerful new tools to help us work more efficiently and effectively.
I look forward to guiding you on this exciting journey of discovery and innovation.
Warmest regards,
Coach Carole
P.S. Don’t wait to start your AI skills journey. Start the 10 Steps to Building AI Skills in Genealogy from my YouTube Playlist today and take the first step towards transforming your family history research.
Coach Carole Online 