AI and Genealogy: Trouble Ahead?

While  AI (artificial intelligence) might be the current “hot” buzzword, the fact is that many genealogy vendors and even genealogists have already been using this technology for years. The AI industry is at a crossroads and within the next five years, it will permeate almost every aspect of business and society. Learn how AI is currently being used to improve the genealogy experience, and whether or not you should seek out other uses of artificial intelligence for your own genealogy research. 

Audience Level: Beginner – Expert.

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Thomas MacEntee

Thomas MacEntee: author, educator, student, advocate, marketer, storyteller, entrepreneur, and that “genealogy guy” who helps you accomplish your family history goals.​

So, what if I told you that a Baby Boomer guy with a love of punk rock music but also Renaissance Art, somehow “fell” into the technology industry almost 40 years ago, and then left a lucrative career in information technology to pursue his love of family history and genealogy?​ And that his passion for tracing his roots began over 45 years ago when he was watching the mini-series Roots on ABC Television at his great-grandparents’ house in February 1977?​

While some might think these two elements – technology and historical research – are opposites. The truth is, “tech people” like Thomas are needed to guide today’s genealogists through the maze of options so they can deploy the best apps and devices as they break down those research brick walls.​

Having taught over 1,000 in-person and virtual genealogy lectures since 2010, serving on the boards of many genealogical societies, organizing a group of over 1,000 genealogy bloggers, and helping researchers save money on genealogy products and services, Thomas is ready for the next chapter in his professional journey: changing the way genealogists acquire new research skills, motivating researchers to take a chance on new technologies, and improving how family stories and heirlooms are preserved and passed on to the next generations.​