In this episode of Research Like a Pro, Nicole and Diana discuss Transkribus, a platform that uses AI to transcribe handwritten documents. They explain how Transkribus works, the benefits it offers for genealogy research, and how to get started using it. Diana and Nicole outline the transcription process, including uploading documents, choosing the right model, and reviewing the results. They also highlight advanced features like language models, Smart Search, and Super Models, which can improve...
In this episode of Research Like a Pro, Nicole and Diana discuss how to add DNA information to WikiTree. Diana explains the benefits of adding your DNA information to WikiTree, such as helping genetic cousins find you and collaborate on research. She provides step-by-step instructions on how to create a WikiTree login and add your DNA test information to your profile. Listeners will learn how to navigate WikiTree, understand the different membership levels, and effectively...
In this episode of Research Like a Pro, Nicole and Diana discuss the book “The Woman They Could Not Silence” by Kate Moore. They focus on the story of Elizabeth Packard, who was committed to an asylum by her husband in the 1860s. Elizabeth’s experience sheds light on the injustices women faced under coverture laws and the lack of oversight in mental health institutions at the time. The hosts discuss Elizabeth’s tireless efforts to secure...
In this episode of Research Like a Pro, Nicole and Diana discuss using DNA segment data in a research project. Diana shares her experience working on a chromosome map in DNA Painter for several years, gradually adding matches identified as descending from one of her ancestral couples. She focuses on her Cline DNA research project, where she seeks genetic evidence to confirm her hypothesis that John C. Cline is the father of Clemsy (Cline) Weatherford....
In this episode of the Research Like a Pro Genealogy podcast, hosts Diana and Nicole interview Lisa Stokes, AG, about educational opportunities for genealogists. Lisa, an experienced genealogist and educator, shares her insights on several valuable resources. She begins by discussing her e-course, Genealogy Source Citations Simplified, emphasizing the importance of proper citations for credibility and accuracy in genealogical research. Lisa’s course offers a simplified approach to citations, guiding students through step-by-step video tutorials and...
Nicole and Diana discuss how artificial intelligence (AI) can be used in report writing for genealogy research. They talk about the different roles AI can play, such as a coworker, creative assistant, tutor, and coach. Diana and Nicole acknowledge the challenges of using AI, including the need to track its use, fact-check responses, and maintain a personal writing style. Nicole shares how to use AI for various sections of a research report, such as...
Nicole and Diana discuss Diana’s recent project on Isabella Weatherford, demonstrating how she used both traditional methods and AI assistance to log her research effectively. Diana reviews the research plan she created using AI, including the objective to examine the economic and social conditions in Dallas County, Texas, in the early 1870s and their influence on Isabella’s life and marriage prospects. Diana followed the research plan, beginning with county histories. She used Claude, an...
In this episode of Research Like a Pro Genealogy, Diana and Nicole discuss using descendancy research to find DNA test takers. They explain how DNA evidence often involves identification of living individuals. The hosts outline the steps for descendancy research, emphasizing the importance of fully identifying the starting ancestor. Nicole shares a case study from her Dyer project, demonstrating how she identified her starting ancestor James Dyer and traced his children forward using various records...
In this episode of the Research Like a Pro Genealogy podcast, Nicole and Diana discuss the importance of research planning in genealogy and how AI tools can be used to assist in this process. They emphasize that a thorough research plan helps genealogists stay focused on their objectives, pick up where they left off if their work is interrupted, and approach problems systematically. The hosts break down the elements of a research plan, which include...
In this episode of the Research Like a Pro Genealogy podcast, Diana and Nicole discuss using AI in locality research, focusing on the Isabella Weatherford project. They emphasize the importance of locality guides in genealogical research, as they provide essential historical context, help researchers understand available records, and shed light on migration patterns and local events that may have impacted ancestors’ lives. The hosts explore how AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Perplexity can...
