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Checklist: Finding Your Compatible AI Working Partner for Genealogical & Historical Research

  • by Mark Rabideau- Many-Roads Genealogy https://many-roads.com
  • eirenicon llc.
  • 711 Nob Hill Trail - Franktown, Colorado 80116
  • +1.303.660.9400
  • genealogy@many-roads.com

For Novice AI Users

Picking an AI tool is like choosing a new bridge partner—reliable, easy to chat with, and doesn't lead you astray on the big plays. Use this simple checklist to evaluate options. Jot notes as you test free trials, and remember: No tool is perfect, but the right one feels like a helpful nephew, not a know-it-all.

  • 1. Does it address my specific research needs?

    • Can this AI clearly and directly help me with tasks like transcribing old documents (e.g., Grandma's cursive letters), summarizing archival records, identifying connections between individuals (e.g., "Is this cousin on my dad's side?"), translating historical languages, or extracting specific data points (like dates from a census)?

  • 2. Is the interface intuitive for research tasks?

    • Does it look easy to navigate, with features that support typical research workflows—like drag-and-drop document upload, simple search bars, or annotation tools? No steep learning curve that feels like wrestling a phone app.

  • 3. What technical or specialized skills are required?

    • Can I use it effectively without needing to write code, understand complex data science jargon, or be an expert in computational history? (Aim for "point-and-click" simplicity, not a tech degree.)

  • 4. Can it process my historical source types?

    • Can I easily input and have the AI understand my specific research materials—like scanned handwritten documents, old photographs (for facial recognition hints), PDFs of rare books, census records, or even audio recordings of oral histories from family gatherings? Note: 2025 tools like Claude handle audio well.

  • 5. Are its outputs suitable and useful for research?

    • Does the AI generate results in a format that aids historical work—like accurate transcriptions, structured data extracts (e.g., a neat table of names and dates), concise summaries of long texts, potential linkages between individuals/events, or timelines—and are they easily exportable to Word or spreadsheets?

  • 6. How reliable, accurate, and verifiable are its results?

    • Does it consistently provide relevant and historically accurate information? Does it cite its sources (with links) or allow for easy cross-referencing and verification to prevent "hallucinations" (see Handout #1)? Test it with a known fact from your tree. In 2025, tools like Perplexity excel here.

  • 7. How does it handle my data privacy and source security?

    • Does the tool clearly explain its data privacy policies (e.g., "We don't store your uploads" or "GDPR compliant"), especially when uploading sensitive personal family data or unique, potentially restricted historical documents? Am I comfortable with its data handling—read the fine print! Check FamilySearch’s 2025 privacy policy.

  • 8. Are there helpful learning resources and support for researchers?

    • Are there easy-to-follow tutorials (videos under 5 minutes?), documentation, or a community forum specifically focused on using the AI for genealogical or historical research methods? Bonus if it's senior-friendly, like YouTube walkthroughs from FamilySearch (updated 2025).

  • 9. Does it offer transparency on its reasoning or sources?

    • Does the AI provide any basic insight into how it arrived at an answer, identified a connection, or summarized information (e.g., "Based on this 1880 census page..."), allowing me to understand its findings and critically evaluate them?

  • 10. Is it accessible and within my research budget?

    • Is there a free tier or a pricing model that fits my typical research expenditures (e.g., under $10/month), and can I easily access it—like web-based from my laptop, a simple desktop app, or mobile for on-the-go queries? In 2025, FamilySearch Labs AI (https://www.familysearch.org/en/labs) offers free web access.

By focusing on these points, novice users can better assess if an AI tool is genuinely helpful and trustworthy for the rigorous demands of genealogical and historical discovery. Pro tip: Score each on a 1-5 scale (1 = "Nope," 5 = "Perfect fit") to compare—your ideal partner will average 4+!

  • Overall Checklist Guides:
  • FamilySearch's AI Evaluation Framework: https://www.familysearch.org/en/blog/verifying-ai-in-genealogy (Free 2025 PDF checklist with genealogy examples—includes cost breakdowns.)

  • NEHGS (New England Historic Genealogical Society) Article: https://www.americanancestors.org/ai-tools-for-genealogists (Updated 2025 step-by-step on matching tools to needs, with privacy tips.)

  • Privacy & Verification Focus (#6 & #7):

  • Consumer Reports on AI Data Privacy: https://www.consumerreports.org/artificial-intelligence/ai-privacy-risks-for-personal-data/ (Simple 2025 explainer with questions to ask tools—great for seniors wary of uploads.)

  • Genealogy-specific: https://www.familysearch.org/en/blog/ai-privacy-in-family-history (Updated 2025 tips on spotting secure tools, with red flags.)

  • Tutorials for Testing (#8):

  • YouTube Playlist on AI for Beginners: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLC6xLbn7JeDmuayDi12ptguR-tuZQR9-7 (Genealogy with Dana Leeds' AI Tutorials—short, updated 2025 videos.)

Credits

Compiled by Mark Rabideau, Opa & Professional Genealogist.