The YouTube video of the talk is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzwBBU0_F4Q. A word-for-word transcription of the talk is in the "More" section of the YouTube video.
Phase 1:
Last week, I asked Google Gemini 3 to summarize the talk, since only a limited number of GeneaMusings readers watched it live or afterwards on YouTube. Gemini created an infographic for my talk:
Here is the Gemini summary of the talk:
Section 1: Main Presentation — Using AI in Genealogy
The Core ProblemGenealogists often accumulate binders, PDFs, and database entries filled with factual data—census schedules, vital records, probate files, and land records. However, non-genealogist family members rarely read lengthy, dense reports:
Large Language Models (LLMs)—such as Claude, ChatGPT, Grok, Gemini, and NotebookLM—act like a "free ghostwriter":
Randy developed the Ancestor Biography Creation (ABC) Process, which breaks down into 11 concrete steps divided into two main phases:
- Glazed Eyes: Standard family group sheets, Ahnentafel lists, and chronological timelines feel dry and boring to relatives,.
- Loss of Oral History: According to Judy Russell (quoted by Randy), it takes only three generations to completely lose oral family history.
- The Goal: Transform factual, dry bullet points into engaging, story-driven narratives that children and grandchildren will actually want to read or listen to.
- Context Generation: LLMs are pre-trained on vast historical databases (books, local histories, period details). They can effortlessly blend broader historical events and social history (e.g., local epidemics, Revolutionary War troop movements, farming conditions) directly into an ancestor's narrative timeline.
- Fact Verification (Human in the Loop): The researcher remains in full control. The AI generates text based strictly on the user's uploaded evidence file, preventing unwanted "fabrications" or made-up ancestors.
Section 2: The Step-by-Step AI Workflow (The Ancestor Biography Creation (ABC) Process)
Gather Life Events and Primary Sources: Research & Generation.
Compile all known dates, places, names, relationships, census records, land transactions, and source notes using genealogy software (e.g., RootsMagic, Family Tree Maker) or online platforms (Ancestry, MyHeritage, FamilySearch).
2. Create a Standardized Genealogical Sketch: The Foundation File.
Export or assemble a complete narrative report or chronological timeline containing every fact, quote, and source citation. Save this "kitchen sink" collection as a PDF file, as LLMs process structured PDFs far better than plain unformatted text or Word documents.
3. Prompt an LLM for an Engaging Biography: Initial AI Drafting.
Upload the PDF sketch to an LLM like Claude Sonnet or ChatGPT. Use a prompt instructing the tool to act as an expert genealogist:
Copy the AI-generated biography into a Word document. Cross-reference the facts with primary sources, correct any misspellings or errors, and add any missing personal memories.
Compile all known dates, places, names, relationships, census records, land transactions, and source notes using genealogy software (e.g., RootsMagic, Family Tree Maker) or online platforms (Ancestry, MyHeritage, FamilySearch).
2. Create a Standardized Genealogical Sketch: The Foundation File.
Export or assemble a complete narrative report or chronological timeline containing every fact, quote, and source citation. Save this "kitchen sink" collection as a PDF file, as LLMs process structured PDFs far better than plain unformatted text or Word documents.
3. Prompt an LLM for an Engaging Biography: Initial AI Drafting.
Upload the PDF sketch to an LLM like Claude Sonnet or ChatGPT. Use a prompt instructing the tool to act as an expert genealogist:
- Prompt parameters: Request a casual, structured biography with section headings, historical and social context, source citations/endnotes, and strict instructions not to add or alter any people or dates,.
Copy the AI-generated biography into a Word document. Cross-reference the facts with primary sources, correct any misspellings or errors, and add any missing personal memories.
Phase 2:
Request poem or song lyrics reflecting the ancestor's life events. Input those lyrics into Suno.ai to auto-generate custom folk songs or ballads in MP3 format.
7. Produce Audio and Video Presentations: Multimedia Creation.
Combine text, images, and audio tracks using tools like Canva, Google NotebookLM (audio overviews/podcasts), or Google Vids / Google Slides to create slide presentations, video overviews, and YouTube videos.
8. Publish and Preserve: Distribution.
Compile the biographies, stories, songs, and video links into print-ready PDF ebooks and upload them to permanent repositories like FamilySearch Books, Internet Archive, blogs, or personal YouTube channels or archives (e.g., Google Drive, FOREVER, WeAre.xyz, etc.).
5. Generate Story Ideas and Historical Fiction: Expanding Narrative Angles.
Ask the AI for 10–15 specific story angles based on the biography. Prompts can focus on:- "Turning points" or "major events" in a person's life
- First-person "Grandparent Memoirs" written as advice to their grandchildren
- Family life in a time and place
- Teenage years
- Courtship/marriage advice
- Migration journeys
- Military service experiences
Request poem or song lyrics reflecting the ancestor's life events. Input those lyrics into Suno.ai to auto-generate custom folk songs or ballads in MP3 format.
7. Produce Audio and Video Presentations: Multimedia Creation.
Combine text, images, and audio tracks using tools like Canva, Google NotebookLM (audio overviews/podcasts), or Google Vids / Google Slides to create slide presentations, video overviews, and YouTube videos.
8. Publish and Preserve: Distribution.
Compile the biographies, stories, songs, and video links into print-ready PDF ebooks and upload them to permanent repositories like FamilySearch Books, Internet Archive, blogs, or personal YouTube channels or archives (e.g., Google Drive, FOREVER, WeAre.xyz, etc.).
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Examples of stories for one person (Norman Seaver (1734-1787)) are in:
Genealogical Sketch: 52 Ancestors - Week 105: #128 Norman Seaver (1734-1787)
ABC Biography: ABC Biography of Norman Seaver (1734-1787) of Massachusetts
Poem and Song: "The Ballad of Norman Seaver" - A Family History Poem and Song
Life Memoir: Norman Seaver's Life Memories - An AI-Assisted Memoir
Revolutionary War Service Summary: Ask AI: "Please Describe Norman Seaver's Revolutionary War Service"
Courtship Story: Ask AI: Describe the Courtship and Marriage of Norman Seaver and Sarah Read in 1755 in Sudbury, Massachusetts Bay Colony
Christmas Story: Thirteen Blessings - The Norman and Sarah Seaver Family
YouTube Video: Captain Norman Seaver (1734-1787) Biography
Narrated Video Slide Presentation: Slide Show for the Norman and Sarah (Read) Seaver Family of Massachusetts
Links to all of my blog posts about using Artificial Intelligence are on my Randy's AI and Genealogy page.
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Copyright (c) 2026, Randall J. Seaver
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