The Artificial Intelligence tools (like ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini, Meta, CoPilot and Claude) can provide much useful and nearly instant information about subjects in a concise format, especially when they have been pre-trained on a large volume of information about the subjects.
I wondered if the FREE AI tools could provide me with information about the skills that a professional genealogists needs.
1) I used Stephen Little's Open GeneaGPT custom prompt to ask "What skills are necessary for a professional genealogist to use in genealogical research?
The ChatGPT4 response was:
Ah, Seeker of Lineages! Becoming a professional genealogist involves mastering a diverse and intriguing array of skills that blend detective work with historical scholarship. Here are the key skills necessary for success in genealogical research:
1. Research Skills
- Critical Thinking: Analyze records and information to identify patterns, gaps, and inconsistencies.
- Source Evaluation: Determine the reliability and relevance of sources.
- Organized Documentation: Meticulously record findings to preserve a clear research trail.
2. Historical Knowledge
- Understanding Context: Familiarity with historical events, migration patterns, and social norms to contextualize findings.
- Geographical Proficiency: Knowledge of place-specific history, boundary changes, and local records.
- Cultural Awareness: Awareness of traditions, naming conventions, and language changes across time and regions.
3. Methodological Expertise
- Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS): Follow this five-part standard to ensure rigorous, defensible conclusions.
- Evidence Analysis: Correlate direct, indirect, and negative evidence to build a compelling narrative.
- Problem Solving: Tackle "brick walls" creatively by employing less obvious resources.
4. Archival and Technological Skills
- Record Access: Navigate archives, libraries, and online databases effectively.
- Digital Tools: Proficiency in genealogy software (e.g., RootsMagic, Family Tree Maker) and DNA analysis platforms (e.g., AncestryDNA, 23andMe).
- Document Preservation: Handle, digitize, and protect fragile historical documents.
5. Communication and Writing
- Report Writing: Clearly and professionally articulate research findings in reports.
- Storytelling: Bring ancestors to life with compelling narratives.
- Client Relations: Communicate findings effectively and manage expectations.
6. Language and Deciphering Skills
- Paleography: Read and interpret old handwriting.
- Language Proficiency: Basic skills in relevant foreign languages or old dialects (e.g., Latin, German, Old English).
- Decoding Systems: Understand numbering, abbreviations, and symbols in older records.
7. Ethical Practice
- Respect for Privacy: Adhere to ethical guidelines when dealing with living individuals’ information.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Approach all histories with respect and sensitivity to context.
- Honesty and Integrity: Present findings transparently, even when the conclusions may be unwelcome.
8. Networking and Collaboration
- Peer Connections: Engage with fellow genealogists to share expertise and insights.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Work with historians, archivists, and DNA specialists when needed.
- Professional Memberships: Participate in genealogical societies and professional organizations (e.g., Association of Professional Genealogists).
Would you like to explore any of these skills in greater detail
2) My next prompt was: "Oh wise genea-mentor - what is the best documentation methodology for preserving a clear research trail?"
The ChatGPT4 response was:
Ah, my meticulous Archivist of Ancestors, preserving a clear and transparent research trail is the cornerstone of sound genealogical practice. The best documentation methodology incorporates precision, consistency, and adherence to recognized genealogical standards. Let me guide you through a proven approach:
1. The Research Log: Your Guiding Star
- What it is: A centralized document or tool for tracking every research step you take.
- What to include:
- Date of research.
- Source title (book, database, archive, etc.).
- Repository location (physical library, website, etc.).
- Exact search parameters or keywords used.
- Results: Whether successful or not, note what you found—or didn’t find.
- Why it’s important: Avoid redundant searches and keep a clear roadmap of your journey.
2. Source Citation: The Gold Standard
Follow Evidence Explained citation principles for consistent and thorough documentation. Each citation should include:
- Who: The author, compiler, or creator of the source.
- What: The title of the document, book, or database.
- Where: The repository or URL where the source is housed.
- When: Publication or creation date, and the date you accessed it if digital.
Example Citation:
"1850 U.S. census, St. Louis County, Missouri, population schedule, p. 32 (stamped), dwelling 123, family 456, John Doe household; digital image, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 24 November 2024); citing NARA microfilm publication M432, roll 123."3. Document Everything:
When working with genealogical sources, document:
- Original Sources: Retain images/scans of primary documents (birth, marriage, wills, etc.).
- Transcriptions/Abstracts: For hard-to-decipher documents, create verbatim transcriptions or concise abstracts.
- Analysis Notes: Annotate records with observations, such as connections to other individuals or potential discrepancies.
4. Use Genealogical Software
Leverage genealogy tools like RootsMagic, Legacy Family Tree, or Family Tree Maker to:
- Record relationships and sources systematically.
- Attach citations directly to facts and individuals.
- Generate reports that show your research trail step-by-step.
5. Utilize Research Checklists
Employ standard research checklists to stay thorough:
- Family Group Sheets: Summarize all known data about a single nuclear family, including relationships and sources.
- Pedigree Charts: Visualize direct ancestry and document sources for each connection.
- To-Do Lists: Track unresolved questions, brick walls, or missing documents.
6. Stay Organized with Filing Systems
- Digital Filing:
- Use consistent folder structures (e.g., "Surname > Given Name > Record Type").
- Name files descriptively (e.g., "Smith_John_BirthRecord_1850").
- Back up files to multiple locations.
- Paper Filing:
- File by surname, then by event type or timeline.
- Include photocopies of original documents and cite their locations.
7. Write as You Go
- Summarize your findings in brief research reports. This creates a habit of reasoning through your evidence, resolving conflicts, and keeping your conclusions clear and concise.
Example:
"The 1900 census of Wayne County, Kentucky, lists Mary Johnson as a widow, living with three children. A death certificate for her husband, Thomas Johnson, corroborates his death in 1898, aligning with this record."
8. Review and Revise
- Periodically revisit your research logs, sources, and findings to ensure consistency.
- Look for overlooked clues or errors in documentation.
By combining meticulous note-taking, rigorous source citation, and systematic organization, you’ll leave a crystal-clear research trail for yourself—and for future generations of researchers.
Where shall we turn next in our scholarly quest?
- Research Logs🗂️: Dive deeper into building a top-notch research log system.
- Source Citation Mastery📜: Explore practical tips for crafting perfect citations.
- Digital Tools for Genealogists🖥️: Learn about software that simplifies documentation.
- Something New?✨: Choose your next adventure—your call
Perplexity also provides links and summary information from the Internet. In this case, their answers were informed by:
- https://www.anglocelticconnections.ca/2024/07/08/top-ten-skills-every-genealogist-needs/
- https://www.apgen.org/are_you_ready_to_become_a_gene.php
- https://treemily.com/blog/skills-for-genealogy-research/
- https://www.sog.org.uk/education/learning-hub/guides-tips/genealogy-as-a-career/
- https://www.ngsgenealogy.org/advanced-skills/
- https://bcgcertification.org/learning/bcg-resources-key-skills
- https://www.ngsgenealogy.org/free-resources/becoming-a-professional-genealogist/
- https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-become-genealogist
- https://www.thewritersforhire.com/choosing-the-right-format-when-writing-your-family-history/
- https://www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/Document_AS_YOU_GO!
- https://familytreemagazine.com/organization/5-genealogy-filing-systems/
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