This cutting-edge course explores the fascinating intersection of artificial intelligence and genealogy. The course takes place over four weeks. Each week, participants join a live, engaging 90-minute class online to delve into the history, applications, benefits, limitations, and future possibilities for using AI for genealogy. There will be time each week for Q&A and to discuss the homework assignments.

Students will learn how to leverage tools like ChatGPT, Bard, and Claude to enhance genealogical research. They will explore practical use cases, hands-on techniques, and the ethical considerations to harness the power of AI. Whether you’re a genealogist, historian, or AI enthusiast, this course will equip you with the knowledge and skills to navigate the rapidly evolving world of AI in genealogy.

Week One Class: Introduction to AI and Genealogy

• What is AI? A short history of its uses.
• Misconceptions about AI
• Evolution of AI for individuals
• Examples of AI’s potential to help genealogists and family historians.
• Use Cases #1: OCR Cleanup (ie., newspaper searches and articles); Translation from one language to another or from an earlier century into modern English.
• Homework: Explore a ChatGPT PLUS account; test fact-based research.

Week Two Class: AI Applications and Limitations in Genealogy

• Benefits & Limits; Explore Examples
• Examples of Failed Use Cases; Considerations and Pitfalls
• Use Cases #2: Data Extraction; Report Creation
• Homework: Turn Data Extraction into Narrative Reports

Week Three Class: Practical Use of AI in Genealogy

• Comparisons Between Different AI Models (Chat GPT and Plus version, Bard, Claude)
• Exploring Plug-ins for ChatGPT
• Use Cases #3: Prompt Chaining; Audio/Video Transcription
• Homework: A practical application of prompt chaining

Week Four Class: Advanced Use, Ethics, Future Perspectives, and Conclusion

• Using ChatGPT Code Interpreter/Advanced Data Analysis
• Privacy & Ethics
• Future of AI in Genealogy
• Wrap Up and Q&A

• The course begins on October 23, 2023
• Class sessions will be held on October 23 and 30, November 06 and 13, 2023

Seats are limited. A waiting list will be available.

• 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. ET (90-minutes)
• 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. ET (90-minutes)

Steve Little is a professional genealogist who has completed master’s work in Applied Linguistics, which is the basis of today’s large language models of artificial intelligence. His life-long interests in language, technology, and genealogy provide him with a unique vantage point at the intersection of these domains.

Empowering Genealogists with Artificial Intelligence – Level One

NGS Members   $195            Non-Members   $215

All purchases of courses are final. No refunds or credits are available.

Questions on the new course can be directed to the NGS Education Director

Need help registering? Contact the NGS Course Administrator