Transcribing handwritten genealogical records can be time-consuming and challenging. Learn how artificial intelligence tools can help you efficiently transcribe English-language documents from the 1700s to today. Discover how multimodal large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini use computer vision to read and process handwritten images. We’ll cover transcription basics, document selection and preparation techniques, helpful promps, and strategies to verify accuracy and flag potential errors. You’ll also learn how to use LLMs to review and correct transcriptions generated by other tools, including Transkribus and FamilySearch’s full-text search results.
Through hands-on activities, you’ll practice transcribing wills and deeds using ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Google AI Studio. We’ll also explore specialized tools like Archive Studio, which achieves high accuracy by transcribing with one LLM and correcting with another. Learn to create custom GPTs and Gemini Gems with specialized instructions for documents with similar formats. You’ll leave with practical tips to produce faithful transcriptions and confidence in selecting the right AI tool for transcribing your handwritten documents.
** This workshop will be most beneficial if you have free accounts with Gemini (https://gemini.google.com/app
