TIP OF THE WEEK — LET AI BUILD A TIMELINE

By Susan Aumaier

When records pile up, it can be difficult to see how all the pieces fit together. A timeline can reveal problems that are easy to miss when examining records individually.

AI can organize your evidence chronologically and help you spot conflicts, gaps, and events that need further investigation.

Instead of asking:

“Make a timeline of John Smith’s life.”

Try:

“Using only the evidence I provide, create a chronological timeline for John Smith. For each event, list the date, place, event, and source. Do not add facts or fill gaps with assumptions. Flag conflicting dates or locations, events that appear chronologically impossible, and significant gaps that may need further research.”

Attach your records or paste your research notes into the AI along with the prompt.

Review the completed timeline yourself. Pay particular attention to overlapping residences, children born when a parent was unusually young or old, events occurring in distant places within a short period, and long unexplained gaps.

A timeline does more than organize information. It can show you where the evidence does not fit together and help identify your next research question.

Remember, AI is a research assistant, not a genealogical source. Verify the timeline against the records you provided.