| TIP OF THE WEEK — ASK AI, ‘WHAT RECORDS OR REPOSITORIES HAVEN’T I SEARCHED?‘ By Susan Aumaier When research stalls, it’s easy to keep searching the same familiar records. AI can help identify possibilities you may have overlooked.Instead of asking:“Where else should I look for John Smith?”Try:“I’m trying to identify the parents of John Smith, born about 1820 in Boone County, Kentucky, and living in Washington Territory by 1860. I’ve searched census, marriage, and probate records, and Find a Grave. What other record types, jurisdictions, repositories, or research approaches should I investigate? Explain how each could help answer my question. Before recommending a record or repository, verify that the record was created for the relevant time and place, that it survives, and where it is held.”Include your specific research question, what you already know, and the records and repositories you have already searched. Don’t forget unsuccessful searches. This helps AI suggest different approaches instead of sending you back to sources you’ve already tried.Then you must evaluate AI’s suggestions. Verify its claims about the records and repositories yourself, and prioritize the most promising possibilities.Remember, AI is a research assistant, not a genealogical source. Its suggestions are possibilities to investigate, not evidence. Verify record availability and examine the records yourself.Learn more about using AI to research your family by attending the Second Saturday presentation at 1 p.m., Oct. 10. For more information about the event see the story above. Join SGS Today* to renew your membership: log in on the Members Home page. DONATE TO SGSYour donations represent a significant part of the SGS budget. Your continued generosity helps us increase our financial security and expand our services for everyone. We make it easy for you to contribute appreciated stock from your portfolio. We have a brokerage account established and ready to receive your donation from any firm. For details, write treasurer@seagensoc.org. For questions about our needs and our vision, write president@seagensoc.org. | |
| October 1, 2026 SGS eNews! comes out the first of every month. contact eNews! forward this email to a friend | |