As I prepare for my October 4th, 2025, presentation at the Shepard of the Valley (Minnesota) Genealogy Society, I’m excited to share the conductor-and-braid metaphor—humans and AI working in harmony to uncover your past. With over 50 years in software engineering and 30+ years in genealogy, I’ve crafted a set of free resources to help beginners and experts researchers alike.
“Genealogists hit brick walls. Records fade, languages confuse, stories get lost. AI can help—but only if guided well. These free resources are designed to put you in the conductor’s seat as you braid human insight with AI speed.”
These handouts, born from my ethics-driven approach, are now available for you to download and explore.
What’s Inside These Free Resources
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AI Braid (x.AI- Grok) - Checklist: 10 AI Tools for Novice Genealogical & Historical Researchers:Discover beginner-friendly tools like Transkribus for handwriting and MyHeritage AI Record Finder for record searches, updated for 2025. Perfect for transcribing faded letters or spotting family connections.
- Using AI in Research: Always Verify Your Sources: Learn why verification is key, with practical tips to spot AI “hallucinations” and cross-check with original records like those on FamilySearch.
- Understanding AI Hallucination in Your Research: Decode this common AI pitfall with examples (e.g., invented birth dates) and strategies to stay on the truth trail.
- Checklist: Finding Your Compatible AI Working Partner: Pick the right AI tool with a simple checklist, from interface ease to privacy—think of it like choosing a reliable bridge partner.
- Generic Checklist Based on the ‘Braid’ Process: Follow a step-by-step guide to merge human insight with AI power, ensuring cohesive research outcomes.
- Generic Quick Reference Guide: A guide to keep ‘nearby’ as a reminder of the essentials.
These PDFs are designed to augment your work, not replace your wisdom—think of them as aids in your role as conductor, guiding an AI orchestra!
Note: These are view-only links. Updated September 2025—check back at many-roads.com for the latest!
Let’s Connect
Have you uncovered an “aha” moment using these tools? If you have, please email/contact me with your story. I’m committed to ethical AI use and your feedback shapes this journey and my materials.
Header Image: Conductor leading an AI-orchestra braid and the Braid Research image (courtesy of my presentation visuals and x.AI- Grok)
