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Genealogy Presentations & Workshops
Leveraging my information technology consulting experience I present on several genealogy related topics (listed below). I am also willing to create new and custom lectures.
Presentations are generally designed for attendees with beginning to intermediate genealogy and/or technology skills, but can be tailored for a specific target audience. The duration of most sessions is targeted for 60-90 minutes allowing time for the lecture and Q&A. Special interactive in-person workshops may be scheduled for longer durations if desired. All of my programs are accompanied by robust handouts.
I am available for in-person programs in the greater Chicagoland area and available for remote webinars (e.g., Zoom) anywhere.
Please Contact me if you are interested in having me present to your organization.
AI & Genealogy (Presentation)
Evolving Role of Artificial Intelligence in Genealogy
AI (Artificial Intelligence) became a trendy buzzword that caught the attention of many in late 2022, but AI has been used by genealogy companies for years. The important and ongoing rapid change is the rollout of numerous useful AI tools for genealogists to directly use to enhance their research experience and improve results. This presentation will provide an overview of the latest genealogy specific AI offerings, as well as general AI tools that can be leveraged for genealogy. Also discussed will be practical usage considerations and current limitations along with the expected evolution of capabilities in the near future.
Updated Version 4: Given the nature of advancements in AI this lecture is continually updated.
AI & Genealogy (Workshop)
Exploring Ways to Use Artificial Intelligence As Your Genealogy Assistant
A hands-on interactive workshop designed specifically for genealogists interested in harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI). This session will introduce practical ways AI tools can assist with tasks like transcribing and translating records, analyzing and organizing data, and generating research summaries. You'll leave with actionable ideas and a clearer understanding of how AI can become your genealogy assistant. The primary focus of the workshop will be interactions with leading AI chatbots (e.g., ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, etc.) to perform common genealogical tasks. A brief sampling of specialized AI tools (e.g., Transkribus, etc.) and AI tools provided by genealogy companies (e.g., FamilySearch, Ancestry, MyHeritage, etc.) will also be included.
Updated Version 2: Given the nature of advancements in AI this lecture is continually updated.
DNA Search for Unknown Chandler
Case Study: Determining Dorothea's Biological Father
Coming soon...
DNA Confirmations, Surprises & Mistakes
Mini Case Studies, Tips & Stories
Coming soon...
Date Complexities in Genealogy
Calendars, Calculations, Formats, & Uncertainties
Historical dates are often viewed as one of the most basic datapoints in genealogy, but there are frequently hidden complexities that are misunderstood or overlooked leading to inaccuracies. While we experience the modern calendar as a static, universal standard that governs our daily lives with absolute precision, the family historian must view time as a shifting landscape where "standard" dates are often a moving target. As genealogists pursue their research, records encountered may reference dates from a myriad of different religious, cultural, and government calendars as well as variances in date formats across regions and eras. While simple math seems logical to compare dates, it may fail to account for the "chronological potholes" created by historical calendar shifts, or the inconsistent start of the new year. We will discuss internet sources for a variety of historical calendars, essential date terminology, and technology tools that can be used to accurately master the chronological chaos and tricky temporal translation.
From Curiosity to an Enduring Genealogy Quest
Reflections from a Beginner’s Journey
After receiving a DNA test as a gift, Eric Vavra embarked on a grand genealogical journey that transformed him from curious beginner to committed family historian. In this candid presentation, he reflects on the achievements, challenges, and insights gained along the way, illustrated through real-world examples and personal experiences.
Attendees will discover where his research quest has led so far as he shares key lessons learned, common mistakes to avoid, and practical concepts that inform his current approach. You will also gain exposure to a wide range of record types, information sources, and tools, along with ways they can be integrated more effectively into your research workflow.
Researchers at all experience levels will find useful insights to consider, whether encountering these concepts for the first time or seeing them illustrated in new ways. The presentation will encourage you to reflect on your own research journey, compare experiences, and explore fresh ideas and approaches to incorporate into your evolving best practices.
Relationship Finder Tools
Find Connections Using Free Collaborative Family Trees
Whether you want to find famous relatives for fun, find if you are related to friends or focus on serious research, join our discussion on how you can determine relationships with others. We will focus on FREE tools related to FamilySearch, WikiTree and Geni. However, the information may be useful even if you are not a user of those sites.
Did you know there is a FamilySearch Partner tool from BYU that adds significant capabilities? How about that you may be able to use Geni to integrate with FamilyTreeDNA to find family tree information for more matches? Ever used WikiTree to view your relationships or see who may have taken a DNA test that might be useful to confirm ancestors?
Safeguard Your Family History
Considerations and Techniques for Backing Up Your Research for Now and the Future...
Genealogists invest significant time, money, and passionate effort into the pursuit of connecting with their family history. However, enough focus is frequently not given to protecting their physical and digital files, precious artifacts, and research conclusions. Unfortunately, this too often results in the potential destruction of materials forever or ineffective attempts to reconstruct years of lost work. We will review methods to identify and mitigate risks to preserve your findings and enable a genealogical legacy.
Why WikiTree?
Global Collaboration, Powerful Tools, Completely Free
Learn How WikiTree Enables You To:
Connect with Passionate Genealogists Worldwide
Discover, Preserve, and Share Your Family History
Leverage a Variety of Tools to Uncover and Explore New Insights
Benefit from Shared Knowledge and Resources to Enhance Your Research
Experience the Power of Free Genealogy
This introductory presentation will focus on the unique advantages of including WikiTree in your genealogy toolkit. Importantly the overview will include how to get started at your own pace and receive support to navigate the initial learning curve. Key areas of value you can utilize even if you do not become an active tree contributor will be discussed.
Presentation History
AI & Genealogy: The Evolving Role of Artificial Intelligence in Genealogy
Illinois State Genealogical Society (ISGS) Conference, October 2025 (Version 3)
Kane County Genealogical Society (KCGS), May 2025 (Version 2)
CAGGNI GeneaQuest Conference, September 2024 (Version 1)
AI & Genealogy Workshop: Exploring Ways to Use Artificial Intelligence As Your Genealogy Assistant
Illinois State Genealogical Society (ISGS) Conference, October 2025 (Version 1)
Date Complexities in Genealogy: Calendars, Calculations, Formats, & Uncertainties
CAGGNI Technology SIG, January 2026
Safeguard Your Family History: Considerations and Techniques for Backing Up Your Research for Now and the Future
CAGGNI, November 2024
Relationship Finder Tools: Find Connections Using Free Collaborative Family Trees (i.e., WikiTree, FamilySearch, Geni)
CAGGNI Internet SIG, February 2023
Genealogy Best Practices Spotlight: Downloading Source Records
Schaumburg Township District Library (STDL), March 2021
Eugene My AI Mascot
Note: Any images and infographics on this page created by Artificial Intelligence (AI) were based on specific and iteratively refined prompts that directly leveraged the title, description, and content of the related presentation. The Gemini watermarks in the lower right corner of the relevant images indicate Google Gemini 3 Nano Banana Pro was utilized.
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