Are you juggling multiple genealogy projects, managing society events, or balancing historical research with public engagement? AI can be your project management assistant! But where do you start?
Rather than asking, "What can I do with ChatGPT?" ask, "Where are repetitive tasks consuming my time, and how can AI help?" Here’s a streamlined approach to integrating AI into your genealogy work.
1. Audit Your Workflow
Track your tasks for a week to identify time-consuming, repetitive processes. Document:
What: List your daily genealogy tasks (e.g., research, writing, member management).
Time: Note how long each task takes.
Energy: Rate tasks from 1 (draining) to 4 (energizing).
Value: Assign a dollar value to each task.
For societies, this audit can help streamline volunteer roles. AI can draft meeting minutes, freeing volunteers for more engaging contributions.
2. Identify Tasks for AI Assistance
Prioritize tasks that:
Are repetitive (weekly/monthly)
Consume significant time
Drain your energy
Examples: drafting emails, formatting newsletters, creating social media posts, transcribing documents or generating presentation slides.
3. Break Down Your Workflows
Identify AI-friendly steps in key processes:
Society Newsletter: Content gathering, writing, formatting, proofreading
Client Projects: Research planning, record collection, report writing
Social Media: Content creation, scheduling, engagement tracking
4. Choose the Right AI Tools
Content Creation: ChatGPT, Claude for newsletters, social media, reports
Document Processing: Transkribus for transcription
Project Planning: AI-assisted research plans and event schedules
Communication: AI-generated email templates
Presentation Materials: AI-assisted slide creation
5. Document AI-Enhanced Workflows
Once AI tools are integrated:
Record screencasts of AI-assisted processes
Create a knowledge base for team or society members
Train others on streamlined workflows
Real-World AI Applications
For Client Genealogists:
Draft client reports, research plans, and email templates
Automate invoices and project timelines
For Genealogical Societies:
Generate newsletter content and social media campaigns
Draft grant proposals and instructional materials
For Content Creators & Educators:
Outline blog posts, educational articles, and lesson plans
Format slides and develop handout for presentations
AI won’t replace genealogists’ expertise, family historians or society volunteers but can eliminate tedious tasks, giving you more time for research, client interactions, and community engagement. Societies can leverage AI to optimize volunteer resources, improve member services, and enhance educational outreach.
Periodically reassess AI’s role in your workflow—new tools are constantly emerging. What genealogy task will you automate first? You'll find AI will help you get some extra time to research or breathe.
Note: Always verify AI-generated content to maintain professional standards. AI is a tool to boost efficiency, not a substitute for expert analysis.
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