About
Genealogy With AI is a dedicated educational resource for family history enthusiasts looking to leverage artificial intelligence in their genealogical research. Founded and written by Larry Rigby, the site publishes in-depth guides, tool reviews, and curated lists — such as the popular 'Top 10 Free AI Tools Every Genealogist Should Be Using' — that make cutting-edge technology accessible to researchers of all skill levels. The platform bridges the gap between modern AI capabilities and the traditional craft of genealogy. Topics covered include using AI to decipher old handwriting and historical documents, translating foreign-language records, organizing and searching large family datasets, generating narrative family histories from raw data, and overcoming common research roadblocks. Content is distributed both through the main website and via a Substack newsletter, ensuring followers stay current with the rapidly evolving AI toolscape. Whether you're a beginner building your first family tree or an experienced genealogist trying to crack a stubborn brick wall, Genealogy With AI provides actionable, jargon-free guidance on integrating AI into your workflow. The resource is free to access, making it especially valuable for hobbyist researchers and those on a budget who want to take advantage of the latest AI advancements without overspending.
Key Features
- Curated AI Tool Lists: Regularly updated lists of the best free and paid AI tools specifically vetted for genealogy research use cases.
- Practical How-To Guides: Step-by-step tutorials showing genealogists exactly how to apply AI tools to real research challenges.
- Handwriting & Document Translation Tips: Dedicated coverage of AI tools that help decipher old handwriting, historical scripts, and foreign-language records.
- Substack Newsletter: Subscribers receive regular updates and new content directly via email through the integrated Substack publication.
- Brick Wall Strategies: Focused advice on using AI to break through common genealogical research dead ends and missing record gaps.
Use Cases
- A beginner genealogist learns which free AI tools to start with for building a family tree from scratch.
- An experienced researcher discovers AI-powered handwriting recognition tools to transcribe old parish records and census documents.
- A family historian uses the site's guides to translate foreign-language vital records using AI translation tools.
- A genealogist stuck on a brick wall reads strategy articles on how to apply AI search and pattern-recognition tools to find missing ancestors.
- A hobbyist researcher stays current with the latest AI developments in genealogy via the Substack newsletter.
Pros
- Completely Free to Access: All articles, guides, and tool recommendations are freely available with no paywall or subscription required.
- Niche & Focused: Uniquely dedicated to the intersection of AI and genealogy, offering highly relevant content not found on general AI blogs.
- Beginner-Friendly: Written in plain language, making AI tools approachable for genealogists who aren't tech-savvy.
Cons
- Blog Format — Not a Tool Itself: Genealogy With AI is an editorial resource, not a standalone AI-powered genealogy application, so users must still seek out and learn the recommended tools separately.
- Content Volume Still Growing: As a niche independent blog, the library of articles is smaller compared to larger genealogy or AI platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Genealogy With AI?
Genealogy With AI is a blog and educational resource by Larry Rigby that helps family history researchers discover and effectively use AI tools for genealogy tasks like document translation, handwriting recognition, and family tree building.
Is the content on Genealogy With AI free?
Yes, all content on the website is free to read. There is also a Substack newsletter you can subscribe to for regular updates.
What kinds of AI tools are covered on the site?
The site covers a wide range of free and paid AI tools useful for genealogy, including those for handwriting recognition, document translation, natural language search, family narrative generation, and research organization.
Who is the target audience for Genealogy With AI?
The site is aimed at genealogy enthusiasts of all experience levels — from beginners just starting their family tree to experienced researchers looking to modernize their workflow with AI.
How often is new content published?
Content is published on a rolling basis. Subscribers to the Substack newsletter receive notifications whenever new guides or tool reviews are released.
