Genealogy news

• Is this an Hallucination? Evaluating New AI Genealogy Tools – Premium Episode 226

  24-07-2026 17:24 via lisalouisecooke.com
  
  
  Overwhelmed by the onslaught of new AI tools for genealogy? In this episode, we’ll explore this growing category of tools and how to evaluate whether they’re worth your time and money. I’ll also share how to determine whether a FamilySearch AI Assistant suggestion is fact or fiction. Listen to Premium Podcast Episode 226   Show […]
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• Evaluating New AI Genealogy Tools – Premium Episode 226

  24-07-2026 17:24 via lisalouisecooke.com
  
  
  Overwhelmed by the onslaught of new AI tools for genealogy? In this episode, we’ll explore this growing category of tools and how to evaluate whether they’re worth your time and money. I’ll also share how to determine whether a FamilySearch AI Assistant suggestion is fact or fiction. Listen to Premium Podcast Episode 226   Show […]
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• 50th Anniversary of Roots with Chris Haley – Podcast Episode 309

  08-07-2026 17:13 via lisalouisecooke.com
  
  (AUDIO PODCAST) Alex Haley’s book Roots: The Saga of an American Family was published on August 17, 1976. In this episode of the Genealogy Gems Podcast, host Lisa Louise Cooke welcomes historian (and nephew of Alex Haley) Chris Haley to discuss the remarkable impact of Haley’s seminal work, “Roots,” nearly 50 years after its release. […]
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• Researching Your Father’s Story – Episode 308

  16-06-2026 22:20 via lisalouisecooke.com
  
  (AUDIO PODCAST) When building your family tree it’s easy to skip over your own parents in the excitement to go back generations. Just in time for Father’s Day we are exploring practical strategies for uncovering and preserving your dad’s life story. Learn how to get around privacy restrictions barriers on records, build a timeline, conduct […]
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• 26-Year Mystery of a Skeleton in a Tent Ends With DNA Identification

  12-06-2026 22:02 via nytimes.com
  Remains of the man, Joseph Louis Serrao, Jr., discovered in a remote area in Olympic National Park in 2000, were identified using forensic genealogy.
  
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• A Sister Hidden in the DNA, New Records & AI Tools – Premium Episode 225

  07-06-2026 20:08 via lisalouisecooke.com
  
  
  In this episode, we begin with an extraordinary DNA discovery story that proves family history can still deliver life-changing surprises. Then to help you make more discoveries, we explore newly released record collections from MyHeritage and Ancestry, highlight a free upcoming genealogy webinar from the Library of Congress, and share news about two major genealogy […]
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• The Genealogist’s Guide to Military Research

  23-05-2026 19:29 via lisalouisecooke.com
  (AUDIO PODCAST) Here is your guided tour through some of the richest U.S. military records for genealogists, family historians and military researchers. Professional forensic genealogist and Military Minutes contributor Michael Strauss joins me once again to unpack draft registration records, compiled military service records, enlistment types, and the different branches of the military (Army, Navy, […]
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• Inside the Secret History of the DeGrange Family

  15-05-2026 22:06 via nytimes.com
  One fateful decision 100 years ago created parallel lives. How does a family broken by the bizarre rules of racism heal itself after three generations apart?
  
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• A Shocking Family Secret and 3 Powerful Newspaper Search Tips – Premium Episode 224

  29-04-2026 11:26 via lisalouisecooke.com
  
  
  I used the British Newspaper Archive to make a shocking discovery in my husband’s family history was made with the help of these three powerful strategies. Read on to learn how to find more information on your ancestors in online historical newspapers.  Listen to Premium Podcast Episode 224   Show Notes Download the show notes […]
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• Trump and King Charles Could Be Very Distant Cousins

  28-04-2026 20:36 via nytimes.com
  Mr. Trump expressed delight on social media on Tuesday after a British newspaper report said he was a 15th cousin of the British monarch.
  
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• A Lost Tribe in India Makes Its Exodus to Israel

  23-04-2026 06:00 via nytimes.com
  The B’nei Menashe believe they are the children of Manasseh, a king of Judah exiled about 2,800 years ago. Evidence is thin, but Israel is welcoming them ‘home.’
  
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• Avoid Genealogy Regrets with These 10 Smart Strategies (Video & Podcast)

  22-04-2026 20:28 via lisalouisecooke.com
  Do you want to avoid the biggest genealogy mistakes before they turn into major regrets? In this video, I’m sharing 10 smart habits that will save you time, protect your research, and help you build a stronger family tree for the long haul. If you’re a genealogy beginner, these tips will save you headache and […]
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• The Latest Genealogy News – Premium Episode 223

  06-04-2026 21:46 via lisalouisecooke.com
  
  
  (PREMIUM AUDIO PODCAST)  Show Notes: This is a fast-moving genealogy news roundup that covers major updates from Tree Crossing, MyHeritage, FamilySearch, Ancestry, GenealogyBank, and newspaper archives, along with a new Irish history podcast and a practical mailbox question about translating and annotating records. It highlights new AI and search tools, fresh record collections, and research-friendly newspaper […]
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• How Immigration Policies Like Birthright Citizenship Shaped the Supreme Court Justices’ Histories

  31-03-2026 11:01 via nytimes.com
  
  As the justices prepare to hear a landmark case about birthright citizenship, their family stories are a reminder that the law has shaped who can be an American.
  
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• The Supreme Court’s Personal Connections to Immigration

  31-03-2026 11:00 via nytimes.com
  
  As the court prepares to hear oral arguments in a landmark case on birthright citizenship, our Supreme Court correspondent, Abbie VanSickle, traced the justices’ ancestries. She found family histories that spanned the American experience, including one case of birthright citizenship.
  
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• 2 Top Factors in Genealogy Research (Video & Podcast)

  24-03-2026 03:14 via lisalouisecooke.com
  
  In this episode you’ll discover two of the most important factors in identifying a unique individual in your research and discuss the tools and strategies to use them to your best advantage. Listen to the Podcast Watch the Video Coming soon! SHOW NOTES Download the show notes (Premium Membership required) The challenge of differentiating ancestors […]
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• Try it with me! MyHeritage Scribe AI tool analyzes your genealogy documents

  13-03-2026 15:08 via lisalouisecooke.com
  Come explore the capabilities of MyHeritage’s Scribe AI with me. We’ll use it to analyze and transcribe genealogical notes, generate research suggestions and strategies to add to our genealogy research plan and more. Wait until you see what it can do with cursive handwritten notes! Watch the Video MyHeritage has just launched Scribe AI, a […]
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• Try it with me! MyHeritage AI Scribe tool analyzes your genealogy documents

  13-03-2026 15:08 via lisalouisecooke.com
  Come explore the capabilities of MyHeritage’s Scribe AI with me. We’ll use it to analyze and transcribe genealogical notes, generate research suggestions and strategies to add to our genealogy research plan and more. Wait until you see what it can do with cursive handwritten notes! Watch the Video MyHeritage has just launched Scribe AI, a […]
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• Should I Tell My Estranged Brother About His Biological Father?

  11-03-2026 17:00 via nytimes.com
  I’m less troubled by my mother’s affair than by her decision to join a genealogy website where this could so easily surface.
  
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• Reverse Genealogy Finding Recent Living People – Premium Episode 222

  02-03-2026 21:32 via lisalouisecooke.com
  
  
  (PREMIUM AUDIO PODCAST)  Show Notes: In this episode Lisa explores the challenges of researching people from the 20th century who have little to no digital footprint. She shares a case study that highlights the importance of reverse genealogy and the power of newspapers in uncovering family histories. By focusing on the descendants of individuals with limited […]
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• Genetic Genealogy – the Nancy Guthrie case (episode 304)

  19-02-2026 18:08 via lisalouisecooke.com
  (Video and Audio Podcast) Could Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG), Parabon Snapshot phenotyping, and FamilyTreeDNA family trees finally identify Nancy Guthrie’s kidnapper? In this video (and Genealogy Gems Podcast audio episode 304) Lisa Louise Cooke shares the shocking backstory of the abduction of Savannah Guthrie’s 84-year-old mother who vanished from her Tucson AZ home on […]
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• Genetic Genealogy – the Nancy Guthrie case

  19-02-2026 18:08 via lisalouisecooke.com
  Could Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG), Parabon Snapshot phenotyping, and FamilyTreeDNA family trees finally identify Nancy Guthrie’s kidnapper? Lisa Louise Cooke shares the shocking backstory of the abduction of Savannah Guthrie’s 84-year-old mother who vanished from her Tucson AZ home on Jan 31, 2026. Chilling doorbell footage showing a masked suspect surfaced. Ransom notes demanding […]
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• Create a Genealogy Research Plan – Premium Podcast Episode 221

  29-01-2026 23:08 via lisalouisecooke.com
  
  
  (PREMIUM AUDIO PODCAST)  This is the audio version of the entire course Create a Genealogy Research Plan.  Listen to the Podcast The Premium Podcast can also be streamed on your phone. Show Notes There are no show notes for this episode. You can download the course lessons.
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• Top 7 Genealogy Mistakes That Keep You Stuck (and how to finally solve them!)

  26-01-2026 22:06 via lisalouisecooke.com
  (Podcast & Video) Does this sound familiar? You sit down for a genealogy research session, full of excitement, ready to make some big discoveries. Then hours later, you’re still staring at the same screen, frustrated, with that nagging brick wall still standing tall. You’re definitely not alone. Let’s explore the seven of the most common […]
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• NEW COURSE: Genealogy Research Plan

  19-01-2026 19:37 via lisalouisecooke.com
  Does this sound familiar? You sit down to research, bounce between genealogy websites, and get lost in hints only to end up no closer to an answer than when you started? It’s time to stop aimlessly searching for your ancestors and start busting brick walls. This 5‑day course shows you exactly how to turn that […]
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• Genealogy Research Plan Q&A Forum

  13-01-2026 03:25 via lisalouisecooke.com
  This is your space to connect, collaborate, and grow as a researcher! Use this forum to ask questions, share your research plan progress, and exchange ideas about creating effective genealogy research strategies. Here are a few ways to participate: Post questions about developing or refining your research plan. Share examples from your own research (be […]
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• Create a Genealogy Research Plan Discussion

  13-01-2026 03:25 via lisalouisecooke.com
  Welcome to the Discussion Forum This is your space to connect, collaborate, and grow as a researcher! Use this forum to ask questions, share your research plan progress, and exchange ideas about creating effective genealogy research strategies. Here are a few ways to participate: Post questions about developing or refining your research plan. Share examples […]
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• Should I Scrub the Evidence That Our Dad Had a Family Before Ours?

  10-01-2026 12:00 via nytimes.com
  I’m sure it would kill my younger sister if I told her what I found.
  
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• Treecrossing, FamilySearch app, OldNews.com by MyHeritage, Google Lens

  16-12-2025 18:53 via lisalouisecooke.com
  (Audio Podcast) In episode #302 of the Genealogy Gems podcast, host Lisa Louise Cooke discusses innovative tools and resources for genealogists, including Tree Crossing, a new platform designed to help users share their family trees in a more engaging way for non-genealogists. The episode features an interview with the creators of Tree Crossing, who explain […]
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• Beginners guide: How to use Tree Crossing

  15-12-2025 19:01 via lisalouisecooke.com
  In this video, the creators of Tree Crossing demonstrate the main features including the contextual features, data visualization, privacy controls, and collaborative sharing of family trees. You’ll learn how how these elements make genealogy more accessible and engaging for your family members who don’t do genealogy research. If you’re new to Tree Crossing, watch Tree Crossing […]
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• Tree Crossing – a New Way to Share Trees that Solves Problems

  08-12-2025 16:45 via lisalouisecooke.com
  Why would you or I use yet another family tree website like Tree Crossing? Because it’s solving problems! Solving Family Tree Problems with Tree Crossing In this video we explore the problems that still exist for genealogists when it comes to sharing family tree information with our family members. Creators Bob Meyers and David Pugmire […]
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• Cold Case Inquiries Stall After Ancestry.com Revisits Policy for Users

  07-12-2025 21:32 via nytimes.com
  The genealogy site’s clarification of its terms and conditions has barred those working on unsolved crimes from access to the company’s vast trove of records.
  
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• Cold Case Inquiries Hampered After Genealogy Site Revisits Terms of Use

  07-12-2025 09:00 via nytimes.com
  Ancestry’s clarification of a policy has barred those working on unsolved crimes from access to the company’s vast trove of records.
  
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• Thomas King, Award-Winning Canadian Author, Says He Is Not Indigenous

  25-11-2025 08:57 via nytimes.com
  Thomas King said he felt “ripped in half” on learning he had no Indigenous ancestry. The Canadian author has dedicated his career to writing about Indigenous people.
  
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• Google Search Methodology Update – Premium Podcast Episode 220

  24-11-2025 22:32 via lisalouisecooke.com
  
  
  (PREMIUM AUDIO PODCAST)  Show Notes: We last covered my Google Search Methodology for Genealogists in Genealogy Gems Premium podcast episode #181 in 2020. A lot has happened since then, and it’s time for an update.  If you think you know how to Google, think again! ln this episode you will hear the latest search innovations, […]
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• Newspaper Research – Episode 301

  07-11-2025 18:17 via lisalouisecooke.com
  (Audio Podcast & Show Notes): In this episode of the Genealogy Gems Podcast, Lisa Louise Cooke interviews Elephind.com creator Stefan Boddie and Damien Bennett of Veridian Software (the engine behind Elephind). They discuss the relaunch of the free newspaper search site and its new AI enhancements. Then Lisa compares the most popular AI chatbots and […]
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• Find Thousands of Newspaper Records with Elephind

  03-11-2025 21:01 via lisalouisecooke.com
  Join us as we explore the exciting relaunch of Elephind, a powerful search engine for historical newspapers. Discover how Elephind is revolutionizing access to genealogical treasures with its AI-driven smart search features. Featuring insights from Stefan Boddie, the Creator of Elephind, and Damian Bennett, manager at Veridian, this video delves into the challenges and solutions […]
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• Robo en el Louvre: base de datos de ADN conduce a detenciones

  03-11-2025 17:02 via nytimes.com
  El acervo de perfiles de ADN de Francia ha ayudado a resolver delitos de gran repercusión, como el atraco del Louvre, y sigue creciendo.
  
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• Arrests in Louvre Heist Show Power of DNA Databases in Solving Crimes

  03-11-2025 06:01 via nytimes.com
  France’s trove of DNA profiles has helped solve high-profile crimes and was used to find some of the Louvre suspects, and it is growing. The police can also access other countries’ databases.
  
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• Down Memory Lane – Episode 300

  21-10-2025 21:39 via lisalouisecooke.com
  (Audio Podcast & Show Notes): In this episode of the Genealogy Gems Podcast, Lisa Louise Cooke explores takes a trip down memory lane sharing highlights from the last 300 episodes, and some of her personal favorites. Listen to the Podcast Click below to listen now. Download the Show Notes Cheat Sheet Premium Members can download these […]
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• “Every Life Matters to Me” (Premium)

  09-10-2025 18:05 via lisalouisecooke.com
  
  
  (PREMIUM VIDEO REPLAY & PODCAST) Elevenses with Lisa is a LIVE show (& video replay) exclusively for Premium Members. Please join me for this thought-provoking show!  Long-time Premium Member, journalist, author and podcaster Natalie Zett is Lisa’s guest in our next livestream. Join them as they explore the profound impact genealogy has on each of […]
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• FamilySearch’s Full Text Search and AI Assistant – Episode 299

  29-09-2025 18:38 via lisalouisecooke.com
  (Audio Podcast) In this episode of the Genealogy Gems Podcast, Lisa Louise Cooke explores artificial intelligence tools at FamilySearch. First up is Full-Text search which facilitates researchers gaining access to millions of searchable historical records previously only accessible by browsing. Then a discussion of the AI Research Assistant in the Experimental Labs. Lisa takes it […]
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• Comparing & Choosing the RIGHT AI Chatbot for Transcription

  23-09-2025 23:53 via lisalouisecooke.com
  (Video) Use the chatbot BEST suited to transcribing documents, clippings and newspaper articles, all common tasks in genealogy. Lisa Louise Cooke compares 5 of the most popular all-purpose chatbots – ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Grok and Perplexity – reveals the clear winner. Don’t miss the BONUS TIP at the end! Watch the Video Comparing AI Transcription […]
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• Comparing AI Chatbots for Genealogy (Premium Audio Podcast Episode 218)

  17-09-2025 16:49 via lisalouisecooke.com
  Solving a Genealogical Cold Case (Premium Audio Podcast Episode 218) (PREMIUM AUDIO PODCAST) Are you struggling with deciding which AI chatbot to use to help you with your genealogy? They all claim to have amazing abilities, but which one is really right for you? In this Premium Podcast episode #218 we’ll ask the tough questions […]
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• Comparing AI Chatbots for Genealogy (Premium)

  10-09-2025 18:06 via lisalouisecooke.com
  
  
  (PREMIUM Video Replay & Audio Podcast)  Are you struggling with deciding which AI chatbot to use to help you with your genealogy? They all claim to have amazing abilities, but which one is really right for you? In this episode of Elevenses with Lisa we’ll ask the tough questions that matter most to genealogists to […]
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• I tried this NEW free AI image tool (with gobsmacking results!)

  05-09-2025 18:09 via lisalouisecooke.com
  (Video Show Notes) In this video I break down the 5 steps to prompting Nano Banana that help you recreate memories and help you tell your family history stories more effectively. Watch the Video on Nano Banana AI Image Generator Download the Show Notes Cheat Sheet. (Premium Membership required.) Google’s Gemini 2.5 Flash Image Google recently introduced a […]
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• FamilySearch AI Research Assistant Secrets REVEALED

  28-08-2025 16:13 via lisalouisecooke.com
  (Video Show Notes) Avoid the pain of easy mistakes and get the most out of the new FREE AI Research Assistant at FamilySearch. Here’s the new genealogy research tool featuring A.I. that can help you uncover exciting new genealogy records about your ancestors. Watch to the end for a surprising AI twist and my bonus […]
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• For South Asian Artists, Identity Doesn’t Fit in a Box

  22-08-2025 20:51 via nytimes.com
  These four artists are turning to centuries-old stories of migration to expand contemporary understandings of race, ethnicity and origin.
  
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• 9 Essential Strategies for Writing and Telling Great Family History Stories

  23-07-2025 20:24 via lisalouisecooke.com
  (Video & Show Notes) Do you want to write or tell more compelling family history stories? Author Sunny Morton (Story of My Life:A Workbook for Preserving Your Legacy) joins me to share 9 techniques you can use to tell a better story that will grab your reader’s or listener’s interest. Don’t just find the stories […]
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• 10 Key AI Terms & Improve Your Genealogy Prompts

  18-07-2025 23:04 via lisalouisecooke.com
  In this episode, we’re diving headfirst into the fascinating world of Artificial Intelligence — and how it can seriously boost your genealogy game. In Segment 1, we’re cutting through the jargon with 10 AI Vocabulary Terms You Need to Know. Whether you’re just getting curious about AI or already experimenting with it in your research, […]
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