How to Use AI to Research Your Family History

Researching your family's past is a wonderful hobby, but it can quickly become a confusing mix of dates, names, and scribbled notes. An AI chatbot can be a surprisingly useful helper to keep you organised and turn your findings into something you can share.

It's important to know that AI can't access private records or archives. But it can do a brilliant job of making sense of the information you've already found.

Getting started: what can AI actually do?

Think of an AI as a patient assistant. It's good at tidying up, summarising, and suggesting what to do next. For example, if you have a pile of notes, you can ask it to create a simple timeline or a family tree outline. We've found it works best when you pair it with proper genealogy databases like Findmypast, where you do the archive searching and let the AI help you make sense of what you find.

It's also very good at helping you write. It can take a dry list of facts and draft a warm, readable story that's lovely for sharing with relatives.

Begin with what you already know

The best way to start is to give the AI a few simple facts. You don't need much. Just write down the basics you're sure about.

For example: "My grandfather was John Smith, born around 1920 in Leeds. He married Mary Jones and he worked on the railways." From that simple start, the AI can help you build.

Helpful questions to copy and paste

• "Turn these notes into a simple timeline: [paste your notes here]."
• "Write a short, warm story for my family based only on these facts: [paste facts here]."
• "Based on this person's details, what UK records should I look for next?: [details]."
• "Help me write a list of gentle questions to ask my older relatives about their memories."
• "Can you explain what a census record tells me, in plain English?"

Turning facts into family stories

AI can feel a bit like magic here. Give it a few facts and ask it to write a short paragraph. You can then edit what it writes, adding your own voice and memories. This makes it easy to create something you can share with family, without staring at a blank page. It's one of the most satisfying practical uses for AI we've come across.

A few important reminders

Your family history needs to be accurate and respectful. Here are a few things to keep in mind.

• Don't let the AI invent things. When you ask it to write a story, be clear that it must only use the facts you've provided.
• Check your work. Always double-check dates, spellings, and places. The AI will only know what you tell it, so if you make a mistake, it will repeat it.
• Respect people's privacy. Be thoughtful when writing about living relatives. It's always best to ask permission before sharing their stories. For more on what to share and what to keep private when using AI, see our guide to staying safe with AI.

Helpful links for beginners

These pages will help you get comfortable using AI.

• What is AI?
• How to use ChatGPT
• Try AI now
• Practical uses for AI
• Glossary of simple AI terms
• Common fears about AI
• Learn more with simple guides
• Back to the blog
• Staying safe with AI

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