In this episode of "The Photo Detective," guests Steve Little and Mark Thompson return to discuss AI's integration in genealogy photo projects. They discuss historical breakthroughs in image analysis, such as the ability of AI to recognize visual jokes and extract text from images, such as tombstone inscriptions. They also cover the practical applications of AI in managing and tagging large photo collections, greatly reducing the time and effort required. The discussion emphasizes the importance of critical analysis in genealogy, noting that AI tools should complement but not replace traditional research methods. The episode highlights the evolving nature of AI technology, the ethical considerations in its use, and the potential future advancements that could further revolutionize genealogical photo analysis.

• Key Topics:
  • Historical development of AI in image recognition.
  • Practical uses of AI in photo tagging and collection management.
  • Detailed case studies of AI successfully identifying and analyzing elements in photos.
  • Ethical concerns and limitations of AI, especially in facial recognition.
  • Future prospects and potential improvements in AI photo analysis technology.
• Insights:
  • Discussion on AI's role in identifying visual jokes.
  • How AI has revolutionized the task of managing and tagging massive photo collections.
  • Ethical implications of advanced facial recognition technologies.
  • Importance of maintaining a skeptical and analytical approach to AI-generated data in genealogy.
• Conclusion: Emphasis on AI as a tool in genealogy that requires cautious integration and continual evaluation.

Related Episodes:

Episode 207: An Underutilized Source: The Newberry Library

Episode 221: Permanent Digital Storage Solutions with Tammy Kirby of Forever.com

Links:

• Sign up for my newsletter.
• Watch my YouTube Channel.
• Like the Photo Detective Facebook Page so you get notified of my Facebook Live videos.
• Need help organizing your photos? Check out the Essential Photo Organizing Video Course.
• Need help identifying family photos? Check out the Identifying Family Photographs Online Course.
• Have a photo you need help identifying? Sign up for photo consultation.

About My Guest:

Stephen J. Little, is the AI Program Director for the National Genealogical Society and has lifelong passions for language, technology, and genealogy. His passion lies in AI & genetic genealogy, with a keen interest in endogamy, pedigree collapse, and the art of deciphering multiple relationships through DNA segment triangulation, and an insatiable cu

I'm thrilled to be offering something new. Photo investigations. These collaborative one-on-one sessions. Look at your family photos then you and I meet to discuss your mystery images. And find out how each clue and hint might contribute to your family history. Find out more by going to maureentaylor.com and clicking on family photo investigations.

Support the Show.

In this episode of the Photo Detective Podcast, Maureen was joined by Mark Thompson, a professional genealogist and IT expert, and Steve Little, AI Program Director at the National Genealogical Society.

• Main Discussion Points:
  • Comparisons of AI's current impact to the dot-com era.
  • The role of small companies and startups in driving AI innovations.
  • Potential applications of AI in genealogy and historical research.
• Ethical Considerations:
  • Discussion on privacy issues related to AI.
  • Ethical use of AI in processing sensitive genealogical data.
• Future of AI in Genealogy:
  • Predictions on AI's evolving role in research and data analysis.
  • Integration of AI tools into mainstream applications like Microsoft products.

Related Episodes:

Bonus Episode: ChatGPT and Image Generators: What You Need to Know

Episode 205: Numbers to Names: A Holocaust Database

Links:

• Sign up for my newsletter.
• Watch my YouTube Channel.
• Like the Photo Detective Facebook Page so you get notified of my Facebook Live videos.
• Need help organizing your photos? Check out the Essential Photo Organizing Video Course.
• Need help identifying family photos? Check out the Identifying Family Photographs Online Course.
• Have a photo you need help identifying? Sign up for photo consultation.

About My Guests:

Stephen J. Little, is the AI Program Director for the National Genealogical Society and has lifelong passions for language, technology, and genealogy. His passion lies in AI & genetic genealogy, with a keen interest in endogamy, pedigree collapse, and the art of deciphering multiple relationships through DNA segment triangulation, and an insatiable curiosity to explore beneficial uses and current limits of artificial intelligence in genealogy.

Mark Thompson is a professional genealogist and educator who specializes in genetic genealogy and researching personal family archives. Prior to becoming a genealogist, Mark worked in leadership roles in information technology. Mark’s combined background in technology and genealogy uniquely positions him to introduce genealogists to the rapidly changing field of artificial intelligence and how it can help them in their genealogy research.

About Maureen Taylor:

Maureen Taylor, The Photo DetectiveÒhelps clients with photo-related genealogical problems. Her pioneering work in historic photo research has earned her the title “the nation’s foremost historical photo detective” by The Wall Street Journal and appearances on The View, The Today Show, Pawn Stars, and others. Learn more at

I'm thrilled to be offering something new. Photo investigations. These collaborative one-on-one sessions. Look at your family photos then you and I meet to discuss your mystery images. And find out how each clue and hint might contribute to your family history. Find out more by going to maureentaylor.com and clicking on family photo investigations.

Support the Show.

In today's solo episode, Maureen Taylor, the Photo Detective, delves into the essential practice of interviewing relatives for family history research. Following the feedback from newsletter subscribers and podcast listeners, this episode focuses on the collective wisdom and personal insights shared on this topic. We will explore the nuances of conducting effective interviews, the importance of capturing oral histories, and how these personal accounts enrich our understanding of family lineage and heritage.

• Introduction to the importance of interviewing relatives for family history research.
• Summary of listener and subscriber advice on conducting interviews.
• Tips for preparing for an interview, including researching and creating a conducive environment.
• Discussion of the best practices for recording interviews and preserving oral histories.
• Insights on starting with elder relatives and verifying family information.
• Techniques for encouraging relatives to share stories and memories.
• Overview of resources for developing effective interview questions, such as AmericanAncestors.org.
• Personal anecdotes and advice from other listeners on the value of capturing family stories.
• Preview of the next episode focusing on advice for one’s younger self in family history research.

Related Episodes:

Episode 228: Joseph Quaderer: Democratizing Biographies with StorySavor.com

Episode 77: Interviewing Relatives: A Conversation with Personal Biographer Francie King

Links:

• Conducting a Family History Interview from AmericanAncestors.org
• 100 Questions to Ask Your Mother from Today.com
• Sign up for my newsletter.
• Watch my YouTube Channel.
• Like the Photo Detective Facebook Page so you get notified of my Facebook Live videos.
• Need help organizing your photos? Check out the Essential Photo Organizing Video Course.
• Need help identifying family photos? Check out the Identifying Family Photographs Online Course.
• Have a photo you need help identifying? Sign up for photo consultation.

About Maureen Taylor:

Maureen Taylor, The Photo DetectiveTM helps clients with photo-related genealogical problems. Her pioneering work in historic photo research has earned her the title “the nation’s foremost historical photo detective” by The Wall Street Journal and appearances on The View, The Today Show, Pawn Stars, and others. Learn more at Maureentaylor.com

Did you enjoy this episode? Ple

I'm thrilled to be offering something new. Photo investigations. These collaborative one-on-one sessions. Look at your family photos then you and I meet to discuss your mystery images. And find out how each clue and hint might contribute to your family history. Find out more by going to maureentaylor.com and clicking on family photo investigations.

Support the Show.