Genealogical proof and negative evidence

This episode features listener takeaways from the recent RootsTech 2026 conference. Diana discusses the overall positive impressions of the event, noting the high quality of the presentations and the unanimous message about disclosing the use of AI and double-checking its work. Nicole and Diana review several classes on AI, including transforming family history into song, understanding AI's role in archival stewardship, and mastering the basics of AI for genealogy. They share lessons on using AI to abstract information from records, create citations, and analyze research logs to identify gaps. Diana also discusses her class on using AI to clarify complex court records by translating obsolete terms and organizing chronological data.

The hosts share insights on specialized research areas, methodology, and records. Diana highlights classes on DNA, including using shared-match grids to analyze and group DNA matches and a methodology to defeat the "Genealogy Gremlin" by evaluating match pedigrees and mitigating confirmation bias. They share a listener's review of Michael Lacopo's session on how to successfully approach non-responsive cousins to encourage them to share their DNA. The hosts discuss classes on research methodology, such as resolving same-name issues by building identity profiles and constructing timelines, and using genealogical analysis to solve conflicting birth dates. Diana notes that a class on probate files reveals that these records contain many rich documents beyond the will, offering clues about an ancestor's associates and lifestyle. They also share Sue Taylor's review a class on Italian records that explains the Latin grammatical forms—nominative, genitive, and accusative—found in civil and parish records. Listeners learn how to access recordings and handouts from RootsTech to apply new AI tools to their research, master advanced DNA analysis techniques, and apply genealogical proof standards to complex records and challenging research questions.

This summary was generated by Google Gemini.

Links to RootsTech Classes

RootsTech Classes in the On-Demand Library - https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/library

Even if there's no recording, you can always review the handout!

AI and Genealogy

● Musical Memories - Transforming Family History into Song with AI (recorded) by Brandon Camp of Storied - https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/session/musical-memories-transforming-family-history-into-song-with-ai

● Preserving the Past with Emerging Tech: AI's Role in Archival Stewardship (recorded) by Bret Weekes, John Morrey, John Alexander, Jimmy Zimmerman - https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/session/preserving-the-past-with-emerging-tech-ais-role-in-archival-stewardship

● Your AI Toolkit: Essential Tools for Family History Success (recorded) by Laryn Brown - https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/session/your-ai-toolkit-essential-tools-for-family-history-success

● AI & Family History: Foundations & First Steps: Mastering AI Basics for Genealogy (recorded) by Steve Little - https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/session/ai-family-history-foundations-first-steps-mastering-ai-basics-for-genealogy

● FamilySearch for Latinos: Using AI to Grow Your Tree (recorded) by Ada Luque Nelson - https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/session/familysearch-for-latinos-using-ai-to-grow-your-tree

● FamilySearch Full-Text Search – Your Golden Path to Ancestral Discovery (recorded) by David Ouimette - https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/session/familysearch-full-text-search-your-golden-path-to-ancestral-discovery

● AI-Powered Research Logs: From Chaos to Clarity in Your Genealogy Data (recorded - not online yet) by Diana Elder - https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/session/ai-powered-research-logs-from-chaos-to-clarity-in-your-genealogy-data

● From Complex to Clear: Transform Court Records with AI Tools [in-person only] by Diana Elder - https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/session/from-complex-to-clear-transform-court-records-with-ai-tools

● The Future of AI in Genealogy (recorded) by David Ouimette, Steve Little, Diana Elder, Mark Thompson, Dave Vance - https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/session/the-future-of-ai-in-genealogy

● DNA Evidence Analysis with AI (recorded) by Nicole Dyer - https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/session/dna-evidence-analysis-with-ai

DNA

● Using Shared-Match Grids and Matrices In Your Family History Research [in-person only] by Jonny Perl - https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/session/using-shared-match-grids-and-matrices-in-your-family-history-research

● DNA Swim School: 1-3. Diahan Southard. Shared matches. (recorded) by Diahan Southard - https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/session/dna-swim-school-part-1-floating-with-one-dna-match

● Using Autosomal DNA Analysis to Identify an Ancestor's Likely Parents (recorded) by Alice Childs - https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/session/using-autosomal-dna-analysis-to-identify-an-ancestors-likely-parents

● DNA Analysis Methodology: Defeat the Genealogy Gremlin (recorded) by Karen Stanbary - https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/session/dna-analysis-methodology-defeat-the-genealogy-gremlin

● Hi, We're Related! Successful Communication With Your DNA Matches [in-person only] by Michael Lacopo - https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/session/hi-were-related-successful-communication-with-your-dna-matches

Methodology

● Genealogical Proof in Practice: Resolving Conflicts and Building Sound Conclusions [in-person only] by D. Joshua Taylor - https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/session/genealogical-proof-in-practice-resolving-conflicts-and-building-sound-conclusions

● The GPS in Practice: Examples of Reasonably Exhaustive Research (recorded) by Angela Packer McGhie - https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/session/the-gps-in-practice-examples-of-reasonably-exhaustive-research

● When Nothing Found Means Something: Negative Search Results vs. Negative Evidence (recorded) by Diana Elder - https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/session/when-nothing-found-means-something-negative-search-results-vs-negative-evidence

● Untangling the Darling Web: Advanced Strategies for Same Name Resolution (recorded) by Bonnie Wade Mucia - https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/session/untangling-the-darling-web-advanced-strategies-for-same-name-resolution

● Which Date Is Right? Solving Birthdate Conflicts Through Genealogical Analysis (recorded) by Carolynn Ladd - https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/session/which-date-is-right-solving-birthdate-conflicts-through-genealogical-analysis

Records and Sources

● Taxes & Tithes: Researching Enslaved Communities in Colonial Virginia [in-person only] by Orice Jenkins - https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/session/taxes-and-tithes-researching-enslaved-communities-in-colonial-virginia

● Double Dates and Lost Days: Making Sense of the Calendar Switch [in-person only] by Seema Kenney - https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/session/double-dates-and-lost-days-making-sense-of-the-calendar-switch

● Indentured Servitude: Michael Brophy. Where to search for information. [in-person only] by Michael Brophy - [URL is missing]

● Cards, Clevises, and Calomel: What Probate Files Can Reveal about Our Ancestors (recorded) by Nancy Peters - https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/session/cards-clevises-and-calomel-what-probate-files-can-reveal-about-our-ancestors

● Provenance & Proof: Advanced Strategies for Finding and Using Manuscripts In Your Research (recorded) by Kelly Richardson - https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/session/provenance-proof-advanced-strategies-for-finding-and-using-manuscripts-in-your-research

Geographic & Ethnic Research

● Civil and Parish Records in Italy: From the Council of Trent to the 20th Century. (recorded) by Daniel Taddone - https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/session/civil-and-parish-records-in-italy-from-the-council-of-trent-to-the-20th-century

● New Adventures in the Americas: Colonial research like never before [in-person only] by Kristilee J. Manuel - https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/session/new-adventures-in-the-americas-colonial-research-like-never-before

● Mastering the Four Prongs of Onsite Genealogy Research [in-person only] by Michael D. Lacopo - https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/session/mastering-the-four-prongs-of-onsite-genealogy-research

Sponsor – Newspapers.com

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Research Like a Pro Resources

Airtable Universe - Nicole's Airtable Templates - https://www.airtable.com/universe/creator/usrsBSDhwHyLNnP4O/nicole-dyer

Airtable Research Logs Quick Reference - by Nicole Dyer - https://familylocket.com/product-tag/airtable/

Research Like a Pro: A Genealogist's Guide book by Diana Elder with Nicole Dyer on Amazon.com - https://amzn.to/2x0ku3d

14-Day Research Like a Pro Challenge Workbook - digital - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-digital-only/ and spiral bound - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-spiral-bound/

Research Like a Pro Webinar Series - monthly case study webinars including documentary evidence and many with DNA evidence - https://familylocket.com/product-category/webinars/

Research Like a Pro eCourse - independent study course - https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-e-course/

RLP Study Group - upcoming group and email notification list - https://familylocket.com/services/research-like-a-pro-study-group/

Research Like a Pro Institute Courses - https://familylocket.com/product-category/institute-course/

Research Like a Pro with DNA Resources

Research Like a Pro with DNA: A Genealogist's Guide to Finding and Confirming Ancestors with DNA Evidence book by Diana Elder, Nicole Dyer, and Robin Wirthlin - https://amzn.to/3gn0hKx

Research Like a Pro with DNA eCourse - independent study course - https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-with-dna-ecourse/

RLP with DNA Study Group - upcoming group and email notification list - https://familylocket.com/services/research-like-a-pro-with-dna-study-group/

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