Below are the topics available in 2026. All lectures can be presented virtually. In person programming may be available for organizations within the NYC metro area.
You can find a list of my upcoming presentations here.
You can contact me to discuss or book a presentation here.
General Notes
All lectures are 45 minutes long followed by a minimum 15-minute Q&A. Lectures can be pre-recorded or live. A minimum 3-page handout will accompany all lectures.
Unless otherwise noted, all technical lectures are system agnostic, i.e.: the audience will not need a specific computer program to understand the content. For example, the spreadsheet courses reference Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, and Mac Numbers.
AI & Genealogy
Basic AI for Genealogists
In this beginner-friendly course, you’ll discover how AI can revolutionize your genealogy research. Since its explosion into the field in 2024, AI has transformed how we uncover our family histories, but it can seem overwhelming if you’re just starting out. In this class, we’ll demystify AI by breaking down what it is—and isn’t—so you’ll understand how it works.
We’ll walk through using popular AI tools and learn how to create effective instructions (prompts). You’ll also see real-world examples of AI enhancing genealogy tasks, from transcribing historical documents to translating foreign records and organizing complex family trees. This course provides a look at the many ways AI can make research more accessible, efficient, and accurate. Get ready to unlock new avenues in your genealogical journey with AI!
Translating Foreign Languages with AI
Dive into the power of AI tools to unlock the rich histories hidden in foreign languages. In this session, you’ll discover how AI makes translation easier and more accurate—whether it’s instant language detection, deciphering old handwritten records, or uncovering cultural nuances in texts from around the world. From tracing distant roots to connecting with ancestral stories, learn how cutting-edge technology can help you reveal the past like never before.
Creating Your Own Genealogy Assistant – Building Custom Reusable GPT’s for Genealogy
Discover how to harness the power of AI by creating reusable GPTs for genealogy. This webinar will guide participants through building personalized AI assistants that will streamline their research. Learn how to set up GPTs to translate foreign records, format citations in Evidence Explained style, manage spreadsheets, and even craft family stories. With step-by-step demonstrations and real genealogical examples, participants will leave with the skills to design GPTs that save time, reduce repetitive tasks, and enhance accuracy in their work. No coding knowledge required, just curiosity and a love of genealogy!
A Genealogist’s Guide to Unlocking Foreign Language Books with AI
Foreign language books and records are treasure troves for family historians, but they remain inaccessible if you can’t read them. This webinar will show how to use AI tools to translate, summarize, and extract the details that matter most for your research. Learn practical strategies for breaking down foreign texts into manageable chunks, creating glossaries of recurring terms, mapping old place names to modern locations, and getting both literal translations and genealogist-friendly summaries. Whether you’re working with Italian gazetteers, Latin parish registers, or French notarial records, you’ll leave with a “cheat sheet” of prompts and methods to make foreign sources accessible and turn them into usable insights for your family tree.
Genealogy & Technology
Intro to Legacy 10
Legacy 10 is one of the most powerful genealogy software programs available, offering genealogists the tools they need to organize, document, and present family history research. And with price tag of “free”, it’s bound to become the must-have program for many genealogists. In this introductory webinar, you’ll learn the basics of using Legacy 10 effectively, from creating a new family file and importing GEDCOMs to adding sources, media, and research notes. We’ll explore organizational features like tags, to-do lists, and research guidance, as well as reporting tools for pulling notes into a narrative format. Whether you’re new to Legacy or upgrading from an earlier version, this session will help you confidently integrate Legacy 10 into your research process.
Basic Spreadsheets for Genealogists
Spreadsheets are a great analytical tool for genealogists. This course covers basic spreadsheet topics, including navigation and basic functions, effective spreadsheet design, and basic formatting techniques. We’ll look at some real-world genealogical problems, and how spreadsheets could be used to organize and summarize data.
Charts, Filters and Tables – Oh My! Spreadsheet Skills for Family History Research
Take your genealogy research to the next level with advanced spreadsheet skills. Learn how to import GEDCOM and CSV files, manage large datasets, and uncover hidden connections using powerful search, filter, and pivot table techniques. You’ll also discover how to create dynamic charts that bring your family history to life. Perfect for genealogists ready to move beyond the basics and turn spreadsheets into powerful tools for analysis and storytelling.
All About GEDCOM Files
GEDCOM files are a vital part of family tree research, but do you know how they work behind the scenes? In this course, we’ll explore the creation and purpose of GEDCOMs and their role in genealogy research. You’ll learn how to upload, download, and transfer these files across major genealogy websites and software programs, empowering you to manage your family history data with ease. Dive in and discover how understanding GEDCOMs can enhance your research!
For Professionals
Email Marketing Made Easy: Mailchimp Basics for Genealogy Professionals
Are you ready to reach more people with your genealogy projects, society updates, or client services? This beginner-friendly webinar introduces professional genealogists to the basics of Mailchimp, one of the most popular email marketing platforms. You’ll learn how to set up your account, build and manage an audience, and design engaging newsletters using simple drag-and-drop tools. We’ll also cover best practices for scheduling, sending, and tracking results so you can improve with every campaign. Whether you’re promoting your services, connecting with society members, or sharing family history stories, Mailchimp can help you grow your reach with ease.
What To Know Before Hiring a Web Developer
In this engaging session, we’ll dive into the must-know tips for professional genealogists looking to hire the right web developer. Whether you’re dreaming of a sleek blog, an interactive family tree, or a robust database, knowing how to navigate the tech world is key. Packed with practical advice and real-world examples, this talk will empower you to confidently bring your genealogical projects to life online.