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Where Did the Farm Go?


 Recording Released

see below!


with Michael John Neill

of Genealogy Tip of the Day


More AI for Genealogy


recording released!





In response to requests from attendees, we’re having a follow-up to our recent webinar on using AI for genealogy.


We will cover:

  • More detailed prompt suggestions and a discussion of using AI chat for genealogy problem-solving and analysis—while keeping in mind the limitations of AI.
  • Non-English example of transcription and translation.
  • Short case studies based on actual documents and transcriptions.



As always, our presentation will be practical and easy-to-follow. We assume you already know basic genealogy terminology and methodology. Enhancing sound genealogy practices is our prime directive, not being easily impressed by every new bit of shiny technology.


Handout included so listeners can focus on understanding and not on taking notes. 


Order now for immediate download


Where Did the Farm Go?


intro price of $15



recording released


includes recording and handout


This presentation discusses ways real estate may have left your ancestor’s possession and how to find those records. Learning how your ancestor’s property passed from their hands has the potential to provide significant genealogical information not always easily obtainable elsewhere. It’s not always as simple as searching for a deed of sale. Not every record can be located easily online and not every transaction was an actual deed signed by your ancestor. Our focus is on United States records from the 17th century through recent times. Detailed handout that parallels the presentation included.



Michael has over thirty years of research experience with land, court, and probate records and in providing genealogical instruction at a variety of levels.





Need our first AI for Genealogy presentation?

Find out more and order below:




Using AI’s ChatGPT for Genealogy (Responsibly)


There's a lot of fun and learning you can do without every creating made up stories. AI is one tool that can really help with your research.


We'll avoid the hype and leave that to others!


with Michael John Neill


We’ll use chatbotapp.ai. We will focus on responsibly and creatively using ChatGPT for genealogy with a focus on sound genealogy methodology. Our presentation will be practical, down-to-earth, and usable.


There’s more to using AI than simply having it generate a family history. That’s not what will we do in this presentation.


We will look at a variety of ways to use the chatbot to interact with:

  • transcriptions of individual records
  • groups and sets of transcribed records
  • PDF scans of records (typed and handwritten)
  • biographies
  • other genealogical records as time allows.



We will focus on using the Chatbot as a research assistant and virtual colleague and not a glorified Google search by an effective creation of questions and by actually interacting with the Chatbot instead of reacting to it.


We will see how to formulate questions to have the Chatbot perform mundane tedious taskscreate summaries and tables, serve as an online genealogical assistant, and more.


The Chatbot will transcribe documents and while imperfect, discussions can be had with the Chatbot to improve the transcription. We will not be discussing using a Chatbot to automatically create a family history or create histories. Our focus will be on using the Chatbot for assistance with other genealogical tasks.


We’ll show numerous examples of prompts and ChatGPT conversations.





Information on other presentations and products below!




Rooting Around for Farmers


learn more about your rural ancestors with our hour-long presentation


Immediate download--handout included $20


use coupon code "farmer" today



and save $5.



Michael shares 30 years

of experience researching his

own farming ancestors


This presentation will discuss sources that should be fully utilized in a researcher’s search for more about their farming ancestor. We will look at sources and materials that provide direct and indirect information about your farming ancestor and their farming operation. Local, state, and federal sources will be covered in addition to non-governmental records. There is information available to help you gain more insight into your farming ancestor’s life and lifestyle. Material will be applicable to farm landowners in addition to tenant farmers and farm laborers.


This session presumes a basic understanding of local records, including land records. Those who have never worked in land records may wish to combine that presentation with a live attendance or pre-order in the “Rooting Around for Farmers” presentation.


Rooting Around for Farmers—webinar purchase--immediate download (handout included)


Brick Walls A to Z 2024

with Michael John Neill



save $8--regularly $25

now $17



In this presentation, we’ll look at a list of current ways in 2024 to break through those genealogy brick walls running from approaches beginning from A to Z. This session is geared toward advanced beginner or intermediate genealogists, keeping in mind that anyone can have gaps in their knowledge. We’ll look at ways that are free or easy on the pocketbook. Approaches are down-to-earth, practical, and easy to implement and understand and will be illustrated by short practical examples. 2024 may be winding down, but your genealogy research probably is not. Discover the best ways to break through those research problems and get motivated to take another look at ones you’ve put on the back burner. Our approach will be in the style of Genealogy Tip of the Day, we’ll be short and to the point…with the goal of jump-starting your research. Focus will be on United States research problems with some discussion of immigrant research.






Get your Genealogy Tip of the Day T-shirt!



Bay (shown below)

Hemp (shown below)--lettering will be white


Full Text Searching at FamilySearch Labs


"really enjoyed the presentation"


"shouldn't have been searching

when you were talking"


Learn clever search techniques!




order for immediate download-$18


This presentation will discuss the full text search at FamilySearch Labs of US land, US probate, and other records. The following will be included:

·       Search techniques and strategies.

·       Tracking your searches—this is crucial.

·       Organizing and tracking results and located items.

·       Determining exactly what it is you found.

·       Downloading images.

·       Essentials for citation.




Brush up on the records before the presentation with our previously recorded sessions.


US Probate Records


This presentation will provide an overview of probate records in the United States. Included will be a discussion of the purpose of probate, the general flow of the probate process, typical records created, and terminology. Order for immediate download after purchase-$10.


Local US Land Records


This presentation provides an overview of local US land records—generally those kept at the local courthouse in the county (or occasionally city) where the property is located. Included will be an overview of terminology and title, discussion of different types of deeds, typical deed content, and recording process and records organization. Order for immediate download after purchase--$10.





Genealogy Trip Planning


order for immediate download-$16


This presentation will discuss planning a trip to a genealogy library or an area of former ancestral residence. Michael has lead numerous trips to Salt Lake City and Ft. Wayne in addition to having taken numerous personal research trips. The following will be included:


  • Organizing materials
  • Logistics to consider
  • What do to at home before you leave
  • Document reproduction and organization
  • Determining priorities
  • Where to reach out before trip







Citations: Why, How, and What Am I Even Looking at?


order for immediate download $16



This is not a webinar that will run through 100 citations and how to create them (but we will look at some).


We will start with an overview of why genealogists create citations (it’s not just so you can “go back and get it again”), distinguishing between different documents and records so they can be cited accurately, determining what that image is of that popped up on a search, and seeing the difference between original and derivative (and why it matters some times more than others).


We will look through some sample citations—including ones for home sources and family ephemera. We will see how to get the crucial elements needed for a citation and realize that it’s not the end of the world if yours are not perfect.