In episode #300 of Research Like a Pro, Diana and Nicole discuss the evolution of their genealogy research methodology, Research Like a Pro (RLP), over the years, focusing on past, present, and future perspectives.
Past Developments:
Technology: Initially, Diana and Nicole utilized tools like PAF and Ancestral Quest for family trees, Google Sheets for research logs, and Evernote for notes. They also used a lot of paper files and some digital files for organization.
Genealogy Methods: Early methods included using FHL book indexes, census research, and writing letters to courthouses.
DNA: Diana mentions a Y-DNA study with the Roystons at Sorenson and using Ancestry DNA for the Cox project, and focusing on high-level ethnicity estimates, while Nicole speaks about testing three of her four grandparents.
Present Innovations:
Technology: Diana and Nicole now incorporate Family Tree Maker, Airtable for research logs, and digital tools like Grammarly and Canva for productivity and images.
Genealogy Methods: Modern strategies involve using the FamilySearch Wiki and Catalog, digitized microfilms, hiring researchers for onsite record lookups, and leveraging tax, probate, land, and deed records.
DNA: RLP with DNA process is used extensively for client cases, focusing on autosomal DNA, genetic networks, third-party tools like WATO, and further testing in Y and mitochondrial DNA.
Future Directions:
Technology: Anticipated advancements include the possible use of Family Historian for tree management, Airtable enhancements with AI, and integrating documents with AI through Notion.
Genealogy Methods: They plan to leverage FamilySearch's whole text search capabilities.
DNA: Future plans involve expanding coverage with MyHeritage, enhancing Y-DNA and mtDNA surname projects, and employing third-party tools like Banyan for addressing pedigree collapse and endogamy. They also mention the importance of solving brick walls with DNA and confirming ancestral lines.
Throughout the episode, Diana and Nicole emphasize the importance of adapting to new technologies and methodologies in genealogical research, while also stressing the significance of responsible AI use, citing specific examples of AI assistance in their work.
Links
Ancestry DNA Match Downloader - https://sites.google.com/view/colleyvillegenealogy/member-contributions/ancestry-dna-match-downloader
https://www.familysearch.org/en/
Family Tree Maker software - https://www.mackiev.com/ftm/
https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/
https://dnapainter.com/tools/probability
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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/airtable-research-logs-for-genealogy-quick-reference/
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 2024 - monthly case study webinars including documentary evidence and many with DNA evidence - https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-webinar-series-2024/
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 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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