Presentation Topics
I am available to speak at your event on any of the following genealogy topics, either in-person or virtually.
Artificial Intelligence and Genealogy
This presentation provides an overview of how artificial intelligence is currently being used in genealogy, explores emerging technologies on the horizon, and considers possibilities for the more distant future. It includes a clear, high-level explanation of what AI is and how it works, illustrated with simple diagrams and examples. No knowledge of AI or coding is required–everything is explained in straightforward language that anyone can understand. Drawing on decades of following AI developments and having built AI systems from scratch, the presenter brings a deep, practical understanding of the field. By the end of the session, participants will gain not only a broader view of AI in genealogy but also a deeper grasp of its principles, processes, and practical applications–knowledge they can use to more effectively incorporate AI into their own genealogical research.
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Calendar Confusion!?
Why was Thursday, October 4, 1582, followed by Friday, October 15, 1582, but only in some countries? Pope Gregory XIII did not invent the Gregorian Calendar. Who did? George Washington was born on February 11, 1731/32. So, was he born in 1731 or 1732? Why does the date of Easter shift around, sometimes before Passover, sometimes after Passover, but rarely coinciding with it? October derives from the Latin word octo, meaning eight, so why is it the 10th month? Did the Russian “October Revolution” really occur in November? Why does the Hebrew calendar sometimes have 13 months? This presentation will answer these questions and more.
DNA Oddities
Think DNA is straightforward? Think again! From hidden twins that disappear before birth to people who carry two different sets of DNA, the world of genetics is full of surprises. In this engaging presentation, you’ll discover the odd, unexpected, and sometimes downright bizarre realities of DNA inheritance—and why they matter for genealogy. We’ll explore vanishing twin syndrome, chimeras, DNA crossovers, why centimorgans (cM) are better, SNPs, unusual sex chromosome patterns, the impact of endogamy, and more. No advanced science background is needed—just a sense of curiosity. You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of how DNA replication functions, a fresh perspective on DNA testing, and a toolkit for making sense of results that don’t seem to add up. Designed for professionals seeking to refine their interpretation skills and amateurs looking for a solid foundation, this presentation explains technical concepts
through animation without jargon.
Effective Use of Ancestry.com
I clicked all those little green leaves and built my tree, but I keep finding mistakes. How do I fix them? This presentation will show you how to avoid incorporating other people’s mistakes into your tree and use the Ancestry.com service effectively. It will teach techniques for building a more reliable, evidence-based tree.
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Genealogy 101
This presentation is for people who are not yet building their family tree, but are interested in learning what genealogy is and how to get started. It is intended for small groups and is highly interactive. The basics of building a family tree are covered, but audience questions may lead the discussion into new directions.
Using DNA in Family Research
I took the DNA test. Now what? This presentation will teach you how to use DNA testing to research your family history. It will cover the pros and cons of each test type, the major testing companies, and techniques to use the information they provide in your genealogy research. The focus is on using DNA in your genealogical research, not on technical details.
Topics Under Consideration or Development
GEDCOM
I helped the LDS Church develop the GEDCOM 5.5 standard in 1995, addressing several syntax and date specification issues. This presentation will be an overview of what GEDCOM is and how it is used. It will cover basic editing to fix simple problems. It will also cover some of the limitations and difficulties encountered when using GEDCOM and provide strategies to work around them.
Historical Writing Technology
We think of technology in terms of recent innovations, but putting thoughts into written form has been evolving for centuries due to technological advancements. Did you ever wonder why a feather makes a good writing instrument? Why was cursive the preferred form of writing? Why were rags used to make paper? This presentation will look at how writing changed from Clay tablets to paper and from quill pens to the printing press.
Old Photos
This presentation will look at the technology of photography and how it has changed over time. If you have old photos, what is the best resolution to scan them? Why are pictures from the 1960s turning red, and what can I do about it?