Program of Speakers

Breaking Genealogy Brick Walls with A.I.
Pamela R Ellis

FEBRUARY 22, SUNDAY 3 pm

Genealogical “brick walls” challenge researchers at every level, from beginners just starting their family history journey, to seasoned genealogists with decades of experience. The Brick Wall: Breaking Genealogy Barriers with AI, introduces a practical, workbook-style approach that helps researchers think like an archivist, ask better questions, and uncover records they may never have realized existed.

This book — and the accompanying talk — focuses on moving beyond simple name searches and learning how to search smarter. In this presentation, the author demonstrates how modern AI tools can be used as powerful research assistants — not as shortcuts, but as analytical partners. You will see how AI can help suggest overlooked record types, compare conflicting evidence, and tackle more complex genealogical problems.

The talk emphasizes simplicity and clarity: how to search differently, how to understand results more effectively, and how to put AI to work on difficult tasks such as comparing records, analyzing timelines, and exploring alternate research paths. Real-world examples show how AI can support sound genealogical methodology while keeping the researcher firmly in control.

Whether you are new to genealogy or an experienced researcher facing long-standing brick walls, this presentation offers practical strategies, fresh perspectives, and new tools to help move your research forward with confidence.

PAMELA ELLIS
Pamela Ellis is a seasoned genealogist of twenty-five years. She graduated from Boston University’s Genealogy Certification course. One of her first sources of education was taking the National Genealogy Society (NGS) courses on DVD, and the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution in-house genealogy course. She has additionally attended numerous genealogy courses ranging from basic genealogical research to advanced researching. In 2015 she began teaching courses on genealogy. She is a proud member of twelve lineage societies including Daughters of the American Revolution, Colonial Dames of the 17th Century, Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence, National Society of New England Women, and more. She has held numerous executive positions within genealogical and lineage societies including Past Honorary Regent to being the current Chaplain for her local DAR chapter and is a Register for 3 other lineage societies. She is a consultant at NSDAR continental Congress each year. Pamela recently published her first book. The Brick Wall – Breaking Genealogy Barriers with AI.

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For detailed directions and a map, select → PLANNING A VISIT.

THE FOLLOWING TAKES PLACE ON MEETING DATES:

  • The LIBRARY is open from 12 – 2 pm.
  • The GENERAL MEETING followed by refreshments takes place from 2 – 3 pm.
  • THE GUEST SPEAKER PRESENTS FROM 3 – 4 pm.

 

INTEREST GROUPS MEET IN THE CORRIDOR OUTSIDE OF THE LIBRARY:

2 0 2 6

 

TBD

MARCH 22, SUNDAY 3 pm

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TBD

APRIL 26, SUNDAY 3 pm

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TBD

MAY 24, SUNDAY 3 pm

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Research Day

JUNE 28, SUNDAY, 12-4 pm

Everyone is invited to use all of the research assets of our Library from 12:00 Noon until 4:00 PM.

We will be scanning Bibles and historical documents.
Bring in what you have and have it copied to digital media.
Please bring a USB drive to make a copy of these scans.

 

(The image next to “Research Day” courtesy of http://www.vintagekin.com/)