My Journey with AI: Notebook LM

 

My Journey with AI: Discovering Notebook LM

I was one of the holdouts when it came to AI. I had tried it when AI first came out. All I found were hallucinations, false information and I felt it was more trouble than it was worth. A friend and peer talked me into trying NOtebook LM in early 2026. What I found was so eye-opening.

A New Beginning

The AI models have improved. It could do things beyond what I expected. I started with Notebook LM—a place I could upload images, articles, documents, books, etc., and the answers to the questions I asked were supposed to come from just those sources I uploaded or websites I linked. This felt safe, because the AI answers were "contained" to the sources I gave it.

My First Success: Creating a Timeline

So I played with Notebook LM. I uploaded 50 documents about a person of interest that I needed to sort through, transcribe, and put in date order, to create a timeline of that person's life.

The timeline was generated super fast. I asked for a table with the date, location, and a summary of the document. I asked for a list of the fan club and in seconds the list was there. I could quickly double-check the performance of Notebook LM, and so far it was spot on.

Real-World Application: Census Instructions

I began to think of ways this new tool could help make things faster. Let's take the US Census instructions for example. I used to open all of the PDF documents (17 of them) and use "control F" to find which document(s) had the answer. It was very time consuming.

With this new tool (Notebook LM) I could add all of the census instructions into one notebook, then ask my question of the tool, and have my answer. I liked that Notebook LM also gave me a citation number. When I clicked on that number, it gave me the file and a snippet of the information. I could now go to that source to verify the AI's answer.

Question 1: When Was the Person Giving Information Marked with an X?

When was the person giving the information marked with an X?

In the 1940 census, the person who furnished information about a household's members was identified by writing an X with a circle around it (ⓧ) in column 7 immediately after their name.

But then the answer continued...

If the enumerator had to obtain information from someone who was not a member of the household (such as a neighbor), they were instead instructed to write that person's name in the left-hand margin of the schedule, opposite the entries for that household.

Now we know enumerators didn't always follow instructions, but now I'm on the lookout for pages from the 1940 census with names written in the left-hand margin.

Question 2: Census Year and Age Calculation Dates

List the Census Year and the date the enumerator was supposed to use to calculate the age of the person

Based on the provided census instructions, here are the census years and the specific dates enumerators were instructed to use for calculating the age of the individuals being enumerated:

A list with the specific instructions for each census year followed.

Question 3: Naturalization Information by Census Year

What year census did people list when they naturalized or how long they have been naturalized?

Information regarding naturalization status and the length of time a person had been in the United States was collected in various ways across different census years. The most detailed record for the specific year of naturalization was requested in the 1920 census.

But then it goes on and breaks my question down further:

Naturalization Status and Year of Naturalization

Had a breakdown of the following census years (1890, 1900, 1910, 1930, 1940, 1950) and what kind of naturalization status was given.

Length of Time in the United States

Had a breakdown of the following census years (1820, 1830, 1870, 1890, 1900, 1910, 1930, 1940) and additional information to the "how long" question.

Why Notebook LM?

Yes, I could have probably asked Google these questions, but Google pulls from the internet, and there is a lot of misinformation out there. I like that my answers came "directly" from the source—the Census Enumerator Instructions.

Notebook LM Studio Features

Notebook LM has other features in their "studio" such as:

• Creating an infographic
• Creating a video that tells an engaging story, using the documents
• Creating flashcards, great for studying a topic
• Creating a quiz, to test your knowledge
• Creating a mindmap
• Creating a slide deck
• Creating an audio like an AI podcast.
• Creating a report
• Creating a datatable

After using Notebook LM for the past 6 months, I realize there is still much more to explore in Notebook LM. I have created 29 notebooks to date, and Google will allow me to have 100 notebooks as a free user.

What's Next?

Stay tuned as I review each of the AI platforms (ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini, and Claude) in upcoming blogs.

© 2026 | A Journey Through AI Platforms

Educational Opportunities - Higher Learning - Colleges and Universities

 

 Image generated by Gemini AI

As we can see from this series, there is a plethora of educational opportunities. Some are free, some that will cost money.  Today we will discuss the opportunities that take a longer, more serious commitment : Colleges and Universities.

This list is by no means exclusive, but it represents the better known programs.  Let me know if you have seen any not mentioned.

International Institute for Genealogical Studies 

This was formerly known as the National Institute for Genealogical Studies. It was based out of Toronto, and haad a partnership with Toronto's St Michael's College. It was founded in 1999 by Louise St Denis, and was the first to offer comprehensive genealogical courses online. 

The program offered country-specific Records certificates. This assisted students to build a strong foundation for their country of interest. In the 2000's the program offered a credential called  the Professional Learning Certificate in Genealogical Studies. or PLCGS for short. This post-nominal was bestowed upon graduates to show their academic credentials.

In 2022 Louise retired, and Angela Breidenbach took over.  She rebranded the name to International Institute for Genealogical Studies, and then went on to restructure the Institute to a vocational trade school.  She and the team has worked hard to upgrade the outdated (1990s) web platform, course content, and bring in new technologies like AI and DNA analysis. 

Lets take a look at how it works:

The courses are self paced, so you can work at your own pace.  Most courses have 6 modules, and a test at the end.  Students can take individual courses, for around $125 a course. Some may have a higher cost, while others may be a bit lower.  This allows students to "kick the tires" and see how the courses operate, see the platform, and determine if they want to continue.

To get the post-nominals, you have to complete a 40 course Records program, and just like college, you have required courses, and then you get to select electives. There are numerous country Record programs, Choices of programs are American, Australia, Canada, Eastern European, English, German, Irish, Italian, and Scottish Records. 

Take a look at their website, and see what they have to offer, and if you sign up for a course, let Angela know "Linda" sent you.

Strathclyde University in Scotland

Offers two types of programs. The first is Genealogical, Palaeographic & Heraldic Studies and offers three (3) levels.

• The PgCert qualification
• The PgDip, you must complete the PgCert qualification and the three Diploma classes
• The MSc qualification, you must complete the first two stages and the final class

This link will give more information on pricing. They offer several options when it comes to paying, but it runs around £12,000 (not US dollars) for the MSc program. But that price does not include required books, or subscriptions - Worldwide Ancestry and Scotland's people in which is paid by buying credits.

Strathclyde offers a free genealogy class as well as other classes, called MOOCs (massive open online courses). They can be found on Futurelearn. 

The next level is the PhD Program called History with Genealogical Studies. This program will take between 36 and 72 months to complete. The cost for this program is £19,850 for international students, including the US.

These are very intensive programs and not a decision to be made lightly. However the knowledge gained will definitely benefit any genealogist with their education.

Brigham Young University (BYU)

Students are not required to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but they are required to agree to abide by strict guidelines that aline with the Church.

Offers a minor in Family History - Genealogy 

Offers a BA in Family History - Genealogy

Tuition is dependent on a lot of factors, so it is best to reach out to one of their financial advisors.  

 BYU - Pathways

This is an online program. Students attend courses, get certificates, on their way to a degree. The tuition is less than BYU. This author would relate the Pathways program to be similar to a community college.

Pathways offers certificates (14-15 credit hours), an associate degree (60 credit hours), and a bachelor's degree (90-96 credit hours). Tuition runs between $86-$108 per credit hour. There are some discounts available to help with tuition.

They offer two certificates and one Associate's degree in genealogy and family history.

Family History

Advanced Family History 

Associate degree of Family History Research

Definitely check your state's colleges and universities, to see what they offer. 

Until next time,

Linda

Educational Opportunities - Miscellaneous Courses and Study Groups

 This is the fourth post about Educational Opportunities.  We will be discussing ad-hoc courses. These are those courses that are offered as one off courses, that are not associated with a week long institute.

Image made by Gemini.AI

You can find these programs on several type of websites. Some may be free, while others may have a cost.            

Search for courses on the below websites 

• Individual Websites 
• Level-Up Genealogy (Kimberly Powell)
• The Family History AI Academy (Steve Little and Mark Thompson)
• Family History Academy (Cathie Sherwood runs, various speakers) 
• Family Locket (Diana Elder)

• Society Websites
• National Genealogical Society
• GenTech Toolbox
• Self paced programs
• American Ancestors
• Association of Professional Genealogists
• Board for Certified Genealogists

• Study Groups
• GenProof Study Groups (Study Tom Jones' book Mastering Genealogical Proof)
• ProGen Study Groups (one year intensive program with monthly meetings and homework) 
• ProGen Practicum (must take ProGen first)
• Certification Study Group (Jill Morelli)
• ICAPGen Study Groups (Level 1, 2, and 3)
• NGSQ Study Groups (reads articles from the NGS Quarterly and discusses them)
• Evidence Explained Study Group (Cari Taplin and Cyndi Ingle)
• Mastering Genealogical Proof (Cari Taplin and Cyndi Ingle)
• Mastering Genealogical Documentation (Cari Taplin and Cyndi Ingle)

• Educational organizations - Massive Open Online Course (MOOC)
• Pharoah's Tutors (more than Genealogy)
• Ed2Go  (more than Genealogy)
• The Great Courses  (more than Genealogy)  Dr. John Colletta has a series here
• Coursera (more than Genealogy)
• EdX (more than Genealogy)
• FutureLearn (more than Genealogy)
• UdaCity (more than Genealogy)
• Udemy (more than Genealogy)

• Archive Websites
• National Archives
• Library of Congress
• State Archives
• Local Libraries
• State Libraries
• The UK National Archives
• RootsMOOC NC - DNCR
  
  
• Genealogy Database Websites
• Ancestry Academy
• Family Search Learning Center
• My Heritage Knowledge Base

Linda

Educational Opportunities - Institutes

 

This is the third post about Educational Opportunities.  We will be discussing Institutes.

 Image created by Gemini.AI

An Institute in the Genealogy world is an in-depth study of a particular topic or subject. They started out as a week long program, with four or five presentations a day for four days, and then two or three presentations on the last day.  They would start on a Monday, and run until mid day on Friday.
                                                                                                                            
Pre-Covid- These institutes were in person, and like in-person conferences, could become costly, when you factor in the registration, lodging, food, and travel.

Now most if not all the institute courses are either virtual or they offer both in-person and virtual. Most institutes offer recordings for a period of time after the course, for attendees to go back and watch the presentations over.  According to their website, and their Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, GEN FED may record some of their presentations. When you are ready to expand your knowledge and become a better researcher, check out these amazing Institute organizations.

The institutes we will discuss are:

IGHR - Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research

        IGHR started at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama, but 50 years later, the program was moved to the University of Ga in Athens Georgia.  It used to be an in-person institute, but during and after Covid, it went to a virtual institute. They typically offer 12 or 13 different courses. The week long event will be held Monday, July 27 – Friday, July 31, 2026. IGHR has started offering programs that meet once a week for about 3 to 5 hours, for a set number of weeks.  Many who work love this option, as they don't have to take a week of vacation to attend a week long conference. They can arrange their schedule to attend one day a week for the course duration.  Many of the once a week course are offered at night, which also helps those who work outside the home. Registration is open for all courses up to a month before the course starts. Check out their website for all the course offerings.

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GRIP - Great Connections, Research Skills, In-depth Learning, People-Centered

        GRIP was recently sold to National Genealogical Society. The improvements NGS has made, has grown this institute by leaps and bounds.  GRIP offers a week of online learning, and then a few weeks later, they offer an in-person event.  Each week has different courses, and yes you can sign up for both sessions. GRIP Virtual is Jun 22-26, 2026.  GRIP in person is Jul 12-17, 2026 and is held in Pittsburgh, PA. This year, GRIP is offering 2 courses with the once a week option. One course is for Librarians and the other course is for Societies.  

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SLIG - Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy

        SLIG offers several institutes throughout the year. The registration dates are set three to four months before the course starts. SLIG is the institute that started the trend of holding once a week classes. Each session offers amazing classes, and yes we can register for each session, if money is no object.

SLIG FALL 2026 (once a week courses) Sept- Nov 2026. Registration will open on May 16th, 2026!
SLIG VIRTUAL 2026 (Single week courses) Jan 25-29th 2027. Registration will open on September 12th, 2026
SLIG SPRING 2027 (once a week courses) February–May 2027. Registration will open on September 12th, 2026.

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GenFed - Genealogical Institute on Federal Records

        Held in person in Washington DC, in Aug or Sept every year. This program studies the records created by the Federal Government and found at the various National Archives across the country.
Registration is by lottery, meaning you register to go, and then the institute holds a drawing and selects 40 people from all the registrations to be  offered a seat.  This limit is due to the constraints of the DC Archives conference room.  The event will be held Aug 30- Sep 5, 2026.  Keep an eye out on the 2027 dates, and when registration starts which is usually around Feb the following year.

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TIGR - Texas Institute of Genealogical Research

    Held every other year, it has been virtual since 2021.  The next conference will be in held in 2027.

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MAAGI - Midwestern African American Genealogy Institute

    Established in 2013, Held on Jul 7-9 2026.  It will be virtual this year.  MAAGI is the only African American-focused institute.

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Stay tuned for the next installment where we will discuss other educational opportunities including self paced courses.