RootsTech 2025

To register for Saturday's sessions click here:  RootsTech 2025 Saturday Sessions

9 am – Top Ten Resources for Mid-Atlantic Genealogy

Dive into the fascinating world of Mid-Atlantic genealogy as we explore essential tools and repositories across New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland, equipping participants with resources and strategies for uncovering their familial roots. Whether you're a novice or seasoned researcher, discover how to navigate state archives, leverage historical societies, and harness online resources to trace your ancestry with precision and confidence. 

Michelle Tucker Chubenko specializes in the Mid-Atlantic region and Eastern European research and serves as a committee member of the Ukrainian History and Education Center’s “Nashi Predky -- Our Ancestors” Family History Group. Michelle hosts a monthly Q&A session "Have Questions? Get Answers" focusing on research in the historical region of Galicia in the Austrian Empire. 

10:30 am – AI-Powered Transcription of Handwritten Documents:  Tools and Techniques

Explore the latest AI tools for transcribing handwritten documents—an essential skill for genealogists and historical researchers. Learn industry-standard transcription techniques that preserve the original text's integrity. Dive into powerful platforms like Transkribus, ChatGPT, and Claude. Use Transkribus to turn extensive document files, like military pension applications from the National Archives, into searchable documents. Find relevant evidence through automatic transcription, saving countless hours of manual work. Get practical tips for using large language models to improve transcription accuracy, including effective prompting techniques. Learn how to correct minor errors in automatically generated transcriptions using tools like ChatGPT and Claude. Gain the skills to leverage AI for efficient and accurate transcriptions, significantly boosting your research capabilities for personal and client projects. 

Nicole Dyer is the creator of FamilyLocket.com and the Research Like a Pro Genealogy Podcast. She co-authored Research Like a Pro: A Genealogist's Guide and Research Like a Pro with DNA.

12 pm – RootsTech Keynote Address with Tara Davis-Woodhall and Hunter Woodhall

This RootsTech 2025 keynote address features gold medalists Tara Davis-Woodhall and Hunter Woodhall as well as RootsTech’s platinum sponsor Storied. 

Tara Davis-Woodhall is the reigning Olympic Gold Medalist in the long jump and has remained undefeated for the past two years. She is a two-time Olympian, ranked #1 in the world, and has claimed the titles of 2024 World Champion, 2023 and 2024 US National Champion. 

Hunter Woodhall is a three-time Paralympian and 2024 Gold Medalist. He holds the American record for the 100m and 400m. Born with fibular hemimelia, Hunter had both legs amputated below the knees at 11 months old. Defying all odds, he became the first double amputee to earn an NCAA Division 1 scholarship, competing for the University of Arkansas and becoming a four-time All-American. 

 

2:30 pm – Using the Genealogy Center of the Allen County Public Library from Home for Research

Discover how to make the most of the Genealogy Center's resources from the comfort of your home. This session will guide you through accessing and navigating the Center’s online tools, including digital collections, our free genealogy databases, and the online catalog. Learn effective search strategies and tips for analyzing digital records. We'll also explore special features like the "Ask a Librarian" service, virtual programs, research guides, and provide a brief overview of the Periodical Source Index (PERSI). Through a case study example, you’ll see a step-by-step demonstration of a remote research project. Join us to enhance your genealogy research skills while working remotely. 

 

Allison DePrey Singleton is the Genealogy Services Manager at the Genealogy Center of the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She delivers research consultations, contributes to the Center’s programming endeavors, guides the Center’s family history webinars and educational undertakings, and supervises a dedicated team. 

4 pm – From RootsTech to Real Life:  Turning Your Notes into Practical Steps

RootsTech is a wealth of information, but it can be overwhelming. Before you leave RootsTech, bring your notes and join me to review what you have learned, identify what has been the most helpful, and create action items to use your new knowledge. 

Kori Robbins, a British Isles Research Specialist at the FamilySearch Library, guides others through their lineage quests—exploring ancestral connections and deciphering old records. She has a BA in Family History/Genealogy from Brigham Young University and is accredited in research in England.