Disclosing Use of AI for Writing Assistance in Genealogy

Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping how genealogists write, edit, and share their research. In the recent Legacy Family Tree webinar “Disclosing Use of AI for Writing Assistance in Genealogy” with professional genealogist Nicole Dyer, participants explored the opportunities and challenges of integrating AI tools into genealogical writing. Nicole highlighted the importance of transparency, copyright considerations, and ethical practices when using AI, offering practical strategies for disclosure and citation. This timely discussion equips genealogists to use emerging technology responsibly while preserving credibility and trust in their work.

Key Takeaways:

• Responsible Use and Disclosure: Academic and professional fields are shifting from banning AI toward encouraging responsible use with full disclosure. Genealogists are urged to be transparent when AI substantially influences their work, whether through editing, brainstorming, or generating text. Simple disclosure statements, footnotes, or research log notes help maintain integrity and build trust.

• Credentialing and Client Considerations: Organizations like the Board for Certification of Genealogists (BCG) prohibit AI-generated text in portfolios, while ICAPGen allows limited use for feedback with disclosure in research logs. For client reports, upfront transparency in contracts ensures expectations are clear, and careful fact-checking is critical to avoid errors.

• Copyright and Authorship: Pure, unedited AI text cannot be copyrighted. To claim ownership, genealogists must meaningfully shape, edit, and arrange AI-generated material. Maintaining human authorship safeguards credibility and aligns with genealogical standards that emphasize giving credit where due.

Nicole emphasized that AI should be seen as an assistant—not a replacement—for a genealogist’s expertise. While AI tools can save time and provide valuable editing support, they also risk introducing errors, oversimplifications, or generic writing. Ultimately, transparent disclosure ensures genealogical work retains authenticity, accuracy, and trustworthiness.

For those seeking to explore the full depth of this important discussion—including sample disclosure statements, citation models, and case studies—watching the complete webinar is highly recommended. Nicole provides detailed examples of how to responsibly incorporate AI into reports, presentations, blogs, and family histories, offering guidance applicable to both professionals and hobbyists.

To further enrich your practice, don’t miss the additional resources included in the webinar syllabus. These materials expand on the strategies shared in the presentation and provide references to ethical guidelines, citation standards, and real-world applications. By engaging with both the webinar and the syllabus, genealogists can confidently navigate the evolving intersection of AI and family history writing.