Lunch and Learn – Technology and Genealogy, A Perfect Match

Speaker: James Tanner of Genealogy’s Star

Mr. Tanner will give you a brief understanding of the impact of technology on the time-honored practices of genealogy and family history. The rapid advances in computer and internet technology have had a huge impact on our everyday lives. Genealogists and family historians are faced with a far different world than existed just a few short years ago. The availability of digitized historically and genealogically important records has transformed the way genealogical research is done. But the changes are not limited to digital records, new technologies such as voice recognition software, optical character recognition, and the advances being made in handwriting recognition are revolutionizing document preservation and dissemination.

Huge online genealogical websites such as Ancestry.com, MyHeritage.com, Findmypast.com, FamilySearch.org, and Geneanet.org are having a huge impact on the genealogical community. Not only do these websites provide billions of online records, they dramatically increase collaboration and interaction between genealogists around the world. Driven in great part by some of these online companies, advancements in DNA testing, along with its promotion as an aid to genealogical research is having a huge impact on the way people approach their family history. The concept of a global family tree is coming into focus, but with all of this change comes challenges.

Please join us! All are welcome! Feel free to bring both your lunch (or your popcorn) and any questions you may have!

Please note: A valid photo ID is required to enter the Archives building.

Registration: Please email or call Emily Oland Squires to RSVP at [email protected] or 410-260-6443.