Future in the Digital World

Thoughtful exploration of how technology—AI, digital archives, and new storytelling tools—is shaping genealogy. This pillar helps the community navigate innovation while preserving research integrity and historical values.

Midjourney Bot БОТ 14:12 A photo of hands typing on an open laptop keyboard, with coffee and cigarettes beside the computer screen, creating a office atmosphere. The background features a desk with a minimum of decorative items like a watch and pen holder, adding to its warmth. This is a close-up shot from above, capturing the person's focused expression as they type away at their workspace. photo in white, light green and grey colors

You’re Not Here to Scroll. You’re Here to Connect.

Social media did not enter our lives quietly. It arrived like a new town square, buzzing, noisy, and full of possibility. For many of us, especially in the genealogy and historical world, it felt like a gift. A place where stories could travel faster than letters ever could. Where family lines could reconnect. Where societies could finally speak to more than the people who walked through their front doors.

Jon Marie Pearson

Jan 263 min read

9w Ultra-realistic studio photograph of a glass hourglass filled with fine golden sand, standing upright on a smooth surface with a solid, vibrant yellow background. The lighting is soft and directional, creating subtle shadows and highlights that clearly separate the transparent glass edges from the yellow backdrop. The hourglass is perfectly centered, sharp focus, with visible reflections and realistic glass texture. The yellow background should be clean and uniform, slightly lighter than the sand tone to ensure perfect contrast. The glass captures delicate refractions of light, emphasizing the curvature and realism of the object. The sand inside is mid-motion a small, elegant stream flowing from the top chamber to the bottom symbolizing the passage of time. The image should feel modern, minimal, and commercial, suitable for an advertisement or poster. Use studio photography lighting with softboxes and diffusers to create professional contrast and depth without harsh reflections.

A 10-Minute Routine for Sharing Family History Without the Stress

Time is the number one reason family historians stop sharing online. Not because the stories aren’t meaningful. Not because the research isn’t solid.But because posting feels like one more thing competing for already-limited time. Here’s the truth most people don’t realize: consistent, high-quality family history sharing does not require hours of planning or perfect storytelling. It requires a simple, repeatable rhythm that fits into real life.

Jon Marie Pearson

Jan 132 min read

A symbolic split-scene illustration showing the evolution of genealogical societies. On the left side: a traditional genealogy society meeting in a library or community hall, with older adults gathered around a podium, listening to a speaker. On the right side: a modern digital setting with a diverse group of people of different ages connecting through laptops, tablets, and smartphones, with icons of family trees, video calls, and social media floating in the background. The image should feel inviting and thought-provoking, blending history with modern technology, with warm, welcoming tones.

Rethinking the Role of Genealogical Societies in a Changing World

For generations, genealogical societies were the beating heart of family history research. If you wanted to hear expert presentations, learn research methods, or meet fellow enthusiasts, you joined your local society. They were the gateways to community, education, and discovery. But the world has shifted. Many people no longer see societies as their first stop when beginning their family history journey. Online tools, webinars, podcasts, and social media groups provide in

Jon Marie Pearson

Aug 25, 20252 min read

How Learning AI Skills Is Making Me a Better Genealogist

When I first started exploring artificial intelligence (AI), I wasn’t entirely sure how it would fit into my work as a genealogist.

Jon Marie Pearson

Jan 26, 20252 min read