Name That Genealogist!

Who was once an IT professional but became a professional genealogist? Who is a very popular genealogy speaker and got his start at Cook Memorial Public Library District? Who writes about AI as well as copyright and has quite a few NEW books in our collection? Any guesses? THOMAS MACENTEE, that’s who!

As of right now, we have five of his newest books on the shelf that you will likely want to read! Let’s explore each one a little more…

AI and Genealogy: A Practical Guide to Summarizing, Transcribing, and Translating Historical Documents

• “Genealogical research has always called for a deep dive into a wide array of historical resources–everything from centuries-old marriage registers and immigration documents to handwritten diaries and newspaper clippings that capture the rhythm of our ancestors’ daily lives…Thanks to cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence (AI), genealogists now have powerful new tools at their fingertips. These advanced language models can take your family documents–no matter how large, how old, or how challenging to read–and deliver concise summaries, transcriptions, and translations with impressive accuracy….” Don’t be scared of AI; embrace it with help from Thomas!

Ancestor Sketch: How to Turn Years of Genealogy Research into a Captivating Family Story

• “Have you ever felt overwhelmed at the prospect of writing your entire family’s history, from the earliest traceable ancestor to present day? You’re not alone. Many genealogists and family historians dream of publishing a colossal, all-inclusive family history but never quite reach the finish line. The solution? Break down the task into manageable, bite-sized projects called “ancestor sketches.” Pick up our copy to learn more about this super easy and helpful approach to family history writing!

The Big Book of Genealogy Lists

• “Welcome to…your essential companion to navigating the often mysterious world of historical documents and family records. Whether you’re a seasoned genealogist or someone just beginning to explore your family roots, you’ve likely encountered puzzling abbreviations, archaic terms, or unfamiliar spellings that can stall your progress. This book is designed to empower you with a convenient collection of reference lists that will transform your research from frustrating to fascinating.” We all love a good list, and this one is so helpful that you will likely want to consult it over and over!

Can I Use That in My Genealogy?: A Guide to Copyright and Family History

• “With the internet and all the digital tools out there now, it’s easier than ever to uncover records, share them with others, and piece together our family histories…But this easy access to historical resources brings its own set of challenges when it comes to copyright, privacy, and who actually “owns” that information…This guide will help you navigate this tangled web of genealogy and intellectual property law. We’ll go over the basics of copyright, break down the typical scenarios you’re likely to encounter while researching and sharing family history, and give you best practices for staying on the right side of the law and ethical standards.” Take a moment to explore how copyright and genealogy intersect, particularly if you are planning to share online or in print!

From Dust to Data: How ILCD and ICD Codes Can Guide Genealogical Journeys

• “When we think about genealogy, our minds often go straight to the basics: names, dates, and locations that help us map out our family trees. But beyond the vital records and census entries lies a deeper layer of understanding—one that gives life to the challenges and experiences of our ancestors. Exploring health conditions and causes of death is an essential but often-overlooked dimension of family history research…However, deciphering these records isn’t always straightforward. The language of death certificates from decades or even centuries ago often reflects the medical knowledge, cultural norms, and idioms of the time. Terms like “dropsy,” “consumption,” or “brain fever” may leave us scratching our heads, wondering what modern conditions they correspond to. That’s where the International List of Causes of Death (ILCD) and its successor, the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), come into play.” Like death records, this is a vital resource to fully understand your ancestor!

As you can see, Thomas MacEntee writes on various topics, and he has presented at our library many times over the years. He stays abreast of current trends and finds ways of making genealogy exciting and accessible. You can find some of recordings on Legacy Family Tree Webinars and YouTube. He also has one on “Creating an Ancestor Sketch” that you may want to watch, and if you are into trivia, check out his fun “Genealogy A to Z” webinar. Thomas is retiring at the end of this year, but we will have him present at the library again one final time. Stay tuned for more information in the Fall Ins & Outs! In the meantime, check out one (or more!) of his books while you wait.

Finally, if you have not already subscribed to Genealogy Bargains, you may want to do so soon. Thomas shares amazing deals and limited time offers that you may find helpful. He features websites and tools that many genealogists use.

Enjoy exploring all that MacEntee has to offer!