52 AI ancestors in 52 weeks: Week 1: In the Beginning
I’ve combined Amy Johnson Crow’s 52 ancestors in 52 weeks challenge, and Steve Little’s The 2025 AI Genealogy Do-Over, to create a unique 52 AI ancestors in 52 weeks party!
History says I won’t do it every week. But we’re talking about progress, not perfection. So, let’s just jump in and have fun.
52 AI Ancestors in 52 Weeks: Week 1: In the Beginning
Genealogy is like solving a family mystery—part detective work, part heartfelt storytelling. Throw AI into the mix, and it’s a whole new level of discovery. This year, I’m taking up a challenge that blends Amy Johnson Crow’s “52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks” with a techy twist inspired by Steve Little’s “The 2025 AI Genealogy Do-Over.” The goal? To explore both my family’s roots and the potential of AI in genealogy. Let’s kick it off with Week 1.
Why I Got Started
My genealogy obsession began in 6th grade when I got an assignment to create a family tree. Lucky for me, my grandmother—my biggest cheerleader—was just a few steps away. She dug out old records, shared stories, and filled in the gaps with amazing details. Thanks to her, I didn’t just complete the assignment; I caught the genealogy bug for life.
Grandma’s love for family history had its own story. She lost her mother at the tender age of three, and I believe her passion for genealogy was her way of reconnecting with that lost connection. She came from a prominent local family but struggled to tie certain pieces together. Those mysteries drove her—and now, they drive me.
The AI Connection
Fast forward to today. I’ve got tools my grandmother couldn’t have dreamed of—AI among them. This week, I gave an AI model a task: review and rewrite a tribute I wrote for my grandmother. Here’s how it went:
- Step 1: I asked the AI to evaluate my tribute’s emotional resonance and clarity.
- Please create guidelines for writing a tribute on the Internet, rate my page according to them, make suggestions, rewrite using the suggestions, and regrade. The page:
- Step 2: I pasted the text (AI and links don’t always get along) and let it suggest edits.
- Step 3: After trying a few models, Gemini delivered the most heartfelt rewrite. I put it below this post. What do you think? Let me know in the comments!
AI didn’t just polish the words—it helped me reflect on the way I’d captured my grandmother’s story. But, as powerful as AI is, it didn’t replace my voice; it enhanced it.
Grandma holding me at what was probably my first birthday
Your Challenge
Genealogy is personal, but technology can make it interactive. Here’s how you can join the journey:
- Pick an Ancestor: Choose someone in your family tree who inspires you. Write a short tribute to them (just 300 words or so).
- Add AI to the Mix: Use a free AI tool to refine your writing. ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini are great options.
- Compare and Reflect: Does the AI version improve your story, or does it miss the mark? Adjust it to reflect your voice.
Share your experience in the comments—I’d love to hear how AI shapes your family’s stories.
In the End, It’s All About Connection
Genealogy and AI might seem like an odd pairing, but at their core, both are about uncovering connections. Whether it’s piecing together family lore or fine-tuning a tribute, every little discovery brings us closer to understanding who we are.
Here’s to Week 1—and to Grandma, who started it all. Without her, this journey wouldn’t be possible. And thanks to AI, it’s more exciting than ever.
Final Thoughts: Technology can amplify the past, but it’s the stories we share that keep it alive. So here’s my challenge: embrace both the wisdom of your ancestors and the tools of today to create something truly timeless.
The AI-revised tribute:
A Tribute to Edith Lillian Makey West (1913-1997)
Edith Lillian Makey West, my beloved Grandma, was born on September 12, 1913, in Staten Island, New York. Her life, though marked by early loss – her mother passed away when she was just three years old – was a testament to resilience and love.
Raised by her strong and loving [Janet adds: aunt, her namesake Edith, and] stepmother, Elfrida, Edith grew into a vibrant young woman. She graduated from Bryant High School and embarked on her career, working first as a candy packer and then for The Corporation Trust Company, where she dedicated many years.
Edith and my Grandpa, Gordon, shared a deep and enduring love. Their marriage, celebrated in 1935, was a cornerstone of her life. They traveled extensively, exploring 37 states together, and cherished raising their children, Alan and Elise.
Grandma’s passion for family history ignited my own. Countless hours were spent discussing ancestors, sharing stories, and piecing together our family’s past. Her excitement was contagious, fueling my own genealogical pursuits.
More than anything, Grandma embodied strength and resilience. She faced life’s challenges with grace and determination, inspiring me with her quiet strength.
Though she is gone, her memory lives on. I will always cherish the warmth of her smile, the comforting sound of her laughter, and the enduring lessons she imparted.
The Ancestor Whisperer 