Local genealogy librarian to explain how AI can aid family research

Local genealogy librarian to explain how AI can aid family research

The County Line Historical Society of Wayne/Holmes will host a program on how artificial intelligence can support genealogy research at 1 p.m. Aug. 15 at the historic Shreve Presbyterian Church in Shreve.

The presentation, titled "AI is Revolutionizing Family History Research," is free and open to the public, according to a community announcement. Guest speaker Deb Kitko, genealogy librarian for the Wayne County Public Library, will discuss how artificial intelligence tools can help family historians uncover information, organize research and explore genealogy resources more effectively.

Kitko first became interested in genealogy in 1986. She earned a bachelor of science in business administration in marketing with a minor in Spanish from the University of Akron in 1995 and a master's degree in library science in public librarianship from Kent State University in 1998.

She received Ohio Library Council certification as a public librarian in 2001 and completed recertifications in 2006 and 2011. In 2003, she became a certified genealogy librarian through the National Institute for Genealogical Studies. She also completed certification in Methodology in 2025.

Kitko worked for the Akron-Summit County Public Library from 1986 to 1998 and has served as the Wayne County Public Library's genealogy librarian since 1998.

How AI can assist family history researchers

The program will explore ways artificial intelligence can support genealogy projects without replacing traditional research methods. According to the announcement, genealogy has long relied on a combination of investigation and informed judgment, while AI tools can help make some tasks faster and more accessible.

Topics will include using AI to transcribe and translate historical documents and enhance aging family photographs. AI-powered tools can sharpen image details, reduce damage such as scratches and add color to black-and-white photographs, according to the announcement.

Participants will also learn how artificial intelligence can help them navigate genealogy resources, including FamilySearch, identify potential connections and organize research findings.

Building research plans and breaking through obstacles

The presentation will include demonstrations showing how AI can assist researchers in developing step-by-step family history research plans. Organizers say the tools can help users address long-standing research challenges and continue building their family trees with a more structured approach.

The County Line Historical Society of Wayne/Holmes has been offering educational programs throughout the year on subjects of historical interest.

The Aug. 15 event will take place at Shreve Presbyterian Church at 343 N. Market St. Parking is available in the lot across North Market Street from the church.

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