Genealogist and Educator

Mark Thompson is a professional genealogist and speaker, co-host of the Family History AI Show, and a founding member of the Coalition for Responsible AI in Genealogy. He helps family historians and their societies use the best tools available, and helps make technology feel approachable, not intimidating.

Based in Victoria, British Columbia, on Pacific time, Mark presents to groups across North America and beyond, both virtually and in person.

Mark's Here To Help

For Program Chairs

Looking for a speaker for your society, conference, or library? Browse Mark's talks and check availability for your date. Browse the Talks

For Family Historians

Want to sharpen your own research? Mark's blog walks through practical, responsible ways to use AI and technology in your family history, one practical idea at a time. Read the Blog

To Stay Current

The world of AI in genealogy moves fast. The monthly newsletter keeps you up to date, with none of the hype. Join the Newsletter

Mark's Recent Events

RootsTech, the National Genealogical Society, GRIP, Cece Moore's i4GG Conference, Ontario Genealogical Society, Nova Scotia Genealogy Conference, East Coast Genetic Genealogy Conference, the Enoch Pratt Free Library, and dozens of genealogical societies around the world.

"Thank you for your wonderful presentations and your participation in Artificial Intelligence Day. On a personal note, I cannot thank you enough for the number of times you stepped in and made things so much easier for our team."

 

Ann Brown, Chair, Ontario Ancestors / OGS Conference 2024

 

Mark Thompson Bio Picture

Recent Blog Posts

AI for genealogy: a genealogist surrounded by a research team of specialist hats

Turn Your AI into A Genealogy Research Team

You don’t need the most powerful AI model for your genealogy work. With the right prompt, any model, even a free one, can work like a small research team that checks its own work for you.

Responsible AI Photo Restoration

Responsible AI Photo Restoration

Photo restoration isn’t new, but its dramatic evolution from the darkroom to generative AI requires a responsible approach to disclosing it’s use.