Tools of the Trade: Human-Centered Approaches to Digital Research
Friday, October 23 – Saturday, October 24, 2026
Online | 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM Eastern
Our fourth annual technology symposium will be a full-day exploration of the many tools and methodologies furthering genealogical research and historical preservation. Sessions will cover geographic mapping, digitization techniques, open data sources, DNA painting, and the shift in artificial intelligence (AI) from chatbots to agents.
Leading genealogists and experts from related fields will offer insights and practical guides to working with contemporary tools with awareness, confidence, and skill.
Presenters include Nicole Dyer, Mark Thompson, Jarrett Ross, and Matthew Bruinooge, with additional speakers to be announced. Please check back here regularly for schedule updates and session descriptions!
All sessions will be recorded and made available to registrants for on-demand viewing through December 24, 2026.
Pricing
- NYG&B Member Early Registration: $189 (ends October 1, 2026; after that, the registration rate for members is $215)
- General Registration: $259
About the Presenters
Nicole Dyer is a professional genealogist specializing in Southern United States research and genetic genealogy. She is the creator of FamilyLocket.com and co-hosts the Research Like a Pro Genealogy Podcast with her mother, Diana Elder, AG. Nicole co-authored Research Like a Pro: A Genealogist’s Guide, Research Like a Pro with DNA, and Research Like a Pro with AI with Diana Elder. She is an instructor for the Research Like a Pro study groups and served as course coordinator for the Texas Institute of Genealogical Research course, “Integrating AI into Genealogical Research and Writing,” in 2025. Nicole lectures at national conferences and institutes, focusing on innovative technology applications in genealogical research, including artificial intelligence, research logs and Airtable, and essential software tools. She holds a bachelor’s degree in History Teaching from Brigham Young University. At Family Locket Genealogists, Nicole serves as project manager, editor, and researcher.
Jarrett Ross, The GeneaVlogger, is a professional genetic genealogist and YouTuber. Jarrett has built a special expertise in Genetic Genealogy, the Portuguese Jewish community of Amsterdam, southern New Jersey Jewish agricultural societies, and American Jewish genealogy, as well as extensive experience researching many other population groups. Jarrett recently left his job as the Lead Investigative Genealogist at DNA Labs International to pursue content creation and public speaking full-time. Jarrett also volunteers as a Geni curator, a Search Angel, Vice President of Triangle Jewish Genealogical Society, and on the Board of Directors for the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies.
Mark Thompson is a professional genealogist, educator, and public speaker specializing in artificial intelligence in genealogy. He is a founding member of the Coalition for Responsible AI in Genealogy (CRAIGEN) and co-hosts the Family History AI Show podcast with Steve Little. Mark serves as President of the Victoria Genealogical Society and is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists. His earlier career in senior IT leadership culminated as Vice President of IT for one of Canada’s largest oil and gas companies, where he oversaw IT governance, technology risk, and enterprise systems.
Matthew Bruinooge is Director of Digital Services at the NYG&B, where he leads digitization, AI integration, and digital infrastructure. He holds a B.A. in Computer Science and Visual Art from Brown University and an M.F.A. from Brooklyn College, where he taught courses in digital media and 3D scanning. His digitization work includes 3D documentation of art objects for the Brooklyn Public Library and private collections. Previously, he served as Director of Digital Production at Gertie, an arts organization based in Chicago. In 2025, he was a technology resident at Pioneer Works.
