The Research Like a Pro Genealogy Podcast cover image

The Research Like a Pro Genealogy Podcast

RLP 334: Transkribus--Handwritten Text Analysis with AI

Dec 2, 2024
Explore the fascinating world of handwritten text analysis with AI! Discover how Transkribus transcribes historical documents and enhances genealogy research. Learn to upload files, choose models, and train custom AI for unique handwriting. Hear a firsthand account of organizing a complex Civil War Pension Application, showcasing Transkribus' capabilities. Get practical tips for improving accuracy with advanced features like Smart Search. This tech-savvy discussion unlocks new avenues for uncovering family histories!
29:17

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Quick takeaways

  • Transkribus is an AI-powered transcription tool that simplifies converting handwritten documents into searchable text, enhancing genealogical research efficiency.
  • Creating custom AI models in Transkribus allows researchers to improve transcription accuracy for specific handwriting styles, making large archives easier to manage.

Deep dives

The Challenges of City Directory Indexing

City directories can be valuable resources for genealogical research, but their indexing is not always reliable. One example was discussed where an ancestor's entry was indexed with incorrect middle initials and misleading information, rendering it nearly unrecognizable. This highlights the importance of browsing original documents instead of solely relying on searchable databases to locate relevant information. Researchers are encouraged to be cautious and diligent in their searches, possibly using direct browsing methods within city directories instead.

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