claude-family-history-research-skill

🥈Silver

Automates family history and genealogy research planning. Helps operations teams organize research projects, identify sources, and track progress. Integrates with genealogy databases and project management tools.

6010Updated 1mo ago

Intermediate30min to implementautomation

Saves ~45 min per use

Quick InstallView Source

git clone https://github.com/emaynard/claude-family-history-research-skill.git

Works with:

Claude

Overview

About This Skill

How to Use

1. **Define Your Scope:** Fill in [FAMILY_NAME], [GENERATION_RANGE], and [REGION/COUNTRY] in the prompt template. Specify your [KEY_OBJECTIVE] (e.g., 'finding birth records' or 'resolving a brick wall ancestor'). 2. **Customize Sources:** Replace the example databases (e.g., FamilySearch, Ancestry) with those relevant to your research region. Add local archives or libraries if known. 3. **Set Milestones:** Adjust the timeline based on your project’s urgency. For brick walls, allocate extra time for DNA triangulation or contacting local historians. 4. **Integrate Tools:** Use the output to populate your project management tool (e.g., Notion, Airtable) or genealogy software (e.g., RootsMagic, Legacy Family Tree). 5. **Validate & Iterate:** Cross-check the AI’s recommendations with known gaps in your research. Use the 'Next Steps' section as your starting point and refine as you uncover new data. **Tips:** - For international research, replace US-specific records (e.g., census) with local equivalents (e.g., parish registers in Europe). - If you have DNA matches, mention this in the prompt to prioritize genetic genealogy strategies. - Save the output as a template for future projects to standardize your research planning.

Setup & Installation

Quick Install

No install command available. Check the GitHub repository for manual installation instructions.

Alternative Install (Git Clone)

git clone https://github.com/emaynard/claude-family-history-research-skill

Requirements

Claude Code or compatible AI agent
Works with: Claude

Quick Start Guide

Install the Skill

Copy the install command above and run it in your terminal.

Open Your AI Agent

Launch Claude Code, Cursor, or your preferred AI coding agent.

Try It Out

Use the prompt template or examples below to test the skill.

Customize

Adapt the skill to your specific use case and workflow.

Usage Examples

Prompt Template

Plan a comprehensive research strategy for [FAMILY_NAME] genealogy project. Include: 1) Key research objectives for [GENERATION_RANGE], 2) Priority records to search (e.g., census, church, military) in [REGION/COUNTRY], 3) Estimated timeline with milestones, and 4) Tools/databases to use. Prioritize [KEY_OBJECTIVE] such as finding birth records or resolving a brick wall ancestor. Provide sources for each recommendation.

Example Output

Research Strategy for the Johnson Family (1800-1940)

**Research Objectives:**
1. Trace the lineage of Samuel Johnson (b. 1823, VA) back to his parents
2. Identify the parents of Mary Ann Johnson (b. 1851, TN) who married Samuel in 1872
3. Resolve the identity of 'Unknown Johnson' (b. 1785, NC) - the earliest known ancestor

**Priority Records & Sources:**
- **Census Records (1850-1940):** Focus on Tennessee (1850, 1860) and Virginia (1830, 1840) where Samuel's family likely lived. Key databases: FamilySearch, Ancestry, and the free USGenWeb Archives.
- **Marriage Records (1872):** Check Davidson County, TN marriage bonds for Samuel and Mary Ann's license. Alternative: Check local church records if civil records are incomplete.
- **Land & Probate Records (1830-1880):** Search for Samuel Johnson in VA land deeds (e.g., Halifax County) and TN probate files (e.g., Davidson County) to find familial connections.
- **Church Records:** If Samuel or Mary Ann were members of the Methodist or Baptist churches in their respective counties, these records may contain baptismal or burial details.

**Estimated Timeline:**
- **Week 1-2:** Census research (TN/VA 1850-1880) to locate Samuel's family unit.
- **Week 3-4:** Marriage record search in Davidson County, TN, followed by church records if needed.
- **Week 5-6:** Land/probate records in VA (Samuel's likely origin) and TN (Mary Ann's family).
- **Week 7-8:** DNA triangulation (if available) to confirm hypotheses about 'Unknown Johnson'.

**Tools & Databases:**
- **Primary:** FamilySearch (free), Ancestry ($), and USGenWeb Archives (free)
- **Secondary:** Find A Grave (for burial records), Newspapers.com (for obituaries/mentions)
- **Collaboration:** Use Notion or Airtable to track progress and document findings.

**Key Challenge:** The 1890 census is missing for TN, so alternative records like city directories or tax lists may be needed to bridge the gap between 1880 and 1900.

**Next Steps:** Begin with the 1850 TN census to locate Mary Ann Johnson’s family, then work backward to Samuel’s parents in VA.