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  • Creating Family Videos With AI and PowerPoint Seminar

    FREE

    Atherton Library. 2 Dinkelspiel Station Ln, Atherton, CA. March 5, 2026. Thursday, 1PM – 3PM.

    UPDATED DATE: Pacifica Sharp Park Library. 104 Hilton Way, Pacifica, CA. March 15, 2026. Sunday, 12PM – 2PM.

    Belmont Library. 1110 Alameda de las Pulgas, Belmont, CA. April 24, 2026. Friday, 11AM – 1PM.

    Foster City Library. 1000 E Hillsdale Blvd, Foster City, CA. June 7, 2026. Sunday, 1PM – 3PM.

    San Carlos Library. 610 Elm St, San Carlos, CA. June 12. Friday, 12PM – 2PM

    Seminar Highlights

    • Use AI and ChatGPT to craft narration for family stories
    • Design PowerPoint slides for storytelling what AI assistance
    • Turn your stories into narrated family history videos
    • Learn the full film making process: story → slides → video
    • Familiarity with PowerPoint is useful

    Session Abstract

    Everyone has a story worth remembering. In this engaging multimedia lecture, “Create Family Videos With AI and PowerPoint,” you’ll learn how AI tools like ChatGPT can help turn cherished memories into beautiful narrated family history videos. Discover how AI can assist with writing narration, designing slides, and blending voice, images, and music to bring your story to life. Perfect for anyone who wants to preserve family stories for future generations. A basic familiarity with PowerPoint is suggested, but imagination and heart are the keys to creating lasting, meaningful stories.

     About The Speaker: Ron Chan

    Ron Chan is a passionate storyteller, educator, and recognized leader in Chinese American genealogy. As Founder and Executive Director of the Bay Area Chinese Genealogy Group (BACGG), Ron inspires people to discover their family roots, preserve their heritage, and ensure the stories of those who came before them are never lost. A seasoned lecturer and published genealogy author, he brings genealogy, history, technology, and storytelling together to make family history engaging and accessible. Ron is also co-founder of the Chinese American GI Project, preserving the stories of Chinese American veterans. In 2026, Ron received the prestigious National Genealogical Society Rabbi Malcolm H. Stern Lifetime Achievement Award.

    Patron Comments

    “I learned a lot. It has inspired me to write my story, using AI, as well as a desire to use PowerPoint to bring my stories to life. The segment with the song, I’ll Never Find Another You, was very powerful and created emotion.”

    “Intermittent summaries were excellent, nice pace.”

    “I will need much review to create the video with PowerPoint, but a now I have the information to do it.”

    “Learned so much about use of AI and genealogy more than I could’ve imagined. The case studies were beautifully done and illustrative of the capability of this technology.”

    “Clear description of steps to create stories and videos may be comfortable about starting. However, I expect this to be quite a learning curve for me.”

    “A step-by-step summary on how to create a family video. A lot to learn and digest, but you made it seem easy. I like the step-by-step instructions of what to do on each of the websites you introduced.”

    “I think I could do with some initial practice. Seems easy when watching the presentation, but putting it together is another challenge. I need to spend time and be committed to make it happen. Seems quite time-consuming. You’re very dedicated to this project.”

    “Excellent helpful information for practical use of AI/ChatGPT to create family memories. Helps organize Family History materials in format for family, reunions, legacy, etc.”

    “Lots of useful information I can apply to my own needs.”

    “Good content, step-by-step helps walk-through process, providing a separate video for each process step.”

    “Already writing story using ChatGPT for help cleaning up grammar and writing skill. Great guidance for creating video.”

    “Your presentation was very well organized easy to follow. I enjoy the stories you created about your parents. They had interesting lives. You were blessed to have them had so long in your life and that you recorded their stories. I’m still apprehensive about using AI, but your presentation is warming me up to it.”

    “I’m not sure I’m ready to create a video yet. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!”

    “Slides very engaging. Able to follow flow.”

    “I write and would like to use AI to edit the stories. I want to try creating a PowerPoint presentation for my next class.”

    “When seeing video examples, felt overwhelmed on how to do video step-by-step. How long does it take to develop skill set to video? It’s amazing that this could be done with AI and PPT! Examples prove it could be done. Lots of little details put together. I liked flow charts and step-by-step line items. Great examples. I have no excuse now :-)”

    “Very warm and human. Helps keep interest very high to communicate the recommended steps. Knowing what I know of ChatGPT and AI, steps looked to be very logical and specific. Amazing multi media model presentation.”

    “Seminar left me looking forward to trying these objectives myself.”

  • Writing Family History With Artificial Intelligence

    Free Library Presentations

    Castro Valley Library, 3600 Norbridge Ave, Castro Valley, February 8, 2026, Sunday, 2 – 4PM

    Castro Valley Library, 3600 Norbridge Ave, Castro Valley, March 21, 2026, Saturday 2 – 4PM

    Writing Family History With AI

    Summary

    • Hands-on Writing Family History with AI Workshop
    • Blend of theory, demonstration, and practical application
    • Explore storytelling fundamentals and AI-generated narratives
    • Learn to use AI as a writing coach and create personalized stories
    • Share family anecdotes and insights with fellow participants 

    Explore the fusion of storytelling and artificial intelligence at our Writing Family History with AI Workshop. This interactive session merges theory, demonstrations, and sharing for a dynamic learning experience. Learn storytelling fundamentals, from traditional tales to AI-generated narratives. Discover how AI can enhance your writing process and create captivating stories. Dive into movie-making techniques and unleash your storytelling prowess through personalized videos. Bring your creativity and laptop, and craft your own AI-assisted family stories. Share and connect with fellow participants, exchanging family anecdotes and insights. No prior experience necessary, just bring your creativity and curiosity, plus an internet-ready laptop with a word processor.

    About The Speaker: Ron Chan

    Ron Chan is a passionate storyteller, educator, and recognized leader in Chinese American genealogy. As Founder and Executive Director of the Bay Area Chinese Genealogy Group (BACGG), Ron inspires people to discover their family roots, preserve their heritage, and ensure the stories of those who came before them are never lost. A seasoned lecturer and published genealogy author, he brings genealogy, history, technology, and storytelling together to make family history engaging and accessible. Ron is also co-founder of the Chinese American GI Project, preserving the stories of Chinese American veterans. In 2026, Ron received the prestigious National Genealogical Society Rabbi Malcolm H. Stern Lifetime Achievement Award.

    Feedback From Attendee’s

    “ Enjoy your personal aspects to communicate and use AI. Your personal efforts to create family stories and use your parents and grandparents history was very touching, emotional and very informational. Motivates me to do the same“.

    “Used to great hook to start. The pictures were colorful. Narration was interesting. I was able to follow along. Not too much to read.”

    “Learned a lot (and I am pretty geeky!) I have presented professionally, probably 7200 times before and I could tell you, you have the perfect combination to engage your audience, knowledge, and passion for your topics. Great presentation skills (audience engagement) of your topic – Family!“

    “Very good. The storytelling tips and slideshow ideas were terrific.”

    “Ron explained very well. Had great examples. Spoke clearly and at a good speed.“.

    “I thought it was helpful – you presented very nicely. “

    “I think it was very good and gave me hope to do stories about my own family. “

    “Good thought to use ChatGPT as a writing coach.  Only you know your stories the best.”

  • Book Reading: “Sojourners to Joke Sings: Tales of Chinatown & Beyond”

    Join the Bay Area Chinese Genealogy Group (BACGG) and Chinese Historical and Cultural Project (CHCP) for a book reading by Ron Lee with L K Lennie Lee.

    Zoom Registration Here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/UNG_N10IR6-rRIrS2K5Org#/registration

    This will be a Zoom only presentation, no in person meeting.

    Date and Time: Jan 14, 2026 06:00 PM  in  Pacific Time (US and Canada)

    Rooted in the vivid recollections of L K Lennie Lee and expanded by her son, Ron Lee, and other descendants, this book blends oral history, myth, and archival research to reclaim erased narratives and honor the lives of “Joke Sings.”

    Self-motivated, L K Lennie Lee wrote her stories to share with her family, however, her writings gathered in a binder were discovered by her nephew after her passing.

    L K Lennie Lee amassed an extensive oral history of her people, as well as compiled narratives from young and old, to make observations of life in San Francisco’s and other Chinatowns, focusing on a narrative beyond the façade of tourism. L K Lennie Lee collected oral histories and transcribed conversations to document and bring to life histories of her times, which resulted in the production of Sojourners to Joke Sings: Tales of Chinatown & Beyond.

    Born and raised in Chinatown, San Francisco, California, L K Lennie Lee and Ron Lee held careers as public school teachers, later becoming real estate investors. As leader activists in their communities, they fought for education and civil rights.

    You may purchase the book “Sojourners to Joke Sings: Tales of Chinatown and Beyond”, go to : www.sojournerstojokesings.com

    A portion of the proceeds will go to the Chinese Historical and Cultural Project.

  • FamilySearch Chinese Ancestry Workshop 9/29/2025

    Bay Area Chinese Genealogy Group Meeting – All are welcome.

    Date: 9/29/2025. Time: 10:30AM – 3PM. Place: Family Search Center, 4766 Lincoln Ave, Oakland, CA 

    Lunch: Included. Cost: Free

    Click here – Register Now2    Please register by September 12  (In person and Zoom)

    We’re excited to invite you to our upcoming FamilySearch Chinese Ancestry Workshop on Monday, September 29, 2025. During this session, the FamilySearch team will present a brand-new tool designed to help us research Chinese ancestry—even if we don’t read or write Chinese.

    We look forward to seeing you soon and exploring this exciting new resource together!

    📍 In-Person Attendees: Although the FamilySearch Library is normally closed on Mondays, it will be open especially for our workshop. We’ll also have access to the library computers, and lunch will be provided—so please be sure to register early to reserve your spot.

    💻 Zoom Attendees: You’ll be able to join us online (11:00 – 12:00), and the Zoom link will be sent out 10 days prior to the event.

    Workshop Schedule

    10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. – Check-In & Seating 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. –  Welcome & Presentation of FamilySearch Database – In Person and Zoom

    12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. – Lunch will be provided

    1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Hands-On Workshop (In Person Only);

     Guided exploration and practical use of the FamilySearch tool.  

  • China Trip To Your Village, April 2026

    Organized by Henry Tom

    Interested in recovering your Chinese ancestry?

    For many overseas Chinese, the ultimate connection to China is their family heritage and Chinese genealogy.  Overseas Chinese, whose parents, and/or ancestors have emigrated from China, often find it difficult to make connections to their roots because their families shared little or had no detailed discussions about their past family history in China. The journey of Chinese genealogy, starting with archival research and culminating with a visit to one’s ancestral village in China, can provide the knowledge and understanding of how the experiences of their parents and ancestors influenced one’s own identity. 

    Village genealogy books (zupus or jiapus) with clan and lineages that can span thousands of years are essential to recovering one’s Chinese heritage and family lineages – the Red Guards during the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976) destroyed almost all genealogy books in China except for those genealogy books in Guangdong province – only surviving due to the tenacity of the Cantonese people in Guangdong province to save them.  The Cantonese are quite unique and truly blessed to have this precious Chinese source that helps to preserve their heritage.

    1) most lineage information in China was only recorded within the village;

    2) the village book contains the names of their father and ancestors and their family lineage, which documents and verifies the ancestry and relationships of the people from that village;

    3) and the books with your family lineages can be linked with clan lineages that were compiled before the village lineage.   

    This April 2026 China Trip with tours and visits to ancestral villages provides a truly unique and rare experience – beginning with your own family research, attending Chinese genealogy workshops to understand the basic fundamentals and learn how to perform Chinese genealogy research – without having to be Chinese literate, with collaborative research in China and coming full circle with a visit to your ancestral village, from where parents and ancestors first started this epic journey. It is an opportunity not to be missed. Please consider going home to “qiáo xiāng” [ 僑鄉/侨乡] the hometown of overseas Chinese.

    See also the Chinese Genealogy Workshop in San Francisco Chinatown, February 16 – 18, 2026, where there will be a session on preparing for your trip.

    For questions, pricing & more details, please contact Henry Tom +1 480 980 8715 “Tomclan@Gmail.com”

    CLICK HERE FOR Documents for the 2026 February Chinese Genealogy Workshop and the April China Trip

    To get an idea of what you will see, do and accomplish on going to China to find your roots, see Ron Chan’s, “Chan China Roots Journal, 2018”, to get an idea how this trip can change your genealogy life. Download here.