MONROE — The Green County Genealogical Society will present “Using AI Responsibly to Recover and Restore Old Photos” by Bob Bertolasi.

The presentation is September 12 at 10 a.m. in the Monroe Public Library community room on the second floor. The program is open to the public.

With rapid developments in artificial intelligence, it’s more important than ever to talk about responsible use of Al in genealogy, especially when restoring or recovering historic photographs. New tools appear constantly, and while many are heavily promoted by genealogy and heritage platforms, much of that attention is driven by marketing rather than accuracy.

Over the past year, ongoing discussion within the genealogy community and emerging ethics committees have highlighted the need for transparency, faithfulness, and care when using Al with historical images. Some platforms are gaining recognition for producing restorations that many genealogists consider more accurate and respectful of the original photograph. Come learn which ones plus important questions about standards, expectations and where the performance bar should be set going forward.

This seminar explores how to use Al thoughtfully and ethically, ensuring that restored images support honest genealogical research rather than unintentionally rewriting history.

Bertolasi currently is an instructor for Rock Valley College’s Center for Learning. He has had a lifelong interest/hobby in photography and currently is involved in several projects involving analog and digital photography. He served in the Air Force from 1958-1962. He traveled extensively for work and has worked in 31 countries while logging over 1.8 million air miles. He has a 1950 Ford which he has customized to resemble the 1950 Ford he had as a teenager.

Bertolasi is married to Lois and they have three children, five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

For any questions about the meeting or presentation, call Donna at 608-921-1537. The GCGS Research Center is located in the lower level of the Monroe Public Library is open to the public for research Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Other times are available by appointment. Call 608-328-7436 or go online at www.greencogenealogywi.org for more information.