Restoring Faces in Your Photos Using GFPGAN- Machine Learning for Genealogy

Original Photo 

Restored Photo

As some of you know already, I am an IT major at Marymount University. Recently I have developed a persistent interest in machine learning and artificial intelligence, so you can imagine my excitement when I discovered a tool that incorporates these exciting and constantly developing fields with my other interest- genealogy.

The tool is called GFPGAN and its stated purpose is as a Practical Algorithm for Real-world Face Restoration.

Now before I begin nerding out on all the cool features and advanced ways you can use this tool, I want to drop a couple links that will make using the tool infinitely easier for those of you who -well- just want to use it. These online demos will let you try out the tools without going through a bunch of complicated steps.

No, the Fact the Younger Generations Aren't Learning Cursive Doesn't Mean the End of Genealogy

Facebook is one of the most valuable resources any genealogist can have in their arsenal. So, naturally, I am a part of many genealogy-related groups on facebook. Normally they are very helpful, giving new insights into how a person should approach research as well as perspectives on the genealogy world as a whole. However, on occasion, these groups will have posts addressing the rest of the members as a whole to share their opinions on the topic of "the younger generations".

As a note, this post is not meant to demonize anybody or to rant without offering any solutions. Rather I'd like to open up discussion about how best to approach concerns as well as give suggestions on how to include the "younger generations" in such discussions. It is also not meant to take a swing at "how can we get kids into genealogy" queries because those are not only important but also include the kids and young adults in the discussion, instead of alienating them by saying some aspect of how they grew up is a problem. Who knows, maybe we can even come to view each other as more than just pre-internet and post-internet and recognize each other for the superb genealogists we all are. First, though I'd like to address some gripes.

Gripes

Cursive Handwriting

This is probably one of the ones that I see the most. Yes, it's true. They don't teach cursive in USA schools anymore. Before anyone dies from the horror of such a proposition, let me provide my perspective.

I actually was taught cursive in school, I had about a year of cursive instruction in 2nd grade, but I'm going to let you in on a little secret: I haven't written in cursive since that year. Despite this, I actually have no problems reading cursive documents. Well, I take that back. When I first started doing genealogy I had some difficulty with the old scripts. Luckily, there is a special skill that all humans have; the ability to learn. Since I already spoke English, the transition came pretty fast. And, contrary to popular belief, it's not difficult to read cursive even if you haven't had instruction. Most of the letters are exactly the same, just with connections drawn between.

Some letters written in Kurrentschrift (source)