Extreme Genes: Recent Episodes
Extreme Genes
Fisher visits with Parabon’s CeCe Moore. He begins by asking about surprises leading CeCe to reveal a DNA surprise that only recently emerged in her own family! It even involves a crime.
Fisher visits with Barbara Clements from Lombard, Illinois. Barbara’s family had a longstanding family legend about their Native American ancestry. She has learned now how that story came to be and the “why” behind it.
The settling of the west wasn’t much unlike the settling of colonial America a century or two earlier. And as people came, more and more lines were drawn. Fisher shares just a few so you know what to look for as you consider your research strategy.
Jack Holder, a survivor of Pearl Harbor who narrowly escaped death, talks about his experience of being missed by the first bomb of World War II by the length of a football field, and then being strafed by a Japanese fighter pilot.
War, population growth and shifting can all contribute to boundary changes. And boundary changes mean that, even if your ancestors stayed in the same place, their records could be hiding in many places.
Fisher had given up on finding the parents of an elusive ancestor when he took one last step before closing the book on the case. And it made all the difference in the world!
Jim Ericson from FamilySearch.org visits to talk about the soon-to-be-released 1950 US Census. He’ll explain when you can see the images, when indexing is likely to be completed, and how you may be able to help in the effort.
Females ancestors are sometimes difficult to find. Fisher shares a few thoughts on other ways to look for them.
Struggling to figure out where your ancestor’s Social Security records went? They might not have been there at all because things were different before 1951!
Fisher visits with Nathan Dylan Goodwin, author of a series of genealogical crime mysteries. Nathan has a new book out called The Foundlings. He teases us with the plot and explains how he began this unique career and how he puts these stories together.
Ever notice familiar repeating family names in a single family group? It could be the parents were following a classic pattern. And that pattern can tell you some very important truths about the previous generation.
Back in 1752, England enacted a law that changed our calendars forever. But did that law ever make a genealogist’s life complicated!
Fisher visits with Wendell Affield, the author of a series of books on his family history called the Chickenhouse Chronicles. They’ve been created with a large assist from 200 years worth of family history records found in his mother’s chicken house in Minnesota! Catch his remarkable story.
Ancestors love to play tricks on us as we trace them down… sometimes by disappearing from where we think they should be. Fisher explains where you might want to look next.
Fisher worked to break open one ancestral line for fifteen years. It wasn’t until he was closing the book on the case by creating a timeline that he saw the answer!
Paul Woodbury of Legacy Tree Genealogists visits with Fisher about mitochondrial DNA. What can you use it for in your research? And what might be expecting too much?
Just the way not every record is digitized, many records are digitized but not indexed! Can’t find what you’re looking for? It’s time to check those massive unindexed records!
Fisher visits with Marion Burk Wood. Marion has written a book, “Planning A Future For Your Family’s Past.” It’s an important topic for everyone. Marion has some great thoughts on how to get your genealogical collection in order for after you’re… well… done!
With it being Halloween weekend you’ll appreciate our two guest interviews this week. The first is with Professor Emerson Baker of Salem State University. Professor Baker is part of a committee that was able to confirm the precise location of the site of execution of the Salem “witches.” He talks about the methods and clues they used to confirm what once was known only through tradition.
Melanie McComb joins the show from the New England Historic Genealogical Society. Melanie was the recent beneficiary of the WikiTree Challenge, where researchers around the world looked at her family tree and went to work extending it, correcting it, and finding stories.
Fisher talks with Helena Bouchez of Ohio. Helena struggled for twenty years to break through her Belgian “brick wall,” only to have it smashed by others in just 45 minutes! Hear how it was done and how far back it has taken her.
Got an Ancestor Who Served? Look to Military Records as a Source for Incredible Family Stories.
Fisher shares his 2019 interview with Connecticut resident Jenny Hawran who was shocked to find out she was only a half sibling to her brother. She describes how the discovery was made, the emotional turmoil, the confrontation with her mother, and what she has had to do to manage her previously unknown family identity.
Once you’ve gone from the land of the researcher to the land of the researched, you no longer control what happens to your heirlooms and research records. Here’s what you can do now!
Fisher chats with Massachusetts resident Robin LaCroix. Several years ago, Robin interviewed her mother and aunts for family stories. What she learned has led her to a true hometown adventure following in the footsteps of her very friendly grandfather!
Have you become reliant on online sites for your key records? If so, you’re missing out on the thrill of the hunt the old-fashioned way!
Who deserves to have their history recorded more than our veterans? Fisher shares some great places for finding military records and often the stories that can be uncovered through them.
David Rencher, Director of the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah, comes on to talk about the remarkable milestone FamilySearch.org just achieved… the digitization of some 2.4 million rolls of microfilm that were accumulated over 80 years!
Adoptees in particular, but many others as well, are looking for answers. If your skilled in the DNA world, you might want to consider helping these folks as a “search angel.”
Want to find rare family photos, family Bibles, and who knows what else? Fisher suggests that you try tracing forward!
Fisher visits with Civil War re-enactor Calvin Osborne. Calvin has been part of an African American reenacting group for 28 years and recently made a mind blowing family history discovery that ties into his hobby. Hear his story in his own words.
Believe it or not, Fisher HATED history as a kid. How he came to love it can work for your child or grandchild, too.
Fisher visits with Heather Maio Smith of Storyfile.com who has appeared on 60 Minutes for her artificial intelligence software that allows people to interview Holocaust survivors by speaking to their hologram recordings.
Continuing his conversation on family photo archives, Fisher gives a quick overview on what you have to do to keep them safe.
OK, you’re the one in your family with all the family pictures. Now what? The first thing you have to do has nothing to do with technology.
Diahan Southard, Your DNA Guide, talks about endogamy in DNA. What really defines it and how do you deal with it should you run across it? Diahan has some helpful thoughts. Then, she talks about mitochondrial DNA, that test that follows the female direct line. How is that test best used?
Fisher talks about the “luck” he has enjoyed through the years in genealogy, and how it really isn’t as much by chance as you would think.
Fisher chats with Sarah Yeoman of Portland, Oregon. Sarah has started the new company The Family Cookbook, which allows you to connect to your ancestors through family recipes. Each cookbook she makes Is unique.
Fisher visits with Parabon’s CeCe Moore about surprises leading CeCe to reveal a DNA surprise that only recently emerged in her own family! It even involves a crime.
Fisher visits with Anthony Redgrave of the DNA Doe Project. Anthony and his team were able to identify murder victim… one that was found in a cave and dates back to 1916! Hear how they got the job done!
Fisher visits with Loretto Thompson. A few years back Loretto learned about a treasure trove of letters from her father to the family during his time serving in World War II. He died when Loretto was only four years old, and the letters have led her on a remarkable journey… even by genie standards!
As more and more secrets are exposed by DNA tests, are we prepared to discover that our ancestors were simply human?
Fisher chats with Brandt Gibson from sponsor Legacy Tree Genealogists. As a long time DNA researcher, Brandt has some remarkable stories that have emerged from his client research. You’ll want to catch these!
Fisher explains the significance of “gateway ancestors” and how you can find out if you have any on your family tree.
With all the scams happening in the world today, it’s not always so easy to connect with a “new” cousin. Fisher has some thoughts.
Professor Christopher Magra of the University of Tennessee talks about British “Press Gangs” and how their virtual kidnapping of young men to man their Navy contributed to the breakout of the Revolutionary War.
New techniques are revealing the good and the bad in our DNA test results. Are you prepared for the unexpected?
There are bucket lists and then there are genealogy bucket lists. Are you prioritizing what you want to get done before joining the land of the researched?
Fisher visits with Jilayne Davidson of Calgary, Alberta. Jilayne never knew her father, a man, she was told, who was indigenous and from Oklahoma. Wanting to know about her indigenous side Jilayne began a journey that recently solved a mystery for two families who knew nothing of each other. One family knew what happened before 1958 and the other knew what happened after. And now, both families know the whole story.
Ireland will be adding a time capsule feature to their 2021 census, to be revealed in 100 years. Sounds like a great idea… but do we really need it?
Fisher explains that sometimes you have to pioneer your own discovery technique to mine the most out of records you find.
Fisher talks to Crista Cowan from Ancestry.com about the Ancestry app redesign. Crista will tell you about all the wowy features, plus fill you in on Ancestry’s most recently released databases.
Fisher explains that not all stories are spelled out for you. They often assemble themselves through records you collect over time.
Fisher visits with actor Samuel Roukin who plays Captain John Graves Simcoe in the (now NETFLIX) series “TURN: Washington’s Spies” who talks about his development of this despicable character based on a real historic figure. Sam also talks about his immersion in the history of the Revolution.
Some newbies to genealogy aren’t so sure about the pace of this pursuit. Fisher has some advice for them.
Most families have stories about loved ones that aren’t particularly flattering. But should you share it in a history?
Jennifer Mendelsohn talks about her transition into a professional genealogist and her remarkable work using DNA to connect family members separated during the Holocaust.
Sure, maybe you don’t want to tell everything, but if you don’t write your own story who will? And how will they tell it?
Fisher visits with Father Columba Stewart, a Benedictine monk who has traveled the world on a mission to preserve the historic writings of mankind in places subject to war and natural disasters. Wait til you hear some of the things he has endured in his quest!
We all love finding new dates and places, but digging up a new story is a much greater accomplishment.
Community celebrations such as the 4th of July is a great time to share family history with your kids.
Fisher welcomes renowned CNBC anchor Bill Griffeth to the show. Bill will take you through the day when he received an email from his cousin that informed him that the only man he had ever known as his father was genetically not his father!
Lots of kids find no joy in learning history. But when family is tied into it, things can change!
When starting your genealogical journey, it’s tough to skip a link in the chain. You have to begin with what you know.
Fisher visits with Liz Vizza, President of the Friends of the Public Garden in Boston. Liz’s organization is part of the effort to restore the decaying statue that celebrates Massachusetts’ famed 54th Infantry of Civil War fame, portrayed in the movie “Glory.”
If you haven’t at digitized newspapers in a while you might be missing out on some “new” old material!
Don Milne of Stories Behind The Stars joins Fisher for an update on his project to write biographies for every American service person killed in World War 2. One state has already completed all of theirs!
Modern on-line family research tends to deter us from reaching out to our relatives, but it’s still as good an idea today as it was years ago.
Let’s face it, a Wiki model tree has many benefits. But when someone “corrects” your entries and improperly merges individuals, the tangled mess can be tough to straighten out. Here’s where to go and what to do.
Fisher visits with Leora Krygier of Los Angeles. Leora discovered a simple postcard from World War 2 at an antique store. And its content took her on an adventure around the world!
There are various types of DNA tests, but the Y-DNA test serves one particular purpose. Here’s why you might want to “Y.”
It’s a great thing to find an old book with loads of information. But just how trustworthy are these “sources?”
Fisher has the honor of interviewing his second Pearl Harbor survivor this year. Jack Holder has written a book called Fear, Adrenaline, and Excitement about his survival at Pearl Harbor as the first Japanese bomb in the attack exploded only 300 feet from where he was standing.
It happens all the time. One record says one thing, and another says something else. Here’s how to sort things out.
Fisher begins a two part visit with Nick DeVaux of St. Lucia. Nick’s father was a World War 2 pilot for England and left his son his pilot’s log book. A few years back, Nick had an idea to use that book to collect history by having history makers from the war sign the wartime heirloom. Hear the story of how it began, what he will ultimately do with the book, and some of the stories of the people who have signed it.
We all love to show off family photos and documents, but it puts them at risk. Here’s a better way.
Tracking down keepsakes of ancestors isn’t always easy. But sometimes there are mementoes just below your feet!
Fisher visits with Katherine Andrew, a young genealogist who took our eBay Challenge and is celebrating an incredible find!
Yes, we’re all future dead people. Doesn’t it make sense to make plans for what will happen to your family heirlooms?
It’s true… DNA testing can be confusing. Here’s what you should consider in choosing a good match in a DNA testing company.
Fisher visits with Mary Kathryn Kozy and Cara Jones of FamilySearch.org. Mary Kathryn and Cara are deep in the weeds in something FamilySearch calls the War of 1812 Project. You might find an unexpected link to your ancestor on FamilySearch involving this project. Hear what it’s all about.
Sometimes it’s tough to know what to do with photographs where you don’t know who the subject is. Fisher shares some thoughts that might help.
Fisher shares a key clue in many photographs that many people overlook. But it might be all you need to help you identify the subject of the photo.
Fisher visits with metal detectorist Jim Bailey about his discovery of Arabian coins in New England and his research on them which is rewriting the last chapter of the history of the “King of Pirates.”
Who knows the old folks in your pictures, as well as their stories, better than old folks?! Fisher talks about how to maximize your visits to senior relatives.
There are definitely techniques for preserving paper documents and records that you can trust will extend the life of your important documents.
Fisher visits with Kimberly Morgan, a researcher with Finding Your Roots on PBS. Kimberly had a shocking experience that led to research that has shaped her life. Don’t miss this one!
If you’ve ever wondered why you don’t get everything you think you should from a search of a digitized newspaper site, Fisher has some ideas that may open up a whole lot more.
Marking pictures is essential for future generations, but using the right pens and markers will assure the identifications last without damaging your images.
Fisher catches up with Bonnie Wade Mucia of the Mayflower Society. Bonnie talks about the “Silver Book Project,” it’s history, where it’s been, and now, where it’s going. It’s good news whether or not you descend from the Mayflower.
Fisher talks about the risk of taking on line trees at face value and why copying isn’t researching.
Lots of great records are not on line, and won’t be anytime soon. Fisher talks about a Catholic record type you might want to look for.
Fisher visits with British author Nathan Dylan Goodwin. Nathan is the creator of the genealogical thriller genre, as well as its master. And for the first time, Nathan’s new book is centered in the United States. Hear more about it and how to get your copy.
Fisher talks about school districts who created some unique records to help plan for buildings, teachers, and enrollment. Hear what’s on these censuses and where to find them.
Websites aside, it’s still a great idea to visit ancestral cemeteries. Fisher explains why and why Spring is the best time to do it.
Gina Philabert Ortega talks Women’s History Month and shares her tips on researching female ancestors. They can be tricky with all those name changes. She’ll also have some sources unique to women to share with you.
Fisher interviews David Rencher, director of the Family History Library in Salt Lake City. David fills us in on the monumental success of RootsTech Connect and how the numbers continue to grow. He also talks about new services the Library is offering or will be offering that will make it more of a global genealogical source.
Two of “Fisher’s Favorite 50” Interviews of all Time: The Driveway Sisters and Tracing a 19th Century Kidnap Victim
Fisher visits with David Zucker, the man behind countless comedy films, including Airplane! Naked Gun and many others. David is a passionate genie and has written a book on his family history called “Before The Invention Of Smiling.” David gives some background and explains what he hopes readers will take from his first family history book.
Fisher visits with genealogist Melanie McComb, from AmericanAncestors.org and NEHGS talks about financial records of ancestors that can help you on your journey. It’s from a lecture she does called “Follow the Money!”
Brandon Beckstead of FamilySearch is next up on the show. Brandon fills us in on this year’s edition of RootsTech, called “RootsTech Connect,” an all-virtual version of the world’s largest genealogical conference. And there are some fabulous features!
Fisher catches up with Lou Conter, one of the two remaining survivors of the Pearl Harbor attack on the USS Arizona. He explains how he survived the explosion of the ship, and what he did after 1941, and after World War II.
Journal keeping is a simple, old fashioned, and effective way to document your life’s adventures. And what a treasure it will be for your descendants.
Want your kids to find history a little more interesting? Try sharing family stories about how your ancestors were connected to historic figures and events.
A few years back Loretto Thompson learned about a treasure trove of letters from her father to the family during his time serving in World War II. He died when Loretto was only four years old, and the letters have led her on a remarkable journey… even by genie standards!
Over many years anyone, like Fisher, can accumulate quite an Ancestral Museum. But without proper planning, where it goes after you might be to the dump!
Russell Shorto, a renowned author talks about his new book coming out on February 2nd that discusses the history of the Mafia in small town America. His grandfather was part of the illegal activities that proliferated from coast to coast.
We all have family secrets. And if you’re concerned about how to handle those secrets in a history, Fisher has some thoughts.
Over 40 years before photography became a thing, a printing process paved the way for the publication of numerous images, some of which may help tell your family story.
Fisher visits with Jim Puppe of Fargo, North Dakota. Jim travelled some 113,000 miles over 14 years collecting stories from seniors in every town, village and city in his state which he has published in a single book.
Your old home movies may be a treasure trove of photographs you didn’t even know you had. Here’s how to get to them!
Have you ever been told that you are a cousin one or more times removed? What that means is simpler than you may think.
Fisher visits with Daryle Williams, co-principal investigator with Enslaved.org, a new website that is bringing together multiple databases on enslaved and enslavers from all over the world and all periods of time.
Have you been hesitant to write your own history? Everyone has a story to tell! Don’t deprive your descendants of the lessons and events of your life.
Are you considering writing an ancestral history, but feel their life story is “spotty?” Here is how historical context can help you fill in the gaps.
Fisher visits with Marissa Gardner from Legacy Tree Genealogists. Marissa talks about passenger lists, immigration and emigration records, as well as some myths about Ellis Island.
Most people have records, photos, or heirlooms in their homes. But other relatives almost certainly do as well. And often the things they have are different than what you’ve had passed down. Perhaps it’s time for an inventory of all the Family Archive “Branch Offices!”
Imagine a library that stores billions of webpages from sites that no longer exist, and digitized texts of millions of books and other assets. It’s not in Greece, and it costs you nothing to visit.
Fisher visits with Heather Maio Smith who is a key player with the USC Shoah Foundation. Heather was recently featured on 60 Minutes. Heather talks about her pet project of the past several years, interviewing Holocaust survivors and then using technology so they can seem to be having a conversation with you. Ask the question, they will answer!
There’s a time for collecting and a time for distributing. While you’re still here, it’s time you figure out how that’s going to happen. Fisher shares some thoughts on protecting your life’s family history work.
Genealogy and family history, believe it or not, are actually defined very differently. Hear why the two terms are not the same.
Libby Copeland joins Fisher for a two part visit discussing four landmark events in DNA that all occurred in the past year, and where we might be going from here. She is the author behind The Lost Family, How DNA Testing Is Upending Who We Are.
Wondering why you can’t always find articles you believe should be there in a digitized newspaper? Here are some tricks for squeezing it all out of digitized newspapers!
If you’ve ever dug into Swedish ancestry, you know the issue. Tons of people have the same name and live in the same places. Well, Swedish Church records can at least help a little in sorting out which Hans Olsen might be yours. Fisher explains.
Jim Beidler of Legacy Tree Genealogists talks about holiday traditions that could help you start family history conversations or even point to your heritage. Jim also delves into a pair of eyebrow raising traditions from other countries.
Two key census record sets were destroyed in Ireland in 1922, but some of that information was preserved in another way. Fisher explains why your ancestors’ data from those census records may still be available.
Within the United States, it was not uncommon for churches to give a “letter of transfer” to a member of their congregation who is moving to a new location. But sometimes they came with immigrants from across the ocean. What can this mean to you? Fisher explains.
Actor, singer, and renowned genealogist Hank Jones talks about his collection of stories of strange things that have happened when doing genealogy and family history work.
Obituaries often reveal connections to the Free Masons. If you have an ancestor that belonged to this organization, his membership application may provide great information on him. Fisher has more.
Slave research is hard enough, and this little nugget, unfortunately, might make it harder. Not all slave names come from the most recent slaveholder. Fisher shares some other possibilities.
CeCe Moore brings us up to date on what’s happening in her world and explains why she feels that her work solving cold cases is exonerating more people than it is finding guilty people.
The settling of the west wasn’t much unlike the settling of colonial America a century or two earlier. And as people came, more and more lines were drawn. Fisher shares just a few so you know what to look for as you consider your research strategy.
War, population growth and shifting can all contribute to boundary changes. And boundary changes mean that, even if your ancestors stayed in the same place, their records could be hiding in many places.
Fisher visits with Lisa Murphy of Orem, Utah, an “Ordinary Person With An Extraordinary Find.” Lisa’s grandfather was a family enigma. He died without ever telling anyone exactly where he was from, and very little about the family itself.
Fisher had given up on finding the parents of an elusive ancestor when he took one last step before closing the book on the case. And it made all the difference in the world!
Female ancestors are sometimes difficult to find. Fisher shares a few thoughts on other ways to look for them.
Fisher visits with Tom Kelly from Shelton, Connecticut. Tom received a Christmas gift a while back that gave him an odd ethnicity result. With the help of Legacy Tree Genealogists (one of our sponsors) he learned the truth about his parentage. But the full story might well have been missed because of an unusual DNA match.
Struggling to figure out where your ancestor’s Social Security records went? They might not have been there at all because things were different before 1951!
Ever notice familiar repeating family names in a single family group? It could be the parents were following a classic pattern. And that pattern can tell you some very important truths about the previous generation.
Fisher visits with Legal Genealogist Judy Russell on copyright, fair use, ethics, and much more in two parts. If you are preparing to write a history on your family this is must-hear radio!
Back in 1752, England enacted a law that changed our calendars forever. But did that law ever make a genealogist’s life complicated!
Ancestors love to play tricks on us as we trace them down… sometimes by disappearing from where we think they should be. Fisher explains where you might want to look next.
Fisher visits with slavery expert Kenyatta Berry. They talk about Frederick Douglass and how he and several other formerly enslaved men travelled to England in the 1840s to create international pressure on the United States to end slavery.
Fisher worked to break open one ancestral line for fifteen years. It wasn’t until he was closing the book on the case by creating a timeline that he saw the answer!
Just the way not every record is digitized, many records are digitized but not indexed! Can’t find what you’re looking for? It’s time to check those massive unindexed records!
Fisher visits with slavery expert Kenyatta Berry. The two talk about the formerly enslaved individuals, including Frederick Douglass, who sailed to Britain in the late 1840s to reveal to the public there the horrors of slavery, and to create international pressure on the US to end it.
Fisher catches up with Dr. Henry Louis Gates, host of the PBS series Finding Your Roots. New episodes have resumed and Dr. Gates fills us in on what is soon to come on the show.
Tune in to hear an important interview with Josh Taylor on a time sensitive matter concerning records.
Fisher visits with Paul Woodbury, lead DNA specialist at Legacy Tree Genealogists. Paul shares an interesting technique he uses to rank your most important DNA matches across web sites, in some cases allowing for the varying algorithms the DNA companies use.
Fisher’s Top Tips #215r - What’s Going to Happen to Your Records and Heirlooms When You’re Gone?
Melanie McComb, a researcher with NEHGS then visits with Fisher about railroad records. So many families have railroad workers in their lines.
Fisher’s Top Tips #214r - Can’t Find Your Key Record on Line? Try the Old-Fashioned Way.
Fisher’s Top Tips #213r - Got an Ancestor Who Served? Look to Military Records as a Source for Incredible Family Stories.
CeCe talks about her television show and the latest in the use of genetic genealogy in identifying suspects in cold cases and violent crimes.
Fisher visits with McKenna Cooper from Legacy Tree Genealogists. McKenna talks about how genealogists deal with the ever present problem of conflicting records.
Once you’ve gone from the land of the researcher to the land of the researched, you no longer control what happens to your heirlooms and research records. Here’s what you can do now!
Have you become reliant on online sites for your key records? If so, you’re missing out on the thrill of the hunt the old-fashioned way!
Hello Genies! On this weeks show Fisher interviews with Steve Rockwood, CEO of FamilySearch International on the opportunity he sees in the pandemic for taking RootsTech global, virtual, and continuous for three days for free!
Who deserves to have their history recorded more than our veterans? Fisher shares some great places for finding military records and often the stories that can be uncovered through them.
Adoptees in particular, but many others as well, are looking for answers. If your skilled in the DNA world, you might want to consider helping these folks as a “search angel.”
Fisher visits with Emma Smreker, a French teacher in Oklahoma with a fascinating fascination… old books and what may have been left in them. Hear what she finds and what she does with items!
Want to find rare family photos, family Bibles, and who knows what else? Fisher suggests that you try tracing forward!
Believe it or not, Fisher HATED history as a kid. How he came to love it can work for your child or grandchild, too.
Fisher visits with Kitty Cooper. Kitty is a DNA specialist and talks about why she thinks Ancestry’s new feature, showing the longest DNA segments among your matches, is a good one.
Continuing his conversation on family photo archives, Fisher gives a quick overview on what you have to do to keep them safe.
Long Island, NY resident Andrew Malekoff talks about what he learned about his father and his activities as a teenager in the 1930s. It was an eyebrow raiser for Andrew and it will be for you too!
OK, you’re the one in your family with all the family pictures. Now what? The first thing you have to do has nothing to do with technology.
Fisher talks about the “luck” he has enjoyed through the years in genealogy, and how it really isn’t as much by chance as you would think.
Dr. Sarah South of the new AncestryHealth explains the new branding of this DNA arm of Ancestry.com, and how a new technique for detecting potential medical issues is a game changer.
As more and more secrets are exposed by DNA tests, are we prepared to discover that our ancestors were simply human?
Fisher and Blaine Bettinger talk about Keepsake DNA, the new lab that just opened in Salt Lake City that allows genealogists to submit old envelopes, false teeth, hats, glasses and countless other items that may lead to DNA profiles of ancestors long since dead.
Fisher explains the significance of “gateway ancestors” and how you can find out if you have any on your family tree.
With all the scams happening in the world today, it’s not always so easy to connect with a “new” cousin. Fisher has some thoughts.
Fisher follows up his visit from last week with Karra Porter, co-founder of Keepsake DNA. Today she reveals to Fisher whether any of his four ancestral envelopes that he supplied had sufficient DNA from which kits might soon be created. Be there for his “big reveal!”
New techniques are revealing the good and the bad in our DNA test results. Are you prepared for the unexpected?
There are bucket lists and then there are genealogy bucket lists. Are you prioritizing what you want to get done before joining the land of the researched?
Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin Family Histoire News with the story of GEDMatch being hacked. At the time of recording, it was only believed that the entire database had been opted in for police work. Now it appears the site was fully exposed for three hours on Sunday, July 19th. David then shares the heartwarming story of a British World War II vet, a centenarian, who raised some $40 million dollars to battle Covid-19. And his Queen has recognized him. Then, Mental Floss has come up with 14 slang terms from the colonial era. They sure sound strange today! David then passes along important advice from libraries around the country… don’t microwave your books! Hear what this is all about. The guys wrap up the segment with a fascinating story from Smithsonian concerning Apollo 13, the near disastrous mission, as well as the movie. Fisher then begins his two part visit with Karra Porter, one of the founders of a new DNA lab, Keepsake DNA, devoted to genetic genealogy. Keepsake DNA can analyze DNA from old hats, earrings, dentures, hearing aids… among many other heirlooms…. and envelopes. In fact, Fisher is playing guinea pig, providing four envelopes for analysis. Hear what Karra has to say about what her new endeavor. David then returns for your questions on Ask On Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!
Ireland will be adding a time capsule feature to their 2021 census, to be revealed in 100 years. Sounds like a great idea… but do we really need it?
Fisher explains that sometimes you have to pioneer your own discovery technique to mine the most out of records you find.
Paul Woodbury, DNA specialist at LegacyTree.com, visits with Fisher from the Legacy Tree RootsTech booth about dealing with the distant matches and putting them to work for you.
Fisher explains that not all stories are spelled out for you. They often assemble themselves through records you collect over time.
Fisher visits with Don Milne of Bountiful, Utah. Don got caught up a few years ago in a project to create obituaries of a few of the 400,000 Americans killed in World War II. But his followers wouldn’t let him stop. And now many more are jumping in to create obituaries of ALL of those who died. Hear about the project and how you can help!
Some newbies to genealogy aren’t so sure about the pace of this pursuit. Fisher has some advice for them.
Most families have stories about loved ones that aren’t particularly flattering. But should you share it in a history?
Fisher is joined by Paul Woodbury, a DNA specialist at Legacy Tree Genealogists. He’ll talk about something no one ever expected to happen… scientists pulling DNA from rootless hair! (And they said it never could be done.) Paul also explains why some DNA tests don’t work out the first time. Here’s what you need to avoid if you’re about to submit your spit.
Sure, maybe you don’t want to tell everything, but if you don’t write your own story who will? And how will they tell it?
Ray Weiss of Maryland discusses how he has been researching his seafaring ancestors for decades and how he continues to travel to all the places they went, even out-of-the-way little islands!
We all love finding new dates and places, but digging up a new story is a much greater accomplishment.
Community celebrations such as the 4th of July is a great time to share family history with your kids.
Fisher chats with Chris Child, Senior Genealogist of the Newbury Street Press and Editor of the Mayflower Descendant. Chris talks about his recent finds concerning Mayflower descendants through Y and mitochondrial DNA tests. He explains how one new find has given Mayflower ancestry to John Wayne and Winston Churchill!
Lots of kids find no joy in learning history. But when family is tied into it, things can change!
When starting your genealogical journey, it’s tough to skip a link in the chain. You have to begin with what you know.
David Rencher, Director of the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, visits with Fisher about what’s been going on with the Library staff during the pandemic and how we will all benefit from it.
If you haven’t at digitized newspapers in a while you might be missing out on some “new” old material!
Ten years ago Beverly Hewett learned from her beloved Dad that he was not her biological father. She turned to DNA five years ago, and just this past week her bio-father was identified. She explains what she learned along the way to final achieve “the big reveal.”
CeCe Moore then returns to the show to talk about the next episode in her new ABC Series “The Genetic Detective.” It airs Tuesday nights at 10pm ET and PT, 9pm CT and MT. CeCe’s program is a boon to educating America on the process of genetic genealogy.
Fisher catches up with the renowned genealogist, Kenyatta Berry, author of the “Family Tree Tool Kit.” Through the pandemic, Kenyatta has a lot going on. It begins with a new project… a book profiling five African-American individuals who played important roles in major events in American history.
Genetic genealogist CeCe Moore returns to the show to talk all about her new TV show The Genetic Detective. The show debuts on Tuesday, May 26th on ABC.
Photo Detective Maureen Taylor talks about creating a “pandemic archive” or “coronavirus photo album.” We’re each having our own experiences in this mess. Maureen has some great thoughts on what to photograph and how to put it all together for the benefit of future generations.
Modern on line family research tends to deter us from reaching out to our relatives, but it’s still as good an idea today as it was years ago.
Fisher talks with Heather Maio Smith of the USC Shoah Foundation. Heather was recently featured on 60 Minutes about interviewing Holocaust survivors and then using technology so they can seem to be having a conversation with you.
Let’s face it, a Wiki model tree has many benefits. But when someone “corrects” your entries and improperly merges individuals, the tangled mess can be tough to straighten out. Here’s where to go and what to do.
There are various types of DNA tests, but the Y-DNA test serves one particular purpose. Here’s why you might want to “Y.”
Legal Genealogist, Judy Russell shares the history of legal quarantine. It goes back much further than you might suspect! In the second half, Fisher and Judy discuss the exciting prospects for 2020 concerning material from 1924 that has come out of copyright and into the public domain.
It’s a great thing to find an old book with loads of information. But just how trustworthy are these “sources?”
Dr. Henry Louis Gates from the PBS series “Finding Your Roots” visits with Fisher again. But this time on two other projects he’s involved in concerning African American history. Both are something that can particularly benefit your children.
It happens all the time. One record says one thing, and another says something else. Here’s how to sort things out.
We all love to show off family photos and documents, but it puts them at risk. Here’s a better way.
Fisher visits with Rachel Popma of Legacy Tree Genealogists. Rachel talks about the FAN Club Principal and how many use it to break open brick walls and find the origins of ancestors. It’ll make sense to you when you hear it and how Rachel used it in one of her own cases.
Tracking down keepsakes of ancestors isn’t always easy. But sometimes there are mementoes just below your feet!
Yes, we’re all future dead people. Doesn’t it make sense to make plans for what will happen to your family heirlooms?
Fisher visits with Dr. Blaine Bettinger talking all things DNA, including his thoughts on new tools and his latest edition of his Shared CentiMorgan Project. You’ll also find out whether it’s a good idea to send in DNA samples during the current lockdown.
It’s true… DNA testing can be confusing. Here’s what you should consider in choosing a good match in a DNA testing company.
Sometimes it’s tough to know what to do with photographs where you don’t know who the subject is. Fisher shares some thoughts that might help.
Kara Porter explains how we’ll soon be able to possibly obtain ancestral DNA from old hairbrushes, envelopes, hats, jewelry, glasses… all kinds of heirlooms.
Fisher shares a key clue in many photographs that many people overlook. But it might be all you need to help you identify the subject of the photo.
Who knows the old folks in your pictures, as well as their stories, better than old folks?! Fisher talks about how to maximize your visits to senior relatives.
Kimberly Nagy joins Fisher to talk about her passion… lineage societies. She belongs to roughly SIXTY different groups. She has tips for finding the organization that’s right for you and how to go about gaining membership.
There are definitely techniques for preserving paper documents and records that you can trust will extend the life of your important documents.
If you’ve ever wondered why you don’t get everything you think you should from a search of a digitized newspaper site, Fisher has some ideas that may open up a whole lot more.
Fisher visits with perhaps the only genetic counselor who specializes in people who get unexpected results in their DNA testing. As the first in her field, Brianne Kirkpatrick shares some of her insight into the challenges many people face when they learn something from DNA they had never imagined.
Marking pictures is essential for future generations, but using the right pens and markers will assure the identifications last without damaging your images.
Fisher talks about the risk of taking on line trees at face value and why copying isn’t researching.
Fisher visits backstage at RootsTech with David Hume Kennerly, one of the great historic photographers of our time, going back to the 1960s. David talks about his experiences as well as thoughts on how to get the most out of your family history pictures.
Lots of great records are not on line, and won’t be anytime soon. Fisher talks about a Catholic record type you might want to look for.
Fisher talks about school districts who created some unique records to help plan for buildings, teachers, and enrollment. Hear what’s on these censuses and where to find them.
Ryan Woods, COO of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org comes on to talk with Fisher about how the Governor of Massachusetts is seeking legislation to limit access to vital records.
Websites aside, it’s still a great idea to visit ancestral cemeteries. Fisher explains why and why Spring is the best time to do it.
If you’re just beginning to share your family tree on public sites, here are a few standards for how you should record your ancestor’s data.
Dr. Henry Louis Gates visits with Fisher about his latest episode of Finding Your Roots on PBS. This week, Dr. Gates talks about his guests who all are at least partly of Italian descent. But for at least two of them, there’s a little surprise waiting in their DNA!
What’s in an occupation? The answer is often similar to that of the question “What’s in a name?”
Genealogy research demands a lot of notes. Why would you want to add to them with a “research log?” Fisher explains.
Fisher visits with Diahan Southard, Your DNA Guide, who has written a book to help you strategize on meeting your DNA research goals. It is called “Your DNA Guide, The Book.” It is in presale right now at YourDNAGuide.com and you’ll be able to get your signed copy at RootsTech!
When your most “expert” friends can’t help you solve your genealogical problem, may it’s time to hire a professional.
Have you ever considered “going wide” instead of “going deep?” No, we’re not talking football here. But it is a genealogical technique that can earn you a lot of research yardage.
Fisher visits with Greg Luce and Annette O’Connell, advocates for adoptees rights. New York has just opened original birth records to adoptees born there. Find out what this means to adoptees there and elsewhere, potentially, in the United States
DNA test results can give you a whole lot more than ethnicity numbers. Are you taking full advantage of all they have to offer?
What is and what isn’t a genealogical “source?” Fisher explains why it’s important to know the difference.
Fisher visits with Dr. Henry Louis Gates from the PBS show Finding Your Roots. Dr. Gates talks about the most recent episode and gets into an important discussion with Fisher about what genealogy can do to teach people about themselves. It’s a remarkable conversation by an icon in our field.
Searching Google is a great way to find family history. Here are a few tricks for improving your searches.
Have you ever considered ordering your family Coat of Arms or Crest from one of those on line companies? Here is what they are and why you might want to think again about buying.
Fisher visits with genealogist Sunny Morton. Sunny has some great tips on how to add detail to your family stories. She gives an example of one in her own family and what she was able to add to it and how.
Directories and maps are great genealogical tools that can work together to reveal all kinds of family history detail.
Journal keeping is a simple, old fashioned and effective way to document your life’s adventures. And what a treasure it will be for your descendants.
Christy Fillerup of Legacy Tree Genealogists fills us in on England’s invaluable Quarter Sessions Records. These go back some 750 years! Christy will explain what you may find on your ancestors in them and she will also tell you about the breakthrough she achieved with one from the 19th century.
Want your kids to find history a little more interesting? Try sharing family stories about how your ancestors were connected to historic figures and events.
Over many years anyone, like Fisher, can accumulate quite an Ancestral Museum. But without proper planning, where it goes after you might be to the dump!
Fisher’s first guest of the new year and new decade is Gena Philibert Ortega. Gena Philibert Ortega specializes in solving the challenges of researching your female ancestors. Gena explains the history of women’s fight for the vote in America and Britain and tells you where you might find voting records of your female ancestors… some even before 1920!
We all have family secrets. And if you’re concerned about how to handle those secrets in a history, Fisher has some thoughts.
Heather Leathergood was SOLD at birth by an unscrupulous woman who claimed to be a doctor. Heather talks about what she learned about her origins, what she was worth (!), her journey to find birth family, and her long sought after breakthrough which resulted in the connection with two half-brothers!
Over 40 years before photography became a thing, a printing process paved the way for the publication of numerous images, some of which may help tell your family story.
Your old home movies may be a treasure trove of photographs you didn’t even know you had. Here’s how to get to them!
Nancy Moore went with a Slovenian genealogy group to her ancestral home armed with an ancestor's address. She and a translator knocked on the door and learned? Well, you'll want to hear it all from Nancy.
Have you ever been told that you are a cousin one or more times removed? What that means is simpler than you may think.
Have you been hesitant to write your own history? Everyone has a story to tell! Don’t deprive your descendants of the lessons and events of your life.
Fisher visits with Debra Renard from Legacy Tree Genealogists. Debra is an DNA specialist and goes through the significance of finding DNA matches who share your X chromosome. Why might this be helpful in your research?
Are you considering writing an ancestral history, but feel their life story is “spotty?” Here is how historical context can help you fill in the gaps.
Most people have records, photos, or heirlooms in their homes. But other relatives almost certainly do as well. And often the things they have are different than what you’ve had passed down. Perhaps it’s time for an inventory of all the Family Archive “Branch Offices!”
Fisher visits with Daphne Palmer Geanacopoulos, author of the book called “The Pirate Next Door: The Untold Story of Eighteenth Century Pirates’ Wives, Families, and Communities.”
Imagine a library that stores billions of webpages from sites that no longer exist, and digitized texts of millions of books and other assets. It’s not in Greece, and it costs you nothing to visit.
There’s a time for collecting and a time for distributing. While you’re still here, it’s time you figure out how that’s going to happen. Fisher shares some thoughts on protecting your life’s family history work.
Ken Alford visits with Fisher about how to obtain records of your World War II ancestor. Some records, unfortunately, were lost in a massive archive fire in the 1970s. Ken will give you some thoughts for other places to look for “replacement” records.
Genealogy and family history, believe it or not, are actually defined very differently. Hear why the two terms are not the same.
Wondering why you can’t always find articles you believe should be there in a digitized newspaper? Here are some tricks for squeezing it all out of digitized newspapers!
DNA specialist Kitty Cooper visits with Fisher and registers her complaint with PBS. The network recently aired a show about genetic genealogy. She points out a factual error made on the show as well as an absurd point that she feels will frighten people away from DNA testing for no good reason. Find out what it is.
If you’ve ever dug into Swedish ancestry, you know the issue. Tons of people have the same name and live in the same places. Well, Swedish Church records can at least help a little in sorting out which Hans Olsen might be yours. Fisher explains.
Two key census record sets were destroyed in Ireland in 1922, but some of that information was preserved in another way. Fisher explains why your ancestors’ data from those census records may still be available.
Raymond from Team Red on BYUtv’s Relative Race comes on to talk about the experience that has changed his life and removed a significant emotional roadblock. It’s a moving recap of what he learned about his origins.
Within the United States, it was not uncommon for churches to give a “letter of transfer” to a member of their congregation who is moving to a new location. But sometimes they came with immigrants from across the ocean. What can this mean to you? Fisher explains.
Obituaries often reveal connections to the Free Masons. If you have an ancestor that belonged to this organization, his membership application may provide great information on him. Fisher has more.
Fisher visits with Paul Woodbury, a DNA specialist with Legacy Tree Genealogists. In two segments, Paul amazes as he explains all the steps involved to take a DNA kit “From Spit To Screen!”
Slave research is hard enough, and this little nugget, unfortunately, might make it harder. Not all slave names come from the most recent slaveholder. Fisher shares some other possibilities.
The settling of the west wasn’t much unlike the settling of colonial America a century or two earlier. And as people came, more and more lines were drawn. Fisher shares just a few so you know what to look for as you consider your research strategy.
Fisher visits with Andrew Carroll, the man behind the Million Letters Campaign. Andrew started this in the 1990s and the collection is now up to over 130,000 letters of military people writing home from the front in every war since the Revolution to modern times.
War, population growth and shifting can all contribute to boundary changes. And boundary changes mean that, even if your ancestors stayed in the same place, their records could be hiding in many places.
Fisher had given up on finding the parents of an elusive ancestor when he took one last step before closing the book on the case. And it made all the difference in the world!
Melanie McComb from NEHGS then joins the show talking about the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. Yes, it was the cause of the burning of another courthouse, meaning countless priceless records were lost. Melanie will tell you what was destroyed, and what records survived as well as how to find alternatives for the documents of your ancestors that no longer exist.
Females ancestors are sometimes difficult to find. Fisher shares a few thoughts on other ways to look for them.
Struggling to figure out where your ancestor’s Social Security records went? They might not have been there at all because things were different before 1951!
On this weeks show we have Brianne Kirkpatrick, a genetic counselor who specializes in unexpected DNA results. She has advice for people emotionally impacted by such finds. Hear her important advice.
Ever notice familiar repeating family names in a single family group? It could be the parents were following a classic pattern. And that pattern can tell you some very important truths about the previous generation.
Back in 1752, England enacted a law that changed our calendars forever. But did that law ever make a genealogist’s life complicated!
Fisher visits with Kevin D. Miller, author of a new historic novel, Heart Of Steel, which is based on the stories Kevin found that his grandfather never told him.
Ancestors love to play tricks on us as we trace them down… sometimes by disappearing from where we think they should be. Fisher explains where you might want to look next.
Fisher worked to break open one ancestral line for fifteen years. It wasn’t until he was closing the book on the case by creating a timeline that he saw the answer!
Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. Fisher notes another family history “score” on eBay, and David begins Family Histoire News with the story of autumn… why American’s call it “fall.” Then, it’s the remarkable tale of a hitchhiker who was carrying an ancient book that no one knew existed. Hear how it wound up back where it belonged and why it is so significant. Then, DNA has solved a news making story that happened during World War II. DNA has also raised some eyebrows in the case of a boy who disappeared in a Louisiana bayou in 1912. Next, Fisher visits with Dr. Henry Louis Gates, host of the hit PBS series, Finding Your Roots. Dr. Gates explains the history of the show and how it has evolved. Then in a second segment, Dr. Gates talks about a program he developed to get Jr. High kids into genealogy. Then, Anitra and Paul from BYUtv’s Relative Race, join the show. “Team Blue” talks about the experience as well as the emotional moments they’ve already felt through Episode 3. At the back end of the show, David returns for another Ask Us Anything segment. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes- America’s Family History Show.
Just the way not every record is digitized, many records are digitized but not indexed! Can’t find what you’re looking for? It’s time to check those massive unindexed records!
Immigration records really can be tricky, especially when you’re looking for someone with a common name, or just trying to learn where they came from. Fisher has a simple technique that could really help you out!
At RootsTech, Fisher visited with actress Patricia Heaton, best known for her roles in “The Middle” and “Everybody Loves Raymond.” Patricia got the “big reveal” from FamilySearch following her keynote speech at the conference.
Fisher’s long been an advocate of creating ancestral timelines. But if you really want to know more about your people you need to make more than one timeline.
Genealogical “brick walls” can last a short time or a lifetime. But have you ever thought of exchanging a brick wall with a research friend? There could be benefits in it for both of you!
Steve Anderson joins Fisher for an update on his most bizarre family story. Steve first appeared on Extreme Genes back in 2015 when he revealed that DNA showed that his Dad was not the bio-dad to him or his nine siblings!
As if genealogy isn’t complicated enough, imagine what it’s like when you find ancestors with more than one surname? It happens more than you think, especially with French Canadian ancestors.
Recently, Fisher discovered something he hadn’t come upon before… a marriage bond for his name line immigrant ancestors in London. What can marriage bonds tell you? Here’s where to find out!
Fisher chats with Chris Child, Senior Genealogist of the Newbury Street Press and Editor of the Mayflower Descendant. Chris talks about his recent finds concerning Mayflower descendants through Y and mitochondrial DNA tests. He explains how one new find has given Mayflower ancestry to John Wayne and Winston Churchill!
Once you’ve gone from the land of the researcher to the land of the researched, you no longer control what happens to your heirlooms and research records. Here’s what you can do now!
Have you become reliant on online sites for your key records? If so, you’re missing out on the thrill of the hunt the old fashioned way!
Fisher visits with Michael Seligman and Jessica Bendiger, hosts of Stitcher’s episodic podcast “Mob Queens.” Michael and Jessica have been using genealogical techniques to research the history of the wife of mob boss, Vito Genovese. The story is garnering a lot of attention (though parts of the story could be considered “adult” in nature).
Who deserves to have their history recorded more than our veterans? Fisher shares some great places for finding military records and often the stories that can be uncovered through them.
Adoptees in particular, but many others as well, are looking for answers. If your skilled in the DNA world, you might want to consider helping these folks as a “search angel.”
Fisher visits with Kate Eakman from Legacy Tree Genealogists. Kate recently found her sleuthing skills were needed for identifying an unknown photo. (It happens to all us at some point!) Hear what Kate has to say about what clues may be available for identifying the unidentified.
Want to find rare family photos, family Bibles, and who knows what else? Fisher suggests that you try tracing forward!
FamilySearch’s “Tree of Mankind” is well known for being a wiki model in which others often change “our” part of the tree. Fisher talks about the best way to deal with these situations.
Thom Reed from FamilySearch International talks to Fisher about the new R.O.A.R. initiative that FamilySearch is a part of with numerous other partners. R.O.A.R. stands for Reclaiming Our African Heritage.
New numbers show fewer people are testing their DNA. Fisher talks about the recent numbers and his thoughts on what it might mean to genealogy.
Y-DNA tests are very specific, but can be key to solving paternal line problems. Fisher explains why you might want to consider someone in your family taking a Y-DNA test.
Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. Both of the guys have had great family history experiences in recent days. Fisher’s involved finding a rare photo, and David’s had to do with a special house. Hear what happened. In Family Histoire News, the Federation of Genealogical Societies and the National Genealogical Society have made a joint announcement. You’ll want to hear this one. Then the guys talk about a great Civil War story that is being added on to in recent weeks. Catch how it started, and what has happened concerning it most recently. Then Fisher and David talk about the US Board of Geographical Names. It’s a federal bureau (very small) that gets to decide what places get their names changed and what to! Find out about one place that recently lost its name and why. Then, Kimberly Nagy joins Fisher to talk about her passion… lineage societies. She belongs to roughly SIXTY different groups. She has tips for finding the organization that’s right for you and how to go about gaining membership. Bonnie Wade Mucia, a South Carolina resident, then talks to Fisher about a tip she learned from Extreme Genes and how she turned it into family history gold on eBay! Find out what she found and how she found it. David Lambert then returns for Ask Us Anything. David talks about identifying locations of ancestral homes, and how you might be able to tour them. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!
Fisher explains how to get a lot of your family history information inexpensively and shares some of the key free sites.
Fisher talks about the “luck” he has enjoyed through the years in genealogy, and how it really isn’t as much by chance as you would think.
Fisher visits with Jessica Howe from Legacy Tree Genealogists. Jessica is focused these days on cases involving children fathered in Asia by American military men. Jessica shares stories of reuniting and explains how she solved one particularly remarkable case.
As more and more secrets are exposed by DNA tests, are we prepared to discover that our ancestors were simply human?
Fisher visits with Christy Fillerup, a researcher with Legacy Tree Genealogists. Christy has some great tips on using 19th century “Parish Chest” records to learn more about poverty stricken ancestors. (We all have them.)
Fisher explains the significance of “gateway ancestors” and how you can find out if you have any on your family tree.
With all the scams happening in the world today, it’s not always so easy to connect with a “new” cousin. Fisher has some thoughts.
Fisher visits with Dr. Mark Hanna, a professor at UC-San Diego. Mark is an experts in colonial pirates and talks about “the pirate next door,” and how they were accepted back in the colonies despite their brutal adventures on the high seas. Hear why that was and how Fisher’s ancestor pirate story fits what Mark describes.
New techniques are revealing the good and the bad in our DNA test results. Are you prepared for the unexpected?
There are bucket lists and then there are genealogy bucket lists. Are you prioritizing what you want to get done before joining the land of the researched?
Fisher visits with Sunny Morton, author of the new resource book, “How To Find Your Family History In US Church Records: A Genealogist’s Guide,” from Genealogical Publishing of Baltimore. Sunny talks about some of the family finds she has had using church records, what to expect from the records of a dozen major denominations, and where to find them.
Ireland will be adding a time capsule feature to their 2021 census, to be revealed in 100 years. Sounds like a great idea… but do we really need it?
Fisher explains that sometimes you have to pioneer your own discovery technique to mine the most out of records you find.
Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David and Fisher both had exciting finds this week. Hear what they dug up! The guys begin Family History News with the story of a unique jewel pulled out of the dirt in North Carolina with a remarkable connection to the Revolution. Then, a wallet has been found that went missing 75 years ago. Hear the unique story of this time capsule keepsake. Next, some special records are being released… by Russia! Those who have Soviet-era family members will want to know about this. David then shares word that Ireland is adding a first time feature to their upcoming 2021 census that has never been done before. Catch what it is. Also, the guys have word that a new study shows that Europeans aren’t necessarily Europeans. Hear what has recently been learned. Then, over two segments, Fisher visits with Paul Woodbury, DNA Specialist with Legacy Tree Genealogists. Paul talks about his techniques for using DNA matches to open brick walls. He also explains when a match isn’t really a match and why. In Ask Us Anything this week, Fisher talks with Ron Fox, whom he calls the “finder of all finders.” Ron talks about how he uses old records to identify special family items and then finds out where they are today with hopes of obtaining them. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!
Fisher explains that not all stories are spelled out for you. They often assemble themselves through records you collect over time.
Fisher visits with CeCe Moore, the principal researcher at Parabon Nanolabs, working cold cases and rapes.
Some newbies to genealogy aren’t so sure about the pace of this pursuit. Fisher has some advice for them.
Most families have stories about loved ones that aren’t particularly flattering. But should you share it in a history?
Fisher visits with Richard Cellini, founder of the Georgetown Memory Project, and Claire Vail, Director of the GU272 Memory Project at AmericanAncestors. Hear about this remarkable project, identifying the over 300 people sold as slaves to plantations in Louisiana by Georgetown College in 1838, in order to financially save the school, as well as all their descendants. It’s a multi-faceted story you’ll want to hear.
Sure, maybe you don’t want to tell everything, but if you don’t write your own story who will? And how will they tell it?
Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The boys begin Family Histoire News with a tip of the hat to the New York Adoptee Rights Coalition for their incredible victory in the New York Legislature, obtaining the right for adoptees to obtain their original birth certificates. Next, a certain group is requiring DNA from Jews in Israel. Hear the interesting reason for the move. Next, DNA analyzed from the remains of a pair of Neanderthals has revealed something remarkable. Catch what it is. Then it’s a story of tragedy that has united two men, one black, one white, who have learned that, because of that tragedy, they are family. David’s Blogger Spotlight shines on the Czech research site of Blanka Lednicka, CzechGenealogy.nase-koreny.cz. Blanka has a lot to offer people of Czech descent! Then, Fisher begins his two-part visit with Curtis Rogers, co-founder of GEDMatch.com. The two talk about the history of the site, how it has become the focus of controversy for its support of law enforcement, and how you can support the efforts of authorities in solving crimes. At the back end of the show, Fisher visits with Gregory Luce and Annette O’Connell of the New York Adoptee Rights Coalition. NYAC is celebrating their recent victory in the New York Legislature bringing adoptee rights to the state so the group will soon be able to order their original birth certificates. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!
We all love finding new dates and places, but digging up a new story is a much greater accomplishment.
Community celebrations such as the 4th of July is a great time to share family history with your kids.
Fisher talks with Kristine Bartley about how she came to spearhead a project to put tombstones on the graves of over 300 children in a local cemetery who died over a hundred years ago.
Lots of kids find no joy in learning history. But when family is tied into it, things can change!
When starting your genealogical journey, it’s tough to skip a link in the chain. You have to begin with what you know.
Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin Family Histoire News with word of the first court case involving a defendant identified by genetic genealogy. Hear why this case has long term implications. Then, it’s a librarian getting into the law enforcement game helping authorities identify the bodies of three murder victims. Find out what she did and how she did it. Next, imagine the shock of one Mississippi man when he saw a commercial showing a photo of his third great grandfather! Hear what that experience has changed in this man’s life. David next shares the story of a 101-year-old World War II vet who had a unique experience with his grandson… one that no one in the family will ever forget. David’s Blogger Spotlight shines on a familiar name this week… Blaine Bettinger. Looking to learn about DNA genealogical research? His site, TheGeneticGenealogist.com, contains a wealth of information. In the second segment, Gretchen Jorgensen, a genetic genealogy specialist from Legacy Tree Genealogists visits with Fisher about Ancestry’s new Beta product, “Thru Lines.” Have you tried it yet? Next, Fisher visits with Tyler Stahle about this fall’s first RootsTech London, FamilySearch has announced one of the keynote speakers and performers. Hear who it is and what’s to come. Then, Dr. Scott Woodward joins Fisher for “Ask Us Anything.” Dr. Woodward answers the question, “With DNA, how far back can you expect to prove (or disprove) paternity.” Dr. Woodward’s answer might surprise you! That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!
If you haven’t at digitized newspapers in a while you might be missing out on some “new” old material!
Author, TV host, and genealogist Kenyatta Berry visits with Fisher about a host of things. They start with Kenyatta’s reaction to the find of the slave ship “Clotilda,” and its potential impact on the African-American community. Kenyatta then talks about African-American DNA testing and some great advice for anyone seeking to write a family history. It’s two parts of genealogy goodness!
Modern on line family research tends to deter us from reaching out to our relatives, but it’s still as good an idea today as it was years ago.
Let’s face it, a Wiki model tree has many benefits. But when someone “corrects” your entries and improperly merges individuals, the tangled mess can be tough to straighten out. Here’s where to go and what to do.
Fisher explores the assets available in Ellis Island research with Jackie Schalk, Director of the American Family Immigration History Center located at Ellis Island. There’s a lot to visit there in person and on line!
There are various types of DNA tests, but the Y-DNA test serves one particular purpose. Here’s why you might want to “Y.”
It’s a great thing to find an old book with loads of information. But just how trustworthy are these “sources?”
Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. In Family Histoire News, the guys first talk about a Frenchman who has searched his whole life for the identity of his father. His dream has come true. Hear the amazing details. Then, DNA has turned a British care worker into a Lord of the Manor! Find out about what you wish would happen to you. The Statue of Liberty Museum has opened, and what a gala kicked it off! Hear who all was there. Then, it’s quite a find along a road in England, where remains dating back to the 6th century are being compared to Tutankhamen. Learn more about this remarkable find. David then wraps things up with the reading of a hysterical menu from 1944. It was a special occasion! David’s Blogger Spotlight this week shines on writer J.L. Bell’s site, Boston1775.blogspot.com. The site focuses on events leading up to the Revolution. Fisher then visits with Dan Debenham, host of BYUtv’s Relative Race. Season 5 has just wrapped and Dan shares some behind the scenes info about the show. Next, it’s time to talk about the scrawl we call German writing from the 18th century and behind. Specialist Katherine Schober talks about the origins of this challenging type of writing and how you learn to use it to follow your German ancestors. In Ask Us Anything this week, Melanie McComb of NEHGS answers questions about Irish research. Isn’t about time you dug in to find your Emerald Isle ancestors? That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show.
It happens all the time. One record says one thing, and another says something else. Here’s how to sort things out.
Fisher visits with Randy Marcum, historian at the West Virginia State Archives. West Virginia has been seeking their Civil War Union soldiers and their descendants since 1866 to present them with a personalized medal to recognize their service. Out of 26,000 medals, some 3,400 remain. Hear the story behind these incredible family keepsakes and how qualified people can get one that was made specifically for their ancestor.
We all love to show off family photos and documents, but it puts them at risk. Here’s a better way.
Tracking down keepsakes of ancestors isn’t always easy. But sometimes there are mementoes just below your feet!
Fisherthen visits with the woman behind Your DNA Guide, Diahan Southard. Diahan answers the question that everyone asks… What’s next in DNA? Fisher and Diahan talk about the recent changes in ethnicity test results and new tools from the various companies to help us make the connections we’re looking for.
Yes, we’re all future dead people. Doesn’t it make sense to make plans for what will happen to your family heirlooms?
It’s true… DNA testing can be confusing. Here’s what you should consider in choosing a good match in a DNA testing company.
Fisher visits with his first cousin, Joann (Fisher) Schmidt, of Dutchess County, New York. Joann's grandfather’s family had been decimated in a disaster on a steamboat in 1904 in which ten family members were killed. It is called the General Slocum disaster, and it took place in New York City. The tragedy marked the greatest single loss of life in New York City history prior to 9/11.
Sometimes it’s tough to know what to do with photographs where you don’t know who the subject is. Fisher shares some thoughts that might help.
Fisher shares a key clue in many photographs that many people overlook. But it might be all you need to help you identify the subject of the photo.
Fisher visits with Amy Johnson Crow, a nationally known genealogist, about why we should all have hope that the next generation really will want your papers, photo collections, and stories. It’s an encouraging conversation!
Who knows the old folks in your pictures, as well as their stories, better than old folks?! Fisher talks about how to maximize your visits to senior relatives.
There are definitely techniques for preserving paper documents and records that you can trust will extend the life of your important documents.
Fisher lets you in on his RootsTech visit with Nick Barratt, host of Britain’s version of “Who Do You Think You Are?” Hear how Nick got started and some of the highlights of his long tenure on the show.
If you’ve ever wondered why you don’t get everything you think you should from a search of a digitized newspaper site, Fisher has some ideas that may open up a whole lot more.
Marking pictures is essential for future generations, but using the right pens and markers will assure the identifications last without damaging your images.
Fisher visits with John Ericksen, Senior Director of Products for Ancestry.com. John shares his passion for the pastime and reveals what’s coming our way in 2019 and 2020, as well as how record sets are chosen and indexed.
Fisher talks about the risk of taking on line trees at face value and why copying isn’t researching.
Lots of great records are not on line, and won’t be anytime soon. Fisher talks about a Catholic record type you might want to look for.
Saroo Brierley, the man around whom the movie Lion was created, talks about miraculous finding his family in India, after an over twenty year separation after being lost alone on a train.
Fisher talks about school districts who created some unique records to help plan for buildings, teachers, and enrollment. Hear what’s on these censuses and where to find them.
Websites aside, it’s still a great idea to visit ancestral cemeteries. Fisher explains why and why Spring is the best time to do it.
Fisher visits multiple Grammy Winner and Mirror Ball Trophy champion, Derek Hough, of Dancing With The Stars. Derek recently performed at RootsTech and shares some of his family background and the impact it has on his life.
If you’re just beginning to share your family tree on public sites, here are a few standards for how you should record your ancestor’s data.
What’s in an occupation? The answer is often similar to that of the question “What’s in a name?”
Hello Genies! On this weeks show Mitch Goldstone, CEO and Co-Founder of ScanMyPhotos.com visits with Fisher about the recent “bomb cyclone” and other natural disasters which are causing thousands to lose their most precious photos.
Genealogy research demands a lot of notes. Why would you want to add to them with a “research log?” Fisher explains.
When your most “expert” friends can’t help you solve your genealogical problem, maybe it’s time to hire a professional.
At RootsTech, Fisher visited with actress Patricia Heaton, best known for her roles in “The Middle” and “Everybody Loves Raymond.” Patricia got the “big reveal” from FamilySearch following her keynote speech at the conference. She talks with Fisher about that family background, as well as the challenges of having more than 100 first cousins!
Have you ever considered “going wide” instead of “going deep?” No, we’re not talking football here. But it is a genealogical technique that can earn you a lot of research yardage.
DNA test results can give you a whole lot more than ethnicity numbers. Are you taking full advantage of all they have to offer?
Fisher visits with Dan Debenham, host of KBYUtv’s Relative Race. Season 5 is underway, and Dan fills us in on what we can look forward to this time around!
What is and what isn’t a genealogical “source?” Fisher explains why it’s important to know the difference.
Searching Google is a great way to find family history. Here are a few tricks for improving your searches.
It’s time to talk DNA again with DNA specialist Paul Woodbury of Legacy Tree Genealogists. Paul has many tips for corresponding with people you match with through DNA. Since very few people respond to such attempts at contact, Paul’s ideas will help you increase your response rate. Paul also shares his thoughts on identifying where certain matches tie in. There are ways!
Have you ever considered ordering your family Coat of Arms or Crest from one of those on line companies? Here is what they are and why you might want to think again about buying.
Directories and maps are great genealogical tools that can work together to reveal all kinds of family history detail.
Fisher visits with Lou Del Bianco of Port Chester, New York. Lou’s grandfather, Luigi, was an Italian immigrant who was the Chief Carver of Mount Rushmore for designer Gutzon Borglum. For decades, Luigi’s name was simply acknowledged as one of the carvers and not the one man that gave the faces life. Lou and his uncle fought with authorities for over 30 years to have this historical oversight corrected. Catch this remarkable American story.
Journal keeping is a simple, old fashioned, and effective way to document your life’s adventures. And what a treasure it will be for your descendants.
Want your kids to find history a little more interesting? Try sharing family stories about how your ancestors were connected to historic figures and events.
Carolyn Tolman, Project Manager for Legacy Tree Genealogists, shares the story of a client who finally decided it was time for professional help. The client is an adoptee and wanted assistance in finding her birth family through DNA. It’s a heart-warming story 65 years in the making.
Over many years anyone, like Fisher, can accumulate quite an Ancestral Museum. But without proper planning, where it goes after you might be to the dump!
Hello Genies! On this weeks show Fisher visits with Jenny Hawran about her DNA surprise results which revealed to her that her late father was not her biological father.
We all have family secrets. And if you’re concerned about how to handle those secrets in a history, Fisher has some thoughts.
Over 40 years before photography became a thing, a printing process paved the way for the publication of numerous images, some of which may help tell your family story.
The Legal Genealogist, Judy Russell, visits with Fisher and explains the new copyright laws that benefit all of us in terms of what we can and cannot freely use, especially in the context of publishing family histories. Judy explains how “fair use” can keep you out of trouble, and talks about complications of getting photos of tombstones.
Your old home movies may be a treasure trove of photographs you didn’t even know you had. Here’s how to get to them!
Have you ever been told that you are a cousin one or more times removed? What that means is simpler than you may think.
Fisher visits with Tyler Stahle of RootsTech. Tyler fills you in on this year’s speakers, features and highlights of RootsTech 2019, February 27-March 2, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Tyler also has a special discount for Extreme Genes listeners!
Have you been hesitant to write your own history? Everyone has a story to tell! Don’t deprive your descendants of the lessons and events of your life.
Are you considering writing an ancestral history, but feel their life story is “spotty?” Here is how historical context can help you fill in the gaps.
Fisher visits with Robert Charles Anderson, the man behind thirty years of the “Great Migration” Project. In two parts, Robert talks to Fisher about the Project as well as his new book, Puritan Pedigrees: The Deep Roots of the Great Migration to New England. The book explains why so many of America’s New England ancestors took the risky voyage across the ocean to settle here.
Most people have records, photos, or heirlooms in their homes. But other relatives almost certainly do as well. And often the things they have are different than what you’ve had passed down. Perhaps it’s time for an inventory of all the Family Archive “Branch Offices!”
Imagine a library that stores billions of webpages from sites that no longer exist, and digitized texts of millions of books and other assets. It’s not in Greece, and it costs you nothing to visit.
Fisher visits with Brenda Johnson of Legacy Tree Genealogists. Brenda recently blogged about digitized newspapers… “her passion”… and how to make the most of a journey to a digitized newspaper site. She and Fisher talk about various tricks to ensure you find all the articles that might be relevant to your family on the site.
There’s a time for collecting and a time for distributing. While you’re still here, it’s time you figure out how that’s going to happen. Fisher shares some thoughts on protecting your life’s family history work.
Genealogy and family history, believe it or not, are actually defined very differently. Hear why the two terms are not the same.
Fisher visits with Rishi Sharma. Rishi is twenty-one years old and spends every day interviewing World War II combat veterans. All of those that are left are now in their 90s. Find out how Rishi started down this path as a high school boy and what spurred on his interest. He’ll also share some of the compelling first hand stories he has learned.
Wondering why you can’t always find articles you believe should be there in a digitized newspaper? Here are some tricks for squeezing it all out of digitized newspapers!
If you’ve ever dug into Swedish ancestry, you know the issue. Tons of people have the same name and live in the same places. Well, Swedish Church records can at least help a little in sorting out which Hans Olsen might be yours. Fisher explains.
Fisher visits with two Wisconsin women who have come to call themselves “The Driveway Sisters.” One moved in just last year and shares a driveway with the other. What they didn’t know is that they are sisters! Hear the odd way they learned the truth about their close relationship. And it didn’t involve DNA!
Two key census record sets were destroyed in Ireland in 1922, but some of that information was preserved in another way. Fisher explains why your ancestors’ data from those census records may still be available.
Within the United States, it was not uncommon for churches to give a “letter of transfer” to a member of their congregation who is moving to a new location. But sometimes they came with immigrants from across the ocean. What can this mean to you? Fisher explains.
Dick and Fisher discuss the year’s top story… DNA and privacy, and police work. Dick shares his insight from his background in security.
Obituaries often reveal connections to the Free Masons. If you have an ancestor that belonged to this organization, his membership application may provide great information on him. Fisher has more.
Slave research is hard enough, and this little nugget, unfortunately, might make it harder. Not all slave names come from the most recent slaveholder. Fisher shares some other possibilities.
Fisher talks with renowned presidential and royal researcher Gary Boyd Roberts about the late President George H.W. Bush. Gary shares fascinating stories about other presidents that Bush (and son G.W.) relate to and how you may very well be related to them yourself!
The settling of the west wasn’t much unlike the settling of colonial America a century or two earlier. And as people came, more and more lines were drawn. Fisher shares just a few so you know what to look for as you consider your research strategy.
War, population growth and shifting can all contribute to boundary changes. And boundary changes mean that, even if your ancestors stayed in the same place, their records could be hiding in many places.
Fisher visits with Ali Stocker, a passionate geni who led a remarkable effort that has changed the last 300 years of the recorded history of the Sanderson family of Massachusetts. (And some descendants are not happy about it!) Hear the story of the family, what she learned, and how she did it.
Fisher had given up on finding the parents of an elusive ancestor when he took one last step before closing the book on the case. And it made all the difference in the world!
Females ancestors are sometimes difficult to find. Fisher shares a few thoughts on other ways to look for them.
Fisher visits with renowned DNA specialist Blaine Bettinger. Blaine is excited about new DNA technology that may be able to reveal to you the full profile of your long deceased ancestors through the analysis of old, licked envelopes. Hear what Blaine has to say about the benefits to your research and the potential costs. In a second segment, Fisher and Blaine talk about the ethics issues involved in the use of DNA on GEDMatch for solving horrific cold cases.
Struggling to figure out where your ancestor’s Social Security records went? They might not have been there at all because things were different before 1951!
Ever notice familiar repeating family names in a single family group? It could be the parents were following a classic pattern. And that pattern can tell you some very important truths about the previous generation.
Fisher has scored an exclusive interview with the winners of BYUtv’s “Relative Race.” Team Red, consisting of father/daughter team Michael Brown and Austen Williams, shares their experiences in getting answers to questions they never thought could be answered, as well as what it took to score the $50,000 grand prize!
Back in 1752, England enacted a law that changed our calendars forever. But did that law ever make a genealogist’s life complicated!
Ancestors love to play tricks on us as we trace them down… sometimes by disappearing from where we think they should be. Fisher explains where you might want to look next.
Fisher visits with genealogist Jim Beidler of Legacy Tree Genealogists. Jim recently blogged about the challenges of having ancestors with common names, or an ancestor who shares the same name with someone else in the same area. Jim talks about how you can be sure that you’re looking at the records of the right person.
Fisher worked to break open one ancestral line for fifteen years. It wasn’t until he was closing the book on the case by creating a timeline that he saw the answer!
Just the way not every record is digitized, many records are digitized but not indexed! Can’t find what you’re looking for? It’s time to check those massive unindexed records!
Fisher catches up with Kenyatta Berry, well known for her time on “Genealogy Roadshow” on PBS. Kenyatta is one of America’s foremost experts on African-American and slave research. She has just come out with a new book, though, for everyone. It’s called “The FamilyTree Toolkit: A Comprehensive Guide To Uncovering Your Ancestry And Researching Genealogy.” Kenyatta shares her genealogical journey and explains some of the concepts you’ll find in her book that you won’t find anywhere else.
Immigration records really can be tricky, especially when you’re looking for someone with a common name, or just trying to learn where they came from. Fisher has a simple technique that could really help you out!
Fisher’s long been an advocate of creating ancestral timelines. But if you really want to know more about your people you need to make more than one timeline.
Fisher visits with Bobbi Briggs, 95, a World War II era Marine! Bobbi describes how she wound up in the Corps and what her duties were at the time. She also shares her father’s reaction to the news of her enlistment.
Genealogical “brick walls” can last a short time or a lifetime. But have you ever thought of exchanging a brick wall with a research friend? There could be benefits in it for both of you!
As if genealogy isn’t complicated enough, imagine what it’s like when you find ancestors with more than one surname? It happens more than you think, especially with French Canadian ancestors.
Kim is a nationally renowned storyteller who is a leading player in the national storytelling festival circuit. Fisher was astounded at her “telling” skills while watching her recount how she found her birth family. Kim talks about how she puts her stories together and some techniques for becoming a better storyteller.
Recently, Fisher discovered something he hadn’t come upon before… a marriage bond for his name line immigrant ancestors in London. What can marriage bonds tell you? Here’s where to find out!
Once you’ve gone from the land of the researcher to the land of the researched, you no longer control what happens to your heirlooms and research records. Here’s what you can do now!
Well known genealogist, Amy Johnson Crow, visits with Fisher. Recognizing that many beginning genealogists focus mainly on their direct ancestors, she recommends “getting sideways” with your family. Hear what she means by that and why it’s so important.
Have you become reliant on online sites for your key records? If so, you’re missing out on the thrill of the hunt the old fashioned way!
Who deserves to have their history recorded more than our veterans? Fisher shares some great places for finding military records and often the stories that can be uncovered through them.
Tara Bergeson, Program Chair for RootsTech, the world’s largest family history conference, shares the latest for what to expect at RootsTech 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Tara reveals many changes that will cut down on lines and get you into more of what you want to see and do. Also, a RootsTech London is coming up next year! Tara will fill you in.
Adoptees in particular, but many others as well, are looking for answers. If your skilled in the DNA world, you might want to consider helping these folks as a “search angel.”
Want to find rare family photos, family Bibles, and who knows what else? Fisher suggests that you try tracing forward!
Fisher talks with Rick Voight, co-founder of Vivid-Pix. Rick’s been in the photo industry for decades and talks about better ways to preserve your photographs. Rick also is giving Extreme Genes listeners the opportunity to fix ten photographs using Vivid Pix’s RESTORE software for free! (You won’t be disappointed!) Here’s where to go to try it: Vivid-Pix.com/ExtremeGenes.
Fisher explains the importance of planning your research trips to maximize your results.
Fisher visits with Colin Colbourne of the “Bent Prop Project.” It’s an organization that has been searching for several years for remains of America’s war heroes, mostly from World War II. They have brought home several of the tens of thousands of remains still missing from the war, and the participants often do so paying expenses out of their own pocket.
Fisher explains why virtually all researchers need help from other experts along the way.
Fisher shares the math of genealogical research and the importance of focusing in on your goals.
Fisher visits with Professor Robert Thorson of the University of Connecticut. Dr. Thorson is an expert on the history of and in those old New England stone walls. Why are they there deep in the woods? How old are they? Who put them there? Professor “Thor” will explain the mysteries of those iconic stone walls of New England.
Fisher suggests that when friends ask what they need to do to get started in family history research that you don’t suggest signing up for an on line service… and that you share the first fundamental rule.
Believe it or not, Fisher HATED history as a kid. How he came to love it can work for your child or grandchild, too.
Relative Race returns to BYUtv for Season 4 on Sunday September 16th at 9pm ET, 6pm PT. Fisher visits with Relative Race host Dan Debenham about what we can expect this season from this geni favorite reality show.
Continuing his conversation on family photo archives, Fisher gives a quick overview on what you have to do to keep them safe.
Fisher visits with Ron Tanner of FamilySearch.org. Ron and Fisher discuss the many changes coming to the iconic website, and particularly “The Tree,” which will soon include same sex couples. It’s a great update on one of genealogy’s great resources.
OK, you’re the one in your family with all the family pictures. Now what? The first thing you have to do has nothing to do with technology.
Dr. Andrew Millard, a Durham University professor visits with Fisher about the mass grave found on their campus in England in a few years ago and the remarkable research journey it took him on, along with several colleagues. It involves the English Civil War, captive Scottish soldiers, and many that came to New England… perhaps one of your ancestors.
Fisher catches up with a guy he first came to know in the early 1980s… 49ers and NFL Hall of Famer Steve Young. In the first of this two parter, Fisher and Steve talk about Steve’s renowned ancestor, Brigham Young. Fisher also fills in Steve on the names of numerous historical figures Steve is related to. (Plus a certain genealogical broadcaster!)
Fisher visits with perhaps the only genetic counselor who specializes in people who get unexpected results in their DNA testing. As the first in her field, Brianne Kirkpatrick shares some of her insight into the challenges many people face when they learn something from DNA they had never imagined.
Fisher visits with iconic researcher Gary Boyd Roberts. His new two-part book, “The Royal Descents of 900 Immigrants” may very well provide you with proven links back to kings and queens, and centuries of history. Gary’s efforts also cover some Canadian “gateway ancestors” and ties to numerous people of note.
Fisher visits with Dr. David Sloane, an English professor at the University of New Haven in Connecticut. Dr. Sloane is a great grandson of Thomas Edison. He talks about how that relationship has influenced his life, the challenge of living up to the legacy, and challenges to the Edison legacy. In segment two, Dr. Sloane shares some family stories and memories of his mother and great grandmother, Edison’s wife.
Paul Woodbury, the DNA specialist from Legacy Tree Genealogists, talks about how he handles the challenges of handling his DNA matches, various kit numbers and passwords, etc., so he can more quickly make the most of his test results. There are ideas here you’re going to want to take advantage of.
Fisher visits with a 91-year-old man who is part of history. Lt. Col. Enoch Woodhouse is a vet of World War II and a former Tuskegee Airman. Col. Woodhouse shares some of his stories from the beginning of his lengthy military career.
Fisher visits with a man who has gained worldwide fame as “The Good Cemeterian.” Andrew Lumish has developed a passion for cleaning up tombstones in the Tampa area, especially military figures, and especially from the Civil War. Hear Andrew’s story and how you can learn to do what he does.
Fisher visits with two Wisconsin women who have come to call themselves “The Driveway Sisters.” One moved in just last year and shares a driveway with the other. What they didn’t know is that they are sisters! Hear the odd way they learned the truth about their close relationship. And it didn’t involve DNA!
Fisher visits with Oscar Hammerstein III (who goes by “Andy”) whose grandfather was half of the team of Rodgers and Hammerstein, who redefined Broadway. Andy is quite the “genie” and is the go-to guy in his family when it comes to the Hammerstein family history. Andy will be a part of this year’s RootsTech Family History Conference in Salt Lake City, presenting background on his grandfather’s songs as they are sung by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
Fisher visits with Maine resident Dan Dixey. Dan recently made news for being the recipient of a remarkable gold ring that was first discovered in a garden in Marblehead, Massachusetts in 1949. It dates back to 1737 and has ties to Dan’s family. Hear how it all came about and what Dan’s reaction was to receiving this remarkable gift.
Fisher visits with Dr. Scott Woodward, a DNA pioneer. Dr. Woodward weighs in on the controversy surrounding the use of GEDMatch profiles in cold case crimes. Then he explains what we should be looking at when we consider renting or selling our DNA to research companies.
Fisher chats with Joe Dooley, Past President General of the Sons of the American Revolution. The S.A.R. is currently in a partnership with Kings College in London, reviewing the personal papers of King George III and other high officials of the British government from the time of the Revolution. Joe reveals the goals of the project, and a story or two that has already come forth that had never been revealed before.
Ken Nelson, a World War I specialist with FamilySearch.org talks with Fisher about special material now available on the free site as we recognize the centennial of America’s entrance into the War To End All Wars, and the armistice that ended the conflict. If you had a family member in World War I, you’ll appreciate what Ken has to tell you about these great family history assets.
Fisher visits with “Your Genetic Genealogist” CeCe Moore about how her DNA research recently led police to an arrest in a three-decade-old cold case. It’s a first for CeCe who felt she had to consider the ethics and legality of such an action, and the feelings of the genealogy community. In the end, though, as she explains, it came down to one important factor. Hear what she had to say about it.
Fisher visits with Paul Woodbury, DNA specialist from Legacy Tree Genealogists. Paul has some very strong opinions about what recently happened in the Golden State Killer case and what we should be concerned about using GEDMatch moving forward. It may be one
Fisher visits with Christy Fillerup, a researcher with Legacy Tree Genealogists. Christy has some great tips on using 19th century “Parish Chest” records to learn more about poverty stricken ancestors. (We all have them.)
Fisher visits with Barry Fleig who took great exception to Chicago actually “losing” a cemetery. It was discovered when remains were being dug up during a construction project. Barry explains the history of the cemetery, what happened when the construction stopped, and tells of the records he has been able to assemble concerning the dead who were buried there. He also explains how and why we should be vigilant in our own communities when it comes to urban cemeteries.
Fisher visits with the Photo Detective, Maureen Taylor. The two recently had a fascinating discussion about an English man who recently purchased a $10 photo on eBay that is believed by many to be a previously unknown photo of outlaw Jesse James worth, perhaps, over $2 million! But Maureen says “Not so fast!” She’ll explain the process of dating and identifying photos that may be of great use to you in your research.
Fisher visits with Jonny Perl of London about the craze he has pretty much single-handedly created with his site DNAPainter.com. DNA Painter is another amazing tool (it’s free!) that anyone can use to “paint” a representation of their chromosomes with DNA known to be from a particular ancestor or ancestral couple. And it’s ridiculously easy to do!
Fisher visits with Rishi Sharma. Rishi is twenty-one years old and spends every day interviewing World War II combat veterans. All of those that are left are now in their 90s. Find out how Rishi started down this path as a high school boy and what spurred on his interest. He’ll also share some of the compelling first hand stories he has learned.
Fisher visits with the O’Kelley cousins. They call themselves the Black O’Kelleys and the White O’Kelleys. They all share a common ancestor… a slave holder from Mississippi. Despite being “distant” cousins, there is nothing distant about their relationship. The O’Kelleys explain how both side have researched this branch of the family for decades, and how DNA proved what they already knew… they are family!
It’s time to talk DNA with specialist Paul Woodbury of Legacy Tree Genealogists. Paul has many tips for corresponding with people you match with through DNA. Since very few people respond to such attempts at contact, Paul’s ideas will help you increase your response rate. Paul also shares his thoughts on identifying where certain matches tie in. There are ways!
Fisher mines some incredible World War I stories obtained by Christine Pittsley, a World War I Project Coordinator for the Connecticut State Library. Christine explains how the state went about obtaining this material from people’s homes as we recognize the 100th anniversary of the end of the “War To End All Wars.”
Emily Stanford Schultz, an employee of FamilySearch, perhaps had one of the most incredible experiences we have ever heard of right at RootsTech! It had to do with a special app that could really work best at a family history convention. Hear what it was and how it paid off for Emily in a big way.
Fisher has discovered something odd about his great grandfather’s 1874 divorce in New York, which “proved” his wife’s adultery. It turns out that one of the men who testified to having been with his wife was present with the great grandfather when he died nineteen years later, even supplying information for his death certificate. How could they still be friends after what was confessed to in 1874? What was going on here?
Fisher visits with Kathleen Kaldis and her distant cousin David Stone. Both descend from Donald Campbell, a man who was born in the 18th century in Scotland, who became a noted fiddler in Nova Scotia. The story surrounding him through the generations is that he fell down a “fairy hole” and the fairies “blessed his bow.” Hear the details and the song musician David has written and performed about their ancestor and his mystical adventure.
Fisher visits with Massachusetts resident Ellen Alden, who went in search of an early photo of herself for her daughter’s school project. But while up in the attic, she discovered something she had never seen before… 19 Civil War era letters from her Irish immigrant ancestor. Hear some of what they said, and how the find has changed her life.
Fisher visits with LegacyTree.com’s Carolyn Tolman about a breakthrough she had to pre-1870 days and some of the great new tools that are aiding African-American research.
Fisher visits with Robin Mason, a fan of witches everywhere, but particularly in her home state of Massachusetts. Her site, WitchesMassBay.com, has become a great resource for anyone wanting to research their witchy ancestors, including walking tours of various towns, and lists of the accused and the executed. Find out what you need to know about how to research the witches of New England through Robin Mason.
Fisher catches up with his friend CeCe Moore, the Genetic Genealogist, and a regular on “Finding Your Roots” with Dr. Henry Louis Gates on PBS. CeCe shares her take on anticipated new developments in DNA for 2018 and how they may affect your research efforts. CeCe also gives us a peak into the new season of “Finding Your Roots.”
Fisher visits with Abundant Genealogy’s Thomas MacEntee. Thomas made the Genealogy Do Over famous and is now touting something new for 2018… the DNA Do Over. Hear what he has to say about making sure you’re using your pricy tests in the right way.
Paul Woodbury, DNA specialist at Legacy Tree Genealogists, joins the show again to talk about the significance of tracking down various cousins. He’ll explain the value as you delve into your dna project. It’s something of a 202 course, so listen carefully.
Fisher visits with author Gloria Merchant of Rhode Island. Since his recent discovery of his ancestor’s pirate past, he’s learned that he is not alone. Many genies have pirates back there. In two parts, Gloria explains why Rhode Island was a major pirate haven in the 17th century, and what tools you might use to learn more about your ancestor’s swashbuckling ways!
Fisher visits with D. Joshua Taylor, President of the New York Genealogical & Biographical Society. With New York City and State being the home and crossroads for so many ancestors in so many eras, you’ll want to hear what’s ahead for this great organization in the year ahead.
Steve Anderson shares his incredible story of discovery concerning himself and his eight siblings. No one could have imagined what he and a brother learned… information that has rocked his family. And it’s not over yet!
Fisher visits with Alice and Jessica, two ladies who used DNA to solve a most remarkable mystery. Were Alice’s father and Jessica’s grandfather really switched at birth? Hear how the story developed over three years and how the breakthrough finally occurred. See photos of the switched fathers and see how they resemble the other family!
Fisher visits with David Rencher, the CGO (that’s Chief Genealogical Officer… honest!) of FamilySearch.org. David fills you in on what’s to come in 2018 at FamilySearch, new records that may soon be on line, and why you are required to log in now when you go to FamilySearch, even though it is and always will be a free site. David also brings us up to speed on what’s happening with the tricky merging feature.
Fisher visits with LegacyTree.com DNA specialist Candace Camillo, who shares her recent adventure with a client who was hoping DNA would help her identify her grandfather. Indeed it did. But something else happened along the way. Candace, tells about how she had to handle some delicate information.
Fisher catches up with a guy he first came to know in the early 1980s… 49ers and NFL Hall of Famer Steve Young. Fisher and Steve talk about Steve’s renowned ancestor, Brigham Young. Fisher also fills in Steve on the names of numerous historical figures Steve is related to. (Plus a certain genealogical broadcaster!)
Fisher visits with Robert Charles Anderson, who created the “Great Migration” series of reference books beginning in 1988. They’ll talk about what inspired Robert to devote his life to this great work, and how his research has allowed him to debunk some Pilgrim myths. What were they? Listen to the podcast!
Fisher visits with recent past Governor General of the Mayflower Society, Lea Sinclair Filson. Fisher joined the Society four years ago and talks about the experience while Lea shares some interesting insight into the Pilgrims and their impact on the world as we know it.
Renowned genealogist Megan Smolenyak talks about Army Repatriation. As an “army brat,” Megan’s pride in the military has turned into a passion as she assists the government in verifying descendants of military people lost overseas. Some of her cases go all the way back to World War I. Megan explains all that’s involved in her very fulfilling work, and how a pair of her cases resulted in the awarding of the Medal of Honor.
Fisher wades into deeper DNA waters with DNA specialist Kitty Munson Cooper. Kitty explains a developing DNA technique called Chromosome Mapping. Why would you want to do this? And how would you even begin? Pay close attention.
New York Times bestselling author, A.J. Jacobs visits with Fisher for two segments. A.J.’s new book is called “It’s All Relative, Adventures Up and Down the World’s Family Tree.” A.J. talks about what started him into researching his family, the fun finds, the horrifying finds, and his efforts to achieve world peace… (yes, world peace!) ... with his 2015 “Global Family Reunion.”
Fisher talks with LegacyTree.com’s Michelle Chubenko, a resident of New Jersey who researches Eastern Europe. Michelle takes us through the problems of Eastern European records… the border changes, moving jurisdictions, records lost in war… and gives sound advice on how the determined genie can make headway in tracing their tough Eastern European ancestors.
Host Scott Fisher opens the show with a welcome to several new members of the Extreme Genes Patrons Club. He’s then joined by David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org who shares “Family Histoire News.” David begins with the latest news from “Reclaim the Records.” The group that is making a name for itself forcing government entities to make indexes to records available to the public, has pulled off another big score. David will tell you what it is. Then, a pair of infants that shared space in a hospital on the day they were born have met up again. And now they’re married! Hear the details! Next… want a ride in a B17? You can, but it’s going to cost you. Find out where you may want to go. David then talks about a new idea for connecting to your ancestors that has caught fire on his blog… collecting coins from the years your ancestors were born. Find out what it has done to interest his daughter. David’s blogger spotlight this week is chiddicksfamilytree.wordpress.com, where Paul Chiddick asks “What Does the Future [of Genealogy] hold?” Next, Fisher visits with Lisa Murphy of Orem, Utah, an “Ordinary Person With An Extraordinary Find.” Lisa’s grandfather was a family enigma. He died without ever telling anyone exactly where he was from, and very little about the family itself. But along comes DNA and… well… you know the rest. Hear the story Lisa and her family has learned about her long deceased grandfather’s origins. Then, Fisher talks new archive discoveries with “The Archive Lady,” Melissa Barker of Houston County, Tennessee. Melissa is always digging up inspiring items in her archive to encourage people to get back to where many family treasures may be waiting. Hear what she’s found this time. Then, Tom Perry, the Preservation Authority, returns to talk about audio… wire recordings, eight track tapes, vinyl records, and cassettes. Hopefully you’re not throwing any of these things away! Tom will tell you what you need to do with them things, and what NOT to do! That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!
Fisher visits with Ken Nelson of FamilySearch.org. Ken has been following his grandfather’s journey through the battlefields of World War I. With the United States in the centennial year of our entry into that war, Ken has a lot of great suggestions for anyone looking to research their World War I “Dough Boy.”
Fisher visits with writer Jeff Mudgett who learned that his second great grandfather was a man known to the world as H.H. Holmes, America’s first serial killer. Hear what Jeff has to say and why he believes that H. H. Holmes was also “Jack The Ripper!”
Fisher visits with Jim Power from the NEHGS. Jim learned some time ago that his family is apparently connected to the notorious Dalton Gang! Jim’s been researching this for some time now. Hear the puzzle pieces he has picked up and you decide!
Fisher chats with DNA pro Paul Woodbury from LegacyTree.com. Fisher has been helping a friend try to identify his birth father. When a female match showed, according to shared centiMorgans, she was a first cousin, but was twenty years older Fisher’s friend, he called Paul. And Paul had a very different read on the match. Hear why and what you can learn about centiMorgans and segments when analyzing your DNA matches.
Fisher visits with Lt. Col. Enoch Woodhouse, a vet of World War II and a former Tuskegee Airman. Col. Woodhouse shares some of his stories from the beginning of his lengthy military career. He describes life as a black soldier, his time with the Airmen, and his later years as a JAG attorney for the Air Force. Col. Woodhouse also talks about his family history and its impact on his life.
Martha Noland Bergstrom of Independence, Missouri talks about her research which tied her into the tragic shooting in the mid-1800s. The story involves a posse, a robber, and a little girl. Here how Martha learned of her connection and what she has done to memorialize the victim.
Fisher visits with Christopher Child, Senior Genealogist of NEHGS. Chris and his family took a family vacation several years ago that took him to the Smithsonian.
On this weeks show Fisher visits with his first cousin, Joann (Fisher) Schmidt, of Dutchess County, New York. When Fisher and Joann began collaborating on their shared family history back in the 1980s, Joann also looked into her mother’s side. There, she discovered a horrible family secret.
Fisher sits down with Diane Loosle, Director of the Family History Library in Salt Lake City. The Library, through FamilySearch.org, recently announced that it will no longer be lending out microfilm to satellite libraries around the world. But the move is based on good news! Hear what that is, and more of what’s to come from the Family History Library and FamilySearch.org
Hello Genies! On this weeks show Fisher visits with Paul Woodbury of LegacyTree.com about commonly asked DNA questions, including ethnicity numbers and why you should test your seniors first. Paul brings his years of insight to this enlightening conversation with Fisher.
Fisher visits with blogger Kate Porter of Slatersville, Rhode Island. The author of genijourney.com talks about how her preconceived ideas concerning the life of her nomadic great grandfather changed as she got to know him through the records and other relatives.
Fisher visits with Larry Guzy, recently installed President General of the Sons of the American Revolution. President Guzy talks about how he got involved, who his Patriot ancestor was, and his goals for the Sons heading toward 2026 and the 250th anniversary of our independence.
It’s Extreme Genes’ fourth anniversary month, and this week’s episode is number 200! Host Scott Fisher opens this landmark show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. Fisher first shares a touching story of how a group of Florida women recently made a bet concerning their DNA tests, and how she won the pool. (Hint: The bigger prize was finding her birth family… Fisher’s cousins!) David then shares recent research which indicates second children are more likely to be trouble in school and maybe even more likely to go to prison! Hear why. Then, the mystery of the “barber pole” is revealed. Why is it red, white, and blue? It’s far from what you think! David will have the answer. Then, America’s oldest living World War II vet, Richard Overton, age 111, is back in the news. And, it’s good news! Hear about a service being performed for him by an area organization. David then spotlights LifeInThePastLane.org and a recent blog about the complications of having Southern ancestry. Next, Fisher visits with Shayne Davidson, a Michigan resident and St. Louis native. Not long ago, her research led to her what is called St. Louis’ “Rogues Gallery,” a group of 1850s and 1860s era photos, that we would today call “mug shots.” It’s the earliest surviving known collection. Shayne has researched those that had enough information on them and shares some of their stories, and how she has come to create an ebook on the subject. Then, Fisher visits with genealogist Lisa Lisson about court records, and the fascinating story about what they taught her about her ancestor. The details were juicy, and she shares how you can use these records to answer questions you may have had about an ancestor for a very long time. Tom Perry, the Preservation Authority, then answers a listener question about a large, old Quaker group photo she located in a safe deposit box. How can she properly digitize it? Tom has the answer with a great suggestion of how she can digitally note who each participant is. Hear what Tom has to say. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes- America’s Family History Show!
Host Scott Fisher opens the Extreme Genes 4th anniversary show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist for the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David reports from Knoxville where he is part of a convention of the Sons of the American Revolution. David then congratulates Fisher on a remarkable new adventure for him. Listen to the show to find out it is. David then reveals a terrific new source being released jointly by NEHGS and the General Society of Mayflower Descendants as they prepare for the 400th anniversary in 2020. Next, David tells us about a girl born into a family in South Carolina. What makes her unique is that she is a first in her family in 137 years. The guys will explain why her family is so excited. Then, David reveals the passing of one of the cast members of the original “Roots” TV show. And, some early mug shots have been shared in an ebook. Find out what makes these pictures special. Might your ancestor be among them? In the second segment, Fisher visits with DNA specialist Paul Woodbury from LegacyTree.com. A recent article by a science community has taken to task a certain aspect of DNA testing results. Hear what it is and what Paul has to say about it. Then, Melanie McComb of Syracuse, New York, who started her research at age 18, talks about the Next Gen Genealogy Network which aims to teach and bring together younger genealogical researchers. It’s free to join and easy to participate in. Melanie will share the details on that as well as her blog, TheShamrockGenealogist.com. Then, Tom Perry, the Preservation Authority, returns to talk about how to preserve what you have already digitally preserved! (Does it ever end?!) That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show.
This week, it’s an Extreme Genes Instant Classic Rewind from October of 2016! Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. Fisher and David talk about the top stories of the week, including the washing ashore of Civil War cannonballs in South Carolina by Hurricane Matthew; the return of remains of a World War II vet to his hometown; the 105th birthday of the cub reporter who announced the beginning of World War II; and the ultimate age we might expect people to reach according to new science. David also shares his tip of the week, and this week’s free guest user database from NEHGS. Next, Fisher welcomes renowned CNBC anchor Bill Griffeth to the show. Bill will take you through the day when he received an email from his cousin that informed him that the only man he had ever known as his father was genetically not his father! A short time later, Bill had to go before the cameras on national television as if nothing was different that day. Bill also talks about his love of genealogy for many years prior and how this information caused him tremendous emotional trials for a time, and what he did to overcome them. In our second segment with Bill Griffeth, the anchor talks about other people’s stories that he has learned of since going public with his very personal struggle. Bill speaks of how this has affected his relationship with his 98-year-old mother and how she feels about his public revelation. Next, Tom Perry, the Preservation Authority, from TMCPlace.com answers a listener email about her 100-plus collection of audio cassette tapes (voice only) and how she should consider going about digitizing them. As Tom will show you, there are a lot of aspects to consider. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!
Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David is fresh back from Scotland where he made an incredible genealogical discovery. Hear what it is. The guys then exchange stories about their Revolutionary ancestors in anticipation of Independence Day. Then, it is a major announcement from FamilySearch.org that has everybody talking. It’s an important one. Next, David reveals the historic, genealogical document that recently sold at auction for what might buy you a lovely home for in some places! Hint: It has to do with witchcraft. Then, Fisher visits with Mary Ann Kester of Topeka, Kansas about her recently developed skill… grave witching. She used it to accomplish a feat that attracted a lot of attention. Hear what she did, how she did it, and how you may be able to do the same thing. In segment three, Fisher talks with Donya “Papoose” Williams and Brian Sheffey, two “southern cousins” who are hard at work trying to identify all 45 CHILDREN of one ancestor! It’s an amazing story of a long-lived man whose life spanned from the colonial era to long past the Civil War. Hear how their project is going and, as they say… “the rest of the story!” Then it’s Tom Perry talking preservation. Tom uses a listener question about a scratched X-Box DVD to illustrate what you need to know about recovering and storing your digitized disks. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show and Extreme Genes.com.
Fisher opens this week’s show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David reports from his research trip to Scotland. David opens the show with the story of a New York genealogist who has been there to help poor folks prove their relationship to rich folks to gain a piece of their estate once they’ve died. But this genealogist has run into a bit of trouble. Hear what has happened. Then, a cemetery in Topeka, Kansas has been getting an assist from a local genie in finding unmarked graves. The technique is called “grave witching” (among other things) and you’ll want to hear about this remarkable woman and technique! In Arkansas, the infamous “Trail of Tears” is receiving special recognition. David will tell you what is happening there. David’s “blogger spotlight” this week shines on Thomas MacEntee’s Geneabloggers.com. A long time friend of the show, Thomas shares a lot of techniques and secrets he has learned through the years. Next, Fisher visits with Brooke Ganz, whom he calls the “terror of record keepers everywhere!” Brooke has founded a non-profit organization called ReclaimTheRecords.org. Working particularly with New York City records, Brooke came to realize that government entities do not like to make public some genealogical records that were, in fact, paid for by us, the taxpayers! So, Brooke started using Freedom of Information Act requests, and even law suits to force this archives and offices to hand over what is rightfully everyone’s for the benefit of all. Then she has them digitized and posted for free! Intriguing? You can be a part of this great effort that could finally get you the records you’ve been seeking from wherever. Let Brooke explain how! Then, Tom Perry from TMCPlace.com talks about MP4s. They’re a great file type for preserving video, but there are some things you should know. Tom is also preparing for his summer preservation road trip. He’s going to try to hit numerous family history conferences across the country. Hear where he’s going to be. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!
Host Scott Fisher and David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society open the show. Fisher opens the conversation talking about how he had the difficult position of having to inform a neighbor, after examining a DNA result, that her father was not her birth father. It’s never an easy thing to reveal, but even worse during Father’s Day week. David then talks about a fascinating feature at Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York… a tomb that resembles a mail box of sorts. Find out what it’s about! Then, a hurricane has revealed some shocking discoveries beneath the floor of a Florida wine store. Some listener just might have a connection to this story. Then, David talks about the discovery of a village under a major North American city. Hear where it is and what is being studied. Then Fisher begins his two part interview with actress Heather Lind, whose AMC television show, TURN- Washington’s Spies is about to begin its fourth season. Heather plays a historical woman named Anna Strong, who, legend has it, hung petticoats behind her home in various orders and colors to signal to spies in boats on Long Island Sound information about British movements on Long Island. For anyone with ancestry in the Revolution, it’s a program that goes a long way in teaching you what live was like in those perilous times. Heather talks about what she has learned about the life of a woman in the Revolution, and the things that may have required of a spy. Heather discusses the challenges of the costumes of the period, and how the cast settled on their respective accents. It’s a fascinating peek into how a period program such as TURN is created, and how it helps us learn about the various times in our history, and then times of our ancestors. Next, Fisher visits with Tom Perry from TMCPlace.com, talking preservation. Tom addresses an important question about how to rid your pictures of mold and how to recover them. (Hint: It’s not a do-it-yourself project!) Tom then reminds you how to do deal with pictures that may be subject to moisture damage. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!
Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, the Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin with a story about a family that chose a very funny Hallmark birthday card for their father. But a close examination of the photo on the card caused their jaws to drop! Find out why. Then, David tells us about an organization called “Reclaim the Records.” It’s a non-profit that’s out there using Freedom of Information requests to make public important records that haven’t yet made their way onto the internet. They’re working over states throughout the country and have just announced another major database has been “won.” Hear all about it. David then shares his excitement in locating descendants of people found in photographs left anonymously to David in a bag a year or so ago. Find out why this was such a meaningful experience for the recipient. Our Blogger Spotlight this week is shining on ThePastFinder.wordpress.com. Give it a click and see whose it is! Then, Fisher begins his two part visit with Paul Woodbury, the DNA specialist from LegacyTree.com. This is a second edition of “Most Common DNA Questions.” Everybody’s doing it… learn a little more about it. Then, Fisher and Tom Perry from TMCPlace.com talk preservation. Tom’s on the war path over a man with ten year’s worth of photos and memories on his phone, but doesn’t have a cloud account to back it up. Then, he talks the significance of PDFs in writing up your family history. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!
Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society. David begins “Family Histoire News” with a story from Germany that should serve as a warning to anybody who buys military related memorabilia at a flea market. Then, it’s the story of a group of guys who posed for a picture in 1966, only to recreate it five decades later. Hear all about it. Then, it’s been a remarkable journey for an 88-year-old Holocaust survivor who has belatedly (for obvious reasons) completed an important life milestone. David next talks about a unique Connecticut cemetery… one that was made for slaves, with many of the tombstones created by slaves. David then puts the blogger spotlight on John Grenham’s Irish Roots, johngrenham.com.blog, a great place to interact regularly on Irish history and genealogy. Next, Fisher catches up with writer Audrey Brasich who recently published a great article in Realtor.com on adult children buying or moving into their childhood homes or ancestral homes. Audrey’s got some great stories and advice if you’re considering such a move. Then, Photo Detective Maureen Taylor rejoins the show with advice on spring cleaning your photo collection. Looking to “declutter?” Maureen will tell you what you should and shouldn’t eliminate, and how to maximize the family value of your ancestral photographs. Tom Perry from TMCPlace, the Preservation Authority, drops in to talk about the latest equipment and software that has him “geeked” up! If you’re thinking “Do It Yourself” or even about starting your own preservation business, you’ll want to hear what Tom has to say. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!
Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David begins “Family Histoire News” with the story of an ancient Roman epitaph that’s been discovered. Hear the remarkable translation. Then, it’s an incredible reunion over four decades in the making thanks to a MyHeritage.com DNA test. It’s the “hit” two parties were waiting for. David next shares the story of an entire country that now lists itself on AirBNB! Find out which country it is and what they’re saying about themselves. David also shares the story of a 96-year-old World War II veteran who kept a secret for over 70 years. Now that it’s out, he is getting his just recognition. You’ll want to hear what this man did during the war. David then says a “fond farewell” to the blogger AncestryInsider who has posted his last blog after ten years of anonymous critiques of the major genealogical companies. Then, Fisher begins his two part visit with Paul Fronczak of Henderson, Nevada. Paul was given to a Chicago couple as a toddler, as he was believed to have been the couple’s son, who had been kidnapped in 1964. Recently, Paul learned from DNA testing that he was not his parents’ son. He has written a book on this amazing story called “The Foundling,” Paul talks to Fisher about how he convinced his parents to take the DNA test, and their reaction when they learned he was, in fact, not their son. In part two of Fisher’s interview with Paul Fronczak, DNA Detective CeCe Moore joins the discussion, explaining how she was able to reveal to Paul his real identity… his name, the names of his parents, and aided him in discovering the reason he may have been abandoned over fifty years ago. It’s must-hear radio! Then, Preservation Authority Tom Perry from TMCPlace.com hops aboard to answer a listener question about how to restore old photos of grave stones from the 1970s so they can be read. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!
Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. Fisher begins, revealing David’s growing fan club, from which one member deemed him the “Paul McCartney of genealogy!” Fisher then delves into the ransomware attacks that are currently sweeping the world and gives advice on how to protect your data. (One item: Get rid of XP!) Then Fisher and David talk about a historic Jewish synagogue in New York that was burned by a teenage arsonist this past week. But it wasn’t always a synagogue. Hear about Fisher’s 19th century family ties to this now lost building. David then talks about a woman who found a 70 year old letter found in a stair in her house, some of the content of that note, and her lengths to find the family it came from. Then, it’s another birthday for America’s oldest living veteran, Richard Overton. You won’t believe how old he is, and to what he attributes his longevity. David’s blogger spotlight this week is on the writer who calls herself “Dear Myrtle.” Go to blog.dearmyrtle.com, home of “Monday’s With Myrt.” Then, Fisher begins his two part visit with Elissa Davey, founder of “Garden of Innocence,” an organization dedicated to dignified burials for abandoned children. Elissa talks about the event in the 1990s that brought her to the realization that she needed to start a group to help in these situations. Then, last year, came the situation she never dreamed of. A small casket with windows was found buried in a back yard in San Francisco on the former site of a cemetery. The man who made the find peered through the window and saw the perfectly preserved body of a little girl. From there, the journey of the girl, assigned the name “Miranda Eve,” led to Elissa and Garden of Innocence, who not only went about reburying the girl, but also finding her true identity. Elissa describes all that went into both tasks. Then, Tom Perry from TMCPlace.com, the Preservation Authority talks Viewmasters, 110 negatives, circular negatives, and other unique 1970s era items. Some were commercial (think Yellowstone tours) but some were used to preserve family images. If you have items such as these and want to scan them yourself, Tom will tell you how it’s done. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show.
Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David begins “Family Histoire News” talking about the recent organization of a descendant organization for one of the passengers on the Mayflower. Find out who this group is about and if you might want to be a part of it. David then reveals major record release announcements from two major companies. Hear what’s coming your way! Then, word is that the 2020 census is in trouble. David explains the issue and who has taken action to call attention to the problem. Fisher and David then talk about the nightmare of a two-month-old baby whose identity was stolen decades ago. Hear how the situation was uncovered by a persistent genie. David’s blogger spotlight this week is focused on Leland Meitzler and his blog at genealogyblog.com. Leland reveals where you can read digitized newspapers from the Japanese-American internment camps from World War II. Fisher next visits with Brenton Simons, President and CEO of the New England Historic Genealogical Society. Brenton and Fisher talk about the upcoming Project 2020, celebrating the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the Pilgrims in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Over the next several years there will be a ton of activities and travel opportunities you won’t want to miss. Find out what they are on the show. Then, Fisher visits with Deanna Bufo Novak from MyHeritageBook.com. Deanna creates customized books celebrating the heritage of individual children at places such as Disney World. Hear what Deanna has to say about what you can do to hook your kids and grandkids on family history. Also hear Fisher share a couple of snippets of his visit with his four-year-old granddaughter, Hailey. Tom Perry, the Preservation Authority from TMCPlace.com, then joins the show talking about the “anti-iPhone” camera. What kind of camera should you be using for family history? As usual, Tom has his suggestions. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show.
Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David shares some great stories this week, including one about a family that found a funeral home had dressed the wrong corpse in their mother’s clothes, a man who found his father’s and uncle’s letters homes from World War II on eBay, and the story of a Saxon king whose remains may have been found under a tennis court! (Here we go again!) David’s spotlighted blogger this week is FamilySearch.org/blog/en which discusses, among many other things, how to get started in indexing old records. Next, Fisher is going DNA crazy this week, having shipped out three Y-chromosome DNA kits to close and distant relatives. He’s pondering using a mitochondrial test for one of his wife’s lines. “Not so fast!” says LegacyTree.com’s Paul Woodbury. The DNA specialist shares some important insight on when you should and when you shouldn’t attempt to connect ancestors through this female direct line DNA method. Then, Carrie Christos of Cincinnati, Ohio talks about her “Big Fat Greek genealogical experience.” She shares the challenges she faced, the serendipity that (as is often the case) kicked in, and the new relationships she has developed. Carrie will tell you how it all happened. Then, Tom Perry, the Preservation Authority from TMCPlace.com is geeked out over a remarkable time-lapse video he found. It will inspire you to learn how you can do the same. Tom also talks about some local digitizers that he feels will do a great job for you in several states. That’s all the week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!
Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. Fisher & David talk about a unique couple of book pages, dating back to the early 20th century, passed down by Fisher’s cousin. These two pages feature a man and a woman, and a special warning based on their appearance. Hear what it is in the podcast. The guys next discuss why it is, should you visit your ancestor’s grave in Edinburgh, Scotland, he or she might not actually be below your feet! You’ll be amazed to hear this. Plus another copy of the Declaration of Independence has been located, but certainly not where you might have expected one to be found. Then David spotlights blogger Heather Rojo and her NutfieldGenealogy.blogspot.com column. Heather’s been getting a lot of attention in her hometown by sharing her grandmother’s diary from 1920, mentioning lots of local people. Next, Fisher visits with Laurie Sue (Rudy) Meyer of Kansas City, Missouri. For decades, one of Laurie’s family’s treasured heirlooms was missing. That is, until recently when Laurie rediscovered it. You’ll want to hear about this treasure… in fact, you’ll want to HEAR it too! Then, Sunny Morton from the Genealogy Gems podcast talks to Fisher about a lecture she gave at RootsTech that packed the house. It’s on the topic of “which of the big four websites is best for my research?” As you can imagine, there is no one answer, and Sunny will help you navigate this tricky question, the answer to which has everything to do with what you are trying to accomplish. In Preservation Time with Tom Perry, from TMCPlace.com, learn when DPI is not DPI! If you’re scanning your family images, it’s fascinating reveal of the best way to assure you achieve your scanning goals. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!
Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David reports from on the road in Colonial Williamsburg and begins Family Histoire News with a story from Belgium about the recent discovery of the remains of a soldier from New Zealand who died in World War I. Then, hear about a renowned genealogist who recently passed who received the Order of Canada for his unique work on behalf of that country. Then, in England, work on a golf course has revealed an incredible find, as if straight from a movie. Hear about the unique historic location of this course, and what was found. David’s blogger spotlight this week shines on Maureen Taylor, the Photo Detective, at Maureen Taylor.com/blog. Maureen talks about finding your Revolutionary soldiers in family photos. Next, Fisher visits with Katy Barnes from LegacyTree.com. Katy fills us in on the epidemics that killed our ancestors sometimes within days of one another in the 19th century in particular. She explains this is why you will often find multiple family members dying at virtually the same time. What were those diseases and how did they spread? Katy will explain. Then, Fisher talks with NEHGS Librarian, Jean McGuire. NEHGS is currently in the process of digitizing and then indexing some ten million names from the Catholic Church records of the east. Jean fills us in on the progress and how to find out if your ancestors’ names may have already been located. Tom Perry, the Preservation Authority, from TMCPlace.com returns to wrap up the show. He’s all “geeked out” about a toy he found out about from the Consumer Electronics show in Las Vegas. Wait until you hear what this things will do for your phone’s camera! Tom goes on to chat about “going solar” to keep your devices fully charged. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!
Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David opens “Family Histoire News” with a story that Oregon is looking at reversing an 1845 law that outlaws dueling! Then, the Duchess of Cornwall is looking at buying back an ancestral home. Next, there’s woman who is apparently still receiving her father’s war pension… from the CIVIL War! And finally, David discusses his plans to honor those World War I vets who died in the “War to End All Wars.” Listen to find out how you can be a part of his special tribute during this centennial year of the US entering the War. Next, Fisher visits with Karen Batchelor, a Detroit woman, best known as the first African-American to join the DAR back in 1977. Karen is still a passionate genie and is on to a new project. Wait until you hear what it is and why she is doing it! Then, Thomas MacEntee from High Definition Genealogy in Chicago joins Fisher to talk DNA. National DNA Day is upon us, and Thomas talks about the latest trends in DNA, and how to take advantage of discounts on DNA tests that come at this time each year. Then, Preservation Authority Tom Perry, from TMCPlace.com, talks about how you can digitize your own photo negatives. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!
Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogy Society. David opens Family Histoire News with the story of a World War II veteran in his 90s who has won the lottery in Ohio. Then, Fisher spins the “Wheel of Wherever,” which leads to several stories from the UK, including the passing of a 93-year-old World War II vet, and a very strange twist involving his family. Also, hear the announcement of the sale offering of UK’s smallest castle. Listen to the show to hear all the specs and how much they’re asking. Also, did an early Brit forget where he parked his Iron Age chariot? One has been found, along with a horse. David then sticks around to discuss Fisher’s discovery on his recent European trip that, in Germany, graves are not permanent… they’re essentially rentals! Hear the terms by which most are buried and what happens when the “lease” comes to an end! And, as David will tell you, Germany is not the only place this happens. Then, Fisher visits with Anna Swayne of Ancestry.com about their new Genetic Communities. What’s the benefit? How does it work? Anna will explain. Then, Tom Perry, the Preservation Authority from TMCPlace.com talks the importance of saving digitized files in the proper size. How big? He’ll tell you where to find a reference chart that will be invaluable. Tom then talks about capturing images from video. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show.
Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. Fisher speaks briefly about his recent trip to Germany. David then addresses a 109-year-old Englishman who doesn’t want a card from the Queen. Hear why! Then, a Swiss Court has disallowed the naming of a baby. Hear what the name was supposed to be and why they nixed it. Then, David talks about making a company that is making a beer to match a DNA test. Also, a 16-year-old got the gift of a lifetime from her grandfather. Catch what it is. David then spotlights blogger Amie Bowser Tennant. Read her blog about the War of 1812 records at TheGenealogyReporter.com. Next, Fisher talks with Steve Waters from FamilySearch.org. Steve is giving you the opportunity to point FamilySearch in the right direction in finding important genealogical records that have not yet been digitized. Listen to the interview, then call them with what you know at 844-326-4478, or email them at preservation@familysearch.org Fisher then visits with a Brigham City, Utah man, Barr Cannon, about a genealogical find that took him and his wife, literally, around the world! And it all began in New Zealand with an antique book case. Finally, Tom Perry from TMCPlace.com, the Preservation Authority, answers another listener question about how to affordably digitize a massive quantity of materials, as well as how you may want to preserve the originals. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show.
Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin with the story of a man who claims to descend from a King of Wales in the 6th century, and says he is next in line to become the successor of Queen Elizabeth II! Then, David shares the story about the discovery of a large number of 18th century coffins in Philadelphia. And, yes, there are dead people in them! Hear how this came to happen. Next, David fills you in on back fill in San Francisco… in this case… 19th century ships! In fact, they are under the streets there. Maps are now available to tell you where you might be standing over a ship. Then, Fisher and David talk engagement rings and how they came to be diamond rings… in the 1930s! David’s Blogger Spotlight this week is on Lorine McGinnis Schulze’s blog OliveTreeGenealogy.blogspot.com. David will tell you about one recent post that David found fascinating. In the second segment (starts at 10:39), Paul Woodbury of LegacyTree.com talks about commonly asked DNA questions, including ethnicity numbers and why you should test your seniors first. Paul brings his years of insight to this enlightening conversation with Fisher. Then it’s Randy Seaver (starts at 24:16), the man behind GeneaMusings.com. The well known blogger discusses with Fisher his efforts at a “genealogy go over.” What is it? Where does it come from? What’s the end goal? Randy lends his voice to this increasingly popular method for genealogists to solidify and generally improve their work. Then, Tom Perry, the Preservation Authority from TMCPlace.com goes way over Fisher’s head (not that that’s hard!). Answering listener questions, Tom explains some of the history of various video formats you may be dealing with. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!
Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and American Ancestors.org. Fisher and David talk about David’s recent trip to Washington, DC and the National Archives and how you can contribute to the digitization of national records. Then, it’s a castle for sale in Ireland! It’s been owned by a renowned family since the 1930s. Hear how much you can get it for! And, for St. Patrick’s Day, David tells you about the blog TheShamrockGenealogist.blogspot.com, which provides a great soda bread recipe, straight from Ireland. Next, you won’t believe the story the guys have to tell you about about a 14-year-old boy who, with his father, discovered the wreckage of a World War II German Messerschmitt… on their own farm! David’s Blogger Spotlight this week is on Dick Eastman’s Online Genealogy Newsletter. Next (starts at 10:38), Fisher visits with Boy Scouts of America volunteer, Gary Pack, who has headed up the Scout’s Genealogy merit badge program. Gary is a former IT man for FamilySearch.org, and has great insight into how you can use the Boy Scouts’ techniques to introduce family history research to your children and grandchildren, both boys and girls. He shares some amazing experiences and stories from setting up a research center in tents at a national jamboree! Then (starts at 24:16), Jennifer Utley returns to Extreme Genes, not only to share some insight on this season of Who Do You Think You Are?, but also to talk about Long Lost Family, its sister program also airing on TLC. Who Do has quite the all-star cast this year, and Jennifer will tell you one story about an ancestor from the cast of Friends. Then, Tom Perry of TMCPlace.com brings his unique insight into preservation. The result of another listener question about transferring digital material back TO VHS, Tom answers the question “WHY?!” He also tells you how you can do this yourself, and what kind of equipment you will need. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!
Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David is on the road in Washington, DC. He talks about his recent experience of meeting family members from a branch that hasn’t interacted with his since before World War I! David then opens “Family Histoire News” talking about a New York veteran of World War II who has received special recognition for his role in the defeat of Nazi Germany. Hear what this man did. (You’ll be impressed!) Fisher and David then talk about a remarkable cluster research project of massive numbers of family trees and what scientists have learned about mankind. Next, it’s a special celebration that recognizes the “birth” of a book that we’re all familiar with. As were our ancestors of about the last six generations! Catch what it is. Then David spotlights this week’s featured blogger, Laura Hedgecock, at TreasureChestofMemories.com. In segments two and three, Fisher visits with Aaron Goodwin, a genealogist with the New York Genealogical and Biographical Society who has compiled an important book for anyone with ties to New York City, which may include ancestors that had nothing to do with New York. New York City Municipal Archives, An Authorized Guide For Family Historians, reveals gold mines of hidden records that, in some cases, the archivists themselves didn’t know they had or know their value. Hear some stories Aaron discovered in his own research as a result of these invaluable record troves. Next, Tom Perry from TMCPlace.com talks metadata and online photo storage in response to a listener question. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!
Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist for the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David is on the road in Louisville, Kentucky. The guys start by discussing Fisher’s bizarre find of an 1807 church record where all of his ancestors and their relatives seem to be marked with a cross! David then begins Family Histoire News with the story of a woman whose 122-year-old house is getting some very unique treatment from the government of St. Louis. Next, it’s the story of a 99-year-old Dutch woman who just checked something off her bucket list that most of us would never think of. Find out why. Then, a Santa Barbara couple planned their wedding and then learned something very unique… concerning them… about this ancient venue. Next, Fisher begins his two-part visit with Michael Henderson of Atlanta, Georgia. As an African-American Creole from New Orleans, Michael took an early interest in his family history, taking his lines back to numerous Revolutionary soldiers and branches to several Europeans countries. Wait til you hear about the two century old document concerning his ancestor he found and was able to hold. In the second segment with Michael Henderson, he talks about the experience of becoming Georgia’s first African-American member of the Sons of the American Revolution. It’s a terrific wrap up to Black History Month! Then, it’s Tom Perry from TMCPlace.com, back to talk preservation. Tom answers a question about what to do if you have pictures that are stuck together. Yes, they are salvageable! Hear what Tom has to say. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!
Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society. The guys start with a story about a Peruvian artist who dresses up for photos as his ancestors did in centuries old portraits. And it doesn’t matter if it’s male or female. And he’s very detailed! Next, Fisher and David discuss one of the more unusual heirlooms you’ll ever hear of. It’s 85 years old and edible. Well… it WAS edible! Hear what it is and why it’s still being held by the family. Fisher and David then talk about how late fees for a long overdue library book have been waived… for one long overdue historic reason. Hear what it is. Then, David investigated the issue of just which birthday George Washington celebrated… the one he was born with, or the one he got when the calendar changed? Find out what David learned. Finally, David’s Weekly Blogger Spotlight is focused on a guy who is half psychologist and half genealogist. He’s the psycho genealogist! Next up, it’s Maureen Taylor, the Photo Detective. Maureen is back to visit with Fisher about ideas not usually considered for finding your ancestral photos. It’s a long list, so sharpen your pencil! Then, Levi Bettwieser of Boise, Idaho joins the show. His passion project is the Rescued Film Project. Levi enjoys finding old rolls of film, often decades old, to see what images he can get from them. One recent success was the recovery of dozens of images from World War II. Tom Perry, the Preservation Authority, comes on next talking about his experience with The Property Brothers at RootsTech and reveals one their favorite story they told in their keynote address. Tom also reveals an awesome free app for fixing your pictures. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!
Host Scott Fisher is joined by David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist for the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys open the show with Family Histoire News including the recent experience of a friend of David’s who actually was under Trinity Church in New York as his ancestors’ remains were being moved! Next, Fisher and David talk about the recent discovery of a “priests hole” in an old English manor. What does it mean and what is the significance? They’ll explain. Then it’s a new discovery concerning Abraham Lincoln, a veteran of the Black Hawk War. Hear about Mary Todd Lincoln’s government request concerning her husband’s service. And finally, David begins his spotlight on genealogical blogs. This week’s is Melanie McComb’s “The Shamrock Genealogist” https://theshamrockgenealogist.blogspot.com/ David also shares a new youth blog for young genealogists, The NextGen Genealogy Network http://www.tnggn.org/ The guys are fresh off the four day RootsTech conference in Salt Lake City, Utah, so David sticks around as they cover some of the things they learned there, including at least one major announcement by a major company, the new FamilySearch Discovery Center at Salt Lake’s Family History Library and David’s take on Living DNA among many other highlights. Then, Kate Eakman, Senior Researcher for LegacyTree.com visits with Fisher about your immigrant ancestors and what you may find in their Social Security records. It’s a source you may not have thought about! Then it’s Tom Perry from TMCPlace.com, the Preservation Authority, reviewing the Innovators Showdown at RootsTech and this year’s winning entries. Every year it’s something new! That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!
Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys are preparing for RootsTech in Salt Lake City, Utah. David talks about a new record set by Queen Elizabeth II… and what a record it is! David then talks about a recent visitor he entertained who was certain of a very unique heritage. Wait until you hear what it is! David also shares a heart rending story about the remarkable way two cousins reconnected after nearly 80 years, and the place in history they share. And a celebration is on in one American city recognizing the anniversary of America’s oldest subway system. With RootsTech happening this week, Fisher shares a pair of his favorite past interviews. The first is with Professor Emerson Baker of Salem State University. Professor Baker is part of a committee that was able to confirm the precise location of the site of execution of the Salem “witches.” He talks about the methods and clues they used to confirm what once was known only through tradition. Then, catch Fisher’s visit with “Jersey Girl” Sue Wynne, a passionate genie, who learned that her fourth great grandmother was buried twice AND viewed twice… over several years! What’s the story behind this incredible discovery? You’ll want to hear it. Tom Perry of TMCPlace.com then joins the show to talk preservation, answering listener questions. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!
Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys first talk about the upcoming RootsTech Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah and plans for meeting you. Next, David talks about the love America is giving its oldest living veteran… 110-year-old Richard Overton. He’ll explain what’s happening. Then, it’s the story of a high school class ring left on a battlefield in the South Pacific during World War II. Yes… it’s been returned to the family with high emotions. Also, a genie / thrift store shopper has found a very special painting. Hear what it was about and what has happened to it. A new stamp in Canada has special meaning for Black History Month. David talks about the man it honors. Then, Genealogy Road Show host and 2017 RootsTech keynote speaker, Kenyatta Berry, joins Fisher for a two-part visit. Kenyatta talks about how she started interacting with historians, whose interests rarely overlap those of genealogists, to discover new sources for her primary area of research, the locating and identification of slave ancestors. Kenyatta notes that the techniques she describes can be used for any type of research. In the second segment, Kenyatta describes how deep in the weeds she has become in researching the various slave companies, which routes they worked, where they sold their human cargo, etc., to narrow the hunt for origins for various slave ancestors. It’s another technique that can be applied to all sorts of research situations. Then Tom Perry from TMCPlace.com talks about preservation, restoration, and recreation and how these terms might apply to your special heirloom. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!
Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David shares news of the identification of a casualty of Pearl Harbor whose remains have finally been returned home. Next, the guys talk about the 125th anniversary of Ellis Island and tell you where to find a quick video history of the place that many our ancestors passed through in coming to America. Fisher then shares a fun and wonderful obituary written by the deceased herself… a great way to be remembered! Following up on last week’s show, Fisher and David tell you about how to opt out of sites that share way too much of your personal information, including FamilyTreeNow.com, Spokeo, and Instant Checkmate. Next, Fisher visits with Zachariah Fike, founder of PurpleHeartsReunited.org, an organization that seeks out, buys, researches, and returns these medals of honor to the vets themselves, or their surviving families. Zachariah gives the background on the medal, and some amazing recovery and return stories. Then, Fisher visits with Oscar Hammerstein III (who goes by “Andy”) whose grandfather was half of the team of Rodgers and Hammerstein, who redefined Broadway. Andy is quite the “genie” and is the go-to guy in his family when it comes to the Hammerstein family history. Andy will be a part of this year’s RootsTech Family History Conference in Salt Lake City, presenting background on his grandfather’s songs as they are sung by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. In Preservation Time, Tom Perry of TMCPlace.com talks with Fisher about the most common (and most easily cracked) passwords. Do you use any of them? Listen and find out. Tom then tells you what to expect in the tech world at this year’s RootsTech. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show.
Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin with a warning about a new free genealogical site that may make you very uncomfortable. But there is something you can do about it. They’ll tell you what that it. Next there’s news about the upcoming 2020 census. It won’t be done as it’s been done is years past. Found out about the changes and why they’re being done. Then, David shares the bizarre story of a place in Mexico that stores well preserved 19th century bodies. He’ll tell you why they’re there. Then it’s good news for people with ties to Cuba. Records long thought to have been lost are being rediscovered now that US-Cuban relations have changed. David is hoping to find a mention of his sea captain ancestor who sailed there. David the guys talk about the science behind why adults are constantly confusing the names of their own children. Fisher next visits with Paul Woodbury, the DNA guru of LegacyTree.com. Paul explains a new program that will tell you which grandparent gave you certain traits and which traits your grandchildren received from you. And best of all… it’s all FREE! Dan Debenham then drops by to talk about the upcoming season of Relative Race of BYU-TV. The national hit begins its second season soon, with casting for the third season coming up as well. (Hint: It’s very lucrative to be on this show!) Dan shares everything you’ll need to know to be part of this television reality show adventure. Tom Perry then talks more about the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas that recently wrapped up. What are the new toys you could use as you pursue discovering, preserving, and sharing your family’s history? Tom has some answers. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!
Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David shares big news for people whose ancestors were New England Catholics as NEHGS and the Boston Catholic Diocese are working together to digitize and index Catholic records from 1789 to 1900, which includes over 100 parishes. The boys then talk about the significance of Illumina announcing they have developed a technique by which each individual can map their own personal genome which has great significance for matching with cousins… and it will be at a comparable price to today’s DNA tests! Also, a historic figure from World War II has passed at 105. Hear who this person was and what she was known for. David then shares a very basic search tip that could help many beginners enormously. Next, Fisher begins his two part visit with Rita Hood. Rita is an amateur genealogist who ran across information on a woman found dead in California in 1968. The woman was listed as a “Jane Doe,” but Rita spotted a clue to help identify her in the public record and went to work. Rita will take you through each clue and each step she took to final identify the woman after 49 years! In the process Rita found the woman’s next of kin. Hear how her efforts have changed his life, and hers. Then Tom Perry, the Preservation Authority, drops in to talk about new products introduced at the recent Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. What’s out there to help genies discover, preserve, and share? Tom will tell you! That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!
Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society. David talks about his recent radio visit on WPKZ (FM & AM) in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, our newest Extreme Genes affiliates. The guys kick around all the new news the new year has brought with it, including new evidence concerning the sinking of the Titanic; three sets of twins born in both the old year and the new year; New York City moving centuries’ worth of documents from their Chambers Street home to the State Archives in Albany; and a firefighter who discovered a unique piece of memorabilia in his firehouse. David also shares his tip of the week. Fisher then begins the first of his two segment visit with CeCe Moore, the “DNA Detective.” CeCe is a frequent guest on 20/20 and is a regular on “Finding Your Roots” with Dr. Henry Louis Gates. CeCe talks about the organization she has created to coach people, particularly adoptees, as they go about their journey to discover their birth families. Next, Fisher and CeCe talk about the unique challenge of “foundlings,” people who were abandoned as babies. CeCe has had some unique experiences in reuniting these foundlings with the very people who abandoned them. Next, Tom Perry talks preservation, legalities, and technology. He fields some great listener questions with his usual dexterity! That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!
It’s a “Best of Extreme Genes” episode! Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. They exchange tales of recent finds. Fisher talks about his discovery that he has a connection to the Major Deegan for whom the “Major Deegan Expressway” is named. David talks about learning that the adoption of his wife’s great great grandmother. As it turns out, she wasn’t French-Canadian… she was Irish! David then talks about how Wisconsin Indian burial grounds are in jeopardy. Hear what lawmakers in that state have in mind for these historic grounds. Next, David shares the news of an exciting new digitization project. David then gives you a great tip on how to find mug shots of your “black sheep” ancestors. Fisher then shares his 2014 interview (starts at 11:09) with Heather Leathergood who was SOLD at birth by an unscrupulous woman who claimed to be a doctor. Heather talks about what she learned about her origins, what she was worth (!), her journey to find birth family, and her long sought after breakthrough which resulted in the connection with two half-brothers! You’ll want to hear this one! Next (starts at 24:47), Martha Noland Bergstrom of Independence, Missouri talks about her research which tied her into the tragic shooting in the mid-1800s. The story involves a posse, a robber, and a little girl. Here how Martha learned of her connection and what she has done to memorialize the victim. Finally, Fisher visits with Tom Perry, the Preservation Authority from TMCPlace.com about a photograph brought to him during this year’s “Roots Tech” conference. As he explains, he “wanted it bad!” What was so unique about the photo and what arrangement was reached? Listen to the podcast and find out! That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!
Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys talk first a remarkable event at Arlington National Cemetery, honoring the deceased vets for the holidays. Then, a more than century-old document has been found in Germany concerning the grandfather of President-Elect Donald Trump. And yes, it will be blamed by some for his election. Hear what it is. Next, catch the story about a Michigan man’s remarkable discovery… two secret rooms in the house his family had owned for decades. Naturally the family history finds… for the previous family… made headlines. Next, it was just an exhibit displaying World War II bomber “nose art” right? Not for one man from Milwaukee. Wait til you hear about his incredible discovery. David then shares his tip of the week. Next, Fisher visits with Kim Running of LegacyTree.com. Kim talks about the details of her recent blog on tips you can use to decipher old handwriting, both in English and foreign languages. If you’ve ever been baffled by a document in front of you, you’ll want to hear what Kim has to say. Then, Justin Crowe of CremationDesigns.com talks about the inspiration for his company, which takes the cremains of your loved ones and turns them into everyday items, including coffee mugs and jewelry. You know you’re curious, right? Then, Tom Perry from TMCPlace.com, in an encore visit with Fisher, talks preservation. This week it’s about making your family heirlooms, records, etc., more interesting and appealing so the next generation will keep them and keep passing them down. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show.
Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, the Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David talks about some holiday meal recipes from the days of Martha Washington, and the story of one woman who cooked them up for friends. Find out the reaction! David then shares the story of three African-American Civil War Union soldiers who were recently reburied with honors in Pennsylvania. Then… what are “legacy letters,” whose writing them, and why? The guys will tell you. David then shares a simple but effective tip of the week about public libraries, and tells you how you can be part of an NEHGS research trip in 2017. He’ll share the itinerary. Next, Fisher visits with Ohio’s David Imbrogno, who recently visited his father’s hometown in Italy. As part of his journey, David and his brother got to visit three abandoned homes that covered three generations of his ancestry. And at one of them in particular, a remarkable thing happened when he simply put his foot down. Hear David’s remarkable story. Then, Fisher visits with Jen Allen of FamilySearch.org, organizers of Roots Tech. Jen has all the skinny on what’s happening at this coming year’s conference in February and how you can be a part of it. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned genie, you’ll want to hear what’s in store at Roots Tech 2017 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Tom Perry then joins the show for his usual insight on what’s happening in preservation. This week… Tom will keep you out of trouble (and maybe out of jail!). He’ll talk copying copyrighted material as well as why anyone would want to transfer a DVD to VHS! That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!
Fisher opens this week’s show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David begins by sharing great news from FamilySearch.org. The Freedmen’s Bureau records have been completely digitized and presented to the African-American Museum. David has the details. Next, the alleged “Canal Killer” of the 1990s in the Phoenix area has been caught thanks to the help of a California genie. You’ll be amazed by the details. Then, cremation ain’t what it used to be! Learn about a company that’s doing more with ashes than just spreading them around. David then shares his Tip of the Week, and another NEHGS Guest Member Database. Next, Fisher opens the next segment with a West Virginia woman who was determined to find her Slovenian ancestry. Nancy Moore went with a Slovenian genealogy group to her ancestral home armed with an ancestor’s address. She and a translator knocked on the door and learned…. Well, you’ll want to hear it all from Nancy. Then Fisher visits with Bernice Bennett, host of a podcast on research in the National Archives. (blogtalkradio.com/bernicebennett) Bernice shares her insight on preparing for your trip to the Archives and what you might expect to find there. She also talks about her latest genealogical “passion project.” The techniques she uses are something we can all learn from. Tom Perry, the Preservation Authority, returns to talk about what appears to be the introduction of Virtual Reality to family history! How will it work? Tom explains. In Tom’s second segment, he reminds us the rules of copyright when it comes to reproducing commercial disks. Can it be done, legally? No. And Yes! Tom will explain. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show.
Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David begins with news about the world’s oldest documented person. She’s 117 and has seen the “turn of the century” twice, and has lived in three different centuries! Next, how would like to visit a home that was left just as it was when it was last occupied in 1890? David will tell you about this remarkable house. Then, the new list of most popular names for 2016 is out. Some old standards are back. Are your family names on the list? Then, a mystery has been solved. When Civil War letters began appearing at the post office, everyone wanted to know just who sent them and why. The culprit has been uncovered. Plus David will have another tip of the week and NEHGS free guest member database. Next Fisher shares his 2015 visit with Lou Conter. Lou was just 20 years old and on board the USS Arizona on December 7, 1941. Lou shares his memories of that day, how he survived, and how that date which lives in infamy has affected his life. Fisher then talks with Dr. Ken Alford who’ll give you some great ideas on how to locate the military records of your World War II family members. Then, it’s Preservation Time with Tom Perry who answers more listener questions on how to preserve your family treasures. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes- America’s Family History Show
This week on Extreme Genes: America’s Family History Show, host Scott Fisher talks Pilgrims and Puritans with “Great Migration” legend Robert Charles Anderson. The two talk about the beginnings of the European settlement of North America, and our Thanksgiving tradition. The show opens with Fisher and David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys discuss the apparent discovery of the site of the original Pilgrim settlement in Plymouth, Massachusetts. You’ll want to hear about it. David then shares the news about the possible IDing of lost crew members of a World War II warship that blew up in New York over 70 years ago. David then shares his discoveries through DNA concerning the similarities and differences he found between himself and his half sister. Next, Fisher and David talk about the recent digitization of a “book of witches” from Scotland in the 17th century. Might your ancestors be among the names? David then shares another tip and NEHGS free guest member database. Next, Fisher shares his 2015 visit with Robert Charles Anderson, who created the “Great Migration” series of reference books beginning in 1988. In the first segment, they’ll talk about what inspired Robert to devote his life to this great work, and how his research has allowed him to debunk some Pilgrim myths. What were they? Listen to the podcast. Fisher and Robert continue their conversation with an explanation of the Winthrop Fleet and how it changed the course of the European settlement of North America in the 1630s. You’ll also learn exactly when and why it ended. Robert also talks about what information is yet to be found concerning the immigrants of 1620 to 1640. Then it’s preservation time with Preservation Authority Tom Perry from TMCPlace.com. Tom answers a pair of listener emails, one (that was more than a little surprising) about transferring a Blu-Ray disk to VHS! (Honest!) That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!
Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys talk about Virginia’s ongoing challenge to Massachusetts’ claim of having the first Thanksgiving. What’s it about? Fisher and David will explain. David also talks about how President-elect Trump may be able to purchase a “white house” significant to his family’s history. Then, hear about a pair of twins whose birth order will be a point of contention throughout their lives. You’ll want to find out why. Virtual reality has become reality for a World War II vet in England who has been honored by a French town he helped to liberate. You’ll love his story. David then shares his tip for the week, and another NEHGS free guest member database. Next, Fisher visits with Anita and her half-brother, John, who only learned about one another a few months ago after their daughters took DNA tests and discovered they were close cousins. It’s another fascinating DNA adventure that begins with World War II and a Polish girl forced to do labor for the Nazis. Then, Fisher visits with LegacyTree.com researcher Katy Barnes about the amazing records of the “Society of Friends,” more commonly called “Quakers.” Perhaps no early religious organization or society left better records than this English Separatist group. Hear what’s in them, where to find them, and how far back you might be able to go. Then, Tom Perry from TMCPlace.com, the Preservation Authority, talks digitizing deadlines for the holidays and great software gifts for the digitizing genie in your life. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show.
Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys first talk about being related to presidents… Fisher knows of ties to ten, David even more… and how most Americans have presidential ties. David then talks about a project in Virginia that has netted over 33,000 letters, documents, and photos tied to the Civil War. The content of one particular letter was stunning. Speaking of stunning… the Los Angeles County Coroner’s office made a major gaffe recently. Wait til you hear what happened. And in keeping with the Canadian’s version of Veteran’s Day (Remembrance Day) one unemployed Alberta man is more than doing his part. You’ll be touched to hear how he spends his days. David will share another genealogical tip for you and another NEHGS free guest member database. Next, Fisher keeps David on for a visit with Daniel Horowitz of MyHeritage.com, one of the show’s sponsors. David recently took advantage of MyHeritage’s limited time offer to share DNA results from other companies to find possible matches with MyHeritage’s members for free. Daniel shares some match information with David and talks about the development of MyHeritage’s DNA strategy. Fisher then visits with photo expert Ron Fox about how to locate your veteran’s photographs in several archives you may never have heard of. It’s a fitting topic for Veteran’s Day weekend as we salute those men and women who have risked all for our country. Tom Perry from TMCPlace.com, the Preservation Authority, joins the show next. It seems several listeners are wanting to know what they should expect to pay to have their materials digitized at locations around the country. As usual, Tom has the answers. He also talks about digitizing your VHS and VHS-C tapes. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!
Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David starts by sharing “terms of endearment” over the past century beginning with “my beloved.” David then describes a shopping list for a 13th century English King’s feast. What was on it? David will tell you. David then reveals he has discovered that another well known genealogist who has been a guest on Extreme Genes is a cousin! He’ll tell you who it is and how they figured it out. David then shares another weekly genealogy tip and NEHGS guest member database. Fisher then begins the first of a two segment interview with Steve Rockwood, CEO and President of FamilySearch.org. Steve recently celebrated his one year anniversary at the helm of the world’s largest free genealogical site. Steve talks about a host of things, including his background, what FamilySearch is doing to solve their “merging” issue (mostly pre-1700), what the indexing volunteers are up to, new partners, and how FamilySearch views their goals moving forward. How far forward? That answer might surprise you! Next, Tom Perry, our Preservation Authority from TMCPlace.com drops in with concerns about the security of genies’ material everywhere. Tom has some basic tips and explanations about what you need to do to protect all the material you’ve stored on your devices, and why. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!
Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David begins by sharing story of a contest involving a descendant of “Dracula’s” Bram Stoker, who is arranging a Halloween night in Drac’s castle. Talk about history! Just don’t ask Drac for a DNA sample! Then, the guys focus on a Turkish woman, age unknown, whose family can no longer number her descendants. Find out how many they THINK she has! In keeping with Halloween, a British town, which runs its own funeral homes, is equipping them with cameras. Find out why! David has another genealogy tip-of-the-week for you, and another free guest member database from NEHGS. Next, Fisher checks in with Carolyn Tolman, Project Manager for LegacyTree.com. With the holidays approaching it’s time to start thinking about interviewing those senior family members. (They aren’t getting any younger!) Carolyn has some great tips on how to make it a successful experience for both you and the subject. Next, Fisher visits with Steve Gunderson, a researcher who visited his grandmother’s hometown in Sweden. He came away with a piece of family he never could have envisioned. Yes, serendipity knows no language barriers or borders and strikes even in Sweden! Then, Tom Perry from TMCPlace.com returns to talk preservation. Tom adds some technical points to Carolyn’s thoughts on interviewing your senior family members over the holidays. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!
Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin by discussing how DNA has tied the 300-year-old remains of a baby boy to his well known father. Then David shares news of a Spanish woman… age 62… who has given birth to a baby girl! You’ll be amazed by her story. Next, they’ll have the story of a pair of World War I soldiers whose bodies have only recently been recovered. They were thought to have been buried somewhere else. Hear the plans for their century-in-the-waiting homecoming. Fisher then shares with David the news that Levar Burton will be a key note speaker at this year’s Roots Tech conference in Salt Lake City, Utah. David will of course have another genealogy tip for you, and another free guest member NEHGS database. Next, Fisher has discovered something odd about his great grandfather’s 1874 divorce in New York, which “proved” his wife’s adultery. It turns out that one of the men who testified to having been with his wife was present with the great grandfather when he died nineteen years later, even supplying information for his death certificate. How could they still be friends after what was confessed to in 1874? What was going on here? “The Legal Genealogist,” Judy Russell drops in for two segments to explain why it’s probably exactly what Fisher thinks… a divorce by fraudulent testimony. Judy then talks generally about divorce in the 19th century in various parts of the country, and what it took to get a divorce in those times. She also talks about the states and territories that were very much in the business of divorce and how they worked. Then Tom Perry from TMCPlace.com returns to talk preservation. He discusses a listener question about the best do-it-yourself way to approach digitizing over 100 voice cassette tapes. That’s this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!
Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. Fisher and David talk about the top stories of the week, including the washing ashore of Civil War cannonballs in South Carolina by Hurricane Matthew; the return of remains of a World War II vet to his hometown; the 105th birthday of the cub reporter who announced the beginning of World War II; and the ultimate age we might expect people to reach according to new science. David also shares his tip of the week, and this week's free guest user database from NEHGS. Next, Fisher welcomes renowned CNBC anchor Bill Griffeth to the show. Bill will take you through the day when he received an email from his cousin that informed him that the only man he had ever known as his father was genetically not his father! A short time later, Bill had to go before the cameras on national television as if nothing was different that day. Bill also talks about his love of genealogy for many years prior and how this information caused him tremendous emotional trials for a time, and what he did to overcome them. In our second segment with Bill Griffeth, the anchor talks about other people's stories that he has learned of since going public with his very personal struggle. Bill speaks of how this has affected his relationship with his 98-year-old mother and how she feels about his public revelation. Next, Tom Perry, the Preservation Authority, from TMCPlace.com answers a listener email about her 100-plus collection of audio cassette tapes (voice only) and how she should consider going about digitizing them. As Tom will show you, there are a lot of aspects to consider. That's all this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!
Fisher opens the show with "Family Histoire News" with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David is going Pinterest, and sharing old pictures there for you to see. In David's home state of Massachusetts, a World War I dog tag was found on the side of the road. Amazingly, it is back with the family of the soldier who carried it into battle. David has the details and response from the family. Next, David tells us about a new digital game that puts YOU into the First World War! Also, a new book is coming out on "The History of Smells!" How does it relate? You'll hear from David on that one. Plus David has another tip and a new NEHGS free guest user database. Next, Fisher visits with Sarah Hermans of Dutchess County, New York. Sarah has been researching an "autograph quilt" given to her by a cousin. From it, she's been able to determine the family connection, who bought it, why, for how much, and all kinds of stories about the people named on the quilt. You'll want to hear what she has to tell you about this remarkable heirloom, and what she plans to do with the information she's learned. Then, Photo Detective Maureen Taylor (maureentaylor.com) returns to the show just in time for Halloween, talking about post mortem photography of the 19th the century. She'll tell you why it was done, what it evolved into in the next century, and what it is today. She also talks about "ghost" photography, and the reason it was so big in the 19th century. Tom Perry (AskTom@TMCPlace.com) then returns to answer a listener question about a treasured DVD with a bubble in it. Can it be salvaged? Tom will tell you. Tom also talks about color correcting your movies and videos and how to tell if it needs it and how to do it. That's all this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!
Fisher opens the show with the Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org, David Allen Lambert. David tells us about a baby recently born in Mexico that has three genetic parents! Hear why the new procedure was considered necessary. Speaking of DNA, the boys will fill you in on a new deal from 23andMe on autosomal tests for genealogy. Who knew that there would still be new finds to made concerning "Otsi," the Ice Man found 25 years ago? Listen to hear what is now known about this fascinating ancient man. Next, David tells us about a park ranger at Ellis Island and a recent find that is impacting her job. Troops from Tennessee may soon be coming home from the Mexican-American War, which took place some 170 years ago. David will have some details and an idea on a great way to honor your military ancestors. Plus, listen up for another free guest user database from NEHGS! Fisher next visits with British author Nathan Dylan Goodwin about his latest genealogical crime novel, "The Spyglass File," which is set in Britain during World War II and the present day. As usual, Nathan has done a brilliant job. Nathan then stays on to share with listeners ideas on British databases and sources you might not be familiar with. Then it's Preservation Time with Tom Perry from TMCPlace.com. Tom answers a listener question about restoring a saucer with a photo on it. He then shares some ideas on displaying photos on other interesting items, including a backsplash! That's all this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!
[image] Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David and Fisher open the show with news about an acknowledgement that George Washington’s family was indeed biracial. David has the details. Then, David fills us in on when the oldest library in the world reopens. He’ll tell you where it is and just how ridiculously old it is! And, if you have an ancestor who fought for Canada in World War I, David has good news for you! And, of course, he’ll have another tip of the week and NEHGS free guest-user database. Next, Fisher visits with Christy Fillerup from LegacyTree.com in Salt Lake City, Utah. Christy talks about the “FAN Club Principal,” or “cluster searching.” If you’ve got an ancestor that seemed to drop into some place from out of the sky, the FAN Club Principal might be exactly what you need to break down your brick wall. Janet Hovorka from FamilyChartmasters.com joins Fisher for the third segment to announce the launch of “Genealogy.coach.” (No “dot com” necessary!) If you’re a Do-It-Yourselfer, here’s an inexpensive way to access coaches from around the world! Then, Preservation Authority Tom Perry from TMCPlace.com joins Fisher to talk preservation. Remember that photo box Tom talked about that you could build yourself? It’s now an affordable product! He’ll tell you about it, and who’s offering it. Tom also has more information on his coming Scanning Party, as well as a new, high tech family history board game! That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!
Fisher and David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org, open the show with a warning about posting your child’s photos on line. Wait ‘til you hear why! David then shares the story of a woman who has worked at the same job since the Roosevelt Administration. (The FIRST term!) Then, it’s BIG news for Irish researchers. Ireland has released their most important records for free. Find out how to access them. MyHeritage has also announced a large release… over 33,000,000 Finish records going back over 350 years. David will tell you more. Also, there’s a new study that tells us who gives you your intelligence, and the result might surprise you. David then shares his weekly tip, and another NEHGS free guest user database. Next Fisher visits with Paul Woodbury, DNA analyist with LegacyTree.com of Salt Lake City, Utah, talking about “endogamy.” (Don’t worry, Fisher has never heard of it either.) What does it mean, and why might it play a role in your DNA results? Paul will (attempt to) explain! Then, listener Dayna Jacobs, a former missionary to Samoa, shares her incredible story of finding the grave of a member of her own family on the island nation! (She had no idea he was there.) And with a post from the other side of the world, she discovered a whole lot more. You'll love the whole story. In Preservation Time, Fisher and Tom Perry from TMCPlace.com fill your head with ideas on preparing to interview your family’s seniors to create the ultimate family history gift for this holiday season. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!
Fisher opens the show following up on last week's appearance by Susan Snyder who "planted her family flag" with a personal website devoted to her family that has attracted numerous other descendants, including Fisher himself. Both Fisher and Susan were delighted to receive an email from a Cincinnati listener who ties into three ancestral couples shared by both Fisher and Susan. David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist for the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org then talks about his experience at the Federation of Genealogical Societies Conference. He also shares news of the discovery of newly developed negatives of a World War I pilot killed in action in 1918. Where did the negatives come from and what do they show? David will tell you. David then jumps to the recent recognition of another aged World War II pilot who was known for more than just his military prowess. Wait until you hear what it is! Then there's word that BBC Scotland is looking for you if you had Scottish ancestors in Nova Scotia. David has all the particulars. David's Tip this week concerns a new app that allows you to snap a pic and have it go out as an old fashioned post card! He'll also have another great free guest user database from NEHGS. Next, Fisher talks to genealogical speaker, researcher, and writer Loretta Evans about "circumstantial evidence" in genealogy. How is it defined exactly and how can it help you "nail down" the line you're researching. Loretta has some great insight and advice. Fisher then visits with Bill Habermann of Tacoma, Washington. Bill has "adopted" over 1,600 people... all dead... in an overgrown local cemetery, and he's doing all he can to let you know who they are. What got Bill started on this and what has the response been? You'll love the story. Then Tom Perry from TMCPlace.com returns to talk preservation. Tom answers a listener question from South Carolina about using a national digitizing firm because no one provides the service locally. As usual, Tom has some great thoughts on protecting your most important family history assets. That's all this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show! Transcript of Episode 156 Segment 1 Episode 156 (00:30) Fisher: And welcome to Extreme Genes! This is America’s Family History Show. My name is Fisher. I am the Radio Roots Sleuth, on the program where we shake your family tree, and watch the nuts fall out. Nice to have you along today. We’ve got some great guests. First of all coming up in about eight or nine minutes we’re going to talk to Loretta Evans. And Loretta talks about the use of “circumstantial evidence” when you’re trying to put together your family tree. How do you know that it’s really good enough? What can you use it for? She’s going to have that for you coming up a little bit later on. After that, we’re going to talk to Bill Habermann he is up in the Seattle, Tacoma area, and he has adopted 1,600 people. All dead. In a cemetery! And you can do the same kind of thing. He’ll tell you what he’s doing and how he’s helping people all around the country, in fact around the world, find some of their missing relatives in the Washington State area. But right now, let me get on to Boston and my good friend David Allen Lambert. He is the Chief Genealogist for the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org, fresh back from the Federation of Genealogical Societies conference in Springfield, Illinois. How are you David? David: I’m doing good. It’s nice to be back on the ground in Beantown. Fisher: I’ll bet. And you had a good time there? David: We had a great time. And I want to let people know who go to conferences, no matter where it is, don’t be ashamed of wearing a lot of ribbons on your badge. Fisher: Really? Yours is practically like a loin cloth when you’re out there. [Laughs] David: Well I like to say maybe a shawl. [Laughs] Fisher: [Laughs] David: I had thirty-two ribbons on it and when I went to the Federation of Genealogical Societies gala’s 40th anniversary dinner, they had trivia and they also had a scavenger hunt. Fisher: Um hmm. David: 150 points for the longest badge put us over the top! Fisher: [Laughs] David: Myself and Mary Tedesco from Genealogical Roadshow, one of our friends and guests, all won over a thousand dollars in memberships and conference registrations and meals, we’re very, very happy. Fisher: Wow! David: So, laughing my way to the bank for the longest name badge at the Federation of Genealogical Societies and I’d do it again. Fisher: [Laughs] Unbelievable. I’ve got to tell you a story. Last week we had Susan Snyder on the show and she is the lady that set up a website and we talked about it, we did the whole segment about planting your family flag basically out there for people to find you and provide you with materials, and she’s had Bible pages sent to her and things relating to her direct ancestors. Things folks sold her or gave to her. She found me because we’re related. Well we had her on the show, and then the next day she gets a nice email from a guy, a listener in Cincinnati, Ohio, who said, “Hey, we’re related to!” and so now she’s exchanging information with him and I just love the way the show brings people together. David: It’s amazing. Just last week I got a person who has an oil painting of my third great grandfather’s sister born in 1772, and he was not really sure if his family will want it. So I told him I would give her a good home. Fisher: Yeah [Laughs] great! Wow. Hopefully you get that and when you do, send us the picture. We’d all love to see it. David: Hopefully it will be in my home some day. But I don’t want to wish him to meet his maker any time soon of course. [Laughs] Fisher: Of course. Hey what do you have for us today in our Family Histoire news, David? David: Well, the exciting story that I want to start off with is actually about photographs taken a hundred years ago by Captain William Chambers of the 49th Squadron in Kent, England. He was a recognisance photographer in World War I and was shot down in 1918 at the ripe old age of twenty-one. His camera and negatives eventually were passed on to his nephew who recent had them developed. It’s amazing! There are pictures of airplanes and pilots and people that have long since passed. But it gives us another fresh view on history from World War I a century later. Fisher: That’s incredible. What a great story. David: It really is. And I want to propose a toast to the subject of this next story. Second Lieutenant Donald Stinson now aged 93, received four Bronze Stars for his service in World War II, involving bringing guns and men and flying them to the front lines in Japan during the war. But one of the things he did, which is a light hearted note, he is responsible for bringing beer. Fisher: What? [Laughs] David: Twenty thousand cases of beer to thirsty soldiers in multiple “packiruns” if you will, to Australia and New Guinea. And I think that anyone who is a veteran could probably drink to that. Fisher: Wow, that’s great! Congratulations to him. That’s like the second week in a row we’ve had a story of a World War II vet in their 90s just getting their medals now. What is going on? David: It’s about time. It really is. Well I’ll tell you, going back a little ways to the days of immigration and to the east coast, Nova Scotia, which means New Scotland was settled by many people from the Highlands. In 1773 a vessel called “The Hector” brought 189 highlanders that disembarked and were changed in Nova Scotia forever. Now, BBC in Scotland is looking for the descendants. So if your ancestor came to Nova Scotia from Scotland perhaps on the Hector in 1773, there are passenger lists that exist, contact BBC in Scotland. Just check Extreme Genes.com. Our Facebook page will have more details for you. Fisher: That’s very cool. So the people from old Scotland are looking for the descendants of the people in New Scotland, Nova Scotia, to call back home. David: To old Scotland. Fisher: Yeah. David: New Scotland, old Scotland, it gets confusing. But BBC Scotland is obviously doing a little piece on it, so put your kilt on and go and contact them. Fisher: [Laughs] David: One of the things that I really enjoy is a good tip from a listener, and one of our listeners and someone who’s been on the show is the Photo Detective Maureen Taylor. Fisher: Yes. David: While I was in Springfield, she told me about a new type of app that she uses from the app store. There’s a variety of choices to choose from but it basically allows you to send a postcard. Take a picture with your smart phone, this company, for very cheap money, will print and mail mailable postcards for you for your relatives. So the old photo postcards you might have in your family archives, you can create new ones. Fisher: How cool is that! David: It really is. So that brings me to the NEHGS guest user database of the week which harkens back to Scotland again. We now have Scotland marriages 1561 to 1910 and Scotland births and baptisms from 1564 to 1950, in conjunction with our partnership with FamilySearch.org. Well that’s all I have for this week back here in Beantown. Talk to you soon my friend! Fisher: All right, great to talk to you again as always David. We’ll talk to you again next week. This segment of our show has been brought to you from MyHeritage.com. And coming up next, we’re going to talk to a woman named Loretta Evans. And Loretta is an instructor, she’s a researcher, and she’s got some thoughts on “circumstantial evidence.” Now, we hear people talk about it in the courtroom... does circumstantial evidence really prove a case? Well, in genealogy it actually can. And she’ll give you some examples of that and give you some other thoughts coming up in three minutes on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show. Segment 2 Episode 156 (11:10) Host: Scott Fisher with guest Loretta Evans Fisher: One of my favorite shows growing up was Per
Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic and Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David starts by sharing details about his frightening trip to the Federation of Genealogical Societies conference in Springfield, Illinois. In Family Histoire News, David tells us about 97-year-old veteran who recently was given quite a surprise. He also talks about a man believed to be 145 years old who wants only one more thing out of life. Find out what it is! David also has a terrific Tip of the Week that you’ll enjoy, and another free guest user database from NEHGS. Next, Fisher visits with Elly Catmull of LegacyTree.com of Salt Lake City, Utah. Elly fills us in on a question Fisher is always hearing… “How do I research my eastern Europe ancestors?” Elly fills us in on what it takes to set up a successful trip to these places, which places are best for records now, and which aren’t so much. Fisher then has a chat with a woman he met on line several years ago… a fifth cousin named Susan Leach Snyder. Susan maintains a Leach family web site that has brought her numerous family history items just by being the “go to” person on line for the Leach family. She and Fisher explain the possibilities of what could come your way by becoming your family’s “go to” person. Tom Perry from TMCPlace.com then talks preservation, answering a listener question about the best approach for creating and managing your digitized family materials, and how to choose when to use a professional and when to do it yourself. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!
Host Scott Fisher and David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org, open the show. David shares experiences from his recent genealogical journey, including a visit to an ancestor's early American store, and the discovery of an unknown grave marker for one of his earliest New England ancestors. David then shares a scientist's comments on the likely cause of Mary Todd Lincoln's well-documented mental issues. (Today, it would be such a simple fix!) Fisher then mentions the recent International Slavery Remembrance Day and its significance for modern times. The guys also talk about a recent well-attended New York funeral, packed only with people who never knew the deceased. They'll explain why. David also talks about the release of a new book by CNBC financial journalist Bill Griffeth called "The Stranger In My Genes," and tells you about an upcoming appearance by the author. Finally, David has a very simple Tip of the Week that you may not have thought about. Next, Fisher visits with the Chicago-based Founder of High Definition Genealogy, Thomas MacEntee. Thomas, like many of us, has taken notice of the Pokemon Go craze, only he sees something different. Thomas believes technology from the app could, within five years, create new applications for genealogy. Listen to the segment to hear Thomas' vision. Genealogical speaker Jill Morelli then takes a break from her summer genealogy research trip to talk to Fisher about our ancestors who were labeled "insane." Jill reviews the evolution of how the insane were viewed and how they were dealt with, even down to today. And what about their records? She'll fill you in on where to start looking and what to expect. Then, Tom Perry from TMCPlace.com returns to talk preservation. Tom's concerned that we aren't all where we should be as we consider family history holiday gifts. Continuing his topic from last week, Tom talks about how to sort your materials to make the project cheaper, faster, and more efficient. That's all this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!
Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org, talking first about the growing list of people claiming to be descendants of ancient Israel's King David. Is the documentation strong enough? David's opinion might not go so well with some people. David next talks about a young genie from New York who has found the Bill of Sale of his sixth great grandmother as a slave at an archive in Westchester County, New York! David also shares the touching story of a cemetery worker who successfully spent countless hours working to identify the body of a teenager who was killed in an accident in 1973 and reunited his remains with the family. David will also have another Tip of the Week, and NEHGS free guest-user database. Fisher then visits with lecturer Michael Strauss about the fraternal organizations that were staples of society in the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries. As secretive as some of them were, what about the records, you might ask?! Michael will tell you where to look, and what you might expect to find in those records. He also talks about some of the more peculiar organizations. Was your ancestor a Mason, a Moose, or an Odd Fellow? If so, you'll want in on this conversation. Tom Perry from TMCPlace.com, the Preservation Authority, then draws the line in the sand for you. If you want digitized family photos, films, or videos done for the holidays, Tom will give you your deadline as well as tell you what you'll need to do ahead of time to save money and have a faster, more successful project. That's all this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!
Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.com. Fisher and David discuss the problem with the Australian census currently being taken, in part, on line. Listen to the segment to hear the issue that may plague the United States' next census in 2020. David then reveals that New York City is hoping you will soon better appreciate their historic figure statues by making them talk! How? Listen to the segment. Then the guys will tell you how your communications may find their way into the Library of Congress. (You won't believe this project!) David then shares another terrific tip and free guest user database from NEHGS. Next, Fisher visits with Craig Foster from FamilySearch.org. Craig shares some of the United Kingdom's fascinating courting and marriage customs from the 17th and 18th centuries and how and why they started and ended. Some of them came here to the United States. You'll want to hear this! Kate Eakman of LegacyTree.com then returns to the show, sharing with Fisher the story of how she was able to identify several generations of the family of an adopted man's birth mother, who had been murdered years ago in Texas. The story is fascinating but the process should give you some ideas for your own research. Tom Perry, the Preservation Authority from TMCPlace.com, then joins Fisher to reveal his full endorsement of a new product for editing your family videos. In the past Tom has lamented the demise of Cinematize which in its day had no equal. But according to Tom, this new product sends Cinematize back to the stone age! Listen to find out what it is, and how inexpensively you can obtain it. That's all this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!
Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society, talking about the benefits of Pokemon Go in introducing younger people to historic sites, and David’s horror over a Pokemon “Gym” at a site near him! Listen to David to find out what it is. David then shares an exciting announcement from FindMyPast, based in England. Exciting, that is, if you have English ancestors on the “other side” of the law. David also welcomes Extreme Genes listeners to visit him at the upcoming FGS Conference. He also shares another Tip of the Week and NEHGS free user database. In the second segment, Fisher visits with Bruce Buzbee, founder and CEO of Roots Magic, an ancestral database program that has unique funneling abilities with numerous partners you know well. How does it “funnel” and from (and to) whom? Bruce will explain, as well as give you a glimpse into the not so distant future of Roots Magic. Next, Fisher visits with Lindsay Fulton, Director of Research Services, at NEHGS. Lindsay, a self-proclaimed “nerd,” explains how J.K. Rowling uses genealogical research and real (deceased) people, to create the back stories for her characters in Harry Potter as well as the upcoming film, “Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them.” Lindsay will explain how you can use these same techniques to write your own family story, either as completely factual or as “historic fiction.” Finally, Tom Perry, the Preservation Authority, visits with Fisher about an aspect of preservation you may never have considered before… shipping! What are the best days of the week to ship film or video for digitizing? And why should you double box, AND address, your package? Tom will make sense of all of this for you. And what he has to say could save you from massive heart ache! That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!
Fisher opens the show welcoming two new radio affiliates in Maui, Hawaii, bring the total to 42! He also announces the introduction of the official Extreme Genes newsletter, "The Weekly Genie." David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org, then joins the segment. David shares a terrific announcement about MyHeritage.com. Hear about what they've done now to make your research journey easier. Next, David notes the upcoming service effort, "Finding the Fallen," from BillionGraves and the Boy Scouts. Listen to the podcast to find out how to be a part of it. Fisher and David then talk about the odd story of Mick Jagger's upcoming fatherhood... two years after he became a great grandfather! (And he's not the only Rolling Stone to be having children these days!) David then shares the name of the newest holder of the title "Oldest Person in America." Who is she and how old is she? Find out on the podcast. David also will tell you about an upcoming display of the hair of several of our nation's forefathers, along with another Tech Tip and NEHGS free user database. In segment two, Fisher visits with "The Photo Detective," Maureen Taylor. Maureen has made a career (and quite a name for herself) out of identifying unmarked photographs. How can you do the same? Maureen shares some of her secrets. Maureen has also opened a site for posting unknown photos and categorizing them. Catch how you can benefit from Maureen's efforts, and how you can help identify photos that others cannot. Next Fisher talks with NEHGS Senior Researcher, Andrew Krea, about the incredible legend of "Molly Pitcher," known for bringing water to the soldiers of the Battle of Monmouth in the Revolution, as well as manning the cannons! Was she real, a composite figure, or a just a myth? Andrew has done some research into that and reveals his opinion as to who the real "Molly Pitcher" likely was. Wait until you hear her story! Tom Perry from TMCPlace.com then returns to talk preservation. When it comes to protecting original materials or digitized copies, Tom shows week after week that there's a lot to know. That's all this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!
Host Scott Fisher opens this episode thanking listeners on the third anniversary of Extreme Genes. David Allen Lambert then joins him and speaks of his induction into the Sons of the American Revolution this past week with a very special bonus. Listen to the podcast to hear what it was. David then speaks about a British man who was adopted as a baby during World War II. Hear the feel good story about his late life birth family reunion. David then reveals the discovery of some of the remains of a legendary, ancient religious leader. Who was it and where was it found? Segment 1 has the answers. Finally, Japanese leaders are considering raising a World War II battleship to repatriate the remains. Hear about the controversy surrounding the proposal. David then shares his Tech Tip on creating a "Muster Family Tree" for identifying potential military people from various wars. He'll also give you another free NEHGS/AmericanAncestors.org guest user database. Fisher next visits with Craig Chartier, who directs the Plymouth Archeological Rediscovery Project. Craig has written a masterful piece blending information found in the estate inventory of Mayflower Pilgrim John Howland, and the excavation of his 17th century home. The result is a virtual tour of the house with the objects it contained and where they were located. The objects and locations reveal many things about the man, and gives other "genies" a model for something they might be able to do to learn more about their ancestors. Then, it's "catch up" time with Steve Anderson. Last year (Episode 100) Steve came on Extreme Genes to reveal his family's incredible secret. He had been raised in Minnesota in a family of nine children. In time, circumstances and DNA testing revealed that eight of the nine had different fathers, all different than the father who had raised them with their mother! No Extreme Genes story has ever received more attention. With the recent passing of his mother, Steve updates this incredible story. Then, it's Preservation Authority Tom Perry answering a listener question from Maui about white spots found in a VHS tape. Can she digitize it? What does it mean? Tom, as always, has the answers. That's all this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!
Fisher opens this "Best of Extreme Genes" show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. Fisher shares with David his take on the Crawley family genealogy tied to Downton Abbey at the close of the PBS series. David talks about the discovery of a 2,000 year old Roman coin in Israel found on the ground's surface! Listen to the podcast for details. David then gives the history of St. Patrick's Day which should have had another name. What was it and why? David explains. David's Tech Tip has gone viral. It's a pedigree chart with cause of death to show you what you might want to watch out for! Next, Fisher visits with a Minnesota man, Daniel Swalm, who learned that his grandmother died young and without citizenship in the only country she ever took a breath in... the United States. Why? Daniel will fill you in and talk about what he did in her memory. Fisher next chats with the founder of a web site called FultonHistory.com, Tom Tryniski. What's unique about this site is that it has three times as many digitized newspaper pages as the Library of Congress! Most are from New York City and New York State, and it costs nothing to use. Hear what motivates Tom and what his plans are moving forward. Then, Tom Perry from TMCPlace.com, the Preservation Authority, talks clouds and the importance of storage of your documents, photos, and audio and video files. That's all this week on the Best of Extreme Genes!
With David Allen Lambert on vacation, Fisher opens the show solo talking about the nice start to his “genealogical summer” with the recent exchange of photos with a third cousin of a relative who was a Civil War sailor. Fisher had the ID and a young image. The cousin had a later in life image. In Family Histoire News, Fisher talks about a pair of sisters who only recently learned they were sisters. In fact, one had been a student in a class the other taught. Listen to the podcast to hear how they learned of their relationship. Fisher then talks about the ruling by an English Board that DNA can now be used in determining the validity of inherited titles. The implications are mind boggling! E Gads! In segment two, Fisher welcomes CeCe Moore, the Genetic Genealogist, and regular on PBS’ “Finding Your Roots,” with Henry Louis Gates. The two cover a lot of ground about the latest trends in DNA and where the science is going. CeCe talks about the science of “triangulation,” the accuracy of DNA matches for early ancestors, and her prediction of what is going to be happening in the field over the next five to ten years. (This will blow your mind!) Next, Fisher welcomes back Justin Emmons who was on the show only a week ago talking about his discovery of the possessions of a Union Civil War soldier. Without much luck, he had sought out a descendant of the soldier with whom to share news of the find. Fisher stepped in and found a third great grandson who comes on the show to learn for the first time what his ancestor left behind during the Civil War, and what he can soon see for himself! It’s a fun reveal for all three! Tom Perry from TMCPlace.com is next, our Preservation Authority. Fisher and Tom talk about Fisher’s dive into the deep end of the digitization pool, transferring over 100 DVDs worth of videos. Both discuss the project and what comes next! It’s awesome effort that will take years to complete. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!
It’s a “Best of Extreme Genes” episode! Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. They exchange tales of recent finds. Fisher talks about his discovery that he has a connection to the Major Deegan for whom the “Major Deegan Expressway” is named. David talks about learning that the adoption of his wife’s great great grandmother. As it turns out, she wasn’t French-Canadian... she was Irish! David then talks about how Wisconsin Indian burial grounds are in jeopardy. Hear what lawmakers in that state have in mind for these historic grounds. Next, David shares the news of an exciting new digitization project. David then gives you a great tip on how to find mug shots of your “black sheep” ancestors. Fisher then shares his 2014 interview with Heather Leathergood who was SOLD at birth by an unscrupulous woman who claimed to be a doctor. Heather talks about what she learned about her origins, what she was worth (!), her journey to find birth family, and her long sought after breakthrough which resulted in the connection with two half-brothers! You’ll want to hear this one! Next, Martha Noland Bergstrom of Independence, Missouri talks about her research which tied her into the tragic shooting in the mid-1800s. The story involves a posse, a robber, and a little girl. Here how Martha learned of her connection and what she has done to memorialize the victim. Finally, Fisher visits with Tom Perry, the Preservation Authority from TMCPlace.com about a photograph brought to him during this year’s “Roots Tech” conference. As he explains, he “wanted it bad!” What was so unique about the photo and what arrangement was reached? Listen to the podcast and find out! That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!
Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. Fisher talks about a memorial product he came across involving taking a fingerprint of a deceased loved one and engraving it on a necklace or other piece of jewelry. How do the guys feel about that? Catch the podcast! David then reveals MyHeritage.com's new offering... a "Sun Chart..." that can fit countless generations of ancestors and descendants. David then talks Flag Day and reveals the unique story of the creator of the 50 star American flag. David then shares this week's "Tech Tip" and the NEHGS free guest user database. Fisher next visits with Heath Jones, founder of "Task Force History," a fast-growing Alabama-based group that researches (in particular) Civil War battle sites and then uses metal detectors to locate and salvage unique treasures. Heath fills us in on the group's latest finds and introduces us to Justin Emmons of Paducah, Kentucky, another member of the team. Over the past several years, Justin and his father have worked over the location of a Union camp where Justin recovered a unique item with the name of soldier Henry Cuppet Garlock carved into it. Justin found that Garlock's history is well documented and he is hoping to locate a descendant of Garlock's with whom he would like to talk and share his find. Then, Fisher catches up with Danny Klein, a librarian with the Jersey City (NJ) Public Library. Klein recently wrote a terrific article in NJ.com about the realities of digitization, which many of us genies now take for granted. The interview gives fascinating insight into digitizing at the local level and all that goes into getting searchable images onto the internet. Tom Perry of TMCPlace.com wraps up the show talking preservation with Fisher, answering a listener question about ideal programs for salvaging and editing audio. That's all this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!
Fisher opens this week's show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.com, who is celebrating his first year anniversary on EG! Fisher notes new radio affiliates have picked up the program in Logan, Utah and Lexington, Kentucky. In Family Histoire News, David remembers the 72nd anniversary of D-Day and laments the loss of so many World War II veterans each day. David then tells the tale of a woman renovating a home in England who found a unique 91-year-old item stuck in the fireplace. Listen to the podcast to hear what it was! In Hungary, the winner has been declared in a gravediggers competition. What's that all about? David will tell you the hows and whys. David then talks about a 19th century trend of photographing dead loved ones. Do you have a photo of an ancestor after they died? And of course, David has another Tech Tip and free guest user database from NEHGS. Fisher then visits with an Ontario, Canada woman who was recently featured in Good Housekeeping. Seeking her birth parents, she had a very negative experience over thirty years ago with one "bioparent," but now a very positive experience since she has found the other. Why did she stick with it, and how did it all come together? Catch Fisher's touching visit with Katherine Benoit Schwartz to catch the full story. I you know an adoptee seeking their birth families, Katherine's story will give them hope. Next, Fisher visits with LegacyTree.com President, Jessica Taylor. Jessica explains just a few of the many reasons that researchers ranging from beginner to advanced hire professional genealogists. Jessica will tell you what to look for in a pro you can count on, and shares some thoughts on some difficult places in the world to research, and some of those that are getting better. During Preservation Time, TMCPlace.com's Tom Perry addresses an interesting question from a listener about actually transferring material to a genuine 8 track! It may not be the '70s anymore, but some people want to do exactly that. Catch the reasons! Tom then reveals a new platform he's working on to help you find reliable local help in transferring your videos, home movies, and audio. That's all this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!
Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. Fisher shares an email from a listener who learned she shares ancestry with both David and Fisher's wife, Julie. The note included a bizarre observation about that family. Catch the podcast to find out what it was! David then talks "Roots," the new version of the old Alex Haley series from the 1970s. Catch his take on the remake. Fisher and David then talk nuclear bunkers. (One's for sale in England.) Fisher reminisces about his family's bomb shelter during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Some handwritten records dating back to the Roman era in London have been dug up. David will tell you all the details, as well as share his Tech Tip and another NEHGS free guest user database. Fisher next visits with Joshua Taylor, best known as one of the hosts on the PBS Series "Genealogy Roadshow." Josh is also president of the New York Genealogical & Biographical Society. Josh talks about New York records and his vision for a 21st century NYG&BS. If you have New York ancestry, and so many people everywhere do, you'll want to catch this segment. It's a long distance call to the road next as Fisher visits with a Minnesota native who once visited with the last surviving Civil War vet back when he was a Cub Scout in the 1950s. Robin Hoff shares his memories of that experience and also talks about his own Civil War vets as he and his wife Mary enjoy a genealogy road trip that has already covered over 3,200 miles! Tom Perry, the Preservation Authority from TMCPlace.com, then joins the show and talks about a strange legal dilemma in answer to a listener email. Imagine taking your videos and films to a big box store for digitizing only to learn they own the rights to the copies they made for you! What does Tom think of this practice? Is it defensible? Be sure to catch the podcast! That's all this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!
Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David is on the road in Albany, New York. He talks about the devastating 1911 New York Archives fire that destroyed and damaged so many early New York records. In "Family Histoire News" David and Fisher discuss the recent identification of a sailor lost at Pearl Harbor in 1941, and the return of his remains to his family. David also has a unique story about the discovery of the funeral cost breakdown from the services for Mary Todd Lincoln in 1882! In England, a theater where Shakespeare himself once performed has been unearthed. And it created quite a stir among historians. Why? Catch the podcast! David also has another Tech Tip and NEHGS guest-user free database. Next, Fisher visits with Dr. Tom Sederburgh, a computer science professor at Brigham Young University. Dr. Sederburgh is the creator of Relative Finder, a unique software that can tie you to friends and celebrities. Dr. Sederburgh will share the history of its development and talk about some stories unique to its use. It's free. We'll tell you where to get it! Then, it's an Extreme Genes classic interview with Olympic Speed Skating champion Apolo Anton Ohno, now a commentator for NBC. Apolo is half-Japanese and has learned some fascinating things from that side of his family. He explains how, as well as what he's doing to break open his mother's unknown background. It's one of the most talked about segments ever on Extreme Genes! Then Tom Perry from TMCPlace.com returns to talk preservation. Who would know there was so much to discuss concerning "thumb drives?!" Tom shares some important pieces of information on these common storage devices. That's all this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!
Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic and Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. Their "Family Histoire News" starts with the story of a World War II vet in his 90s who had a reunion with a man he rescued from Dachau concentration camp at the end of World War II. You'll want to hear their story. Then it's talk about hair... long, beautiful HAIR! It was Thomas Jefferson's. And it has sold at auction. How many strands? What did it go for? We'll tell you! America's oldest veteran has turned 110. Who is he and where did he serve? Listen to the podcast. David's Tip of the Week concerns school photographs, but wait til you hear what Fisher did with some of his father's. And of course David shares another NEHGS Tip of the Week. Mary Tedesco of the PBS series "Genealogy Roadshow" then joins Fisher to talk about their third season! Mary will tell you about what they're up to on the show this year, and give you a little history of how she came to be one of the hosts. She'll also share some tips on Italian genealogy and a great story about her Italian grandmother. Next, Fisher shares a genealogy breakthrough he just had after decades of effort. It was capped off with a DNA match to a sixth great grandparent couple. But Fisher is concerned that a match from that far back is something less than a confirmation. Enter Paul Woodbury, DNA analyst from LegacyTree.com. Paul and Fisher discuss the math behind when a match is most significant and when it's not so much. How significant is Fisher's match? Don't miss this segment. Then Tom Perry, the Preservation Authority, visits talking about the importance of knowing who your end users are going to be when deciding how to digitize your materials. He'll explain why it can affect how you choose to format your materials, and how much money it's going to cost you! That's all this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!
Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. In “Family Histoire News” Fisher and David talk about the recent story of a couple in their 70s that just welcomed a new child into the family! How and where? You’ll have to listen to the show. David then talks about a 111 year old woman with more grandchildren than years on this earth. Fisher and David will give you the math. A famous English ship has been found… right under our noses… scuttled in New England! Listen to find out whose and what ship it was. MyHeritage has come up with a new tribal history program. David fills you in on the details of this important initiative. Plus, catch David’s Tech Tip, and the NEHGS free database of the week. In segment two, Fisher visits with Forever.com founder and CEO Glen Meakem about what he views as the important process of prioritizing what is really important to pass down and how you’re going to do it. It’s an important conversation with many points you’re going to want to consider and act on. Fisher next visits with Joshua Arlin Collins, a Texas man and Extreme Genie in every sense of the term. Joshua has been seeking his ancestors for some time and in the process learned that he may be qualified to fill a vacant Earldom! Could he one day be the star of a reality version of Downton Abbey? Hear what Joshua found in his research and how he plans to claim his place among the aristocracy of England! Then, Preservation Authority Tom Perry returns to talk about preserving paper. What paper should be kept and how, and what paper should be scanned and tossed? Tom will give you some great thoughts on everyone’s great challenge… how to collect without collecting too much! It’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!
Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist for the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org, checking in from the National Genealogical Society Conference in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. David notes the recognition given by NGS to two pioneers in genealogy, Dick Eastman of "Eastman's On Line Genealogy Newsletter," and Cyndi Ingle, famed for "Cyndi's List." Both have been at it for about twenty years and have made major contributions to genealogy. David then shares a story of the recent discovery of a curse left in a crypt some 2,400 years ago in Greece! Wait until you hear what it said. (David is quite dramatic.) David also has news of a new storytelling service to help you capture your family history, as well as an important new publication coming from the New York Genealogical and Biographical Society, and big news coming from Roots Magic! In the second segment, Fisher visits with Katy Barnes from LegacyTree.com. Katy discusses the importance of court and land records and tells of how depositions found among such records led to a breakthrough in one family line. It also revealed a fascinating family story from the old South. Hear what it was and what Katy has to say about how you can find and benefit your research with court and land records. Fisher then talks with Phoenix resident Grant Ringuette who explains his journey in seeking his birth parents. He found them... along with a story concerning his birth father's background he never expected. Hear what it was and how Grant obtained his information. Tom Perry from TMCPlace.com (AskTom@TMCPlace.com) then joins the show to answer more listener questions on do it yourself video editing. That's all this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!
Fisher opens the show with a shout out to two “genies” who
follow the show on Facebook. From a photo of Fisher’s father and
grandparents in the 1920s, they were able to identify the year,
model, and make of Fisher’s grandfather’s car in the background.
Find out what the car was, and in what year the photo was likely
taken. David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England
Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org, then joins
the show. He kicks off “Family Histoire News” with the story of the
birth of a girl in Idaho. David explains the genealogical
uniqueness of this baby! David then talks about new “baby naming
services” that are springing up all over the world. You won’t
believe what one Swiss firm will charge you to come up with the
ideal name for your child! Also, a remarkable tee shirt has emerged
to help world travelers everywhere. What’s making this piece of
apparent such a hot commodity? David will explain. David also has a
Tip of the Week, and the latest free guest user database from
NEHGS.
In the second and third segments Pat Bayonne Johnson of Spokane,
Washington joins Fisher to discuss a story that recently has been
making headlines. Pat is an active “genie” and descends from a
family of slaves sold by Jesuit priests who, in 1838, ran what is
now Georgetown University in Washington, DC. The sale of this
family and hundreds of others saved the university from financial
ruin. The story has created much discussion over institutional
responsibility for both the university and the Catholic Church,
discussions on reparation, and a massive genealogical project to
find the descendants. It’s a compelling story you won’t want to
miss.
Plus, Tom Perry, the Preservation Authority, reviews an outstanding
new software for video editing and explains the meaning and
importance of “authorship.”
That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History
Show.
Fisher opens the show with Family Histoire News talking about
the upcoming
season of Genealogy Roadshow. He discloses which cities the
Roadshow team
will visit this year. He then talks about the amazing discovery
of the remains of a
Roman villa underneath a barn in England. Here how it was
discovered and what
is happening to the site now. Fisher then shares the sad tale of
the 1838 sale of
over 230 African slaves by Jesuit priests in Washington DC. Here
why they were
sold, and which well known university exists today because its
debts were paid by
the sale. Also hear about why major efforts are being made to
find their
descendants.
In segment two, Fisher visits with actor Sam Roukin who plays
Captain John
Graves Simcoe in the AMC series “TURN: Washington’s Spies.” Sam
talks about
his development of this despicable character, based on a real
historic figure. Sam
also talks about his immersion in the history of the
Revolution.
In segment three, Fisher continues his conversation with Sam
Roukin. Sam talks
about what responsibility he feels to the real man and how he
squares the
character he portrays with the man who did some very good things
after the
Revolution. Sam also reveals that, despite being very British
and portraying a
brutal British officer in the Revolution, he is likely to do
something in the not so
distant future that will please many Americans.
Tom Perry then returns, the Preservation Authority, to talk
about some special
programs he is analyzing for personal use in editing video and
digitized home
movies. Some of the things these programs can do could only have
been done in
Hollywood just a few years ago!
That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History
Show!
Fisher opens the show explaining his recent family history research discovery of the itemized invoice from the funeral of his great-great grandfather in 1907! David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org, then joins the show from London where his genealogical tour continues. David tells about his remarkable evenings during low tide along the Thames where he searches for centuries old items. He’ll tell you what he has found… including some items that will make your jaw drop! David then tells the shocking DNA story that has rocked England concerning the Archbishop of Canterbury. He’ll have another Tech Tip, and NEHGS guest user free database.
Next up on the show is Paul Woodbury, a DNA genealogist for LegacyTree.com. Paul shares with Fisher the remarkable story of how he helped a client identify the birth father and birth mother of her grandmother, who was born and adopted in Alabama in 1916! How was it done? Paul will explain, but you’d better keep a flow chart. What DNA testing can reveal continues to amaze!
Then, Jenn Utley, head genealogist for TLC’s “Who Do You Think You Are?” visits to give us some behind the scenes info about the 2016 episodes of the program every genealogist loves to watch. You’ll be interested in how the show prepares the celebrity guests for travel to foreign lands. Who knew?!
Then, Preservation Authority Tom Perry from TMCPlace.com revisits the topic of audio as we move into reunion season. The tips he shares could just save your recordings of the seniors in your family before the record button is even pushed.That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!
Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.com, who is in England for the Who Do You Think You Are? Live! Conference. David shares the huge news that NEHGS is opening EVERYTHING, over 1 billion records, for guest users, free, through Wednesday, April 13. David then talks about Jewish tartans now available for Scottish Jews. He’ll tell you about their unique features. David also reveals that a Russian princess, living in England, has come out with a tell-all book. You won’t believe who she was set to marry at one time. (Think “large ears!”) Fisher and David then discuss a recently published and very narrow list of heirlooms you should consider saving for your children and grandchildren.
Photo expert Ron Fox then joins Fisher to discuss the exciting new New York Public Library “Photographers Identities Catalog.” This remarkable index and biography catalog covers 115,000 photographers and others in the field dating back to the mid-1800s. How can you use this great new tool to learn about dating your antique photographs? Ron will tell you. Ron has lots of other great tips and advice for discovering rare and often valuable photos on eBay, as well as of individuals from families you are interested in. It’s a fascinating topic you won’t want to miss.
In the third segment, Fisher visits with Utah resident Carole Burr. Carole was a first time genealogist who decided her initial investigation would be to crack open a family line that experts had failed at for over twenty years! Guess what?! Carole will tell you about the case and how, with a little help from somewhere out there, she was able to make the breakthrough!
Tom Perry, the Preservation Authority drops by from TMCPlace.com to talk about recovering fading audio tapes, how to enhance the sound in the digitizing process, and some simple ways to maximize your family’s ability to enjoy your audio. You’ll be adding another awesome project to your list when you hear what Tom has to say!
That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!
Fisher and David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org, open the show with Family Histoire News… good and bad. They start with bad… The National Records Office in a major UK city has been hit by ransomware. People wishing to research their ancestors while visiting there will not be able to do so for at least a while. Listen to learn which one. The Daily Mail of the UK says many of us still sense the presence of deceased loved ones. David shares one story from the article, as well as one from his own family concerning this very thing. David then talks about the “Fat Man’s Club of America.” A hundred years ago, it was HUGE! (Pun intended.) Was your ancestor a member? David will tell you all about it. He then shares his Tech Tip… how to find millions of ancient London court records from a university in Texas. David wraps up his visit with another guest user free database from NEHGS.
Next, Fisher visits with professional genealogist Kate Eakman from LegacyTree.com. Kate has the inside story on the “SS-5” form… a government Social Security document we’ve all had to fill out, as have our parents and grandparents and other relatives. It’s a record that was filled out by hand in previous decades that gives the date and place of birth, and the names of parents, including the maiden name of the mother. But there are rules governing whether or not you get to see those important ancestral names! Kate will fill you in what those rules are, and how she got around them in one case. It’s a lesson that can apply to other problems dealing with government records.
Larry Gelwix, the “Getaway Guru” from Columbus Travel Agency pops in to talk about the Extreme Genes cruise, set for September 13th out of Boston, cruising to Nova Scotia. Want to join us? Larry and Fisher will share the details and tell you how to sign up.
Preservation Authority Tom Perry from TMCPlace.com then joins the show to talk about what to do when you find undeveloped film from back in the day! How do you get it developed and is it even developable anymore? It’s a great topic. Tom continues the subject at the back end of the show, talking about undeveloped home movies. Tom will help you avoid making mistakes that could permanently destroy your film.
That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!
Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist for the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. Fisher announces the new searchability of Extreme Genes shows and podcasts through transcript. David then talks about a story that is being investigated that says something is missing from the crypt of William Shakespeare. What is it and why is it missing? David will explain. Next in “Family Histoire News” David will tell you how a family heirloom has survived the destruction of a home by tornado. The item is a treasure and its journey through the air and back to the family it belonged to is nothing short of miraculous! There’s a new place for your remains, should you go the route of cremation… a recording disk! Who is making this possible and for how much? David Lambert has all you need to know about getting into the recording business. Post mortem. David then shares his Tech Tip, and another NEHGS guest user free database.
Fisher next interviews Nathan Dylan Goodwin, an author living in England. Goodwin’s unique niche is the “genealogical crime thriller.” Fisher says he couldn’t put down the one he has read, Nathan’s latest, called “The America Ground.” Nathan has authored several books and explains the challenges of finding unique stories from the past and somehow making them relevant in the present. Want to take a crack at writing a genealogical crime novel? Nathan Dylan Goodwin will have some great advice for you.
We are firmly in the present for the next segment when Fisher visits with a Muskegon, Michigan woman, Jessica Fairbanks, who took notes when her estranged father gave her a death bed confession. He had had a son while living in Germany that none of his American family knew about. Jessica went to work to find her unknown sibling. Catch the full story on Extreme Genes!
Then, Tom Perry answers listener emails on preservation. If you have any eight track tapes from decades ago, you’ll want to hear this.
That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!
Fisher opens this week's show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org, talking about the genealogy of the fictional Crawley family of "Downton" Abbey fame. It's received a lot of attention on the Extreme Genes Facebook page. David then talks about another incredible discovery, by a tourist no less, of a coin dating back to the early second century AD. Who found it and where is it now? David explains. David then gives the history of St. Patrick's Day. (Bet you didn't know St. Patrick wasn't even Irish!) Hear David's quick summary on the man for whom the holiday is named. David's Tech Tip is an ancestral "longevity chart." What is it and how does it work? Listen to the podcast to find out. David also shares this week's guest user free database from AmericanAncestors.org.Next up is guest Judy Lucey, also of the New England Historic Genealogical Society. Judy and an NEHGS colleague are currently working on a handbook for Irish research. The good news is (as we learned from Ireland Senator Jillian Van Turnhout last week) Irish records are hitting the internet in record numbers right now. So while Irish research in the past has been very difficult, things are dramatically improving. Judy will have some specifics and stories from the "Old Country" in this segment of the show.The good news keeps coming in the next segment, with Thom Reed of FamilySearch.org. Thom is immersed in the Freedman Bureau Project which began last June. These records give the first extensive account of the freed slaves in the years immediately following emancipation. (And because the destruction of the South was so overwhelming, many poor whites sought services from the government and are included as well.) Thom explains how these records are breaking down the walls in African-American research and fills us in on the present status of the indexing project. Where can you find these records and how can you help the project? Thom has the answers.Then, Tom Perry from TMCPlace.com talks preservation. This week, Tom does some myth busting. For instance "disks are going away." Not so, says Tom! Hear his explanation. He'll also explain how salvageable many disks really are. (You won't believe the damage he's seen!) He then takes aim at the myth that thumb drives are a great permanent storage solution. Tom tells you why, when it comes to thumb drives, you should be afraid... VERY afraid!That's all this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!
This week, Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist for the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org, talking about the recent birth of a "Leap Baby" in North Dakota. What made this one unusual was that it is not the first Leap Baby in the family! Hear all about it on the podcast. David then shares some fascinating DNA news about the Aboriginals of Australia. Just how long have they been isolated from the rest of the world? Now we know. Plus, another family artifact has been found and returned to a family... only this one was from World War I! It's a century old piece. Also, another Civil War vessel has been found. What kind was it, what did it do, and where was it found? David will tell you. David also has another Tech Tip, and guest-user free database from NEHGS.Fisher then visits with host/creator/producer Dan Debenham of "Relative Race," an incredible new genealogy based reality TV show that everyone was raving about at last month's Roots Tech conference. Dan will tell you how it works, how his company came up with the idea, and what you can expect in the coming episodes on BYU-TV.Then... who'd have thought a Senator from Ireland would appear at Roots Tech? Fisher talks with Senator Jillian Van Turnhout, who is a passionate genie who traveled too many time zones to count to attend the conference. Senator Turnhout shares a lot of good news about on line records from the Emerald Isle that are coming available for Irish Americans. Then, Fisher chats with Denise May Levernick about the grant her family has set up in her mother's memory to award a cash grant to a young adult student for genealogy! Hear how to make your student eligible.Tom Perry returns to wrap up the show to take on fears and offer advice on using "The Cloud" for storage of your digital material. Concerned about security? Usability? As always, Tom has insight you won't hear anywhere else. Have questions about preservation? Email Tom at AskTom@TMCPlace.com.That's all this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!
Fisher and David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.com, open the show with news about a recently discovered World War II mess kit that has united a family. Then David shares great new for Midwestern researchers at the Allen County Genealogical Library in Fort Wayne, Indiana. David and Fisher then talk about finding your ancestors in the diaries of people who were involved in their lives… like ministers and doctors. Wait til you hear what David found for someone recently in a minister’s diary! Then David shares another Tech Tip, and this week’s NEHGS free guest user database.
Fisher then welcomes to the show, for the first time, Lisa Louise Cooke, host of the long-running “Genealogy Gems” podcast. Lisa has written a book on Mobile Genealogy and shares some tips on how to maximize your research experiences while away from home. You won’t want to miss what Lisa has to say!
Next, meet professional genealogist Carolyn Tolman from LegacyTree.com. Some time back, Carolyn relocated with her husband to Pennsylvania where they moved into an old house. Wanting to know more about it, the house’s “genealogy” turned into a whole new adventure! You’ll want to hear how Carolyn did what she did, and what the result was!
Then, Tom Perry from TMCPlace.com, our Preservation Authority, joins Fisher for the final segments. Tom talks about a turn-of-the-last-century photo brought Tom at Roots Tech. It’s the earliest “selfie” he’s ever seen, and he coveted it! He’ll explain how it was done, as well as how to salvage a picture with “outlaws” (former in-laws!) in it.
It’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!
Fisher and David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.com open the show with a question about politics. Do you know how your ancestors voted? Fisher learned about how his great grandfather voted in New York City in 1880 in a unique way. Hear how he figured it out. David then talks about a medieval ship that has been rescued from the bottom of a river in the Netherlands. Plus, the 8th century Viking treasure trove found in England last year has been given a new status. Find out more about both of these incredible discoveries. David then shares his weekly Tech Tip, and another free NEHGS guest user database.
Fisher then visits with Richard Boston from the Loveland, Colorado area about how he and a third cousin in California discovered one another, and the adventure they are now on together. They are researching a quilt made by their common great-great grandmother, stitched with 320 names from the Civil War period, some common, some famous. What are they learning about the mystery of the quilt? Check out the podcast!
Then, Fisher welcomes Henry Z. Jones back to Extreme Genes, author of the book series “Psychic Roots.” “Hank” has been working on this series since the ‘90s, and he’ll share three Twilight Zone-type stories from the genealogy trail that will blow your mind! (Visit HankJones.com.)
Tom Perry, the Preservation Authority, wraps up the show visiting with Fisher about the various damaged and partially destroyed items he gave advice on at the Roots Tech Conference a few weeks ago. His thoughts just may revive a few of your treasures that you thought were toast!
That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!
Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David shares a story about a man who solved his own missing person case, and was proven correct through... wait for it... DNA testing! David then gives details on the upcoming Ontario Genealogy Conference... what a list of speakers they'll have in June. It's well known that we all have Neanderthal DNA, but now we know what medical conditions we may also have inherited from them. David will tell you what you can now blame on the Neanderthals! Finally, an amazing data storage breakthrough has happened at the University of Southampton in England. You won't believe how long they say they'll be able to digitally preserve the recorded treasures of the world. David then shares a genealogical pet peeve (Fisher says he's right!) and shares another NEHGS guest user free database and tip.Fisher then visits with Glen Meakem of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, founder of Forever, Inc., a company that may have solved our long term storage issues as individuals and genealogists, with security and data preserving upgrades as systems change. What does the model of a life insurance company have to do with all this? Glen will tell you and what his company is up to in this terrific segment.Then, Extreme Genie Ann Allred of Centerville, Utah visits with Fisher about her long sought after discovery of her grandfather's grave in Pennsylvania. But of course, that wasn't the end of it... just a beginning. Talk about the ultimate "snowball" project. Ann's story will inspire you.Tom Perry, the Preservation Authority from TMCPlace.com, then joins the show and reveals some horror stories he heard about at his booth at the Roots Tech Family History Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah, two weeks ago. Naturally, Tom will tell you how to avoid similar issues and how to repair some of the damage!That's all this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!
Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David's "Family Histoire" news tells us about a Connecticut couple who have been married longer than any other couple in America! How long have they been married and who are they? Catch the podcast. We also hear about the passing of a woman who was America's oldest surviving veteran. David will share with you where and when she served and her remarkable age. Then, the two talk about a new cruise ship, set to sail in 2018, that is the modern replica of another ship that sank in 1912. Can you guess what it is? Plus David's "Tech Tip" has to do with an exciting new announcement by MyHeritage.com. And he shares another free database from NEHGS. Listen to hear what it is.In the second segment, David returns and talks with Fisher about their highlights from the recent Roots Tech Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah, focusing first on new products, including those from the winners of the Innovator's Summit. They also talk about a new data storage service that uses a life insurance company model to assure your data stays within your family's control for generations! (Fisher talks to the founder next week.) David also reviews JRNL, a product having to do with keeping a digital journal, and a French company that serves as a social media base for your family and family history, only without the databases. Fisher then plays back an incredible family history discovery from Roots Tech. (Hint: She obtained an ancestral item dating back to 1812!) Fisher and David also talk visiting with keynote speaker, the renowned historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, backstage.Then, Dr. Kasia Bryc of 23andMe joins the show to talk about what their research is saying about how we come together as couples! Are they the differences or similarities that bring us together? Is there a genetic tie here? Dr. Bryc has some Valentines Day insight.Then, Tom Perry from TMCPlace.com, the Preservation Authority, returns with great advice on managing your various formats and bringing them together in a presentable way.That's all this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!
Fisher and David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org, open the show. They anticipate reviewing Roots Tech, the largest family history conference in the world, that is taking place over the weekend in Salt Lake City, Utah. David then talks about a remarkable discovery of remains under a bus station in Harlem, New York! Just whose remains have been discovered and what is their history in New York? David will tell you. David then talks about another discovery in Yorkshire, England involving Roman gladiators. He’ll share the incredible numbers and what has been learned from these recently found remains. Black History Month is in full swing, too, and David shares a special database related to African-American ancestral information from NEHGS. Fisher then fills in David on a unique app he found that allows any face to be placed over yours in photos or videos. You can even put your ancestor’s face over yours and then tell that person’s story! Hear what that app is. David also shares news about an exciting new audio app coming from MyHeritage.com.
Fisher then visits, for two segments, with Nancy Douglas, a handwriting analyst with WriteMeaning.com. Nancy explains the various regions of handwriting and what they mean in learning about someone’s personality, and how she got started in this field. In the second segment, Nancy then reveals information on several of Fisher’s ancestors based solely on their handwriting samples.
Then Tom Perry talks preservation, and how to know about the formats of your current media, and how you can convert them for long term preservation.
It’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!
Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society, and AmericanAncestors.org. They welcome new radio affiliate WFLN in Arcadia, Florida. David talks about his recent time in the spotlight working out the actual relationships of the Kardashians, which Fisher promptly brings to a halt! (Fisher insists EG be a "Kardashian Free Zone!") David then talks about a woman who is well into her second century, and still chain smokes! Just how old is she? Listen to the podcast! The Canadians have just released digitized World War I military diaries, and is working on Army service records. David also shares his Tech Tip of the Week, and another free database from NEHGS.
Then, over two segments, Fisher visits with Paula Williams Madison, a former network executive at NBC, who left her high-powered job to pursue her ancestry! With Jamaican roots, she was raised in Harlem, New York, to a mother who was half Chinese. Paula's quest to find her grandfather's kin took her back to China faster than anyone could have imagined. How did she do it? Paula will tell you in the podcast. And where does her adventure go from here? Find out on this week's show!
Then, Tom Perry, the Preservation Authority from TMCPlace.com, answers more listener questions about digital preservation.
It's all this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!
(Photo used with permission of Paula Williams Madison.)
Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org, lamenting a recent study showing one in ten young college grads believe Judge Judy sits on the Supreme Court. But that's just the beginning! Hear what else they believe. Then, David talks about how Indian burial mounds in the midwest may soon be leveled to make room for development! Hear where this could happen and who's behind it. Plus, 28,000 New England church records from 1641 to the mid-1800s are soon to be digitized. David shares the details. Plus... got a criminal relative back there? David tells you one way you might be able to own his or her mug shot! David also has another tech tip, and the free database from NEHGS.Then, Fisher visits with Professor Emerson Baker of Salem State University, one of a committee of seven who recently confirmed the location of the execution site of the victims of the Salem witch trials. Learn the techniques they used to survey the area and how they all settled on one particular spot now found in a lovely residential neighborhood. Also, how will this area now be treated by the town, and how and should visitors get to the site? You won't want to miss this segment.Stan Lindaas returns to the show next, from HeritageConsulting.com, to talk with Fisher about terms you'll find in old records that don't mean what you might think they mean. Fisher gets quizzed. Listen to how he does.Tom Perry, the Preservation Authority from TMCPlace.com wraps up the last two segments of the show discussing the recent Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, and what wowy new technology is going to benefit the world of family history. Tom's got the skinny!That's all this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!
Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. They talk about the news of the discovery of the very spot in Salem, Massachusetts where the accused witches were executed in the 17th Century. Hear where you can see it! David then explains how the 5,300 year old Ice Man continues to make headlines. He apparently left a prehistoric GPS of his movements. Hear how scientists can now tell where he traveled in his life. And, the guys then talk about how the last survivor of the San Francisco Earthquake of 1906 has passed. Catch his survival story.Next, Fisher talks with guest Brent Ashworth, a Provo, Utah man who collects items related to his family history. He offers great advice on how you might do the same. He also shares how he, as a Mayflower descendant, was excited to obtain one of the two Bibles carried by Gov. William Bradford to the New World on the Mayflower! (Are you kidding me?!)Then, Fisher visits with Ken Krogue, founder of InsideSales.com, who will be a keynote speaker during the Innovator Summit on the first day of the Roots Tech Family History Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah on February 3. Ken offers sound advice on helping seniors get comfortable with technology to advance your family history efforts.In the final segments, Tom Perry from TMCPlace.com, the Preservation Authority, returns with thoughts on how to get the most out of the Innovator Summit, whether you're there in person or following the events on line.It's all this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!
Fisher opens the first new show of the new year with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. They exchange unique family history resolutions. Fisher then reveals his first research adventure of the new year... his childhood home is on the market in Connecticut, and photos of the exterior and interior are shown with the listing. Fisher talks of the fun of finding decades old photos to show side-by-side with how those areas of the home look today. David then tells of a centuries old find beneath a Scottish school yard playground. You won't believe what has been dug up! Likewise, in Virginia, a foundation hole for a new hotel was being built when something awesome was found. You'll enjoy this one too. David also reveals the release of new World War I records from the British Archives that might include information on your American "Dough Boy" ancestor. He also has the first new free database of NEHGS for guest users.Then, Fisher spends two segments with Karen Batchelor, the first African-American woman to join the Daughters of the American Revolution. Karen says she didn't think that would be such a big deal in 1977... but in fact it was! Hear her story. She'll also talk about some of the incredible discoveries she's made in her 40 years of research covering slaves, slave owners, Puritans, and pioneers. As she says... "I want them ALL!" She's a guest you won't want to miss.Then Tom Perry from TMCPlace.com shares his "Five Steps for Scanning and Storing." As always, it's great advice from the "Preservation Authority!"It's all this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!
Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and American Ancestors.org, sharing some of the great discoveries of the past year. David talks about the 1,000 year old skeleton found in the ball of a downed tree in Ireland, the beginning of the end of Americans being able to read handwriting, and preserving your social media posting history.Fisher then shares what many listeners consider the listener story of the year from Steve Anderson, a Minnesota native. One of nine siblings, Steve and a brother decided to do some DNA testing on the family. And what they learned was far from what they expected! It's worth another listen if you heard it earlier this year.Fisher then visits with Leann Walker Young, daughter of late Chicago Cubs coach, Verlon "Rube" Walker. Leann lost him when she was just three years old and has spent years trying to find a sample of his voice. Hear about Leann's journey and emotional breakthrough. Her determination will inspire you!Plus, Preservation Authority Tom Perry talks about what questions to ask local digitizers to know that they are experts you can could on.That's all this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!
It's a 2015 rewind show for the holiday weekend, with a pair of Fisher's favorite segments from the past year!Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David talks about a nine foot idol discovered in Siberia in 1890. Only recently was it determined just how old this item really is. Listen to the podcast to find out! David also reveals some fascinating facts about his grandfather, who disappeared on the streets of Boston decades ago. He also shares a terrific "Tech Tip" that will change the way you manage your photographs.Then, Fisher visits with Fran Jensen who is all over the War of 1812 Project. The Project is well underway, digitizing the pension records of the veterans of that war. Fran and some associates have been reviewing them and has pulled out some gems, found in the records, that she'll share in this segment.Linda Emlee from Richmond, Missouri then talks about a night few people have ever heard of. It's referred to as "The Night the Stars Fell." It took place in 1833, and many of our ancestors were affected. Wait til you hear the details.Then, Tom Perry, the Preservation Authority, talks equipment for Do It Yourselfers concerning digitizing and editing. It's always great advice you won't want to miss!That's all this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!
Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist for the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The two talk about using the "Skywalker" family tree as a great teaching moment for children. Fisher & Lambert then talk about the Christmas traditions of England's Royal Family. (Just what do you give the Queen?!) David then discusses the oldest remains found showing evidence of tattoos. You won't believe how far back we're talking! Plus, hear the value of those ancient coins found on British farmland this past October. David will also have another Tech Tip and the NEHGS free database.Next up, Fisher visits with renowned genealogical blogger, "The Legal Genealogist," Judy Russell. Judy has some terrific year end observations on dealing with various views of the same documents and how you can avoid misinterpretations. She'll also discuss the genealogical trap best known as an "obituary!"Fisher's next guest is a Connecticut woman named Marjorie Adams, a descendant of Daniel Lucius "Doc" Adams, a baseball pioneer who played for the New York Knickerbockers in the mid-1800s. Most importantly, Doc was the man who led the way to standardizing rules by which we know the game today. Listen to hear which rules Marjorie's great-grandfather fought to standardize, and why she thinks he should now be part of the Baseball Hall of Fame.Tom Perry of TMCPlace.com, the Preservation Authority, then talks about the challenges of conversion of digital video files. What do you need to know to save, view, or edit your files? Tom's got the answer... as usual!It's all this week on Extreme Genes- America's Family History Show!
Fisher opens this week's show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David congratulates Fisher on a special award he recently received. Listen to the podcast to hear what it's about. David also talks about his ancestral discovery linking Moby Dick author Herman Melville with historian Nathaniel Philbrick, as well as Fisher's wife and David himself! It all ties into the newly released movie, "In the Heart of the Sea." David notes that a new Revolutionary museum will be opening in 2017. Listen to find out where! David also notes the discontinuation of Family Tree Maker by Ancestry.com, and clues you in on another free user database from NEHGS.David then returns for segment two to talk to Fisher about how genealogy hooked him as a seven-year-old. Both then provide insight on how you can get your children and grandchildren on fire about family history, and history in general. Better listen up, because some of these tips have to do with the holidays!Then, self-proclaimed "Jersey Girl," Sue Wynne, talks about an astounding find she made concerning her fourth great grandmother, also from New Jersey. She'll reveal the sources and how it came to be that her ancestor was viewed upon her death in 1845, and then again four years later! Only in family history!Tom Perry, the Preservation Authority from TMCPlace.com returns to talk about audio problems after a video digital transfer. It's a common problem, and Tom has several ideas on things you can do, and things that only professionals can do to save your overall video. Tom also talks about a "wowy" new 3D printer you'll want to hear about!That's all this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!
Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. Could you be the first member of your family to live to be 120?! Research into a new pill... that David already takes!... says you could be. David tells you what that pill is and why he takes it. Then, "born in Babylonia, moved to Arizona..." it's new news on a very old king... King Tut. What's going on at his tomb now? Find out on the podcast! David then talks about an Englishman who tracked down his American World War II vet father and got quite a surprise at his father's passing. Then learn about a huge boon to Irish research that is now available, an awesome FREE Tech Tip from David, and this week's free database from NEHGS.Next, Fisher interviews 94-year-old Lou Conter, who, at age 20, was a member of the crew of the Arizona. He was on board the morning of the attack... December 7, 1941. Hear Lou's first hand account of that day, and how it affected his life in the years that followed. Also hear why Lou says the first act of war committed by the Japanese actually happened three days earlier. He is one of the last of those who were there on the day President Roosevelt said "would live in infamy." Be sure to share this special visit with your friends.Then, Dr. Ken Alford, a professor at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, gives a very concise lesson on how to research your World War II ancestor's military records. You'll be shocked at how much information may be out there on your family's hero.Fisher then gets under the hood on file conversion and preservation with Preservation Authority Tom Perry from TMCPlace.com. Have you started your preservation program yet?That's all this week on Extreme Genes/ America's Family History Show!
Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the
New England Historic and Genealogical Society and
AmericanAncestors.org. David talks about the historic "First
Leftovers!" (It's true!) Plus, a flock of Russian birds that have
gathered pieces of antique documents in their nests. What type of bird
and what have they found? Catch the story on the podcast. Plus, hear
David's latest family history pickup from eBay... for all of ten
dollars. And if you're interested in having an electronic accounting of
all the books you have in your home quickly and easily, you won't want
to miss David's Tech Tip of the Week. And David has another free
database of the week from NEHGS!
Fisher then visits with Dr. Robin Smith from 23andMe talking about some
of the new report features that are available. Health? Physical
tendencies? Ancestry? Dr. Smith touches on them all. Whether or not
you've spit in a cup yet, you're going to want to know where this
exciting field is going.
Fisher was recently surprised to run into Olympic Gold Medalist Apolo
Anton Ohno who agreed to come on the show and talk about his research
into his background... half Japanese and half who-knows-what. His
Japanese research brought about some terrific surprises, and he's
putting DNA to work to solve the problem on his mother's side. By the
way... she was adopted. It's a great visit you won't want to miss!
Plus, Tom Perry from TMCPlace.com, the preservation authority, talks
about a listener question regarding audio for interviews. Tom is going
to save you a lot of heartache and errors! Don't miss his segments.
That's all this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!
This week on Extreme Genes/ America's Family History Show, it's a salute to our Pilgrims and Puritans! Robert Charles Anderson, creator of the Great Migration series, joins Fisher for two segments on the beginnings of the European settlement of North America, and our Thanksgiving tradition.Fisher opens the show in the first segment with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. As a Mayflower descendant (John Howland) Fisher talks about his first hand impressions of Plymouth Rock. David then talks about Queen Elizabeth's approval of DNA testing to resolve a British Peerage problem. (These are different times!) David also talks about a stash of undelivered mail from the 17th and 18th centuries that has been discovered. He'll tell you where they are and how you can find out if any of your ancestors were among the senders or intended receivers. David also tells you about a new audio digitization program that will allow you to hear thousands of recording cylinders from the 19th and early 20th centuries! He'll also have new free databases and another tech tip.Next, Fisher visits with Robert Charles Anderson, who created the "Great Migration" series of reference books beginning in 1988. They'll talk about what inspired Robert to devote his life to this great work, and how his research has allowed him to debunk some Pilgrim myths. What were they? Listen to the podcast!Fisher and Robert continue their conversation with an explanation of the Winthrop Fleet and how it changed the course of the European settlement of North America in the 1630s. You'll also learn exactly when and why it ended. Robert also talks about what information is yet to be found concerning the immigrants of 1620 to 1640.Then, Tom Perry of TMCPlace.com, the Preservation Authority, talks about how you might be able to salvage your old VHS tapes. It's a tricky and dangerous endeavor, but if you're sure you want to try, Tom will tell you what it takes to succeed.That's all this week on Extreme Genes / America's Family History Show!
This week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show, Fisher opens the program with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. Fisher found a mug shot of a third cousin in San Quentin from 1928 and David reveals his own grandfather's life outside the lines. What did these guys do? They'll tell you. Then, in keeping with the salute to our veterans of the past week, David reveals the identity of America's oldest living soldier. You won't believe how old he is! David then talks about how to preserve your veterans' stories with the National Archives' "Project Vets." As part of "Family Histoire" news, David talks about the latest DNA test results from the remains of Czar Nicholas and his family from 1917. Was it really them, or did they survive? David also shares an exciting boon to New England researchers now available through a Harvard web site, along with this week's Tech Tip, and free NEHGS database.Fisher then visits with Janet Hovorka from FamilyChartMasters.com. Janet is a national speaker and shares some great insight in how to manage your data across multiple platforms. There's no "one button" solution, but she has some great ideas for reducing duplicated efforts.Then Illinois resident Debra Bruns talks about her genealogical journey, sharing stories of her Carver family down through the years. Yes... there's another grandpa gone bad in there! What can you learn from Debra's research?Finally, Tom Perry of TMCPlace.com, the Preservation Authority shares his professional tips for creating better videos as you and your clan make family history. A few simple suggestions will change the way you look through a viewer forever.That's all this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!
Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and American Ancestors.org. David highlights another Tech Tip of the Week, and Free Database from NEHGS. Fisher and David also speak of the horrors of the new list that has come forth from an investigation from NPR, revealing countless World War II servicemen who were unknowingly exposed to mustard gas as part of a government experiment concerning chemical warfare. Is your relative on the list? We'll tell you where to check.Stan Lindaas of Heritage Consulting.com returns to talk with Fisher about an astounding study that will once and for all answer the question, "Why family history?" The lifelong benefits to your children and grandchildren will shock you! This is a segment you won't want to miss.Then, Gary Nielsen talks to Fisher about a story tied to his wife's side... an outlaw shot and killed in 1911, whose body went on display in carnivals around the country for 66 years! No... that's NOT a WAX figure! This true story would be a highlight in anyone's family history.Then, Tom Perry returns to talk more about "alphabet soup..." those various digital terms that can make your eyes glaze over. With a little knowledge from Tom, you can save a lot of time, effort, and even money, doing your own preservation at home.That's all this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!
This week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show, you'll meet John Vitale of Buffalo, New York. Orphaned at ten, he never imagined what DNA would bring him! Then, Susan Hale talks about what it's like to learn that patriot spy Nathan Hale is on her family tree, as well as several other notable early Americans. Hear how it has affected her life.In segment one, Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. In "Family Histoire News," David talks about the unlikely reunion of a pair of World War II vets from Utah. Coincidence? You decide! David then talks about French painters who, at the beginning of the last century painted images of what they thought the year 2000 would look like. (Hint: Some of it wasn't bad at all!) Then, a few bucks at an antique store scored a man a multi million dollar historic photo. Who was it of? You'll have to listen. Plus David has another Tech Tip of the Week, and another Free Database from NEHGS.Next, Fisher visits with John Vitale of Buffalo, New York. John was orphaned at age ten. Now, decades later, John is no longer alone... or anywhere close to it! Catch the details of John's journey and meet a special guest John brings to the discussion.Then (in keeping with this week's New York guest slant), Susan Hale, an artist from near Albany, New York, talks about the impact her ancestors have had on her life and art. Her family tree includes patriot spy Nathan Hale, and the "Man Without A Country," Edward Everett Hale. (See her works at SusanBHale.com.)Then Tom Perry, the Preservation Authority at TMCPlace.com talks about sorting out the "alphabet soup" of technology so you can begin to learn how to preserve and edit materials on your own and save a ton of money.It's all this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!
America might have been more like Australia than you think. This week, researcher Peggy Lauritzen explains how America also indulged in white slavery! Then, Kathy Manker of Phoenix, AZ talks about her "black sheep" 19th century ancestor.Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist for the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.com. With Fisher's Mets defeating the Cubs to go to the World Series, David shares a database for researching baseball players from the recent and distant past. David also talks about an amazing find he has made for the 170th anniversary of NEHGS... a family tie between author Nathaniel Philbrick (who will be honored in Boston for the celebration) and author Herman Melville, both of whom have researched the story that resulted in "Moby Dick." In Family Histoire news, David talks about a 450-year-old Mexican colonial church that has been revealed by the drying up of a reservoir due to the current drought. It's a fabulous image! Fisher and David then discuss a 100-year-old woman in Buffalo, New York, who still works six days a week, eleven hours a day... and loves it. She's been working since 1930! David then talks about the ongoing archaeological dig at the Boston Common that has revealed items from a Revolutionary era encampment. He then shares his "Tech Tip," and another free database of the week from NEHGS.In segment two, Fisher visits with researcher Peggy Lauritzen who explains the particulars of pre-colonial white slavery in America. She explains the various types, from apprentices to indentured servants, and the way many ended up in their situations. Peggy claims America was a penal colony long before Australia! It's a revealing discussion you won't want to miss.Fisher then talks to Kathy Manker of Phoenix, AZ. Kathy and her clan dug up some amazing dirt on a third great grandfather and his family from the late 1800s in Illinois. It sounds a lot like the wild west! You'll be amazed at what she has found.Fisher and Tom Perry then talk about creating a special box you can use to take digital copies of your antique photographs. It's cheap and fun!That's all this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!
Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. In "Family Histoire" news Fisher and David talk about two women, working the same shift at a Florida hospital, who have made a remarkable DNA discovery. Hear what it is in the opening segment. David then shares the recent discovery of an ancient settlement found beneath the remains of the one destroyed at Pompeii in 79 AD. Listen to the podcast for the amazing details! David also talks about how your military ancestors are eligible for military tombstones from the government... both US and Canadian. Learn how to obtain one. David also has a new "Tech Tip" and another free database from NEHGS!Fisher then visits with Alice and Jessica, two ladies who used DNA to solve a most remarkable mystery. Were Alice's father and Jessica's grandfather really switched at birth? Hear how the story developed over three years and how the breakthrough finally occurred.Fisher then visits with famed genetic genealogist CeCe Moore about her role in Alice and Jessica's case, and the information about key DNA markers that she shared with Alice. That information encouraged Alice to continue in the right direction, that eventually led her to Jessica, and the answer to a century-old mystery!Tom Perry from TMCPlace.com then talks about "Build A Box," so you can use your wowy cell phone camera to take quality digital images of your antique heirloom photos.That's all this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!
Fisher opens the show with the announcement that the first Extreme Genes cruise will take place in September of 2016! (See our Facebook page or ExtremeGenes.com for details.) David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist for the New England Historical Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org, joins the conversation with a story about a 16th century shipwreck that is causing concern in Ireland. He also talks about the new archaeological dig in New York City covering the area of the old New York Seaport. David also has another free NEHGS database to share and his weekly Tech Tip.Fisher next visits with Brenda Sullivan of the "Gravestone Girls." (See GraveStoneGirls.com) Brenda is an artist who can make a mold and perfect duplicate of your ancestor's grave stone! She'll tell you all about rubbing grave stones, and some of how she creates duplicate stones... but not all. Might she help you obtain the most unique family heirloom ever invented?Then, photo expert Ron Fox returns to the show to talk about how his love of family history has shown him what it takes to uncover extremely value historic pictures. He'll tell you how his techniques can help you locate previously unknown ancestral photos. If you're missing a photo of an ancestor that should be out there somewhere, you'll want to hear what Ron has to say.Then, Tom Perry from TMCPlace.com, the Preservation Authority, talks about learning to PhotoShop and the significance of "clouds." What happens if the hosting company disappears? He'll have the answers for you!That's all this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!
Leigh Ann Walker Young, daughter of the late Chicago Cubs coach, Verlon "Rube" Walker, lost her dad when she was three years old, in 1971. Three years ago, she recognized the hole his absence left in her life and decided to reach out to her father's former associates, looking for stories and just maybe... the sound of his voice. Leigh Ann shares her journey this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!Fisher and David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and American Ancestors.org, cover several "Family Histoire" news stories that people are talking about this week. They include one woman's efforts to locate and then wear a wedding dress that has been used in family weddings since 1895. Listen to the show to hear just how many relatives have worn that dress! Then, it's an update on the progress being made on the remains of a woman believed to be the model for DaVinci's "Mona Lisa." Next, could your fingerprints reveal something about your ancestry? Scientists are beginning to answer that question, as well as how they might predict your future health. David's got another "Tech Tip," and NEHGS free database for the week.In the second segment Fisher, an avid, lifetime baseball fan, visits with the daughter of late Chicago Cubs coach, Verlon "Rube" Walker, Leigh Ann Walker Young. Leigh Ann made a decision three years ago that it was time she got to know her father, and what a journey that desire has taken her on! It's an inspiring conversation.Fisher continues his visit with Leigh Ann Walker Young in the next segment, and plays the only known recording of the voice of Leigh Ann's late father, Rube Walker. Get the story behind how she found it after three years of well publicized searching!Then, Tom Perry, the Preservation Authority talks about taking your old, faded, and cracked pictures, digitally restoring them, and making them into a brand new photo album. You won't be able to resist this idea!That's all this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!
Fisher opens this week's show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and American Ancestors. David shares a great way to get kids interested in family research... the very fun lineage of Harry Potter! He'll tell you what that is all about. FamilySearch releases another great new database. Learn what it is and if it relates to your research. Then listen to David's awesome "Tech Tip" concerning Facebook, and NEHGS has another free database for you to check out.In the second segment, Fisher visits again with Thomas MacEntee of High-Definition Genealogy in Chicago. Thomas is ramping up for another "Genealogy Do Over." It's an on line opportunity for you to fix mistakes you made when you were just starting out, or to begin your efforts on the right foot. You can participate on line from anywhere. Thomas will tell you what it's all about.Then, Fisher visits with Crystal Johnson, a woman who stumbled on a record that told her that her husband's grandparents divorced in the 1970s. Only the living grandparents knew nothing of it! Fisher also brings in grandmother Aloha Bennett, who explains how this happened and what they had to do about it. The discovery saved the Bennetts a lot of potential problems. It's a story you don't want to miss!Then, Tom Perry from TMCPlace.com, the Preservation Authority, handles a listener question about transferring and editing video from cell phones to computers to DVDs. It's tricky stuff, but Tom has some important thoughts for you.That's all this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!
When when captured Southern soldiers were forced to fight for the North, they generally didn't want to talk about it. But this guy took it one step further. Ken Alford shares a great story he uncovered while writing a book. And who ever thought there would be a "Center For Home Movies?" But there is!Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist for the New England Historic Genealogical Society and American Ancestors. David talks about the remarkable discovery of a young man whose remains were found hanging from the roots of a downed tree in Ireland... almost 1,000 years after his death! Fisher and David also talk about the challenge awaiting young people in their research when they are unable to read cursive writing. The problem has already begun. David has a Tech Tip of the Week, and a brand new NEHGS Free Database. You'll have to listen to hear what it is!Fisher then visits with Dwight Swanson with the Center for Home Movies. What do they do and how can your old home movies be a part of it? Find out in segment 2.Then it's another remarkable ancestral story. Fisher talks with Ken Alford, a writer who came across the story of a "galvanized" Union soldier who took his true identity and Civil War experience to the grave. Not even his wife knew! Hear how his story was discovered by descendants and what the truth was.Then Tom Perry, the Preservation Authority from TMCPlace.com, helps another listener with a preservation problem concerning some recently found daguerreotype photos. (Send your questions to AskTom@TMCPlace.com.)It's all this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!
Every month, an expert from our sponsor 23andMe.com answers your questions about genealogy DNA. This week, Dr. Joanna Mountain takes on a challenging listener question. And Sarah O'Connor of GeneArtistry.com talks about her research into a century old jailbreak involving a great great uncle!Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and American Ancestors. David talks about a new milestone recently achieved by Queen Elizabeth, new finds in the area of Stonehenge, and the discovery of 2.5 million year old remains in South Africa. David also provides a "Low Tech Tip of the Week," a "poor man's GPS" for use in cemeteries! He also has a review of an app called PhotoMyne, and another free database from NEHGS.Then, Dr. Joanna Mountain from 23andMe.com answers an amazing listener question about genealogy DNA, and offers other insights for you to understand as you consider your DNA test. Everybody's talking DNA these days, and you won't want to miss what Dr. Mountain has to say.In the next segment, Sarah O'Connor of GeneArtistry.com reveals her criminal great great uncle's past and how she tracked his life after a jail break over a century ago! It's another tale that will leave you saying "What a story!"Then, Tom Perry from TMCPlace.com flawlessly handles another listener question on preservation.It's all this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!
Not many genies are passionate enough to buy their own cemetery, but Roy Scheffler of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania did! Also, expert Karen Clifford gives us an overview on what it takes to research your southern ancestors.
Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and American Ancestors, who talks about the latest scientific analysis of an ancient 9 foot idol found in Siberia in 1890. You will not believe how old it is! Midwesterners will be interested to hear the latest on the upgrade to Indiana's iconic Allen County Genealogy Library. David also shares his plans to test what we hope to be an awesome new app for photos, and he gives us another free database to check out.
Fisher then visits with Karen Clifford, President of Genealogy Research Associates, who shares her ideas on researching ancestors in the challenging 19th century southern states. Yes, she says, it can be done!
Roy Schreffler, a passionate genie from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, then joins the show and talks with Fisher about just why he bought an old cemetery. In serious disrepair. As a hobby!
And Tom Perry, the Preservation Authority from TMCPlace.com, answers another listener question about preservation. Are you using the right kind of microphone to record your grandparent interviews?
That's all this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!
This week on Extreme Genes... more gems from newly released War of 1812 pension applications, AND talk with a woman who just learned she descends from a Cortez crew member and Jamestown!
Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and American Ancestors. David has a story about a couple and their 60 years of wedding cake sharing... with a twist! Also, Big Ben, now 156 years old, is having trouble keeping accurate time. Hear what's happening to correct it! Plus, David has your tech tip and info on where he will be in September to talk genealogy with you in person!
Fisher then visits with Fran Jensen, who, along with some colleagues, are reading nearly every new War of 1812 pension record as it comes out on Fold3. You'll be amazed at the gems they have found, and you'll benefit from Fran's insight on what to expect when you dig in to this awesome National Archives collection.
Danielle Torres from NEHGS talks about her recent experience of learning about her ancestry... with ancestors on both sides arriving in the America's BEFORE the Mayflower! Wait... what?! Yes! You'll enjoy hearing about Dani's journey of discovery.
Then Tom Perry returns talking about preservation. One aspect of it you might not have thought about is the right way to ship your fragile, delicate, and special heirlooms. Have a pencil and paper... or your smartphone... ready!
It's all this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!
If you enjoyed the recent Perseid Meteor Shower, you would have really enjoyed what happened in 1833... likely the most spectacular meteor shower ever! Linda Emlee, of Ray County, Missouri tells us all about it this week on Extreme Genes!
Fisher and David Allen Lambert from the New England Historic Genealogical Society open the show talking about a volunteer effort to restore a 19th century African-American cemetery. David also tells us about ancient English records that are now being made available on line, including wills from the 15th century through the 19th century. David's Tech Tips includes an incredibly doable idea for involving your kids in family history. It's unlike anything you've ever heard of before! David also has another free database for you from NEHGS!
Fisher then shares one of his favorite interviews from the first 100 Extreme Genes episodes. It's a visit with the founder of Find-A-Grave, Jim Tipton. Hear about how this iconic site practically invented itself.
Linda Emlee of Ray County, Missouri visits with Fisher about a remarkable night back in November of 1833, often referred to as "The Night the Stars Fell!" Viewed by many, if not most, as a sign from God that the world was coming to an end, Linda shares some great accounts of an evening many of our ancestors would have experienced.
Tom Perry then talks scanner/copiers in answering a listener email. There's a lot to know about what you might need for your family history efforts!
That's all this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!
It's one of the most remarkable family history stories we've ever had on the show! Hear what one man's family had to face after an accident, family interviews, the removal of hair from a corpse at a funeral home, and DNA tests!
Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert with news about a reunion of a daughter and mother, separated by the Nazis in World War II. They'll have the details. Then David talks about a new discovery that may shed light on the fate of the settlers at Roanoke, Virginia in the 16th century. Also, might President Warren Harding have had a "love child?" DNA has solved that long time mystery. Hear the results. Plus, David's Tech Tip of the Week, and your free NEHGS database!
Then Steve Anderson, a Minnesota native, shares his incredible story of discovery concerning himself and his eight siblings. No one could have imagined what he and a brother learned... information that has rocked his family. And it's not over yet!
Fisher then shares an encore interview from his first 100 shows. This one is with Alice Keesey Mecoy, a descendant of the man many believe started the Civil War, abolitionist John Brown! Learn how he affects her life to this day.
Tom Perry from TMCPlace.com wraps up the show with another great preservation tip. If you have questions for Tom, email "AskTom@TMCPlace.com."
That's all this week on the 100th episode of Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!
Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist with the New England Historic Genealogical Society and American Ancestors. David has an assignment for everyone concerning one story in their history. Listen to hear what it is. He also shares a fascinating tip about pages of information that likely exist for your immigrant ancestor, held by the government beginning in 1940. What is this record and how can you get it? David explains. He also shares his Tech Tip of the Week and another free database from NEHGS and American Ancestors.
Then, Dr. Kasia Bryc of 23andMe.com visits with Fisher about DNA genealogy. It can reveal so much information now... but where is it going in the future? Dr. Bryc will give you some insight. In the second segment with Dr. Bryc, she answers some of the most common questions about the use of DNA in your research. 23andMe will now be regularly supplying experts to answer your questions in this growing and exciting field! If you have a question... or a DNA story of discovery... email Fisher@ExtremeGenes.com, and you could wind up on the show!
Then, Tom Perry from TMCPlace.com, the Preservation Authority, talks about salvaging warbly audio and mismatched video from a wedding, found on two different types of tape. Tom talks about matching up colors from both tapes, and digitally salvaging and blending scenes from each, and how best to use the surviving audio. He also has a great tip on filling in the gaps of both audio and video to make the story better than it was when the tapes were new! A lot of what Tom shares may well be of benefit to you as you deal with preserving great memories on old deteriorating videotape.
It's all this week on Extreme Genes- America's Family History Show!
Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and American Ancestors talking about naming patterns, and how they can often reveal the names of the parents' ancestors. Are clues to your ancestor's ancestors sitting right under your nose? Fisher and David will tell you how to break the code. David then talks about the revealing of the identities of remains from the old Jamestown settlement. Might one of them be your ancestor? David then reports on the controversial reduction of assets at the genealogy library in Phoenix, and shares another Tech Tip of the Week, and NEHGS free database!In segment two, Ancestry's Jennifer Utley, lead researcher for "Who Do You Think You Are?" talks about the celebrities in this season's episodes. Who was most interesting to work with, and where did they film? Jennifer will provide the inside story.Then, Stan Lindaas of HeritageConsulting.com returns to talk about criminal ancestors and why they shouldn't be hidden from your children and grandchildren. Stan's got some crazy stories from his own lines and from others.Then, Tom Perry from TMCPlace.com, the Preservation Authority, talks about Fisher's problem with old slides that have slipped out of their protective cardboard holders. How can those images be digitized or even viewed? As always, Tom has the solutions. (If you have a preservation question, email Tom at AskTom@tmcplace.com.)It's all this week on Extreme Genes- America's Family History Show!
Fisher opens the show with Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and American Ancestors, David Allen Lambert. David talks about using Find-A-Grave and Billion Graves to create a burial lineage chart. He also talks about the NASA "New Horizon" mission to Pluto and how a significant individual's human remains are on it. Listen to the show to find out whose! Plus, David tells you how you can go to Europe without leaving North America. (Honest!) Then, David shares with you another free database and Fisher fills you in on what's happening with "Who Do You Think You Are?" "Turn: Washington's Spies," and Henry Louis Gates' "Finding Your Roots." (Hint: It's all good news!)
Fisher then shares part one of his interview with genealogy visionary Gilad Japhet, founder of MyHeritage. He talks about his passion for genealogy, his idea for a technology based company that makes it easier than ever to research, and the founding of MyHeritage. He then begins to explain MyHeritage's new game changing translation software.
In part two of Fisher's interview with MyHeritage founder Gilad Japhet, Gilad goes into the significance of MyHeritage's new translation software and explains how it will work for us here in America, as well as for researchers across the globe. He also explains the significant residual benefit he expects to result from the release of this new software. It's a rare interview you won't want to miss!
Then Tom Perry, the Preservation Authority from TMCPlace.com, answers a listener question about salvaging an important VHS videotape from a damaged VHS cartridge. Tom explains how professional outfits can save the tape, and how you can do it at home... if you dare!
That's all this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!
This week on Extreme Genes- America's Family History Show, Fisher opens with David Allen Lambert of the New England Historic Genealogical Society. David talks about FamilySearch.org's upcoming "Fuel the Find," an effort to get 100,000 volunteers indexing records for one week in August. David shares his experience with a direct descendant of a very important figure in American and French history, and has another awesome Tech Tip of the Week. Plus... if you'd like a FREE house in Italy, perhaps where your ancestors lived, David tells you how you might get one!
Fisher then visits with NEHGS genealogist, Christopher Child who, as a teen, began researching the confusing maternal ancestry of Abraham Lincoln. (What were YOU doing as a teen?!) Hear what Christopher learned and all about the journey his research took him on.
Janet Hovorka from FamilyChartMasters.com returns with some unique and fun ideas for getting family of all ages involved in the heritage side of family reunions. It's that time of year, and some of these things can be done last minute... so don't miss this segment.
Then Tom Perry talks about cheap audio cassettes and how to maximize what still may be left on them. The Preservation Authority always leaves us with important things to think about!
That's all this week on Extreme Genes- America's Family History Show!
Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and American Ancestors. They share unbelievable news from MyHeritage. Wait until you hear what they've done for you! Also, big news from Ireland that could change everything in your Catholic research. David explains why they've done it. (It's a good thing!) Plus, David's Tech Tip of the Week, and another free database from NEHGS.
Thomas MacEntee of High Definition Genealogy joins Fisher to talk about some of the astounding technology that's likely to be coming down the road in the next five years or so. Would you use it? Would you want to use it? Thomas will give you some things to think about! He also teases his fall on-line class on genealogy do-overs. He'll explain just what that is and why it is important.
Massachusetts listener Catherine Jackson then shares her incredible journey to learn about the life of her mother who died when she was eight. It took her to multiple continents over multiple decades, involved DNA, a radio show appearance... in Ireland!... and a surprise conclusion. You won't want to miss this!
Then Tom Perry, the Preservation Authority, talks about what to do with heirlooms that have been laminated and answers the question... would you want to laminate some of current heirlooms? It's trickier than you think.
That's all this week on Extreme Genes- America's Family History Show!
Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of NEHGS and American Ancestors. Fisher talks about how liquor consumption increased during and after the Revolution to absurd amounts in the 1830s. Exactly how much per person? Fisher will tell you. Then David talks about various heritage organizations you may be eligible for because of your ancestor's contributions to the cause of liberty. There are more than you think! David also shares another terrific Technical Tip of the Week.
Then, Fisher visits with Sarah Hermans, Regent for Daughters of the American Revolution in Rhinebeck, New York. Sarah explains how many ways your ancestor can qualify for "patriot" status, aside from carrying a rifle. Fisher was surprised to learn that one of the ancestors he previous hadn't considered could make his female family members eligible for DAR, and him eligible for SAR. (His fifth patriot.) Who have you not considered?
Rhonda McClure, Genealogist for the New England Historic Genealogical Society then reviews her recent research trip to Italy, with great tips and dos and don'ts for your next trip preparation. What were her biggest mistakes? Rhonda opens up about that as well! Her advice can apply to planning for research trips to many countries.
Tom Perry from TMCPlace.com, the Preservation Authority, then answers a listener question about Taiyo Yuden disks and which kind you need... CD, DVD, how many X? It can get confusing, but Tom is there to make sure you know what you're doing with your next disk purchase.
Fisher and David Allen Lambert open the show with great news about FamilySearch's announcement about the new indexing project for the Freedmen's Bureau records... the largest collection of records of freed slaves. What does this mean and how many records are involved? Listen and find out! Then David shares exciting Independence Day news... free access to some of NEHGS' earliest records from the Great Migration. How can you look for your ancestors in this great database for free? David will fill you in. David also has another great Tech Tip of the week for indexing your own personal records, making it easy even for those of us who aren't very "tech savvy."
In the second segment, Fisher visits with Gene Williams who, at age 19, was informed he had been switched at birth with another boy! But it wasn't until decades later that Gene went to work to find out how real this information was. Hear about Gene's journey and how he learned the truth.
Ron Arons of "Mind Maps for Genealogy" then joins Fisher to talk about the discovery of his ancestor in Sing Sing Prison, and all the records connected to it. Ron will share with you where to research your jail birds and perhaps other "black sheep" ancestors.
Then Tom Perry, our Preservation Authority, answers another listener question about old home movies and syncing up matching audio.
It's all this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!
Fisher and David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and American Ancestors, talk about some of the historic anniversaries happening right now. One involved one of David's ancestors and a pitchfork! Plus David has made a new "tech" find that is sure to make you both excited and uncomfortable! It's called Periscope. Hear what it's all about in the opening segment.
Then, Fisher visits with well known blogger, "Dear Myrtle." Myrtle's been thinking hard about what's going to happen to all the papers, documents, and photos she's collected over the years when she's gone. It's a topic you need to be thinking about. It's a conversation you need to be a part of.
Dan Vanderkam, creator of OldNYC.org and OldSF.org, then talks with Fisher about his masterful interactive map creations and how they can help you locate ancestral homes. Fisher says he has lost more golf time going through these maps and looking at the thousands of old photos associated with each block.
Tom Perry, the Preservation Authority, from TMCPlace.com, wraps up the show answering a great listener question about dealing with noises created in the digitization process from an old audio cassette. Remember if you have a preservation question for Tom, email him at AskTom@TMCPlace.com!
That's all this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Radio Show & Podcast!
Fisher opens the show talking about his time in New York City emceeing at AJ Jacobs' Global Family Reunion, as well as his visit to the NYC Municipal Archives researching 19th century firemen records. He then announces that David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and American Ancestors, is joining the show to co-host the opening segment with his insights on Family Histoire News and what is happening in the ever changing world of genealogy.
David continues with Fisher in Segment 2 talking about the Global Family Reunion experience, and Fisher talks family history with TV and Broadway star Marilu Henner.
In Segment 3, Fisher welcomes back Shelley Smith, whom he recently helped with identifying her birth mother and birth father. Shelley's recently discovered half-brother, Larry Pond, joins in talking about the moment he learned he had a sister, and what his experience has been like from the birth family perspective. It's great listening for people seeking their birth families.
Then Tom Perry, the Preservation Authority from TMCPlace.com, talks about the fastest, cheapest, and SAFEST way to get your massive pile of old photos scanned. He reminds us... the time to take action is now!
That's all this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!
Fisher opens the show talking about the huge response to last week's program about DNA triangulation used to assist listener Shelley Smith identify her birth father, after more traditional means, including DNA, helped her identify her birth mother. Fisher provides an update on what has since happened to Shelley, who has contacted both a half-sister (from the birth mother's side) and a half-brother (from the birth father's side.) Interestingly, another listener has come along to talk about using the same technique to identify ancestors born in the late 1700s. Jeanne Nicholson talks about her experience later in the show. In Family Histoire News, Flooding in Oklahoma has reveal the body of a 40-year-old man. Fisher will tell you what makes him so unusual. Fisher then reveals that yet another British monarch may be hidden beneath yet another parking lot! Who is it, and what is the likelihood we'll have another Richard III on our hands? Fisher will tell you about it.
Bill Harten, creator of Puzzilla then joins Fisher. Puzzilla is a remarkable free tool that can help you identify descendants of your ancestors. It's almost like flying over a forest to see where all the campgrounds are! Where and how can you use this amazing tool? Find out in Segment Two.
Jeanne Nicholson of Tennessee is new to Extreme Genes, and checks in to talk about how she used DNA triangulation to identify the parents of an ancestor that she has been searching for for years. Yes, triangulation isn't just for tying in to the living!
Then Tom Perry, the Preservation Authority from TMCPlace.com, answers a listener question about why her videos and pictures are suddenly coming out "blue!"
That's all this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!
Fisher opens the show with a fascinating story about how World War II bombs still have the potential to kill people in both Britain and Germany. Wait until you hear what happened in both countries recently and the statistics of how often live Allied bombs are found in Germany every day! He then talks about a New York realtor who recently had the unusual experience of being randomly chosen to sell a property and business that had been started by his great grandmother 110 years ago.
Fisher then visits with Shelley Smith, who recently worked with Fisher to use a DNA test along with other information to identify both her birth mother AND birth father! While both are deceased, she has also learned of living birth siblings from both sides of her birth parents' lines. In identifying the birth father, Fisher used a technique known as "triangulation" to zero in on the family and the correct individual. Triangulation can also work in traditional genealogy research to identify ancestors. Under the right circumstances, it's not that difficult to do. How did it work in Shelley's case and how can triangulation work for you? Fisher will explain.
Then Tom Perry from TMCPlace.com, the Preservation Authority, talks about how to undo the effects of humidity on old movies, photos, and negatives. Yes, the is hope even in the worse cases. If you have a question for Tom, send an email to AskTom@TMCPlace.com. You might hear your question answered on the show.
It's all this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!
Fisher opens the show with comments received about his mother's 1947 (mis?)adventure, stowing away on a luxury liner to Hawaii. Then, he'll have a remarkable tale out of St. Louis about a man who has allegedly hijacked a family's heritage for attention and profit. Who is this man, what has he been doing, and how has his story been falling apart? Fisher will explain.
Guest Kenyatta Berry, one of the hosts of the PBS Series "Genealogy Road Show" joins Fisher in segment 2, talking about the upcoming revamp of "Roots." She explains how she wound up on "Genealogy Road Show" almost by accident, how it has changed her life, and her favorite experience with the show so far.
Kenyatta then speaks to the great misconception that African-American records begin with the census of 1870, the first after the Civil War and Emancipation. She talks about records that often date back long before that involve both the slaves and the slaveholders, and how slaveholder descendants are often helpful in the search for black ancestors. She also talks about the powerful effect on people discovering records showing their ancestors in bondage, and how she has had to manage those emotions herself.
Then, Tom Perry, the Preservation Authority from TMCPlace.com, returns for more on preservation of damaged photos, film, slides, and negatives. Can they be saved? As always, Tom has great advice.
That's this week on Extreme Genes!
Fisher opens the show with a bit of his own family history. In 1947, his mother, Marquita Olsen, was one of four young women who stowed away on a luxury liner to Hawaii! The newspapers reported they had attended a send off party on ship and while walking around touring the ship, the next thing they knew, they were on their way to Honolulu! But Fisher's mother told a very different version, suggesting they were very much "intentional" stowaways. Fisher's mother passed five years ago, but he decided to see if he could locate one of the remaining three, even though they would be very elderly, to see if they could clarify the details. Of course, he did! He recorded his visit with Terry Chaffee, age 90, initially for his own purposes, but decided it was plenty juicy enough to share with his Extreme Genes family.
One time stowaway, Terry Chaffee, then visits with Fisher about the details of who the girls went to see off from the wharf at San Francisco and how they wound up out at sea, while another stowaway was in the brig! Fisher learns details he never knew before, with an understanding of just why his mother had held back a few things!
Terry Chaffee continues in Segment 3 talking about their arrival in Hawaii, how they were treated, how they obtained shelter, food, and clothing, etc., how they got home, and the aftermath of their adventure that brought them attention from the national press, but also the FBI!
See some of the memorabilia from this crazy event posted on ExtremeGenes.com.
Tom Perry, the Preservation Authority from TMCPlace.com, wraps up the show talking audio preservation in Segments 4 & 5.
That's this week, on Extreme Genes!
Fisher opens the show with more family history memorabilia discovered on eBay. The 1887 ribbons of the Veteran Firemen's Association, a group to which his great-grandfather belonged, have arrived, and now he has found DVDs of old movies from the 1940s in which his mother appeared an an extra! Fisher also answers a listeners question about doing DNA tests on bits of hair left between the pages of a family Bible. Can it be done? Fisher has the answer! In Family Histoire News, Fisher informs us that the 1977 mini-series "Roots" may be making a comeback in a whole new form. Also, Springfield, Illinois has honored hometown hero Abraham Lincoln with a recreation of his funeral, featuring pallbearers who are descendants of the originals!
Then, Jill Kirby, a native of Southampton, England, shares with us what she has learned about her great uncle, a crewman on the Titanic! Alfred Albert White survived the disaster, but not by taking the place of a passenger. Hear his remarkable tale of survival.
Nick Baum, creator of Storyworth.com, visits the show. If you don't know about this, Fisher strongly recommends you look into it. Nick's product is the ideal Mother's Day Gift, and he's offering a 20% discount for Extreme Genes listeners only... and yes it does apply after Mother's Day! Here's the link to get it: Storyworth.com/promo/extreme.
Tom Perry, the Preservation Authority returns, with news about Cinematize, the important software for editing your home videos. He'll also share some important advice about preserving your old audio tapes.
That's all this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!
Fisher is at it again! He opens the show with his latest case... identifying a birth mother through "triangulation" with DNA tests. Sounds tricky. How does it work? Fisher will explain. Then on Family Histoire News, an English couple will soon become the newlyweds with the oldest combined age ever! Just how old are we talking? Wait til you hear. Then, a woman has been reunited with the mother that never gave her up 49 years ago. How did they become separated and how did they reconnect? It's a touching story. Plus a 97-year-old woman has received a 125-year-old letter from her grandfather! Fisher will explain how it turned up, what it said, and what it means to the writer's granddaughter.
Then Jim Braat joins the show from the Family History Research Group, Probate Genealogy Specialists. Jim has helped tons of people inherit money, often from strangers. His work has led him to research Nazi death camp records and other remarkable archives. His stories will amaze you.
Stan Lindaas from HeritageConsulting.com returns to take us back to a basic... digitized newspapers. Fisher says newspapers and DNA are the two greatest tools of our age for family history. Hear what Stan has to say about why you need to these images and how little it can cost you.
Plus, Tom Perry from TMCPlace.com is back to talk about recovering "moldy" videos. Possible? It always is with Tom!
That's all this week on Extreme Genes- America's Family History Show.
Fisher opens the show with the sad news that this week is the final week of Who Do You Think You Are for this season. But also the exciting news that Turn: Washington's Spy Ring has returned to AMC... a great program set in occupied Long Island and New York during the Revolution. And in "Family Histoire News," Julia Bell of Plymouth, England has found her grandfather. You'll be amazed at how much she put into locating him and his family! Fisher also shares his latest family history relic find from eBay.
Then, nationally-recognized "genealogy adventurer" Megan Smolenyak talks about her discovery that EVERYONE has a wrong grandparent for Hillary Clinton in on-line trees. She explains the reason for this and the implications to ALL of us concerning how we post our research results. You won't want to miss this segment.
Then, Ancestry ProGenealogists.com researcher Gordon Remington visits to talk about those pesky "lines" to Adam and Eve. A lot of people have them, but what should we make of them? Should this lines be framed, or tossed?! Gordon will tell you.
Then Tom Perry with some alarming concerns about a key software company for preservation, and what you should do about removing photos from those sticky '70s-era albums.
A lot of good stuff again... this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!
Fisher opens the show with some fascinating "Family Histoire" news. First, Spain is embracing its Sephardic Jewish heritage which was driven out by the Spanish Inquisition in 1492. They are opening doors to all who can prove their Sephardic lineage, resulting in Jews around the world researching their Spanish heritage. Then, it was an amazing discovery, just in time for the 150th anniversary of the conclusion of the Civil War. A Virginia minister made the find after being asked to memorialize a slave, the only civilian killed at the last big battle of the Civil War at Appomattox Court House. Wait until you hear what he learned about her!
Then, super-blogger Randy Seaver of Geneamusings joins the show to talk about crowdsourcing your research. It's an idea he learned can bring free research assistance from anywhere in the world. As usual, Randy has a great story to go along with it. Listen in for the details.
Then, Fisher visits with Cathy Greaves Spurgeon, cousin of the late Theresa Rose Greaves. It's Cathy's first radio interview since Fisher found Theresa's next-of-kin. (She had been missing for 32 years before her remains were recently found in Utah.) Cathy remembers Theresa's childhood and brings us up to date on how the family is doing through this difficult experience.
Then, Tom Perry from TMCPlace.com answers a listener question on compatibility of your old videos, and how to get them all into the same digital format.
That's this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!
Fisher opens the show with an overview of the murder case he never imagined he would become a part of. He sets up his conversation later in the show with a New Jersey woman who was his feet on the ground on the victim's hometown. They would attempt to locate living family members thirty-two years after Theresa Rose Greaves went missing in Utah. In family histoire news, Fisher reviews the strange similarities of the remains of a soldier found in Europe, who was killed in the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, and King Richard III. And he talks about the recent passing of a 116-year-old woman who twice voted for President Obama.
In segments two and three Fisher and Debbie Veerers, a former classmate of murder victim Theresa Greaves, talk about the hunt for Theresa's family, and the efforts of the Collingswood High (NJ) School Class of '77 to fundraise for a memorial and/or scholarship fund in her name.
Afterwords, Tom Perry shares some great ideas from the National Archives on the handling of old boxes of family materials. Some of them may even be hazardous to your health! Tom will explain why.
That's all this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!
Fisher opens the show with the story of a woman whose personal research got sidetracked by documents that told her the sad story of an English housekeeper who was sacked because she became pregnant. By her husband! Tesse Boase went to work to find out what happened to the woman after losing her job. Then, the DNA study of the "closed" population of Iceland is over, and some interesting discoveries have been made that could affect our futures, and the futures of our descendants. Fisher then talks about the great find of a Minnesota woman who kept running into a piece of metal in her garden. That piece led to quite an adventure, and ultimate connection with the people she knew had to have it. What was it and what happened? Fisher will tell you.
Then, it's a rare interview with FamilySearch International CEO and President Dennis Brimhall, in two segments. Dennis is one of the great leaders in family history research, being instrumental in creating partnerships with MyHeritage.com, Ancestry, and FindMyPast, accelerating the pace by which we get digitized family records from around the world. He will tell you about where we've been, where we are now, and where we're going in the next coming years. His answers will make your jaw drop!
Then Tom Perry from TMCPlace.com returns to talk about what to do with documents and videos when they're damaged by water or fire. And what NOT to do!
It's all this week on Extreme Genes- America's Family History Show.
Fisher opens this week's show with Family Histoire News and a fond farewell to King Richard III. Buried only a few days ago, the King gave Extreme Genes more than its fair share of stories over the past three years. No five hundred year old body could have done more. Fisher then shares the story of a slave who escaped to freedom in a more than unique way 166 years ago this weekend. Wait until you hear this one! Then... think all Celts are alike? Apparently not! DNA is revealing some very interesting things about these early Brits. And finally... a wooly mammoth may be in the works! They call it de-extinction. Fisher will tell you how they're doing it. Could a Neanderthal be far behind?
HeritageConsulting.com's Stan Lindaas is back with the most amazing revolutionary soldier pension record you've ever heard of. The soldier's story goes into great depth, with twists, turns, captures, escapes... you'll want to see this in movie form! Stan will also tell you how to find these great records.
Then it's a two-fer! Two ordinary people making extraordinary finds. Idaho's Lynda Marquez and Alabama's Heath Jones will inspire you to keep hunting!
And Tom Perry from TMCPlace.com wraps it up with simple instructions on how to get your kids and grandkids to save and edit your old videos and home movies for you!
That's this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!
Fisher opens the show with an explanation of his electrolysis experiment with two family daguerreotypes. He reveals how it went and how to do it... if you dare! He also reveals the name and age of a man from Brazil that just might make him the oldest man on the planet... perhaps ever!
David Allen Lambert of the New England Historic Genealogical Society joins the show to talk about the "Colonial Wars," those conflicts that happened on this continent in the 150 years before the Revolution. He also tells you what sources are out there to help you learn whether your ancestors were involved. There were a lot of wars! Chances are, if you have early American ancestry, your people were in the thick of things.
Joy Shiver joins us from North Carolina to talk about her amazing creation... a site called JustAJoy.com. It's the place you can go to find original family artifacts, such as family Bibles, and letters written by your ancestors. It's crazy cheap, but has already brought many unique pieces back to their family lines.
Tom Perry, our Preservation Authority from TMCPlace.com, returns to talk about audio. How to get it right when recording your grandparents, and what not to do! If you have a question for Tom, email him at AskTom@tmcplace.com!
In Fisher's opening segment, Fisher gives you a tip on searching for your ancestors using only first names. When your people aren't where they're supposed to be, this technique may solve your problem. Then, he shares a terrific story of the funniest Victorian era Christian names found by a genealogy firm in London. You'll be glad your parents didn't name you any of these things! Fisher will give you the top ten. Then, it's the "risky" business of the "banished" Irish adoptees who were sent to America after being born to single mothers in Catholic run homes. Those trying to find their birth families are having mixed experiences. Hear the full story.
Fisher's first guest is Hank Jones, writer of the series of books called "Psychic Roots- Serendipity and Intuition in Genealogy." Hank has collected these stories for decades, and he'll share a couple of them and why he thinks they're happening. And by the way, if you're new to family history research, just wait... you're more than likely to have one of these things happen, too!
AJ Jacobs of Esquire Magazine returns with an update on the upcoming "Global Family Reunion" in New York City. It keeps getting bigger, and you're going to want to be a part of it, even if you can't be in NYC! (And you can!)
Then, Fisher straightens out Tom Perry, the Preservation Authority. Tom got a little too deep in the technical pool, leaving some listeners asking for the life preserver when it comes to editing your own videos. This time, Tom couldn't make it any easier!
That's this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!
Fisher opens the show with the story of his third great grandfather. He was a substitute soldier in the War of 1812. Or was he? Listen to the unusual find from the National Archives and you decide. In "Family Histoire News," Fisher talks about the couple that has probably been married longer than anyone ever. How long was that? Wait til you hear the couple's ages. A new free site is now available that searches only family history books, county histories, and genealogical newsletters. Fisher will tell you his experience with it and tell you where to get it. A rare photo of Helen Keller is making news, and, in Illinois, if you want to visit a grave on private property, we've got good news for you. Be sure to catch the first segment of the show to find out what's happening in "Family Histoire News!"
In the next segment Jennifer Utley, Research Manager for "Who Do You Think You Are?" visits with Fisher about the new season that starts this weekend on TLC! Jennifer shares some inside info on the show you won't want to miss.
Then, blogger Kitty Cooper (blog.KittyCooper.com) talks DNA. She's crazy for it and has a great example of how you can use it to identify which one of many candidates is, in fact, your ancestor. Even if the name is "John Smith!" You might get crazy for DNA too!
And Tom Perry clears the air on editing and making usable your old videos and home movies.
That's this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!
Fisher opens the show with information about the Preserve the Pensions program which is seeking private funding to digitize and make available for free all War of 1812 pension files. In Family Histoire news, Fisher tells of a woman who just turned 106, and you won’t believe her diet staples! Also, blood from Winston Churchill is up for auction. Catch the whole story of where it came from. And, the Danish government and MyHeritage.com are releasing all kinds of “new” old records from Denmark.
In segment two, Lindsay Fulton, Genealogist from the New England Historic Genealogical Society in Boston talks about the challenges of navigating the application process of major genealogical societies like the Daughters and Sons of the American Revolution and the Mayflower Society. Want to celebrate your ancestors in this way, or simply have your research validated by independent eyes? Lindsay has some great tips.
Fisher then visits with Isabella Prete, who only started her research journey in the last couple years. And she’s already begun having those experiences that only family historians have. You won’t believe how a Scottish monk stepped in to connect her with living family back in the old country!
And Tom Perry is back with more on preservation. That’s this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!
Fisher opens the show with a quick overview of his Roots Tech experience, where over 22,000 people attended in three days. (Roots Tech is the world's largest family history conference.) In Family Histoire News, King Richard III is back in the headlines. What has he "told" researchers now? Fisher will tell you. And... it's probably the most amazing DNA story you ever will have heard, or ever will hear. Catch Fisher's summary and then read the entire article at ExtremeGenes.com
Guest Dick Eastman, of Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter, perhaps genealogy's best known blogger, shares his post- Roots Tech thoughts. Where is the business of family history taking us, and what are some of the best new products... perhaps even some we didn't know we needed?! No one knows better than Dick Eastman.
Fisher then talks to who used DNA to identify a great-great grandfather who had changed his name and never revealed his secret. You'll be amazed at how his original identity was uncovered.
Tom Perry then answers another great listener question on preservation.
It's all this week on Extreme Genes!
Fisher opens the show talking about the upcoming Roots Tech convention in Salt Lake City, Utah. First Lady Laura Bush headlines the speakers. Fisher then discusses the loss of over a million records in a fire. Where was it and what happened? He'll fill you in. The families of Hatfield and McCoy still have a lot to do with each other, but now... it's a business! What are they doing? It'll make perfect sense when you hear. Also, inmates at county jails in at least three states are indexing family history records. Fisher will tell you where and what's behind it all.
Dr. Timothy Tackett of UC Irvine then joins the show to talk about his discovery of a document on cloth that records the history of an Indian tribe! Wait till you hear how far back the records go, and just how Dr. Tackett happened to come upon it! It's a fascinating story.
Sigrid Olsen from Salem, Oregon then joins Fisher to talk about the Albany, Oregon party at which a horrible accident wiped out three families and made national headlines 91 years ago this past week. (Hint... this kind of thing could still happen today.)
Preservation authority Tom Perry from TMCPlace.com then discusses the best ways to preserve and maintain old documents.
That's this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!
Fisher opens the show with the story of a man who the government refuses to allow to pay his taxes. Why? It has everything to do with a record family historians are more than a little familiar with. Listen to the first segment to hear what it is. Fisher then reviews a list recently published by MyHeritage.com about surnames that have or are going extinct! Is one of your family names on the list?
Stan Lindaas of HeritageConsulting.com then joins the show with a remarkable illustration of how knowledge of an ancestor's occupation can change your entire perception of what his or her life was like. It will take your breath away. Stan then goes through a remarkable list of now-extinct occupations. His runs Fisher through the wringer seeing what he knows of these things. What do you know? Give it a listen! And by the way, this is the website he refers to: http://rmhh.co.uk/occup/
Fisher then visits with North Carolina's Connie Fowler. Connie recently played detective to track down a remarkable family Bible. The discovery has since led to her development of an vibrant family organization, complete with committees for family history, cemetery restoration, reunions, and who knows what else. Connie's got something for all of us to learn from... check it out!
Then Tom Perry from TMCPlace.com, our Preservation Authority, talks about recorded music performances that are now in the public domain for our free use. When putting together a wedding or anniversary video, this is great stuff to know. That's this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show.
Fisher opens the show with the latest on the strange case of Paul Fronczak, who grew up believing he had been kidnapped as a baby and then returned to his parents in Chicago. But, a 2012 DNA test revealed that Paul was not his parents' natural child. Two years later, Paul's advocates are coming close to identifying at least one of his birth families. That in itself is a strange tale! Here all about it with Fisher's Family Histoire News!
Fisher then keeps his promise to a listener who was wanting information on researching Swedish ancestors by bringing on professional researcher Kim Melchior. Kim talks about the various records available, getting your ancestors "across the pond," and historic information on points such as why so many Swedes immigrated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Kim will give you some great insight.
Then Fisher visits with a couple from North Carolina, Clarence and Carolyn Jennings. The Jennings recently discovered a 150 year old letter that revealed the fate of a family member in the Civil War... information long sought after by many Jennings researchers. Hear the authors touching words as he describes to his mother the death of his brother on the battlefield.
Finally, Tom Perry of TMCPlace.com reveals a new version of a long established software that helps you to eliminate background noises from your audio recordings. It's great news especially if you have old recordings that have distracting sounds in them.
That's all this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!
Fisher opens the show with word of the discovery of photos of third great grandparents of an American president? Who were they and is he? Fisher will tell you. Across the pond, 41 million wills dating back to 1858 are going on line! What government is making this available to you? Find out here!
Jen Allen of FamilySearch.org joins the show next to fill us in on what to expect at this year's combined Roots Tech and Federation of Genealogical Societies conventions! There's a lot happening in Salt Lake City, Utah in February, and you can participate from wherever you are, as Jen will explain. Whatever your level of experience, Jen will rev up your engines talking about classes, speakers, and demonstrations of new technologies.
Fisher then talks to Missouris Glenna Johnson about the quilt she found dating back almost seventy years, following the passing of her mother. It's turned into quite a project researching the names connected to it. Hear all about it. Then Fisher answers a listener question about the listeners DNA test... why didn't it reflect what he knew about his ancestry?
Then, Tom Perry is back from Las Vegas and the recent Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. He's pumped up about all the new techie things that family historians will now be able to put to use!
That's all this week on Extreme Genes, Family History Radio!
Fisher opens the show with fascinating news out of Boston where a box, hidden in the cornerstone of the Massachusetts State House by Paul Revere and Samuel Adams, was opened. What was in it? And what will be done with the contents? Hear all about it! Plus, funeral homes are now offering a service that could benefit survivors of deceased loved ones for generations. Find out what it is.
Then, Fisher visits with Heather Livergood of Coeur D'Alene, Idaho, who has sought her birth family for generations. One interesting twist... Heather was born in a hotel and SOLD as a baby! What did she cost her adoptive parents and how did she ultimate find her mother's birth family? Heather has the answers.
Then listener Diane Dyatt joins Fisher to talk about what DNA and digitized newspapers revealed to her about her great grandfather. He was apparently known around town for his unique invention. Diane will tell you what it is.
Then, Tom Perry from TMCPlace.com will share with you an idea for instanting preserving and backing up your videos and photos taken with your phone! Phone pix are easily taken, but also easily lost. You'll love Tom's solution.
That's this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!
Fisher opens the show with word of a new scent that’s on the market to make you smell “like a Viking!” It’s the real deal! Fisher visits with Academy Award nominee Edward James Olmos who shares his family’s remarkable path. In “Family Histoire News,” a museum in Norwich, Connecticut is lauding “Benedict Arnold… Hero!” It’s all about his contributions to the cause of freedom before turning traitor. Find out what that’s all about. And, a Seattle man recently found a box full of color slides taken on his grandparents’ 1939 honeymoon in England. You’ll want to see the links to these gorgeous pictures taken just before the outbreak of World War II.
This week’s expert guest is Judy Lucey of the New England Historic and Genealogical Society who gives some great advice about things to consider when looking at contributing your family history treasures to an institution or archive. It’s something many of us will have to think about at some point.
And Pat Mulso of Minnesota has solved a 164-year-old family mystery. In 1850 a baby was left in the temporary care of a priest in New York. When they returned, the priest and the baby were gone. No one ever learned the fate of that baby… until now. Hear Pat’s remarkable story!
Preservation Authority, Tom Perry, talks home movies in answer to a listener question.
Fisher has more news on the corpse of King Richard III. The modern day discovery of his body under a parking lot was well timed, as a CT scan and a 3D printer have revealed something people had only guessed about in the past. Learn what it is.
Guest Daniel Swalm of Minnesota will get you looking through your database to find out… could your grandmother have died without her American citizenship as his did? He’ll tell you about the obscure law he discovered and the path that led him to the floor of the United States Senate! This is a truly amazing tale!
Family history super sleuth Ron Fox returns to talk about “collecting” your ancestors and finding their memorabilia on places like eBay! Both Fisher and Ron have done it, and you can too!
Preservation Authority Tom Perry from TMCPlace.com returns with news of the latest invention to make your outdoor family reunion safer. You’ll be amazed at what it is! He’ll also fill you in on the latest news surrounding 3D printers.
Fisher opens the show a great question from a listener about displaying and preserving a century old passport, and who to trust with the project. Hear Fisher's answer as it could apply to many projects. Then, in Family Histoire News, excitement is brewing in New England, where a time capsule left by Paul Revere and Samuel Adams is likely to be opened soon!
Then, Col. Gail Halvorsen, best known as "The Berlin Candy Bomber" joins the show to talk about how his one little act of kindness resulted in hope for the besieged people of West Berlin in the 1940s. It's an intriguing story right from the mouth of the 94-year-old Halvorsen who remembers it all like it was yesterday. (This should remind you to interview your senior relatives to capture their family stories.)
Then, Tom Perry, the Preservation Authority from TMCPlace.com, talks "room deadening," and mic technique with Fisher to help give you the technical outcome everyone hopes for when recording interviews with family members.
That's this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!
Fisher opens the show with an amazing story about a holiday incident in his family in the 1960s. In Family Histoire news, a new study of Viking DNA reveals that Vikings wives may have played a more "hands on" role in their conquests than previous known. Also, the Vikings are now believed to have settled on particular island city that you are well aware of. What city was it? Listen to the story to learn more. Then, a woman in Virginia discovered a home embalming kit and some very cool records in her home that once belonged to her great grandfather. What did the records reveal and what is she doing with them? Fisher will tell you.
Then, guest Judy Russell, the Legal Genealogist, talks about the ethics of DNA research and the ongoing debate about how potentially "embarrassing" results should be handled. How do DNA secrets compare to secrets revealed by other materials? Judy will have some thoughts.
George Ott, genealogist for ProGenealogists.com, shares the stories of his interactions with stars Bob Hope and Jimmy Stewart in researching their family lines. George will also have some special techniques that could make all the difference in your research!
Tom Perry, the Preservation Authority from TMCPlace.com, will then fill you in on last minute family history Christmas gifts you can create.
That's this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!
Fisher opens the show with an exciting announcement that FamilySearch.org and Roots Magic are now utilizing MyHeritage.com's laser sharp technology to find matches on your family tree automatically. You will love what it does! Plus, paternal DNA research on the body of King Richard III shows that, perhaps, there now may be a problem with who sits on the throne of Great Britain! What's going on? Give it a listen!
Then, Tennesseans Charles and James Allison visit with Fisher about their two uncles who both served in the Navy and both wound up on the USS Arizona. Both were killed that fateful day of December 7, 1941. One of the men wrote a letter home just two months before the attack that was only recently found. It's content was a shock to the family. Hear all about it!
Then DNA pioneer Dr. Scott Woodward joins Fisher to talk about the history of DNA ancestral research and how today's techniques of matching populations around the world began. It will give you a real sense of how far we've come in just a decade and a half.
Then, Tom Perry, our Preservation Authority, joins us to talk about family history gifts for the holidays that you can still put together in time for the holidays.
That's this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!
Fisher welcomes new radio stations to the family of affiliates. News this week includes a conclusion that Hitler may have married a Jewish woman! Hear how the DNA trail of Eva Braun led to this remarkable story. Also, plans for major freeway construction has led to the discovery of remains of a 250 year old French settlement in St. Louis. And, an alumnus of Virginia Military Institute has been tracking down descendants of VMI Civil War soldiers who fought in the Battle of New Market. Find out why.
Research Authority Stan Lindaas, from HeritageConsulting.com, returns with great advice on how to break down “walls”… those lines that just can’t seem to be extended over long periods of time. Stan talks about one of his own walls, and the remarkable story behind how he cracked the case!
And Tom Perry from TMCPlace.com, our Preservation Authority, continues his discussion on reliable drives, the long term viability of various disks, and tells us about a new disk that is just around the corner that will blow your mind! He’ll also tell you what kind of drive NOT to rely on for storage.
In Fisher's opening segment, Fisher reveals that many listeners indicated they had direct ancestors who died in their teens and 20s. In Family Histoire News, Fisher talks about Jeremy Guthrie, a Japanese-American who recently pitched in the World Series for the Kansas City Royals. Guthrie was on an All-Star tour of Japan and used a day off to connect with distant cousins his family had never met. Hear how it all came together. Next was the story of a mother and daughter who both gave birth on the same day! Then, hear about the few dozen children of Civil War soldiers who are still among us, and their memories of their fathers. It's amazing to think it's even possible, but it is!
David Allen Lambert of the New England Historic Genealogical Society then joins Fisher to talk about the War of 1812. Did you know that service of only a couple of weeks could get you a pension for that war? David is loaded with great information on the war itself, as well as what records are currently available and which ones are coming on line.
Then, Andria Cranney of the General Society of Mayflower Descendants talks about the first Thanksgiving, and just what the Pilgrims actually ate! How would your Thanksgiving be with no football, and plate full of eel?! Andria's description is of a Thanksgiving like none of us have ever experienced. Make sure your kids catch this one!
Then, Tom Perry, the Preservation Authority, talks about where technology is going for preserving your digital records. Quantum Physics is now coming into play. (It's way over Fisher's head!) Wait until you hear what Tom has to say!
That's this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!
Fisher opens the show with a welcome for Extreme Genes' 23rd radio affiliate. In Family Histoire News, a young officer from Wisconsin who faced down a volley of Confederate fire at the Battle of Gettysburg was posthumously presented with the Presidential Medal of Honor by President Obama. Since he died without children at age 22, the Pentagon struggled to know who to give it to. Three distant cousins and their families attended the ceremony, with the recipient being a descendant of the officer's aunt. Read more about it and see the pictures at ExtremeGenes.com.
Since in the past week we celebrated Veteran's Day and the 25th Anniversary of the tearing down of the Berlin Wall, it was appropriate that Fisher visited with one guest who was both an American vet, and an escapee from East Germany! Hear the emotional visit with Wynn Hubrich, who talks about how his family outfoxing the Russians and all that followed their crossing to the west before they could safely make their way to the United States. Then former National Guardsman Clarence Anspake of Bellmore, Long Island, New York talks about the history of his own unit, and its history as a militia long before that. He'll share with you important information on militia histories. You might find one of your ancestors in one!
Then Tom Perry shares information on how you might be able to repair cracked disks, and fix broken VHS tapes, so they can be digitized. That's this week on Extreme Genes, Family History Radio, America's Family History Show!
Fisher opens the show with a review of the ExtremeGenes.com survey on ancestors named for famous people. The numbers were surprising! In Family Histoire News for the week, a fourth generation tightrope walker was doing what his family has done for a century... risk death for a living. This man even tightrope walked in vitro! Plus, the journals and letters of one man's father have led to a remarkable book on the first Americans to fight in World War II... before December 7, 1941! He wasn't on the battlefield. You'll have to hear this remarkable story.
Guest Stan Lindaas of HeritageConsulting.com joins the show to talk about the Great Fires (plural) of 1871. It wasn't just Chicago that burned on October 8th of that year. Two other places went up as well, at the cost of even more real estate and lives. Hear why your ancestors' deaths in these infernos aren't likely to be found in the records.
Jen Allen from FamilySearch.org is on to bring us up to date on the latest developments with this coming year's edition of RootsTech. Every year brings exciting new technology and information. Hear why you need to be planning to be in Salt Lake City, Utah in February!
And Tom Perry from TMCPlace.com, the Preservation Authority, is back with news of a new product that just may save your damaged disk, plus other suggestions on how you can salvage your valuable "diskified" data. That's all this week on Extreme Genes, Family History Radio!
Fisher opens the show explaining the complications of having been born on Halloween. He then gives poll results on whether or not you or a family member have ever had a deceased family member pay a visit. It may surprise you! In Family Histoire News... a family history researcher in Ireland has become somewhat obsessed with photographing graves in one particular county. You won't believe how many he has posted. Anderson Cooper of CNN recently did a lengthy video piece on his family history. But not so much the Vanderbilt side as you would suspect. It was his father's. It's a great piece that any geni can appreciate. Check it out at ExtremeGenes.com.
Fisher then talks to first guest Craig McMillan of Lindquist Mortuaries in Utah. Craig gives a history of the industry, talks about embalming... how long does the preservation really last... and what records you might expect to find at your local mortuary. It's dead on (pun intended!) for Halloween!
Then listener Sigrid Olsen from Salem, Oregon talks about how she uses Pinterest to remember her late mother, who died when Sigrid was a young woman. It's another great way to go for many people looking for a way to share their memories.
Tom Perry, the Preservation Authority returns to talk about how to repair your damaged disks... CDs, DVDs, etc. Yes, sometimes they are salvageable! Tom will explain. He also talks about how you can repair damaged videotapes at your home as well.
That's this week on Extreme Genes... America's Family History Show!
Fisher opens the show in shock over the results of a poll about ancestral couples who were 20 years apart in age or more. Hear the results! He also shares an email about a man's cop ancestor who later arrested a man who became his grandfather! In Family Histoire News, This Old House has an amazing gallery of items found during the renovation of old homes. Find the link at ExtremeGenes.com. And, one of the last daughter's of a Confederate slave has passed. Mattie Rice made a remarkable discovery about her father and spent much of her life trying to prove it. Find out what it was.
Guest AJ Jacobs of Esquire Magazine returns to update us on plans for next June's Largest Family Reunion Ever! (And EVERYONE is invited!) Entertainment, speakers, and games at New York's 1964 World's Fair Grounds. You'll want to be part of it! AJ will tell you how.
Then, Marsha Noland-Bergman of Independence, Missouri joins us to tell us about her discovery of a 19th century cousin of hers, who, at 9-years-old led a posse to capture a member of the Jesse James gang. Why we she doing this and how did the effort turn out? You'll want to hear this!
Then, Tom Perry, our Preservation Authority from TMCPlace.com answers another question about some very special software you're going to want to know about.
That's this week on Extreme Genes, Family History Radio... America's Family History Show!
Fisher opens the show with news of an exhibit in New York of one particular Chinese-American family, and the trials they have overcome as they became part of mainstream America. Also... European "heritage travel" is becoming a booming business in places like Scandinavia and Scotland. Want to take reindeer herding lessons to commemorate your heritage? They're waiting for you!
Then... while a lot of family history can take years... even a lifetime... to find, we sometimes forget some items are just underneath our noses! Phil Devitt, a news editor in Fall River, Massachusetts recently learned that as he found his great grandfather's police journal for 1921. Phil describes what triggered his interest in his law enforcing ancestor and how the journal wound up in his hands.
Then, Heath Jones, our friend from "Task Force History" in Alabama returns. He and his friends have been searching the property his family has owned for over 150 years for artifacts left behind by his ancestors. Last time they found a Civil War era ring. What did they come up with this time? Heath will fill us in.
Tom Perry, our Preservation Authority returns to answer a listener's question about repairing warped disks. It is possible! Tom will tell you how, as well as give you some great ideas on family history Christmas gifts that you'll want to get started on right now.
That's this week on America's Family History Show... Extreme Genes.
This week, Fisher leads off with news of the discovery of another piece of rare footage... the 1924 World Series! Where was it found and how good are the images? He'll tell you. Plus... if you've ever wondered what it would be like to taste bread the way the Pilgrims tasted it, now you can! Fisher will tell you where to have the experience.
Then, Senior Genealogist at ProGenealogists.com, Gordon Remington, visits to talk about how the dead really communicate with us... through probate records. We all know about wills, but there are lots of other records that tell us about who and what our dead left behind. This is likely to be a real eye opener to a lot of family historians, so be sure to listen!
And, Preservation Authority Tom Perry from TMCPlace.com talks about the potential for storing data using QR codes.
That's this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!
Fisher shares his Family Histoire News, which notes that GenealogyBank.com and FamilySearch.org are teaming up to index a BILLION obituaries as soon as possible. Fisher explains how you can be part of the project.
Blaine Bettinger of Syracuse, New York recently responded to the article in Vox posted last week that essentially blames 23andme for the breakup of the family of one of their customers. Blaine's article, in the GeneticGenealogist, refutes many of the points made in the Vox commentary. It's a fascinating debate. Listen to what Blaine has to say, and find the links to both pieces at ExtremeGenes.com
Michael LeClerc from Mocavo.com joins us to tell us about the benefits of their site. It's free, and does something no one else does! You'll want to hear this conversation. It can change your course of your research journey.
Then, Tom Perry has an amazing example of the "hummingbird effect." And he'll also share with you the proper way to use your thumb drives. Some people have an entirely wrong idea about these awesome little tools. That's all this week on Extreme Genes!
Fisher opens the show with a great family story about his wife's uncle, a cell phone, and a funeral! In Family Histoire News for this week, Fisher tells you about Laura Berry of BBC 1 and her list of Top 10 Family History Apps. We guarantee you don't know them all! Then, a man in Michigan went to digitize old home movies belonging to his grandparents from 1941. You won't believe what they saw, and who wanted to have it.
Mimi McDonald-Hartnett of New Jersey joins the show to tell her story of a house cleaning. The home, in Jersey City, New Jersey had once belonged to her late grandparents, and most recently belonged to her late aunt. Mimi and her sisters went to work cleaning after the aunt died and started making family history discoveries that have greatly deepened their ties to their past.
Then, Anna Swayne and Matthew Deighton of Ancestry.com talk about the Ancestry features that are just about to disappear forever. What are they? Will you be affected? Better listen... and fast!
Then Tom Perry from TMCPlace.com, the preservation authority answers a fascinating question. Why is it a DVD or CD can be more easily damaged from the TOP side of the disk? You'll want to know.
Fisher's "Family Histoire" news this week covers two people who have had a struggle with their family history discoveries. The first is Barbara Haney from North Pole, Alaska (honest!). As an American she found out her ancestors were on the wrong side of things in the War of 1812. Find out why she struggled with this find and how she came to terms with it. The second is a man who calls himself "George Doe." George took a DNA test, and like many of us, expected wonderful and interesting things to happen. The interesting things did happen... but they weren't wonderful. Read his warning about DNA tests and find out what happened to his family as a result of his results!
In segments two and three, husband and wive team Alison Moore and Phil Lancaster tell us about the remarkable child relocation program called "The Orphan Train," which ran out of New York City all over the country for 75 years. One in six Americans descend from a rider on these trains. Whether or not you are one of them, you will find this story amazing.
Then, Tom Perry from TMCPlace.com returns to talk about various disk types and what you must know to have the best chance of preserving your finds and one-of-a-kind photos for the long haul.
That's this week on Extreme Genes, Family History Radio!
This week Fisher opens with information of concern for Ashkenazi Jewish women from the New York Times. Since most Jewish women in the US are Ashkenazi, the article warns they need to be tested for the genetic mutation that is associated with high rates of breast and ovarian cancer. Studies show that such women are at high risk for carrying the so called "BRCA" gene, made famous by Angelina Jolie last year, when she opted for a double mastectomy because the chance of her getting breast cancer was so high. Next, Fisher shares the story of a British man who fulfilled the wish of his dying father by locating the second family of his bigamist grandfather in Australia, including his father's half sister.
Fisher then does two segments with Rick Turley, the Assistant Historian and Recorder for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Mormons have collected family history material since the 1890s, including microfilms by the millions, and now digitized materials. What can we learn from how the LDS Church preserves their priceless and valuable records? Rick will have some important advice you'll want to pay close attention to.
Then, Tom Perry, our Preservation Authority, weighs in on other areas of concern. It's all about preservation, this week on Extreme Genes, Family History Radio!
Fisher opens by talking about his recent experience at the FGS Conference in San Antonio. In "Family Histoire News" he tells us about what is believed to be the biggest hurricane in New England history. When did it hit? 1635! Hear what is known about the largest hurricane no one has ever heard of. Then, Fisher has the story of the discovery of cave that may prove that Neanderthals may have been able to create art!
Guest Janet Hovorka joins the show from FamilyChartmasters.com. Janet has been gathering information on studies that demonstrate the effect of family history knowledge on the IQs and emotional growth of children. You'll be amazed at what she has to say.
Then, Shawn Harvey of Cincinnati, Ohio visits with Fisher about a scene that made his blood boil. He watched as a man tossed a shadowbox into a dumpster. Learn what was in that shadowbox and the lengths he went to to return the treasures to its rightful owner.
Then Tom Perry returns with some important advice on scanning your old photos, as well as news about a new invention that you are going to LOVE!
That's this week on Extreme Genes, Family History Radio!
Fisher begins the show with the latest on what the body of King Richard III has revealed. Found under a British parking lot just two years ago, the 500-year-old corpse is the scientists' gift that keeps on giving! Fisher then discusses the latest on cemetery business. With so many now reaching capacity they're now finding new ways to cash in on our collective demise. Some may just surprise you!
Stan Lindaas is back from HeritageConsulting.com with some important advice for anyone on the family history trail... "Don't judge a book by it's cover!" He once picked up a cook book at an estate sale, and wait til you hear what was in it concerning his family.
Jenn Utley from Ancestry.com returns to talk about her experience as an expert guest on Who Do You Think You Are? She played a key role in uncovering Kelsey Grammer's past and then sharing it with him on camera.
Tom Perry from TMCPlace.com then gives a great lesson on how to shoot video in a way that makes it easy to edit when you're done.
In segment one, Fisher's Family Histoire News covers the research results covering an 18th century boat found under the World Trade Center four years ago. You'll be amazed what researchers were able to learn about this 200 year old ship! Plus, the odds were ridiculous. Find out about a young girl who drew the name of an Englishman who was killed in World War I, and learned he was her great great great uncle!
Fisher visits with guest Chris Tomlinson about the first family history he ever wrote. (It just made the New York Times Bestsellers list!) "Tomlinson Hill" tracks Chris' ancestry back to his great great grandparents who were slave owners in Texas. He then followed the history of the "white Tomlinsons" as well as the "black Tomlinsons," descendants of the slaves his ancestors owned. Those descendants include football great Ladainian Tomlinson. He discusses the differences in the course of these families through the years and how this creates a broader view of race relations today.
Then Tom Perry, Preservation Authority from TMCPlace.com, returns. He and Fisher share insights into the best ways to get the best stories out of your senior family members... and some are a little sneaky!
Fisher opens with a recap of this week's episode of Who Do You Think You Are? featuring Modern Family's Jesse Tyler Ferguson. (Once again, an ancestor was accused of a crime!) Rachel McAdams is featured this week. In this week's "Family Histoire News..." With the centennial of the start of World War I, a lot of new resources for researching your ancestor, as well as books about the experiences are out. Fisher talks about "Wyndham's War," from the diaries of a British man who was vacationing in Germany when the war began, and was held there for four years. Also, New York Mayor Bill DeBlasio is visiting his ancestral hometowns in Italy, and are they rolling out the red carpet! (If you've ever taken that kind of trip, you'll be SO jealous of the treatment!)
Then, our guest for two full segments is 89 year old Ralph Gates. Ralph's father served in World War I and shares some of his story. Ralph himself served in World War II. As a teenager, he was assigned to work on the Manhattan Project! What was his role? How did he feel about how the war ended? We talk about it all with Ralph Gates.
Tom Perry from TMCPlace.com is back to answer your preservation questions.
That's this week on Extreme Genes, Family History Radio!
Fisher reveals survey results of the question on your oldest heirlooms. "How old are they?!" Find out in the first segment. In Family Histoire News, Fisher reports on the first episode of this season's "Who Do You Think You Are?" on TLC. "Sex and the City" star Cynthia Nixon learns about her ancestral past. Also, a DNA study may be adding another branch to the Parker family. That same family that settled in Texas in the 1830s, and whose daughter became the mother of a Comanche chief! You'll love this story! And, a 150 year old photo has emerged of the woman who was stranded behind enemy lines... in Virginia... in the Civil War, and became the housemaid to the First Family of the Confederacy!
Tom Kelleher, curator of Old Sturbridge Village in Massachusetts, joins Fisher to talk about the myths about early America we've generally come to accept. He has a debunking answer for most all of them. Everything from people's height to why houses had no closets, longevity... you name it... is on the list. You'll want to hear it!
Then, Erica Vetsch, an author, shares some amazing facts about 19th century photography. You'll find out why you, too, would have looked so glum being photographed in those days, and the risks incurred by photographers and why they took them. It's more good stuff!
Tom Perry from TMCPlace.com gets into more detail on getting great audio when recording your grandparents and older relatives. Episode 52 is waiting for you now!
Fisher opens the show with an explanation of his electrolysis experiment with two family daguerreotypes. He reveals how it went and how to do it... if you dare! He also reveals the name and age of a man from Brazil that just might make him the oldest man on the planet... perhaps ever!
David Allen Lambert of the New England Historic Genealogical Society joins the show to talk about the "Colonial Wars," those conflicts that happened on this continent in the 150 years before the Revolution. He also tells you what sources are out there to help you learn whether your ancestors were involved. There were a lot of wars! Chances are, if you have early American ancestry, your people were in the thick of things.
Joy Shiver joins us from North Carolina to talk about her amazing creation... a site called JustAJoy.com. It's the place you can go to find original family artifacts, such as family Bibles, and letters written by your ancestors. It's crazy cheap, but has already brought many unique pieces back to their family lines.
Tom Perry, our Preservation Authority from TMCPlace.com, returns to talk about audio. How to get it right when recording your grandparents, and what not to do! If you have a question for Tom, email him at AskTom@tmcplace.com!
Fisher continues Extreme Genes' first anniversary month with two stories about boys photographed in dresses around the turn of the last century. Family Histoire News includes the release of over 1,000 love letters from one time President Warren G. Harding to his mistress! The oldest living American is now 116. The braids of a uniformed British Naval Officer that were cut from his uniform when he was tended to after losing his arm in World War I has been returned to the family. Wait til you hear the story behind this one! Plus, students in Britain find the 1,700 year old bodies of a family of Romans! It may change the narrative of those early times.
Jennifer Utley from Ancestry.com talks about that company's recent release of prison records. What times and places do they cover and what can we expect to find in them? Listen to find out.
And the guys who call themselves "Task Force History" in Alabama come on to talk about their latest find. What was it? And where was it found? And what happened when they presented it to a family member? We'll have the whole story.
Plus, Tom Perry from TMCPlace.com talks about how to shoot better photos and videos. That's why he's the "Preservation Authority!"
Fisher ushers in July and the first anniversary of Extreme Genes! Fisher shares something new he learned in the past week... how to tell if that child in the dress from the 19th and early 20th centuries is a boy or a girl! And just why did boys wear dresses? There was actually a very good reason for it. He'll explain.
Guest Craig Scott, CEO of Heritage Books, then gives some incite on sources for investigating your Revolutionary War ancestors. There are stories waiting to be found!
Then listener Suzanne Anderson talks about her research journey into her grandparents-in-law, their escape from Russia, and what she learned they left behind!
Tom Perry, our Preservation Authority from TMCPlace.com returns to give you some more ideas on that new camcorder... including one that you can use underwater! Some even now have built in WiFi!
Fisher’s Family Histoire News talks about a real life “Saving Private Ryan” family. Only they weren’t American. And it wasn’t in World War II. He’ll tell you all about it. Plus, there is one nation in the world with solid family records going back over a thousand years, minimal immigration, and a population that generally came from the same place. No research challenge there! But geneticists love this place. Fisher will tell you just what country we’re talking about.
Family memorabilia can often lead us on a journey through a family’s history. Stan Lindaas of HeritageConsulting.com returns to tell us the remarkable story about the journey of a locket of hair from Ludwig von Beethoven, and the family that owned it. Stan did some of the research on this project, and you’ll want to hear it.
Just about anyone who has ever started a family history research project can tell you, rarely does it go in the direction you expect. It was certainly that way for Janet Lancaster of Modesto, California who was asked to dig up just a few, simple facts on a prominent citizen of Modesto from the 19th Century. Both Janet and the town were astonished at what she learned! You’ll enjoy both the story and learning about the process.
Tom Perry, our Preservation Authority from TMCPlace.com returns to talk about your best options in a digital video camera, and to answer a listener question about preserving her great grandparents’ “courting” letters.
Fisher’s Family Histoire News covers the passing of the last of the 29 original Navajo Code Talkers, whose unique code was never broken by the Japanese in World War II. Plus, the original words to what became our National Anthem have been reunited with the flag the inspired them. Learn where you can see this remarkable display.
Photo expert Ron Fox returns to the show. Ron was on just a few weeks ago talking about collecting things relating to your ancestors. Fisher took his advice and, recognizing he was letting an opportunity slip away, went to work. The result was a haul of family history treasures, some dating back over 160 years, that left him speechless. Fisher and Fox discuss the particulars and how you could potentially do the same thing.
Dr. Mark Shriver from Penn State then joins the show by phone to discuss his experiments into how DNA might one day soon be able to “predict” your ancestor’s face! Sounds like science fiction, but Dr. Shriver says not so.
And Tom Perry, the Preservation Authority from TMCPlace.com shocks Fisher with an answer to a listener question about how to get at your grandparents’ old movies. Tom then gives important contact information to assure you get proper permissions for use of copyrighted materials when using them in family history presentations.
Fisher talks to a Michigan woman about the discovery in Wales of something that once belonged to her late father who served in World War II and the invasion of Normandy.
DNA is the big thing these days in identifying long deceased ancestors as well as unknown living relatives. Fisher talks with guest Bennett Greenspan, President of FamilyTreeDNA.com, about how it all came about.
The other great family history tool of the 20th century is digitized newspapers. Fisher visits with Tom Trynisky, a New York man who has devoted years of his life to providing us access to over 27 million digitized newspaper pages, most dealing with New York City and State… all on his dime and time. If you’ve had ancestors that came out of New York, you’ll want to visit Trynisky’s site… FultonHistory.com. It’ll cost you nothing!
Preservation Authority Tom Perry, from TMCPlace.com, is back to talk about staying legal in your family reunion plans. Got a question for Tom? Email him here, at AskTom@tmcplace.com.
Fisher has more news on the corpse of King Richard III. The modern day discovery of his body under a parking lot was well timed, as a CT scan and a 3D printer have revealed something people had only guessed about in the past. Learn what it is.
Guest Daniel Swalm of Minnesota will get you looking through your database to find out… could your grandmother have died without her American citizenship as his did? He’ll tell you about the obscure law he discovered and the path that led him to the floor of the United States Senate! This is a truly amazing tale!
Family history super sleuth Ron Fox returns to talk about “collecting” your ancestors and finding their memorabilia on places like eBay! Both Fisher and Ron have done it, and you can too!
Preservation Authority Tom Perry from TMCPlace.com returns with news of the latest invention to make your outdoor family reunion safer. You’ll be amazed at what it is! He’ll also fill you in on the latest news surrounding 3D printers.
Episode 45/ First aired 6/7/14
Fisher talks about learning of the auction of a silver 1776 “Continental Dollar” that sold in New York. It is believed to have been created to experiment in the creation of “American” currency, an important issue if the United States was to be recognized as an independent nation. Learn how much the coin went for and why Fisher has a special interest in this unique coin. Fisher visits with former Munsters star, Pat Priest… “Marilyn”… about her family’s special history, which, coincidentally involved ties to American currency. In Family Histoire News this week, the National Archives have digitized unique “Artistic Family Records,” from the post-Revolutionary era. Hear why they were created. (Maybe your ancestors left one behind for you to find!) And, King Richard III is back in the news! Hear what the British High Court has had to say about who can do what with his body.
Guest Janet Horvorka from FamilyChartMasters.com talks about the challenges of sharing family history with other family members when “skeletons” are present. In the first half of her visit, she addresses the challenges of dealing with the living, and their close kin, who may have an embarrassing past. In the second part, she talks about writing about the dead. If you’re preparing a history of your family, you’re going to want to hear this great advice!
Tom Perry from TMCPlace.com, our Preservation Authority, answers another listener question. To submit your questions, email AskTom@TMCPlace.com.
Fisher opens the show with word of a new scent that’s on the market to make you smell “like a Viking!” It’s the real deal! Fisher visits with Academy Award nominee Edward James Olmos who shares his family’s remarkable path. In “Family Histoire News,” a museum in Norwich, Connecticut is lauding “Benedict Arnold… Hero!” It’s all about his contributions to the cause of freedom before turning traitor. Find out what that’s all about. And, a Seattle man recently found a box full of color slides taken on his grandparents’ 1939 honeymoon in England. You’ll want to see the links to these gorgeous pictures taken just before the outbreak of World War II.
This week’s expert guest is Judy Lucey of the New England Historic and Genealogical Society who gives some great advice about things to consider when looking at contributing your family history treasures to an institution or archive. It’s something many of us will have to think about at some point.
And Pat Mulso of Minnesota has solved a 164-year-old family mystery. In 1850 a baby was left in the temporary care of a priest in New York. When they returned, the priest and the baby were gone. No one ever learned the fate of that baby… until now. Hear Pat’s remarkable story!
Preservation Authority, Tom Perry, talks home movies in answer to a listener question.
Episode 43 first aired 5/24/14
Fisher's Family Histoire News talks about the discovery of the wreck of Columbus' flagship, the Santa Maria. Could it be true? What will it teach us about what really happened in 1492? Plus, an Oregon man has received a postcard mailed to his great grandmother in 1940 by a relative! How was it lost? How was it found? It's a fascinating tale. Fisher also chats with former Monkee drummer/singer Micky Dolenz about his family history.
Nick Baum, founder of StoryWorth.com talks about the founding of this remarkable web site that will help you assemble the stories of your seniors in a way that just might surprise you by its simplicity. Give Nick's visit a listen.
Listener Kelly MacFarlane then talks about his remarkable heirloom pickup... an 1838 sampler created by an ancestor that became an oil rag! The sampler cryptically maps out the names of family members. You won't believe how it survived and how he obtained it! Check out the photo.
And Tom Perry, Preservation Authority extraordinaire, answers more of your questions.
On this weeks show, Fisher shares the news of two new podcast apps now available free in your Android or iPhone store. Twin sisters have reunited after 78 of separation. We’ll have the happy story for you. Letters written from the European Theater in the heat of battle in World War II have been found in a storage locker and returned to the man’s son. Hear how it all came about. Fisher also gets a family history story out of Charles Fleischer, the voice of Roger Rabbit. You won’t believe this guy’s background!
Kathy Kirkpatrick of gentracer.com and Adrian Benjamin Burke, a New York researcher, talk about what’s happening in Italian ancestry research in 2014, with some great stories from the trail. And, you’ll meet Hyrum Veach… expert genealogist… when he’s not in elementary school! Hear what this 12-year-old has to say. (He’s already been at it for five years!)
Preservation Authority Tom Perry has filled you in on disks the last few weeks… now… what’s the best format your needs? He’ll tell you. And Fisher tells you the breathtaking story he uncovered of a man he knew as a boy… a friend of his parents… who served in counter-intelligence in World War II.
Fisher visits with Star Wars actor Jeremy Bullock about his ancestry. This week's “Family Histoire News” talks about eight World War II vets who have finally been recognized as true POWs. Learn why it took 70 years for these men to receive this recognition. Also… virtually all early Irish census records are coming on line. Unfortunately, it doesn’t amount to what any Irish descendant would hope for. We’ll explain. And, a man has written a book about three generations of his family and their lives in what became East Germany.
Guest Steve Young, producer of the show “Our American Family” on numerous PBS stations talks about the show’s development and growth. Fisher talks about what a great job it does in showing how family’s can get their seniors to share great stories from the past.
Guest Valerie Atkisson, who can best be described as a family history artist, talks about how moving around the country grounded her to her ancestry much more than any single place. This led to her connecting with her ancestors through art. She gives advice on what families can do to use art to draw children into an appreciation of their heritage and ancestry. Visit her website at valerieatkisson.com
Tom Perry from TMCPlace.com is back with more great advice on preserving your families memories and treasures.
Fisher visits with Butch Patrick, better known as “Eddie Munster.” Butch has made a most ironic family history find and tells Fisher all about it. Fisher’s “Family Histoire” news takes us to England where a virtual “time capsule” full of effects of a fallen soldier will soon be on display to help recognize the 100th anniversary of the start of World War I. Hear what was among the soldiers belongings.
Also, might some of your Civil War ancestors’ possessions be found where a shopping mall will soon be built? Hear about the race against time for one group of archaeologists. Plus, a 200 year old handwritten recipe book has been found, researched, and now returned to a descendant of the original owner.
Claire Brissen-Banks of TimelessGen.com tells us all about “Forensic Genealogy.” What is it? How could it impact your life? Claire will explain.
Suzanne Hansen, an Extreme Genes listener, shares the remarkable finds she has made following a lengthy quest in Pennsylvania. You won’t believe the haul of family history memorabilia she now possesses!
Episode 39 aired 4-27-14
Fisher has some incredible stories in this episode. Imagine a stranger knocking at your door to tell you the grandfather who died before you were born had left a message… 101 years ago! It happened in Germany. Fisher shares the amazing details. Plus, a Red Cross worker sketched soldiers in Holland in 1945. Photos of roughly 100 of those sketches were recently found by family, and an effort is now on to locate descendants of these World War II heroes. We’ll tell you where to find out more. Could one be of your ancestor? The Vatican Library has begun digitizing. What’s in the collection that you could soon be viewing on line? We’ll fill you in. And free Civil War records are available on line through the end of April 2014. Who? Where? Remain calm! It’s right in the podcast.
Guest John Mitzel from New Hampshire joins the show and explains how he never was able to get his late father to adequately share his stories from World War II. Hear how John would not be defeated, and went about making friends with his dad’s old friends, and hear some of the stories they told about the 781st Tank Battalion!
Then, Chicago’s Thomas MacEntee introduces us to genealogical cruises. There are such things! What do you do on one? Where do you go? Who does them? Find out as Fisher visits with Thomas.
And lastly, Tom Perry, the Preservation Authority from TMCPlace.com returns to tell you about why you want to use external hard drives to store your most important data, and how to take care of them.
Fisher welcomes new radio stations to the family of affiliates. News this week includes a conclusion that Hitler may have married a Jewish woman! Hear how the DNA trail of Eva Braun led to this remarkable story. Also, plans for major freeway construction has led to the discovery of remains of a 250 year old French settlement in St. Louis. And, an alumnus of Virginia Military Institute has been tracking down descendants of VMI Civil War soldiers who fought in the Battle of New Market. Find out why.
Research Authority Stan Lindaas, from HeritageConsulting.com, returns with great advice on how to break down “walls”… those lines that just can’t seem to be extended over long periods of time. Stan talks about one of his own walls, and the remarkable story behind how he cracked the case!
And Tom Perry from TMCPlace.com, our Preservation Authority, continues his discussion on reliable drives, the long term viability of various disks, and tells us about a new disk that is just around the corner that will blow your mind! He’ll also tell you what kind of drive NOT to rely on for storage.
Episode 37 Originally Aired 04/13/14
Fisher talks about how some listeners got “got” on April Fools’ Day and innocently tried to share the news with Extreme Genes listeners. Hear what one story said and where it came from! Fisher also has a source of common baby names and what they really mean. If you’re naming a child anytime soon, you may want to listen! Would you ever rely on information three-quarters of a century old to solve your 21st Century problems? One British woman did. Listen to how she solved her obesity and financial problems with a pamphlet from World War II!
Guest Judy Russell, “The Legal Genealogist,” joins the show. In her first segment, she explains how it is that our family stories are typically lost forever in just three generations. She’ll also tell you what you can do about it. She lays out her case brilliantly… just like the attorney she is. In her second segment, Judy explains what legal traps we need to avoid as family history researchers and writers. The danger is real, and you won’t want to miss what she has to say.
Tom Perry from TMCPlace.com, our “Preservation Authority,” is back to talk about dos and don’ts concerning of digital storage. Think of it as your “Family History Insurance Policy.” It's real good advice you need to know!
Episode 36 aired 4/6/14
Fisher’s family history news coverage begins with a story about a new science, targeted for police work, where DNA can be used to create a “predicted” face of the suspect! Could there be applications for “genies” everywhere? Also, Yale has discovered that the man they thought was the first African-American to graduate from Yale wasn’t. How was the real “first” found? Genies everywhere will appreciate the story. Cemeteries are going GREEN! (Aren’t they already?) We’ll tell you just what that means. And… Abe Lincoln’s cryptic letter of 1860 has been “decoded.” Find out how and what it meant.
Guest Gary Boyd Roberts, a colorful and renowned family history researcher and writer makes his first appearance on the show, talking about “Gateway Ancestors,” ancestors most of us have that have proven lines to royalty. Gary says there’s more than just “snob appeal” to have royal ancestors. He’ll explain the reason you should want to know. Gary also talks about the social mobility that makes it possible for descendants of kings to be American farmers in just a few generations. You won’t want to miss it!
Tom Perry, the Preservation Authority, is back with answers to more of your questions… like how do you rescue or even copy a 19th century photo trapped in a bubble glass frame?
Episode 35 aired 3/30/14
Fisher talks about the latest science in following the migration patterns of our ancestors… “language family trees.” Find out what these trees have taught us about the origins of Native Americans, and how this technique might teach us about the migration of other ancient groups. Fisher also has the story of a Delaware man who lived a long life, but couldn’t resist leaving one final message to family and friends… his own hysterical obituary. Fisher will share some of what he wrote. Plus, what are the most disliked new baby names? With the boys, especially… there’s a pattern!
Guest Karen Zach, a coordinator for two GenWeb sites in Indiana, joins Fisher to talk about just what GenWeb sites are. They’re a gold mine of information, but cost you nothing. This could be a valuable segment for you.
Fisher reprises his conversation with Robbie from Michigan, who, in 2013, talked about some major discoveries she made after listening to Extreme Genes. Her finding was something descendants had sought for about three decades!
Plus, Tom Perry, our Preservation Authority, is back to talk about color correction when digitizing home movies and important things to know about digitizing videos at home!
Episode 34 Aired 3/23/14
On this weeks show, Fisher talks about the pending release of a new, free Extreme Genes app, to help you keep up with newly released podcasts. He also shares a story about a wedding ring, with first names, middle initials and a date found in Brooklyn, New York, and his (successful?) efforts to identify the happy (not-so-happy?) couple!
“12 Years A Slave” was a story that wasn’t on anyone’s radar, and would never have been, if not for the lifelong efforts of an unknown researcher in Louisiana. Fisher well tell you all about it. Plus, a huge release of records is coming from… Ireland! Fisher calls Dublin to get the good news for Irish Americans!
Imagine an ancestor who lived five generations ago having a major affect on the course of your life. It’s happened to Alice Keesey MeCoy, 3rd great granddaughter of abolitionist John Brown. Hear Fisher’s visit with her. Plus, Preservation Authority Tom Perry is back with his unique formulas of saving your family treasures… despite being mocked by a listener. For all of your preservation needs, you can find Tom at TMCPlace.com. You can also ask his advice or suggest future topics for his segment by sending him an email at asktom@tmcplace.com
Episode 33 originally aired 3/16/14
Fisher starts the show with a nod to last week’s visit from New England Historical Society researcher Rhonda McClure, who explained how to see if you tie into movie stars and celebrities. Fisher reels off quite a list he has learned he is related to. Plus, how much Neanderthal DNA do you have? It might be more than you think! Fisher explains from a great story on recent DNA discoveries. Plus, another big announcement concerning gravestones… this time from Find-A-Grave.com. Fisher also has a great story about a map that shows the increase and decrease in popularity of specific names over the past 90 years. Just put in the name, and watch how it has come and gone, and maybe come again!
Cyndi Ingle, founder of Cyndi’s List, America’s largest on-line family history catalog, talks about the early days of the site, how things worked then, and what it takes to keep it up-to-date today. Cyndi then talks about the future of Cyndi’s List and shares some stories from her followers about how it has helped them break down walls in their research.
Tom Perry, Extreme Genes Preservation Authority, answers a question from a listener about mold… in an old video! Can Tom save the day? Listen and find out!
Episode 32 aired 03/09/2014
On this weeks show Fisher talks about how someone’s ancestor just made one couple’s lives… by leaving them $10,000,000 in gold. Of course, he didn’t know he was doing it at the time. Plus, it was a 200 year old Dutch family Bible that somehow was “misplaced…” around 1910! Hear how it got back into the proper hands.
Rhonda McClure, researcher of the stars from the New England Historical and Genealogical Society talks about some of her interesting discoveries involving movie stars and the somewhat arduous process of finding out if you’re related to one. (Hey, they can’t put you in their will if you can’t prove you’re related!) Rhonda also talks about the NEHGS “Great Migration” project. If you even suspect you have New England blood, you’ll want to know about this.
Tom Perry, our Preservation Authority, answers a unique question from a listener about QR codes in TATTOOS? You’ll find his answer fascinating! (As well as his ideas for other QR uses.) Tom also tells you why your old taped videos need immediate attention. For all your preservation needs, visit Tom at TMCPlace.com
Episode 31 originally aired 3/2/14
Fisher tells about the discovery of the identify of a man who etched his mark on the pillars of a British mansion just before leaving to fight at Normandy. Learn the remarkable way in which he was found. Next, the chart of George Washington’s lineage was large, flowery, and beautiful when presented to President Ulysses S. Grant in 1873. It was also fraudulent! Hear who made it, why, and how he was exposed. Plus, Hudson Gunn of BillionGraves.com makes a truly genie-world changing announcement about a new partnership that we will likely all benefit from for free, in the not too distant future!
Stan Lindaas, our Extreme Genes Preservation Authority from HeritageConsulting.com shares the discovery of a remarkable story of his Civil War ancestor… one he could only find by going to where the man was held captive. If this doesn’t make you want to plan an ancestral place vacation, nothing will!
A.J. Jacobs of New York is planning the world’s largest family reunion, for New York City. It’s a Guinness thing! How many relatives need to be there and how can you play a part? A.J. has the whole thing figured out. It’s both informative and ridiculously entertaining!
And Tom Perry, our Preservation Authority from TMCPlace.com, answers a listener question (from AskTom@TMCPlace.com) and gives part two of his conversation on QR codes and Memory Medallions. Yes, there are other things they can be used for. Don’t miss this segment!
For all this and more, head to ExtremeGenes.com
Episode 30 originally aired 2/23/14
In this episode, Fisher reveals the bold new move by the major players in the world of family history. The result will be an incredible increase in the records you can access from your home and phone! Get the details in the opening segment. Plus, an Extreme Genes listener reads her ancestor’s love letter to [...]
Social media and the internet has solved the mystery of a young girl staring hauntingly out a window in 1908. She was a child laborer working a cotton mill in North Carolina. Who was she and how was her identity finally made known? Fisher explains the answers and complexities that were overcome, as well as [...]
Fisher gets ready for Roots Tech in Salt Lake City as an official blogger. The audience has spoken concerning the 3D printer company offering to make 3D versions of couples unborn child! Cool or creepy? Fisher reveals the answer. In news… an African American woman was shocked when her brother’s Y chromosome DNA test came […]
On this week's edition of Extreme Genes, Fisher shares important news for adoptees from Ohio. The governor there has signed a new law that will have an affect on people looking for their birth families. The “Grave Whisperer” is making news in Washington DC. What does he do and how does he do it? It’s […]
On today's show Fisher gives his take on the movie “Philomena,” starring Judi Dench. From ExtremeGenes.com, Fisher speaks of several great family history stories for this week. The first is about a man from Idaho who dropped by Antiques Road Show with a 1920s era etching given to him by his grandfather. This heirloom turned […]
Fisher talks about a remarkable tribe of nomads in India whose living is family history. And they’ve been at it for 900 years! Plus… it’s a pedigree chart/group sheet nightmare… what happens when a woman gives birth to her own granddaughter? It’s about to happen! Best selling author Richard Paul Evans of “Christmas Box” fame […]
On this weeks show, Fisher talks about how New Year’s was once celebrated on March 25! And how it took the eventual victory of one calendar system over another to get us to a Ball Drop to bring in January 1. Fisher also shares the story of an Australian man who learned the fate of […]
Fisher reviews his picks for stories numbers 10 to 6 in his Top Family History Stories of 2013. Guests Brittany Chapman and Ron Fox join the show to talk about the discovery of a 56 year old tape recording of Brittany's then-103-year-old great great grandmother, Ruth May Fox. Brittany has researched Ruth for years and […]
Fisher shares latest family history news from ExtremeGenes.com. Two stories will not make scientists happy. One is about a three year old boy who died 24,000 years ago in Siberia. His DNA shows a connection to two groups who were not supposed to be connected! Find out what theory is being turned upside down. Also, […]
Fisher shares the latest family history news. Johannesburg, South Africa is being plagued by tombstone thieves, snarfing stones by the dark of night and selling them to unscrupulous stone masons for their granite and marble. But a local company has come up with a solution to put an end to the heists. A newspaper has […]
On this weeks show, Fisher shares several stories making news this week. He talks about latest discoveries concerning the "Boy King," King Tut, who is still making news after all these years. Also, the story of the Lee family, which has been doing business from the same location in New York City since 1888. […]
On this weeks show, Fisher fills us in on the latest family history news. He starts with details on the reopening of Ellis Island following all the damage caused their during Hurricane Sandy in 2012. Harry Potter author JK Rowling has gotten into family history research, had a breakthrough, and it was quite a disappointment! […]
On this weeks show, Fisher shares the announcements of the big announcement between the two family history giants, Ancestry.com and familysearch.org. What will their new agreement bring to us over the next five years? And how much will it cost? Listen to the podcast to find out. We also learned about a former world leader […]
On this week show, Fisher's got the latest on battle over the body of King Richard III. In fact, scientists revealed something he wishes had never been brought up! He also reviews the story of Trisha Yearwood on "Who Do You Think You Are." This leads to a revelation about ancestors on both Fisher's and […]
On this weeks show, Fisher reviews family history news including a British man who retraced his World War I ancestor's path on the battlefield right down to a very specific and remarkable site. Want to repair a tombstone or two? One man shows you how he does it in an extremegenes.com link. Also, a non-published […]