Author: Amanda

Happy birthday, Bob Dylan! Today the iconic musician turns 72. In 1941, Dylan was born Robert Allen Zimmerman in Duluth, Minnesota. While performing in college, he began taking the name “Bob Dylan,” after the poet Dylan Thomas. It was during this time in the 1960s that his career really took off. He became known as the songwriter of the 60s protest movement, penning and performing many songs about the polarizing social issues of the time. What’s your… Read the full story

This Monday, May 27, the U.S. will celebrate Memorial Day in remembrance of the men and women who lost their lives while serving in the U.S. military. In honor of the holiday, MyHeritage is providing free access to their most popular collections of U.S. military records. Journey back in time to some of the most important conflicts in world history that not only impacted families in the U.S., but millions of families worldwide. From now… Read the full story

On May 23, 1883, silent film star Douglas Fairbanks was born in Denver, Colorado. Dubbed the “King of Hollywood” during the 1920′s, Fairbanks was known as one of the leading stars of the silent film era. He won audiences over for his swashbuckling roles as Robin Hood and Zoro and also proved to be an astute businessman, launching the film studio United Artist in 1919 in partnership with Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford and D.W. Griffith. Douglas… Read the full story

On May 22, 1859, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. A prolific writer, Doyle wrote 60 mystery stories featuring the iconic detective Sherlock Holms and his loyal assistant Watson. With several recent film and television adaptations, Sherlock Holms continues to remain immensely popular today. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s family tree is still a bit small. Perhaps you can help expand his tree and connect him to the World Family Tree on Geni…. Read the full story

On May 21, 1881, Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross in Washington, D.C. After learning of the Red Cross in Europe, she returned to the U.S. and campaigned for the establishment of an American Red Cross organization to provide emergency response in the event of crisis from war or natural disasters. She served as the organizations first president and led it for 23 years. Clara Barton is connected to over 69 million people in Geni’s… Read the full story

Check out some interesting genealogy related articles from the past week! The Genealogy Sphere New Area Means New Rules – Sometimes (Genealogy Tip of the Day) – Great tip when you’re researching your migrating ancestors Sarah Polley explores her uprooted, twisted family tree (LA Times) – Actor-director Sarah Polley talks about her newest documentary about her family Skeleton of teenage girl confirms cannibalism at Jamestown colony (The Washington Post) – Archaeological discover shows evidence of… Read the full story

On May 20, 1799, noted French novelist Honoré de Balzac was born in Tours, France. Regarded as one of the founders of realism in European literature, Balzac exhibited an unfiltered representation of society in his works. La Comédie Humaine, a series of short stories and novels representing French life after the 1815 fall of Napoleon Bonaparte, is widely regarded as one of his greatest achievements of his career. Many subsequent novelists would be greatly influenced… Read the full story

We love hearing how valuable Geni users are finding their new Record Matches and Smart Matches™. Recently, we shared how Record Matches and Smart Matches™ have led to exciting new discoveries for many users. We’re happy to share even more amazing stories from users who have made great breakthroughs in their family tree. Check them out below: Jennifer Lynn Young: “So far Smart Matches have led me to 17 collateral ancestors (siblings of ancestors in my… Read the full story

On May 17, 1911, actress Maureen O’Sullivan was born in Boyle, Ireland.  As one of Ireland’s first film stars, O’Sullivan is perhaps best remembered for her portrayal as Jane in six Tarzan features. Did you know as a child, O’Sullivan attended the Convent of the Sacred Heart along with future Academy Award winning actress Vivien Leigh? Maureen O’Sullivan is connected to over 69 million people in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related?  … Read the full story

Tonight, the popular comedy televisions series The Office airs its final episode after nine season. In honor of the finale, we’re highlighting Rainn Wilson‘s family tree on Geni. Born in Seattle, Washington, Wilson found stardom as Dwight Schrute on The Office, for which he received three Emmy nominations. Are you sad to see The Office end? Check out The Office (U.S. Series) project on Geni to learn more about the genealogies of the entire cast and some fun family… Read the full story

Today we remember poet Emily Dickinson, who died on May 15, 1886 in Amherst, Massachusetts. During her lifetime, Dickinson composed nearly eighteen hundred poems, however fewer than a dozen were published while she was living. Today, she is considered one of the most celebrated and revered poets in history. Emily Dickinson is connected to over 69 million people in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related?     View Emily Dickinson’s Geni Profile  

Recently, we added SuperSearch™ to Geni to enhance your family research experience. Today we’re excited to tell you about an even faster way to research your genealogy on Geni – we’ve added a “Research this person” link to the Matches module on your relatives’ Geni profiles! “Research this person” link on a profile (click to zoom) Clicking on this convenient link will automatically take you to MyHeritage’s SuperSearch™ results for that profile. There’s no need… Read the full story

On May 14, 1727, painter Thomas Gainsborough was born in Sudbury, England. Although he preferred to paint landscapes, Gainsborough’s portrait paintings were well regarded in English society. He painted the portraits of King George III and his queen, and became a founding member of the Royal Academy. Thomas Gainsborough is connected to over 69 million people in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related?     View Thomas Gainsborough’s Geni Profile  

We’re excited to announce our latest enhancement to your family research experience on Geni – MyHeritage’s SuperSearch™! SuperSearch™ will bring you even greater access to billions of historical records to enrich your genealogy. SuperSearch™ is a family history search engine that lets you search billions of historical records and millions of newspaper articles. With over 4 billion records including birth, marriage, death, burial, census, military, immigration, yearbooks, plus scans of the original documents, SuperSearch™ will… Read the full story

Happy birthday, Stephen Colbert! On May 13, 1964, The Colbert Report host was born in Washington, DC and grew up in Charleston, South Carolina. Named one of Time’s 100 most influential people of 2012, Colbert has won several Emmys, a Grammy and a Peabody Award for his work. Did you know Colbert is the youngest of 11 children? Check out Stephen Colbert’s family tree on Geni!     View Stephen Colbert’s Geni Profile  

On May 7, 1812, English poet Robert Browning was born in London, England. Widely recognized as a master of dramatic monologue, Browning is considered to be one of the formost poets of the Victorian age. The love story between Browning and his wife, writer Elizabeth Barrett is perhaps one of the most famous courtships in literature. Check out Robert Browning’s family tree on Geni!     View Robert Browning’s Geni Profile  

Check out some genealogy articles from the past week! The Genealogy Sphere Preserving your photos for future generations of genealogists (Nj.com) – Tips on preserving your old family photos Woman traces long-lost ring to Boston relative (The Suffolk Times) – A woman finds a long lost family heirloom while gardening Is Juliana Margulies My Cousin? (Freud’s Butcher blog) – A family history research may have a possible connection to The Good Wife star Amanuensis Monday: One Girl’s… Read the full story

On May 6, 1856, Sigmund Freud was born in Freiberg, Austria. Best known as the founder of psychoanalysis, Freud’s contributions significantly impacted the field of psychology. His theories regarding the unconscious mind and mechanisms of repression continue to influence the field today. Sigmund Freud is connected to 69 million people in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related?     View Sigmund Freud’s Geni Profile  

On May 3, 1937, Margaret Mitchell won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for her epic novel Gone With the Wind. Her book was a phenomenal success and in 1939, it was adapted to film starring Vivien Leigh and Clark Gable. Today her novel and the film continue to have a strong following. Margaret Mitchell is connected to 69 million people in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related?     View Margaret Mitchell’s Geni Profile… Read the full story

In just one week, Geni will be at the National Genealogical Society 2013 Family History Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada! Between May 8 – 11, genealogists from around the country will meet in Sin City for a fun-filled genealogy adventure.  The conference is a great opportunity for genealogists and those interested in family history to meet and share ideas on how to advance family research. Will you be at NGS? We love meeting Geni users… Read the full story

On May 2, 1729, Catherine the Great was born. The most renowned and the longest-ruling female leader of Russia, Catherine the Great came to power following a coup that overthrew her husband, Peter III. Her reign is often considered the Golden Age of the Russian Empire, bringing the ideas of the Enlightenment to the country. Catherine the Great is connected to 69 million people in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related?    … Read the full story

When we first introduced Record Matches and Smart Matches™ on Geni, we told you that you could look forward to additional collections of historical records in the future. Today, we’re happy to announce that the entire collection of U.S. Federal Censuses are now available to Geni users through Record Matches. This collection is the nation’s largest and most important set of records and includes a huge searchable index and all scanned images of the original census… Read the full story

On May 1, 1829, Brazilian writer José de Alencar was born in Fortaleza, Brazil. Alencar is considered to be one of he most famous and influential Brazilian Romantic novelists of the 19th century. He was a major exponent of the literary tradition known as “Indianism.” José de Alencar is connected to over 69 million people on Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related?     View José de Alencar’s Geni Profile  

Today the Netherlands celebrate as Willem-Alexander was sworn in as king after his mother, Queen Beatrix, abdicated the throne, ending her rule of 33 years. The queen announced her intention to step down earlier in the year, stating it was time for the country to be led by a new generation. Willem-Alexander is the first Dutch King in more than 120 years. King Willem-Alexander is connected to over 69 million people in Geni’s World Family Tree…. Read the full story

Just last week we launched Record Matches and Smart Matches™ on Geni and already it’s made a huge impact on the quality of the World Family Tree. Many users are finding new and exciting information and relatives that they never knew before. Check out what some Geni users are saying about their latest discoveries: Wendi Newman: “The new matches between Geni and MH are not just Smart, but extremely intelligent and very easy to use. I’m adding… Read the full story

Having fun finding your new Matches? Why not take a short break to check out some of the latest genealogy articles on the web? The Genealogy Sphere Geni.com adds Historical Records to Advance Family Tree Collaboration (Eastman’s Online Genealogy Newsletter) – Dick Eastman shares the good news with the genealogy community Geni.com adds Record Matches and Smart Matches (Geneamusings.com) – Randy Seaver checks out his latest Record Matches on Geni Patricia Ward Kelly on her… Read the full story

On April 29, 1863, American newspaper publisher William Randolph Hearst was born in San Francisco, California. As the leading newspaper publisher of the late 19th century and early 20th century, Hearst exercised enormous political influence over the American public. Today his mansion, Hearst Castle, is now a California State Monument and widely popular tourist attraction. William Randolph Hearst is connected to over 69 million people in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related?    … Read the full story

Happy birthday, Carol Burnett! Today, the comedy icon turns 80. She was born in San Antonio, Texas to Jodie and Louise Burnett. After her parents divorced, she moved to Hollywood with her grandmother. Best known for her long-running TV variety show, The Carol Burnett Show, Burnett has enjoyed a long and successful career in Hollywood. Today, her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is located in front of the Hollywood Pacific Theater, where she… Read the full story

On April 25, 1908, American broadcast journalist Edward R. Murrow was born in North Carolina. Murrow first gained prominence during World War II. Millions of Americans followed his radio broadcasts for the latest news on the war. Considered one of journalism’s greatest figures, Murrow was known for his honesty and integrity in delivering the news. Edward R. Murrow is connected to over 69 million people in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related?  … Read the full story

When Geni joined the MyHeritage family in November 2012, our combined teams started working together to bring the best features of MyHeritage to Geni. Today we’re very excited to announce the first fruits of this work – perhaps the most important new feature on Geni since we launched the site in 2007 – MyHeritage’s powerful Record Matching and Smart Matching™ technologies are now available on Geni! Two new technologies for Geni Record Matching automatically finds… Read the full story

On April 23, 1928, child star Shirley Temple was born in Santa Monica, California. She began her film career at the age of three, and soon found international fame as one of Hollywood’s brightest stars. As an adult, Temple enjoyed great success as a diplomat. What’s your favorite Shirley Temple movie? Shirley Temple is connected to over 69 million people in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related?     View Shirley Temple’s Geni… Read the full story

The Genealogy Sphere Oldest child doesn’t always ‘know it all’ about family history (Bangor Daily News) – Keep in mind younger siblings may know some stories older siblings may not have heard Long-lost brother reunited for the first time in 80 years after being fostered apart as babies (Daily Mail UK) – Two long lost brothers find each other 80 years after they were separated Fraternal Orders and Your Family History Research (4yourfamilystory.com) – Carline Pointer shares… Read the full story

It’s Earth Day! In honor of the day we’re highlighting Vice President Al Gore, who is perhaps one of the most notable environmental figures today. Credited with re-energizing the environmental movement, Gore’s highly popular and award-winning documentary, An Inconvenient Truth, brought global awareness to the Earth’s changing climate.  In 2007, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his tireless environmental activism. Al Gore is connected to over 69 million people in Geni’s World Family Tree. How… Read the full story

Are you planning a family reunion in the near future? Here are some fun activities to get your entire family involved in learning about your family history. 1. Fill in the family tree Here’s a fun game to get some of the younger members of your family interested in their genealogy: make copies of blank family trees for each youngster and have them ask relatives to help them fill out the tree. This is a… Read the full story

On April 19, 1882, Charles Darwin died at his home, the Down House.  In his groundbreaking publication, On the Origin of Species, Darwin introduced his theory of evolution to the world. The book and his future publications would prove to form the foundation of our current understanding of how man evolved through the process of natural selection. Considered on of the most influential figures in history, Darwin is buried in Westminister Abby, near other influential scientists Isaac… Read the full story

Today we remember renowned physicist Albert Einstein, who died April 18, 1955 at the age of 76. Born in Ulm, Germany, Einstein chose to remain in the United States when Adolf Hitler came to power in Germany during his visit to the U.S. in 1933. In 1940, Einstein became an American citizen. One of the most brilliant minds in history, Einstein’s scientific breakthroughs profoundly influenced our understanding of the world today. Albert Einstein is connected… Read the full story

On April 17, 1820, Alexander Cartwright, a volunteer firefighter, was born in New York City. Referred to as a “father of baseball,” it is believed Cartwright is the first person to develop a new set of rules that would form the basis for modern baseball, including the use of a diamond-shaped field. For decades, controversy surrounded the origins of America’s national pastime; its invention wrongly attributed to Civil War hero Abner Doubleday. On June 3,… Read the full story

On April 16, 1889, film icon Charlie Chaplin was born in London, England. One of the biggest stars of the Silent Era, Chaplin is considered a pioneer and one of the most influential figures of the 20th century. In 1919, he founded United Artist film studio with D.W. Griffith, Douglas Fairbanks, and Mary Pickford. Help build Charlie Chaplin’s family tree to see how you’re related!       View Charlie Chaplin’s Geni Profile  

Check out some interesting genealogy related articles from the past week! The Genealogy Sphere Warning! Don’t do THIS (Nutfield Genealogy blog) – A good warning to all genealogists – keep your old paper journals Medial records useful in genealogical research (Examiner.com) – Great explanation on how medical records can be helpful in genealogical research Auschwitz survivor’s social media search for long-lost twin (CNN) – Auschwitz survivor Menachem Bodner looks to Facebook to find his long… Read the full story

On April 15, 1980, French existentialist philosopher and writer Jean-Paul Sartre died in Paris, France. Considered one of the key leading figures of 20th century French philosophy, much of Sartre’s work profoundly influenced a variety of disciplines. In 1964, Sartre was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, however he turned it down, stating “that a writer’s accepting such an honor would be to associate his personal commitments with the awarding institution, and that, above all,… Read the full story

We recently shared an article on Facebook about how two Norwegian relatives who found each other at a Miami CVS. By chance, these two women struck up a conversation while shopping. Soon they discovered that their families both came from a remote village in Norway and that they were cousins! It’s always interesting to hear these type of stories and several of you had a few to share of your own on Facebook. Here are… Read the full story

On April 12, 1861, the American Civil War began when Confederate forces fired on Fort Sumter. For four years, the war divided the nation. Under the command of Ulysses S. Grant, the Union armies defeated the Confederate armies of the South and brought an end to the war. After the Civil War, Grant would serve two consecutive terms as the 18th President of the United States. Ulysses S. Grant is connected to over 68 million… Read the full story

On April 11, 1869, Norwegian sculptor Gustav Vigeland was born in Mandal, Norway. Considered one of the most important artists in Norwegian history, many of Vigeland’s lifeworks can be found in Norway’s Vigeland Park, the world’s largest sculpture park made by a single artist. Did you know Vigeland was also the designer of the Nobel Peace Prize medal? Check out Gustav Vigeland’s family tree and help connect him to over 68 million people on Geni!… Read the full story

On April 10, 1925, The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald was published. Widely regarded as a “Great American Novel,” the literary classic perfectly captured the essence of the Roaring Twenties. Today, the novel is considered Fitzgerald’s best work. F. Scott Fitzgerald is connected to over 68 million people in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related?     View F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Geni Profile  

Yesterday, beloved Mouseketeer Annette Funicello died at the age of 70 after a long battle with multiple sclerosis. As a member of the original Mickey Mouse Club, Funicello quickly gained fame for her versatile talents. Funicello was just 13 when she was personally selected by Walt Disney himself to join the cast of the popular 1950s variety show. Did you remember watching Annette Funicello on The Mickey Mouse Club?     View Annette Funicello’s Geni Profile  

Happy Monday! Here are some interesting genealogy finds from this past week: The Genealogy Sphere Genealogy Today: Knowing family history cuts kids’ stress (Green Valley News and Sun) – A recent study shows children who know about their family history are better at handling stress Asheville Genealogy Column: Avoiding research errors (Citizen-Times.com) – A list of some of the most common mistakes made by researchers. Are you guilty of a few of these? Genealogy in palm… Read the full story

Today we remember Margaret Thatcher, who passed away today at the age of 87. Nicknamed the “Iron Lady,” Thatcher was known for her uncompromising, conservative politics and hard-driving leadership style. She was the longest serving Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and the only woman to have held the post. RIP Margaret Thatcher.     View Margaret Thatcher’s Geni Profile  

Today we remember legendary film critic Roger Ebert, who passed away yesterday after a long battle with cancer. The first film critic to ever with a Pulitzer Prize, Ebert gained national fame with his trademark “thumbs-up and thumbs-down” film reviews on his long-running syndicated televisions series At the Movies with his partner-in-crime, the late Gene Siskel. Just days before his passing, it was announced that Ebert’s cancer had returned. He left a final blog post titled, “Leave… Read the full story

On April 4, 1932, actor Anthony Perkins was born in New York City. The son of film actor Osgood Perkins and Janet Esslestyn, Perkins is a direct descendant of Mayflower passenger John Howland, his 7th great grandfather. He is best remembered for playing Norman Bates in the Alfred Hitchcock film Psycho. Have you caught the newest television re-imagining of Hitchock’s Psycho with British actor Freddie Highmore in Perkins’ iconic role of Norman Bates? Anthony Perkins is connected to… Read the full story

Today is the anniversary of the first successful Pony Express run. On April 3, 1860, the very first Pony Express mail delivery service ran from Saint Joseph, Missouri to Sacramento, California by horseback, using a series of relay stations. During its short lifespan, the Pony Express was the West’s most direct means of east-west communication. Perhaps the most notable rider was Buffalo Bill, whose adventures as a young Pony Express rider have come to epitomizes… Read the full story