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Profile of the Day: Angelina Jolie
Today actress Angelina Jolie celebrates her 46th birthday! Image: Angelina Jolie / Gage Skidmore, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0) Jolie was born on June 4, 1975 in Los Angeles, California to actors John Voight and Marcheline Betrand. After her parents separated, Jolie and her brother were largely raised by their mother. Jolie began acting at a young age, studying at the Lee Strasberg Theater Institute as a teen. Her breakthrough performance in the 1998 television… Read the full story
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Profile of the Day: Martha Washington
Today we celebrate the life of America’s first First Lady, Martha Washington, who was born on June 2, 1731 in New Kent, Virginia. Image: Martha Washington / Library of Congress Martha Dandridge was the first of eight children born to Frances Jones and John Dandridge. By the age of 25, Martha was a widow with four children, only two of which would survive to young adulthood. Her first husband, Daniel Parke Custis, was a rich planter… Read the full story
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Profile of the Day: Marilyn Monroe
Today we celebrate what would have been Marilyn Monroe’s 95th birthday. Image: Marilyn Monroe / Wikimedia Commons She was born Norma Jean Mortensen on June 1, 1926 in Los Angeles, California to Gladys Pearl Monroe. Her father’s identity remains unknown, though she used the surnames of her mother’s ex-husbands, Mortensen and Baker, growing up. Her mother struggled with mental illness and was unable to care for her daughter, so Monroe spent most of her childhood in foster homes…. Read the full story
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Profile of the Day: Jim Thorpe
On this day in 1888, athlete Jim Thorpe was born. A versatile athlete, Thorpe is remembered as one of the most accomplished American athletes in history. Image: Jim Thorpe / Library of Congress Although the exact date of his birth is unknown, his birthday is generally stated as May 28, 1887 or 1888. He was born in a one-room cabin near what is today Prague, Oklahoma. Thorpe had a mix of European and Native American ancestry and was… Read the full story
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Friends: The One Where They’re Related
Could we BE anymore excited!? After 17 years off the air, the entire cast of the hit television show Friends came together in a highly anticipated reunion special. Friends: The Reunion, also dubbed “The One Where They Get Back Together,” was released on May 27 after being delayed for a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. All six of the main cast, Jennifer Aniston, Courtney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer,… Read the full story
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Profile of the Day: Ralph Waldo Emerson
Do you have a poet in your family tree? On this day in 1803, American essayist and poet Ralph Waldo Emerson was born in Boston, Massachusetts. Image: Ralph Waldo Emerson / Library of Congress The son of Rev. William Emerson and Ruth Haskins, Emerson was named after his mother’s brother Ralph and his father’s great grandmother, Rebecca Waldo. He is descended from Mayflower passengers John Howland and Elizabeth Tilley. In fact, he carried the mitochondrial DNA… Read the full story
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Profile of the Day: Bob Dylan
Happy birthday to Bob Dylan! Today the iconic musician turns 80. A gifted songwriter, Dylan is often considered to be one of the most influential musicians in the world. Image: Bob Dylan / Library of Congress Dylan was born Robert Allen Zimmerman on May 24, 1941 in Duluth, Minnesota. When Dylan first began performing in college he took on the name “Bob Dylan” after the poet Dylan Thomas. During the 1960s, Dylan became known as… Read the full story
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Profile of the Day: Mary Anning
Today we remember English fossil collector and paleontologist Mary Anning, who was born on this day in 1799. Image: Mary Anning / Wikimedia Commons Mary Anning was born on May 21, 1799 in Lyme Regis, a coastal town in Dorset, England. Her father, Richard Anning, was a cabinet maker who supplemented his income by mining the coastal cliffside for fossils to sell to tourists. Growing up, Anning often accompanied her father on fossil hunting expeditions… Read the full story
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Profile of the Day: Cher
Happy birthday to Cher! Today the music icon turns 75. Image: Cher / Wikimedia Commons Cher was born Cherilyn Sarkisian on May 20, 1946 in El Centro, California to John Sarkisian and Jackie Jean Crouch. With dreams of becoming famous, Cher dropped out of school at 16 to pursue an acting career. She rose to stardom as part of a singing act with her husband, Sonny Bono, whom she met in 1962. The duo was… Read the full story
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Mother’s Day Giveaway: Wise Words From Mom
In celebration of Mother’s Day, we asked you to tell us the best piece of advice or words of wisdom you have received from your mom or from a mother-figure in your life. One lucky winner would receive a free year of Geni Pro. Today we are excited to announce the winner of our Mother’s Day Giveaway – Coyal M. Gorman! Coyal shared how her grandmother, Coyal Maxey, instilled the importance of family: “About 30… Read the full story
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Profile of the Day: Meriwether Lewis
On this day in 1804, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark departed St. Louis, Missouri to begin their mission of exploring the American Northwest. After the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, President Thomas Jefferson wanted to get an accurate assessment of the new land and its resources. He enlisted Lewis to command the expedition, who recruited his close friend William Clark as his Second Lieutenant in command. The journey to the Pacific coast lasted two years. During this… Read the full story
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Profile of the Day: Bea Arthur
On this day in 1922, actress Bea Arthur was born. An Emmy and Tony Award-winning actress, Arthur is perhaps best remembered for her roles in Maude and The Golden Girls. Image: Bea Arthur / Wikimedia Commons Arthur was born Bernice Frankel on May 13, 1922 in New York City, New York to Philip Frankel and Rebecca Pressner. During World War II, Arthur enlisted as one of the first members of the United States Marine Corps… Read the full story
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Profile of the Day: Florence Nightingale
Do you have any nurses in your family tree? On May 12, 1820, pioneering nurse Florence Nightingale was born in Florence, Italy. Image: Florence Nightingale / Library of Congress Named after her place of birth, Florence was born to a rich, upper-class British family. From a young age, she knew her calling was to become a nurse and help the ill and poor. During the Crimean War, reports about the horrific conditions for the wounded… Read the full story
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Profile of the Day: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
On this day in 1840, famous Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky was born in Vyatka, Russia. Considered one of the most popular Russian composers in history, Tchaikovsky’s works included symphonies, concertos, operas, and ballets. Image: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky / Library of Congress Tchaikovsky began taking piano lessons at the age of five and showed an adept talent for music. Despite his passion, Tchaikovsky was educated for a career as a civil servant. He spent a short tenure as… Read the full story
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Profile of the Day: George Clooney
Happy birthday to George Clooney! Today the actor turns 60. Image: George Clooney / U.S. National Archives and Records Administration Clooney was born on May 6, 1961 in Lexington, Kentucky to Nick Clooney, a former anchorman and television host, and Nina Warren, a former city councilwoman. His aunt, Rosemary Clooney, was a famous singer and actress. With his family’s background in show business, it was not a surprise when Clooney decided to move to Los… Read the full story
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Mother’s Day Giveaway: Enter for a Chance to Win!
With Mother’s Day just around the corner, we thought it would be fun to celebrate the moms or mother-figures in our lives with a chance to win a free 1-year subscription of Geni Pro! Throughout our lives, we’ve heard countless pieces of advice or words of encouragement from our mothers. For this Mother’s Day giveaway, we want to hear about the best piece of advice you have received from your mom or mother-figure in your… Read the full story
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Profile of the Day: Audrey Hepburn
Today we remember actress Audrey Hepburn on what would have been her 92nd birthday. Image: Audrey Hepburn / Wikimedia Commons Hepburn was born on May 4, 1929 in Brussels, Belgium. She was the daughter of Joseph Victor Anthony Ruston and Ella van Heemstra, a Dutch baroness. After her father left the family, her mother raised Hepburn on her own as a single mother. Her maternal grandfather, Aarnoud Van Heemstra, was the mayor of Arnhem and… Read the full story
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Profile of the Day: Bing Crosby
On this day in 1903, legendary entertainer Bing Crosby was born. Image: Bing Crosby / U.S. National Archives and Records Administration He was born Henry Lillis Crosby, Jr. on May 3, 1903 in Tacoma, Washington. The fourth of seven children, Crosby loved to listen to music on his phonograph as a child and enjoyed reading the comedy feature “The Bingville Bugle” in the Sunday edition of the Spokesman-Review. His love for the comic earned him the nickname “Bingo… Read the full story
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Profile of the Day: Mary II
On this day in 1662, Mary II, Queen of England, Scotland, and Ireland, was born. Mary was born on April 30, 1662 at St. James’s Palace in London. She was the eldest daughter of James, Duke of York (the future King James II and VII) and his first wife, Anne Hyde. At the age of 15, she married her first cousin, William of Orange. Since her uncle, Charles II, had no legitimate heirs, Mary was… Read the full story
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Profile of the Day: Duke Ellington
On this day in 1899, Jazz icon Duke Ellington was born. Considered one of the greatest composers of the 20th century, Ellington composed thousands of scores throughout his long career. Image: Duke Ellington / Library of Congress Ellington was born Edward Kennedy Ellington on April 29, 1899 in Washington, D.C. He was the son of James Edward Ellington and Daisy Kennedy, who were both pianists. He began learning the piano at the age of seven,… Read the full story
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Profile of the Day: Ulysses S. Grant
On this day in 1822, Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States, was born. Image: Ulysses S. Grant / Library of Congress He was born Hiram Ulysses Grant in Point Pleasant, Ohio to Jesse Root Grant, a tanner, and Hannah Simpson. Grant had deep roots in early America. His fifth great grandparents, Matthew and Priscilla Grant arrived at the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1630. His great grandfather, Noah Grant, served in the French… Read the full story
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Profile of the Day: Shirley Temple
Today we remember beloved child star Shirley Temple on what would have been her 93rd birthday. Image: Eleanor Roosevelt and Shirley Temple / U.S. National Archives and Records Administration Shirley Temple was born on April 23, 1928 in Santa Monica, California. She began her film career at the age of 3 with a role in Baby Burlesks, a series of short films satirizing recent film and political events, using pre-school children in every role. In 1934, she… Read the full story
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Earth Day: 5 Notable Environmentalists in History
It’s Earth Day! Earth Day is observed worldwide in 192 countries in appreciation of the Earth’s natural environment and to increase public awareness of environmental issues. In celebration of Earth Day, here’s a look at some notable environmentalists in Geni’s World Family Tree! Explore their family trees and see how you’re connected to these influential environmental figures! Rachel Carson Image: Smithsonian Institution, Flickr Rachel Carson was a marine biologists, conservationist, and author of Silent Spring…. Read the full story
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Profile of the Day: Jack Nicholson
Happy birthday to Jack Nicholson! Today the actor turns 84. Image: Jack Nicholson / Wikimedia Commons Nicholson was born on April 22, 1937 in Neptune, New Jersey. For the first 37 years of his life, Nicholson believed his parents were John Nicholson and Ethel Rhoads. In 1974, a Times reporter researching a cover story on Nicholson discovered that the person Nicholson believed to be his older sister June was in fact his biological mother. Only… Read the full story
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Profile of the Day: Elizabeth II
Today Queen Elizabeth II turns 95. The longest-reigning monarch in British history, the Queen’s birthday comes just days after the funeral of her husband, Prince Philip. Image: Queen Elizabeth / Wikimedia Commons, NASA Born on April 21, 1926, Elizabeth is the eldest child born to Prince Albert, Duke of York (later King George VI) and Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon. As the daughter of King George V’s second son, Elizabeth was not expected to become queen. However when… Read the full story
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Profile of the Day: Daniel Chester French
Have you visited the Lincoln Memorial? On this day in 1850, sculptor Daniel Chester French was born. Image: Daniel Chester French / Wikimedia Commons, Library of Congress French was the son of Anna Richardson and Henry Flagg French, a lawyer and the first president of the Massachusetts Agricultural College (now the University of Massachusetts Amherst). In 1867, the French family moved to Concord, Massachusetts, where they became neighbors and friends of poet Ralph Waldo Emerson and… Read the full story
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Profile of the Day: Pierre Curie
On this day in 1906, French physicist Pierre Curie died at the age of 46. Known for his groundbreaking work in radioactivity alongside his wife, renowned physicist Marie Curie, Curie is often regarded as one of the founding fathers of modern physics. Curie was born on May 15, 1859 in Paris, France to Eugene Curie and Sophie-Claire Depouilly. His father was a physician and taught Curie science and mathematics at an early age. In 1903, Pierre… Read the full story
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Profile of the Day: Charlie Chaplin
On this day in 1889, Charlie Chaplin was born in London England. One of the biggest stars of the Silent Era, Chaplin is remembered as a pioneer and one the most important figures of the early film industry. Image: Charlie Chaplin / Library of Congress The early years of Chaplin’s life were fraught with hardship and poverty. His parents, Charles Chaplin, Sr. and Hannah Harriet Pedlingham Hill, were both music hall entertainers and separated shortly… Read the full story
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Profile of the Day: Leonardo da Vinci
On this day in 1452, Renaissance painter, sculptor, architect, inventor Leonardo da Vinci was born. A true Renaissance man, da Vinci is remembered as not only a gifted artist but a brilliant intellect whose ideas were ahead of his time. Image: Leonardo da Vinci / Library of Congress Da Vinci was born on April 15, 1452 in a farmhouse outside of the village of Anchiano in Tuscany, Italy. He was born out of wedlock to… Read the full story
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Profile of the Day: Anne Sullivan
On this day in 1866, American educator Anne Sullivan was born in Feeding Hills, Massachusetts. Sullivan is best remembered as the teacher and life-long campion of Helen Keller. Image: Helen Keller & Anne Sullivan / Library of Congress Born Johanna Mansfield Sullivan, Sullivan was the child of Irish immigrants who came to the United States during the Great Famine. At the age of 8, she contracted trachoma, which eventually made her nearly blind. In 1880,… Read the full story
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Profile of the Day: Alfred Mosher Butts
Happy National Scrabble Day! Scrabble Day is observed each year on the birthday of Scrabble inventor Alfred Mosher Butts, who was born on April 13, 1899 in Poughkeepsi, New York. During the Great Depression, Butts lost his job as an architect and struggled to support himself. He found some work writing for magazines and even tried his hand at art, but had little success. During this time, Butts decided to try developing a board game that… Read the full story
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Profile of the Day: Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
We’re sad to hear of the passing of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh at the age of 99. The longest-serving consort of a British monarch, Prince Philip was married to Queen Elizabeth II for 73 years. Image: Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh / Nationaal Archief The Duke of Edinburg was born on June 10, 1921 on the Greek island of Corfu. He was the fifth child born to Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark and… Read the full story
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Profile of the Day: William Wordsworth
Do you enjoy reading poetry? On this day in 1770, English Romantic poet William Wordsworth was born in the Wordsworth House in Cockermouth, England. Image: William Wordsworth / National Library of Wales Although orphaned by the age of 13, Wordsworth’s parents encouraged his education. He wrote his first pieces of poetry while in grammar school and went on to study at Cambridge. Before his final semester, he went on a walking tour of Europe. The… Read the full story
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Profile of the Day: Matthew Henson
Does your family tree have an adventurous streak? On this day in 1909, explorers Matthew Henson and Robert Peary became the first men to reach the North Pole. Image: Matthew Henson / Library of Congress Matthew Henson was born on August 8, 1866 to freeborn black sharecroppers on a farm in Nanjemoy, Maryland. In 1887, Henson met Peary and was recruited to join Peary’s surveying expedition to Nicaragua. Soon Henson became Peary’s “first man” on… Read the full story
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Profile of the Day: Hans Christian Andersen
Today we remember Danish author Hans Christian Andersen, who was born on this day in 1805. Popular across the globe, Andersen’s fairytales have been translated into over 125 languages and have been adapted into numerous animated films, plays, and ballets. Image: Hans Christian Andersen / Bergen Public Library, Flickr Andersen was born on April 2, 1805 in Odense, Denmark. Although his family was poor, Andersen received a boarding school education often reserved for the privileged…. Read the full story
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Profile of the Day: Debbie Reynolds
On this day in 1932, actress Debbie Reynolds was born. Image: Debbie Reynolds / Wikimedia Commons She was born Mary Frances Reynolds on April 1, 1932 in El Paso, Texas. She was the second child of Maxine “Minnie” Harmon and Raymond Francis Reynolds, a carpenter for the Southern Pacific Railroad. A proud supporter of scouting, Reynolds was once a Girl Scout herself and a troop leader. After winning Miss Burbank at the age of 16,… Read the full story
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Profile of the Day: Cesar Chavez
On this day in 1927, American labor leader and civil rights activist Cesar Chavez was born. Image: Cesar Chavez / Library of Congress He was born on March 31, 1927 in Yuma, Arizona and was named after his paternal grandfather, Cesario Chavez. During the Great Depression, his family lost their farm and moved to California to become migrant farmers. He would leave school after the 8th grade to work full time as a farm laborer…. Read the full story
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Profile of the Day: Céline Dion
Happy birthday to Céline Dion! Today the French-Canadian singer turns 53. Image: Celine Dion / Georges Biard, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0) She was born on March 30, 1968 in Charlemagne, Quebec, Canada to a large family. The youngest of 14 children, Dion’s upbringing was always filled with music. She made her first public performance at the age of 5, performing with her siblings in her parents’ small piano bar. With dreams to become a singer, Dion… Read the full story
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Profile of the Day: Cy Young
Are you a baseball fan? On this day in 1867, legendary baseball player Cy Young was born. During his 22-season career, Young pitched for five different teams and established numerous pitching records, some of which he still holds today. Image: Cy Young / Wikimedia Commons He was born Denton True Young on March 29, 1867 in Gilmore, Ohio to McKinzie Young, Jr. and Nancy Miller. Growing up in a small farming community, Young stopped going to school after the… Read the full story
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Try Deep Nostalgia™, an Amazing New Photo Feature From MyHeritage
Have you tried Deep Nostalgia™, MyHeritage’s amazing new photo feature? Deep Nostalgia™ brings your old family photos to life by animating the faces on any photo. This incredible feature has brought many to tears by producing a realistic depiction of how a person may have smiled and moved if they were captured on video. The technology for animating photos was licensed from D-ID, which specializes in video reenactment using deep learning. MyHeritage has integrated this… Read the full story
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Profile of the Day: Leonard Nimoy
Today we remember actor Leonard Nimoy on what would have been his 90th birthday. Image: Leonard Nimoy / Gage Skidmore, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0) Nimoy was born on March 26, 1931 in Boston, Massachusetts to Orthodox Jewish immigrants from Izaislav, Ukraine. Coming from a Yiddish-speaking household, Nimoy learned Yiddish as his first language. He began acting in a neighborhood theater at the age of 8 and with the encouragement of his grandfather, decided to pursue a career as an actor…. Read the full story
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Profile of the Day: Elton John
Happy birthday to Elton John! Today the music legend turns 74. Image: Elton John / Nationaal Archief, CC0 He was born Reginald Kenneth Dwight on March 25, 1947 in Pinner, England to Stanley Dwight and Sheila Eileen Harris. Elton began playing the piano at the age of 3 and showed an amazing aptitude in music. In 1967, he changed his name to Elton Hercules John after Blues legends Elton Dean and Long John Baldry and… Read the full story
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Profile of the Day: Harry Houdini
On this day in 1874, illusionist Harry Houdini was born in Budapest, Hungary. Image: Harry Houdini / Library of Congress The legendary magician was born Erik Weisz to Rabbi Mayer Samuel and Cecilia Weisz. One of seven children, Houdini took on several odd jobs as a child. He made his public debut at the age of 9 as a trapeze artist and called himself “Ehrich, the Prince of the Air.” When he launched his career… Read the full story
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Profile of the Day: Glenn Close
Happy birthday to Glenn Close! Today the versatile actress turns 74. Image: Glenn Close / Georges Biard (CC BY-SA 3.0) Close was born on March 19, 1947 in Greenwich, Connecticut to an upper class family with a long history in the United States. She is a descendant of the Taliaferro family, one of the earliest families to settle in Virginia in the 17th century. The surname is believed to trace back to Bartholomew Taliaferro, a native of Venice… Read the full story
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Profile of the Day: Madame de La Fayette
Today we remember French writer Madame de La Fayette, whose novel, La Princesse de Clèves, is considered to be France’s first historical novel and one of the earliest novels in literature. Image: Madame de La Fayette La Fayette was born Marie-Madeleine Pioche de La Vergne in March 1634. According to baptism records, she was baptized on March 18, 1634 in the Church of Saint-Sulpice in Paris, France. She was the eldest daughter of Marc Pioche,… Read the full story
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Irish Genealogy Projects on Geni
Do you have Irish ancestry? With millions of Irish people who have emigrated abroad, it is estimated that 70-80 million people worldwide claim some Irish descent. If you are trying to learn more about your Irish ancestors, Irish genealogy projects on Geni are a fantastic way to collaborate and connect with others who are also researching their Irish roots. These genealogy projects are the perfect place to seek advice, meet others researching their Irish ancestors, and work together towards the common… Read the full story
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Profile of the Day: Saint Patrick
It’s St. Patrick’s Day! The holiday is observed on March 17, the day of death of Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. Image: Saint Patrick / Library of Congress Kidnapped by pirates at the age of 16, Saint Patrick was held captive as a slave in Ireland for six years before escaping and returning home to Britain. He became deeply devoted to Christianity and eventually returned to Ireland as a missionary to spread the… Read the full story
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Profile of the Day: James Madison
On this day in 1751, James Madison, the fourth President of the United States, was born at Belle Grove Plantation near Port Conway, Virginia. Image: James Madison / Wikimedia Commons Madison was the oldest of twelve children born to James Madison, Sr. and Eleanor “Nelly” Conway. His father served as a colonel in the militia during the American Revolutionary War. After reaching adulthood, Madison inherited Mount Pleasant, the largest tobacco plantation in the area. As… Read the full story
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Profile of the Day: Liza Minnelli
Today singer and actress Liza Minnelli turns 75! A powerhouse on the stage and screen, Minnelli has won numerous awards across the entertainment industry, including an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony. Image: Liza Minnelli / Wikimedia Commons Minnelli was born on March 12, 1946 in Los Angeles, California. The daughter of film legend Judy Garland and director Vincent Minnelli, it seemed Minnelli was destined to become a star. She made her film… Read the full story
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Profile of the Day: Alexander Fleming
Today we remember Scottish microbiologist Alexander Fleming, who died on March 11, 1955. Image: Alexander Fleming / Wikimedia Commons Fleming was born in Ayrshire, Scotland on August 6, 1881 to Hugh Fleming, a farmer, and Grace Stirling Morton. He studied medicine before serving as a physician during World War I. In 1928, Fleming made history when he discovered the world’s first antibiotic, penicillin. He stumbled on this revolutionary discovery by accident. Upon returning to his… Read the full story