2012

We’re back from Cincinnati, Ohio where we attended the NGS 2012 Family History Conference. We met lots of Geni users and had a great time chatting with the other vendors. All week, people were abuzz about this year’s lectures. On Wednesday, our good friends at AncestorSync that their beta is now live. With AncestorSync you can seamlessly synchronize your Geni tree with your desktop software and back without the hassle of GEDCOMs. If you want… Read the full story

Polish novelist, Joseph Conrad was born Józef Teodor Konrad Korzeniowski on December 3, 1857 in Berdichev, Kiev Governorate (now Berdychiv, Ukraine). He was born into a highly patriotic, noble Polish family. His father, Apollo Korzeniowski, was a Polish poet, playwright, clandestine political activist and a translator of Alfred de Vigny and Victor Hugo from French and of Charles Dickens and Shakespeare from English. He encouraged his son to read widely in Polish and French. In 1861… Read the full story

Are you a fan of NCIS? Tonight is the 9th season finale of the top rated show starring Mark Harmon as Special Agent Gibbs. Did you know his parents are Heisman Trophy winner Tom Harmon and actress/fashion designer Elyse Knox? He’s also married to Pam Dawber of Mork and Mindy. In fact, his family tree is filled with lots of famous faces! Check out his family tree on Geni and see his connection to famous in-laws… Read the full story

We had a great time at the NGS 2012 Family History Conference last week! Were you in Cincinnati, Ohio for the genealogy conference? Here are some interesting articles from the world of genealogy that you may have missed! The Genealogy Sphere AncestorSync Beta 2012 (Tamura Jones) – Tamura Jones reviews AncestorSync beta Family Tree Talk: Piles and piles of paper (The Ionia Sentinel-Standard) – Jim Moses discusses sorting piles of documentation for his family history… Read the full story

On May 14, 1936, singer and actor Bobby Darin was born in New York. Darin first gained fame with 1958 song “Splish Splash.” In 1960, he married actress Sandra Dee. It was not until 1968 that Darin discovered that the woman he believed to be his sister was actually his biological mother. He died at the age of 37, following a heart operation in Los Angeles. Bobby Darin is connected to over 60 million profiles… Read the full story

Special thanks to Smadar Belkind Gerson of Past-Present-Future for this week’s blog post. Read on to hear her insightful thoughts about telling your own story and those of your relatives in their own words. I must admit, I was not excited about reading about Alzheimer’s, the theme of my last book club book, Still Alice by Lisa Genova. As the eight of us sat around the cozy dining room table, I learned that the apprehension… Read the full story

Tonight’s all-new episode of Who Do You Think You Are? features comedian Jason Sudeikis. The Saturday Night Live star traces his family history to the coal mines of Pennsylvania. Jason Sudeikis’s family tree is not yet connected to the world family tree. Perhaps after tonight’s episode, you can help connected him to over 60 million profiles on Geni!   View Jason Sudeikis’s Geni Profile  

Do you have New Amsterdam ancestors? You may want to check out the New Amsterdam project on Geni! Curator George Homs kindly agreed to share with his some insights about the New Amsterdam project and how it can help you in your family history research. Read part 2 of our interview below! You can find part 1 here. What are your next steps in the New Amsterdam genealogy project? This is a never-ending project. As said before, the churches… Read the full story

On May 10, 1899, legendary actor Fred Astaire was born. Over his 76 year-long career, Astaire made 31 musical films. Without fail, Astaire always wowed audiences with his dancing ability. Today he is remembered as one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Fred Astaire is connected to over 60 million profiles in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related?   View Fred Astaire’s Geni Profile  

Do you have New Amsterdam ancestors? You may want to check out the New Amsterdam project on Geni! Curator George Homs kindly agreed to share with his some insights about the New Amsterdam project and how it can help you in your family history research. Read part one of our interview below! Check back tomorrow for part 2! You’ve played a pivotal role in organizing the New Amsterdam project on Geni. Can give us an… Read the full story

On May 9, 1860, author J.M. Barrie was born. Barrie is perhaps best remembered as the creator of Peter Pan. The character of Peter Pan made his debut in the play Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up, about the adventures of an age-less boy in the fantasy world of Neverland. J.M. Barrie’s family tree is not yet connected to the world family tree. Perhaps you can help connected him to over 60… Read the full story

Singer and songwriter Enrique Iglesias has sold over 100 million records worldwide, making him one of the best selling Spanish language artists of all time. He has had five Billboard Hot 100 top five singles, including two number ones, and holds the record for producing 22 number one Spanish-language singles on the Billboard’s Hot Latin Tracks. He won a Grammy Award in 1997 for Best Latin Pop Performance. Iglesias shopped his first demo using the… Read the full story

Today marks the 126th anniversary of the invention of Coca-Cola! On May 8, 1886, John Pemberton, an American pharmacist, concocted a carbonated beverage to be used for medicinal purposes. Before long, the refreshment gained enormous popularity. Today, Coke is one of the most recognized products in the world. John Pemberton is connected to over 60 million profiles in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related?     View John Pemberton’s Geni Profile  

Happy Monday! NGS 2012 Family History Conference begins this week. Will you be there? Here are some great genealogy articles to check out before you go! The Genealogy Sphere Tips to Get Ready for a Genealogy Conference (Family Tree Magazine Blog) – Family Tree Magazine provides some great tips on how to prepare for a genealogy conference But How Can I Choose? Tips for Picking Conference Lectures (A Sense of Family blog) – Great tips… Read the full story

Yesterday, François Hollande was elected the new president of France. With Hollande’s victory, his opponent, Nicholas Sarkozy, became the first one-term president since 1981. Hollande will take office on May 15. Check out his family tree to learn more about France’s new leader. François Hollande is connected to over 60 million profiles in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related?     View François Hollande’s Geni Profile  

Joss Whedon‘s highly anticipated superhero film, The Avengers, has broken domestic and international box office records this weekend. Are you excited to watch Joss’s take on the multi-superhero movie? Joss began his career as a sitcom writer and before long began writing screenplays for feature films. It was through his success in television that he amassed a fervent and devoted cult following. As the mastermind behind television shows Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Firefly, Whedon… Read the full story

Tonight’s episode of Who Do You Think You Are? features actress Rashida Jones on her quest to learn more about her maternal ancestry. Did you know Rashida Jones is the daughter of Peggy Lipton and Quincy Jones? Will you be watching as Rashida journeys to Eastern Europe to uncover the devastating effect World War II had on her ancestors? Rashida Jones is connected to over 60 million profiles in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you… Read the full story

On May 3, 1903, actor and singer Bing Crosby was born in Tacoma, Washington. Bing was one of the best selling artists of the 20th century, with over half a billion records in circulation. His biggest hit was the Christmas song, “White Christmas.” According to Guinness World Records, Crosby’s recording of the number has sold over 100 million copies around the world. Bing Crosby is connected to over 60 million profiles in Geni’s World Family… Read the full story

Next week Geni will be at the NGS 2012 Family History Conference in Cincinnati, Ohio. From May 9-12, genealogists from around the country will come together at the Duke Energy Convention Center to learn about the latest in the world of genealogy. This year’s conference theme is The Ohio River: Gateway to the Western Frontier. We can’t wait to meet all of you, so be sure to stop by the Geni booth (422, 424) and… Read the full story

Happy Birthday, David Beckham! Today, the soccer superstar turns 37. David has had a lot to celebrate since his last birthday. In the past year, he and wife Victoria welcomed daughter Harper to the world and a few months later, his team, the Los Angeles Galaxy, won the 2011 MLS Cup. Here’s to another year filled with more celebrations! David Beckham’s family tree is not yet connected to World Family Tree. Perhaps you can help… Read the full story

Edgar Allan Poe was an American author, poet, editor and literary critic. He was the first well-known American writer to try to earn a living through his writing alone which resulted in a financially difficult life and career. He had enlisted in the United States Army as a private on May 27, 1827 using the name “Edgar A. Perry” claiming he was 22 years old when he was actually 18. Poe served at fort Independence… Read the full story

On May 1, 1852, American frontierswoman and folk hero Calamity Jane was born. She was infamous for her riding and shooting skills and a close friend of Wild Bill Hickok. Her compassion and kindness, especially to the sick and needy, distinguished her from other notable figures in the Wild West. Calamity Jane is connected to over 60 million profiles in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related?   View Calamity Jane’s Geni Profile  

Have you checked out some of these interesting articles in the world of genealogy? The Genealogy Sphere Genealogy Today: Ellis Island name-change rumors persist – (Green Valley News) – The truth behind the Ellis Island name-change myths Ancestry.com Acquires Archives.com: Addressing Genealogists’ Concerns (Family Tree Magazine) – Family Tree Magazine provides a summary of Ancestry’s conference call addressing genealogists’ concern over their acquisition of Archives Henry Louis Gates Digs Into Samuel L. Jackson’s Genealogy on… Read the full story

Today country music artist and activist Willie Nelson turns 79! Willie Nelson was born on April 30, 1933 in Abbott, Texas. Despite approaching 80, Willie has not let his age slow him down. To much of his fans’ delight, Willie continues to tour and perform in concerts with other major musicians. Did you know that his fourth great grandfather John Nelson served as a Major in the American Revolutionary War? Willie Nelson is connected to… Read the full story

Actor Rob Lowe is featured in tonight’s episode of Who Do You Think You Are? Will you be watching as Lowe travels to Germany and learns about his unexpected connection to the American Revolutionary War? Be sure to check out how Rob Lowe is related to Amy Poehler, Rashida Jones, Charlie Sheen and Helen Hunt here! Rob Lowe is connected to over 60 million profiles in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related?   View… Read the full story

This Friday’s episode of Who Do You Think You Are? features Rob Lowe and his journey to discover his ancestors. Since his family tree on Geni is already connected to the World Family Tree, we thought it would be fun to see how he was related to some of his celebrity pals! Rob currently stars in the critically acclaimed comedy Parks and Recreation as city manager Chris Traeger. Did you know he is also related to a couple… Read the full story

Today actress Carol Burnett turns 79! Burnett was born in San Antonio, Texas on April 26, 1933. For 11 years, she starred in the highly successful variety/sketch comedy show The Carol Burnett Show. During its run, the series won 25 Emmy Awards and today, it’s remembered as one of the best shows in television history. Did you know her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is located in front of the Hollywood Pacific Theater where she worked… Read the full story

On April 25, 1874, Italian inventor Guglielmo Marconi was born. Marconi is often referred to as the father of long distance radio transmission. In 1909, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics along with Karl Ferdinand Braun for their contributions to the development of wireless telegraphy. Did you know that the two radio operators aboard the Titanic (Jack Phillips and Harold Bride) were employees of the Marconi International Marine Communication Company? The two men worked tirelessly… Read the full story

Genealogy search engine Mocavo recently announced an exciting new feature for its users: Geni Family Tree Import! With Geni Family Tree Import, Geni and Mocavo users can import their existing family trees on Geni to their Mocavo profiles and instantly have access to all their family tree data. We think this is a great new step in making genealogy research easier than ever and we can’t wait for you to try it out! The folks… Read the full story

Alec Baldwin was born Alexander Rae Baldwin III on April 3, 1958 in Long Island, New York to Alexander Rae Baldwin, Jr., a high school history/social studies teacher and football coach and Carol Martineau, founder of the Carol M. Baldwin Breast Care Center of the University Hospital and Medical Center at Stony Brook, NY. Baldwin is an American actor who has appeared on stage, television and film. He first gained recognition through television for his… Read the full story

On April 24, 1942, Barbra Streisand was born in Brooklyn, New York. Over her long career, Steisand has sold over 140 million albums worldwide and amassed a great number of music and acting awards, including two Academy Awards and eight Grammys. She is also one of the few entertainers who can claim to have won an award in all four major American entertainment awards, the Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony. Barbra Streisand is connected to… Read the full story

A recap of some interesting genealogy articles from last week: The Genealogy Sphere Dracula ‘inspired by ancestor tale’ (Leinster Express) – Historian Fiona Fitzsimons proposes that Bram Stoker’s Dracula was inspired by his ancestor and not Vlad the Impaler Stuart woman recalls life in years around recently released 1940 census (TCPalm.com) – A Florida woman finds herself in the 1940 census and discusses what life was like at the time Study reveals ‘extraordinary’ DNA of… Read the full story

On April 23, 1564, English poet and playwright William Shakespeare was born. Although his birth date has never been confirmed, records show he was baptized on April 26, and it was custom at the time to wait three days before baptizing a new born. Shakespeare died on the same day 52 years later on April 23, 1616. Shakespeare is widely considered to be the greatest dramatist of all time. Today, his plays are still performed… Read the full story

This Sunday, April 22, the world celebrates Earth Day! Over 175 countries around the world will join to spread awareness and appreciation of the Earth’s natural environment. Together these countries are working to build a clean and healthier world for generations to come. It’s around this time of year that everyone becomes a little more motivated to do their part in helping the environment. Let’s take a closer look at the history of Earth Day and… Read the full story

On April 20, 1808, French emperor Napoleon III was born in Paris, France. He was the nephew and heir of Napoleon Bonaparte. In 1848, he was elected President of the French Second Republic in a landslide victory. However, in 1851, Napoleon III initiated a coup d’etat and ascended to the throne as Emperor of the French in 1852. After a crushing defeat in the Franco-Prussian War, the Second French Empire fell and Napoleon III was… Read the full story

Today, April 19, is Holocaust Remembrance Day or Yom HaShoah. Established in Israel in 1953, the day is observed as Israel’s day of commemoration for the millions of Jews who perished in the Holocaust. Around the world, people of the Jewish community observe the day to remember the 6 million lives of friends and relatives lost. In honor of the lives lost and forever changed by the Holocaust, several genealogy projects are dedicated to finding… Read the full story

Today we remember Dick Clark, who passed away yesterday at the age of 82. As the host of American Bandstand, Clark introduced the country to rock ‘n’ roll and transformed it into a cultural force. For decades, his show helped launch the careers of some of music’s biggest names to viewers of all ages. For the last four decades, Clark counted down the New Year at Times Square in New York City. In 2004, he… Read the full story

On April 18, 1882, orchestral conductor Leopold Stokowski was born in London. Stokowski was known for popularizing classical music throughout his 60-year career. Today he is revered as one of the greatest conductors of the 20th century. Perhaps his most well known accomplishment is his work conducting the musical score for the Disney film, Fantasia. In 1942, Stokowski was awarded with an honorary Academy Award for his unique achievement in bringing music to the screen… Read the full story

Stephen Benét was an American author, poet, short story writer, and novelist. He is best known for his narrative poem of the American Civil War, John Brown’s Body (1928), for which he won a Pulitzer Prize in 1929, and for two short stories, “The Devil and Daniel Webster” (1937) and “By the Waters of Babylon”. Benét was born on July 22, 1898 in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania to James Walker Benét, a colonel in the United States Army,… Read the full story

On April 17, 1974, Victoria Beckham was born. She rose to fame as a member of the British pop sensation, the Spice Girls. Together they sold over 75 million records worldwide, making them the best-selling female group of all time. Dubbed Posh Spice during her Spice Girls days, Victoria has found continued success as a fashion designer and style icon. In 1999, Victoria married soccer superstar David Beckham at Luttrellstown Castle, Ireland. Are you a fan of… Read the full story

Here’s the latest in the world of genealogy: The Genealogy Sphere What Does the 1940 Census Mean to the Genealogy Community? (Thomas MacEntee) – Thomas MacEntee likens the release of the 1940 census to Christmas for genealogists Most-Wired Generation Meets Greatest Generation in Census Frenzy (SF Gate) – A look into the 1940 census frenzy among genealogists Unsinkable Molly Brown’s daughter chose Paris over Titanic (Greenwichtime.com) – What could have been – a descendant of… Read the full story

Today, April 16, Pope Benedict XVI celebrates his 85th birthday. He was born Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger in 1927. In 2005, Pope Benedict succeeded John Paul II as the 265th Pope of the Catholic Church. This is just the first of Pope Benedict’s milestones this month. April 19 marks the 7th anniversary of his election as pope and April 24 is the anniversary of the beginning of his pontificate. Pope Benedict XVI’s family tree is still… Read the full story

In anticipation of the Titanic‘s 100th anniversary, a group of dedicated Geni users made it their mission to build the family trees of every Titanic passenger and crew member. Yes, that’s right - every single one. The RMS Titanic project was created to identify and list the survivors and casualties of the sinking of the Titanic. Today, they are proud to report that they were successful in accomplishing their goal! Through a truly collaborative effort, and spearheaded by… Read the full story

Today’s Titanic passenger story involves love, a sapphire necklace and tragedy. Remember the necklace worn by Kate Winslet’s character in James Cameron’s film Titanic? It was inspired by today’s tragic Titanic love story. Henry Samuel Morley was a confectioner from England. Although he was married and had a 12-year-old daughter, Henry made plans to leave England and travel to California. He told his friends he was traveling to the United States to recuperate from illness, however he was… Read the full story

Last week we showcased a few celebrities we found in the 1940 U.S. census. During our research, we also discovered some celebrity neighbors! Mary Pickford, Fred Astaire and Charlie Chaplin all lived on the same street in Beverly Hills, California! Actress Mary Pickford was living at 1143 Summit Drive with her husband Charles Buddy Rogers. During her marriage with Douglas Fairbanks, the home was known as “Pickfair” by the press and was once a hot… Read the full story

Colonel Archibald Gracie, IV was an American writer, amateur historian and a first class passenger aboard the Titanic. He spent much of the voyage chaperoning various unaccompanied women, including American author Helen Churchill Candee. After the Titanic struck the iceberg, Gracie put on his life-jacket and helped escort the women he had chaperoned into the lifeboats. Once all the regular boats had launched, Gracie assisted Second Officer Charles Lightoller in freeing the four collapsible boats that were… Read the full story

Perhaps one of the most famous passenger stories from the Titanic is that of Isidor and Ida Straus. Isidor Straus was a former U.S. Congressman and the co-owner of Macy’s department store with his brother Nathan. He and his wife Ida were traveling back to the U.S. from Germany on board the RMS Titanic. Their infant grandson, Stuart Scheftel, had caught a cold and had been left behind in England with his nurse. After the Titanic struck… Read the full story

Today we highlight Violet Jessop, who was a stewardess aboard the Titanic. Amazingly, Jessop survived three different maritime disasters within a span of five years. In 1911, while working as a stewardess on the HMS Olympic, the ship collided with the Royal Navy cruiser HMS Hawke, causing major flooding and damage. Fortunately, no lives were lost. Coincidentally, the Olympic was commanded by Captain Edward Smith, who would later captain the Titanic. On April 10, 1912,… Read the full story

This week marks the 100th anniversary of the RMS Titanic‘s fateful voyage. Let’s take a look at some interesting facts about the Titanic and learn a little bit more about some of the most notable passengers on board. Want to learn more about other Titanic passengers? Check out the RMS Titanic project on Geni and join other users working hard to build the family trees of all the Titanic passengers and crew! Are you related to a Titanic passenger?… Read the full story

Since the 1940 U.S. census was released last Monday, there were a large number of census related articles. Check out a few interesting articles below! The Genealogy Sphere J.D. Salinger Found Using NYPL’s 1940 Census Tool (Gothamist) – J.D. Salinger was found in the 1940 census using the New York Public Library’s research tool Citations Explained – A Don’t Miss Resource for all Genealogists (About.com) – With the release of the 1940 census, Kimberly Powell goes… Read the full story