Today marks the 70th anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. On December 7, 1941, the Imperial Japanese Navy struck the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor in a surprise military attack. Over 2,400 people were killed and more than 1,000 others were wounded on that day. The attack came as a shock to the American people and led directly to the United States’s entry into World War II. In President Franklin D…. Read the full story

On December 6, many countries across Europe celebrate St. Nicholas Day, a festive holiday in remembrance of Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of children, mariners and merchants. The Catholic holiday is celebrated in many countries, including France, Germany, Switzerland, Netherlands and the countries of Central Europe. Also called Nikolaos of Myra, Saint Nicholas was born to a wealthy family in Lycia, Asia Minor and became Bishop of Myra. During his lifetime, Saint Nicholas was known… Read the full story

Last week’s links in the world of genealogy: The Genealogy Sphere Not Your Grandmother’s Genealogy Hobby (The Wall Street Journal) – Geni was featured in this Wall Street Journal article! Pocahontas wedding site traced (News24) – Archaeologists discover the location where Pocahontas was married 10 Questions to Ask a Research Facility Before You Visit (About.com) – Kimberly Powell’s tips on what to ask before visiting a research facility A Point of View: A convert to… Read the full story

One of the greatest benefits of Geni projects is the collaboration and assistance from other passionate and knowledgeable users. We thought it would be great to bring some attention to one of Geni’s earlier projects, the Gravestone Photo Exchange project. Gravestones hold a wealth of information for the genealogy researcher. Many genealogists trek through cemeteries hunting for their relatives graves, some traveling far and wide to find that new bit of information. However, in many instances, people… Read the full story

  Linda Ronstadt Linda Ronstadt is a popular American recording artist and is recognized as one of the most versatile and commercially successful female singers in U.S. history. Once dubbed the Queen of Rock, Ronstadt has earned 11 Grammy Awards, an Emmy Award and a Tony Award nomination. Ronstadt was born on July 15, 1946 in Tuscon, Arizona to Gilbert Ronstadt, a prosperous machinery merchant, and Ruth Copeman. Her father was descended from a pioneering… Read the full story

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving holiday! In case you missed it, here are some interesting links in the world of genealogy from this past week. The Genealogy Sphere Holiday dinner table great genealogical resource (SCnow.com) – Genealogy tips for Thanksgiving Archives.com Partners with Family Tree DNA to Offer DNA Testing (SF Gate) – Archives.com announces DNA testing with Family Tree DNA Getting the Most From Genealogy Conferences (The Root) – Ways conferences can help… Read the full story

Do you know someone, living or deceased, that has made a significant impact in your life? Now’s your chance to honor those you love with a tribute video. The Tribute Network is hosting its 1st annual Tribute Video & Film Festival and you can participate! Create and upload your tribute video to a person or pet (alive or in spirit) who has and/or is making a contribution to your life’s journey. Your video can be… Read the full story

It’s turkey time! This Thursday, November 24, is Thanksgiving in the U.S. Traditionally, families and friends gather to enjoy a Thanksgiving feast together. While we all gather around to stuff ourselves with yummy goodness and give thanks, the holiday also poses the opportune time for some genealogical data collection! Here are five ways you can get gather some information from your family during the holiday: 1. Ask your relatives questions Best place to start is… Read the full story

November is Native American Heritage month in the U.S. Last week we shared some great Native American genealogy projects on Geni. Today, lets take a look at some notable figures who descend from Native American heritage. Cowboy and world famous actor Will Rogers was born to a prominent Cherokee Nation family in Indian Territory (now Oklahoma). His father was a Cherokee judge, Confederate veteran and served several terms in the Cherokee Senate. Rogers County in Oklahoma… Read the full story

Check out some links from the world of genealogy from this past week. Enjoy! The Genealogy Sphere Man Unearths Historic Cemetery in French Quarter Backyard (WDSU) – A historic discovery with deep roots in New Orleans history. U.S. Social Security Death Index to be changed (Examiner.com) – It was announced that state death records would no longer be used to add records to the SSDI database. Genealogist help pastor find his Indian roots (Plant City… Read the full story