Author: Amanda

Amanda is the Marketing Communications Manager at Geni. If you need any assistance, she will be happy to help!

Profile of the Day »

Profile of the Day: Neil Armstrong

Posted August 5, 2021 by Amanda | No Comment

Today we remember astronaut Neil Armstrong, who was born on this day in 1930. Image: Neil Armstrong / NASA Armstrong was born in Wapakoneta, Ohio to Stephen Armstrong, an auditor, and Viola Engel. From a young age, Armstrong developed a passion for aviation. At the age of six, his father took him on his first ride in a Ford Trimotor, known as the “Tin Goose.” By the age of 16, Armstrong had earned his student… Read the full story

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Profile of the Day: Louis Armstrong

Posted August 4, 2021 by Amanda | No Comment

On this day in 1901, Jazz icon Louis Armstrong was born. Image: Louis Armstrong / Library of Congress Armstrong was born on August 4, 1901 in New Orleans, Louisiana to William Armstrong and Maryann Albert. Shortly after his birth, his father abandoned the family. He grew up in poverty in a rough neighborhood known as “The Battlefield.” Armstrong only had a fifth grade education, having left school at a young age to work. He found… Read the full story

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Profile of the Day: Karsten Warholm

Posted August 3, 2021 by Amanda | No Comment

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic games has seen a number of exciting, history making performances this year. On August 3, Norwegian hurdler Karsten Warholm not only won gold in the men’s 400-meter hurdles, but also set a new world record! Image: Karsten Warholm / Yann Caradec, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0) In what has been called one of the greatest races in Olympics history, Warholm won at 45.94 seconds, crushing his own world record by .76…. Read the full story

Fun with Genealogy »

Early Female Olympians

Posted July 30, 2021 by Amanda | No Comment

After being postponed for a year, the Tokyo 2020 Olympics are now in full swing. Although this year’s games are different due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is still full of history making celebrations from some amazing female athletes. Weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz made history for winning the Philippines’s first Olympic gold medal. Japan’s Momiji Nishiya became the first gold medalist in the women’s street skateboarding event at just 13 years old. She is also Japan’s… Read the full story

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Profile of the Day: Emily Brontë

Posted July 30, 2021 by Amanda | No Comment

On this day in 1818, author Emily Brontë was born. Image: Emily Brontë / Wikimedia Commons She was born on July 30 1818 in Thornton, Yorkshire, England and was the fifth of six children born to Patrick Brontë and Maria Branwell. When she was three, her mother died of cancer shortly after the birth of her younger sister, Anne. Four years later, her older sisters, Maria and Elizabeth, died of tuberculosis after contracting the illness… Read the full story

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Profile of the Day: Vincent van Gogh

Posted July 29, 2021 by Amanda | No Comment

Today we remember Vincent van Gogh, who died on July 29, 1890. Although he is widely considered to be one of the most influential painters of the 20th century, van Gogh was virtually unknown during his lifetime. Image: Vincent van Gogh / Wikimedia Commons Vincent Willem van Gogh was born on March 30, 1853 in Zundert, Netherlands to Theodorus van Gogh, a minister of the Dutch Reformed Church, and Anna Cornelia Carbentus. The eldest of… Read the full story

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Profile of the Day: Bob Hope

Posted July 27, 2021 by Amanda | No Comment

Today we remember legendary comedian Bob Hope, who died on this day in 2003 at the age of 100. With a career that spanned more than eight decades, Hope conquered almost every entertainment medium, from vaudeville and Broadway to radio, television, and film. Image: Bob Hope / U.S. National Archives and Records Administration He was born Leslie Townes Hope on May 29, 1903 in Eltham, London and was the fifth of seven sons born to… Read the full story

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Profile of the Day: Woody Harrelson

Posted July 23, 2021 by Amanda | No Comment

Happy birthday to actor Woody Harrelson! Today the star turns 60. Image: Woody Harrelson / LBJ Library photo by Gabriel Cristóver Pérez Harrelson was born Woodrow Tracy Harrelson on July 23, 1961 in Midland, Texas to Diane Oswald and Charles Harrelson. His father was a convicted contract killer and received a life sentence in 1979. He died in prison in 2007. His mother worked as a legal secretary and raised Harrelson and his two brothers alone. In… Read the full story

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Profile of the Day: Alex Trebek

Posted July 22, 2021 by Amanda | No Comment

Today we remember beloved game show host Alex Trebek on what would have been his 81st birthday. Image: Alex Trebek / Nestor Cruz, U.S. Air Force He was born George Alexander Trebek on July 22, 1940 in Sudbury, Ontario to George Edward Trebek (born Terebeychuk) and Lucille Marie Lagacé. His father emigrated from the Ukraine as a child and became a chef. His mother was French Canadian and so Trebek grew up speaking both French… Read the full story

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Profile of the Day: Robin Williams

Posted July 21, 2021 by Amanda | No Comment

Today we remember actor Robin Williams on what would have been his 70th birthday. Image: Robin Williams / Eva Rinaldi, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0) He was born Robin McLaurin Williams on July 21, 1951 in Chicago, Illinois. A quiet child growing up, Williams joined the drama department at school to help overcome his shyness. As a student at Julliard, he became friends with fellow actor Christopher Reeve. The pair shared a close friendship until Reeve’s… Read the full story

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Profile of the Day: Edgar Degas

Posted July 19, 2021 by Amanda | No Comment

French painter Edgar Degas was born on July 19, 1834 in Paris, France. Image: Edgar Degas / Wikimedia Commons He was born Hilaire-Germain-Edgar De Gas and was the eldest child of Augustin De Gas, a banker, and Marie-Celestine Musson, an American from New Orleans, Louisiana. Her father, Germain Musson, had fled his home in Haiti in 1804 and made a small fortune in Louisiana cotton. As an adult, he changed the spelling of his surname to… Read the full story

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Profile of the Day: Ida B. Wells

Posted July 16, 2021 by Amanda | No Comment

On this day in 1862, investigative journalist, educator, and civil rights activist Ida B. Wells was born. Image: Ida B. Wells / National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution Wells was born into slavery on July 16, 1862 in Holly Springs, Mississippi to James Maddison Wells and Elizabeth “Lizzie” Warrenton. After emancipation, her father was a trustee of Shaw College (today Rust College), a school for the newly freed enslaved people. Wells attended the school until she… Read the full story

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Profile of the Day: Rembrandt

Posted July 15, 2021 by Amanda | No Comment

Today marks the 415th anniversary of the birth of Dutch painter Rembrandt van Rijn. Image: Rembrandt van Rijn / Wikimedia Commons The 17th century painter was born on July 15, 1606 in what is today the Netherlands. The ninth child born to Harmen Gerritszoon van Rijn and Neeltgen Willemsdochter van Zuijtbrouck, Rembrandt showed an early talent for the arts. He trained as an artist under two masters before beginning to practice as a professional portrait… Read the full story

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Profile of the Day: Florence Bascom

Posted July 14, 2021 by Amanda | No Comment

On this day in 1862, geologist and educator Florence Bascom was born. A pioneer of her field, Bascom is considered to be the first female geologist in America. Image: Florence Bascom / Smithsonian Institution, Flickr Bascom was born on July 14, 1862 in Williamstown, Massachusetts. She was the youngest surviving child of John Bascom, a professor at Williams College, and Emma Curtiss, a teacher and women’s right’s activist. Both of her parents were strong supporters… Read the full story

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Profile of the Day: Patrick Stewart

Posted July 13, 2021 by Amanda | No Comment

Happy birthday to Patrick Stewart! A veteran of the stage and screen, Stewart’s versatile career has spanned from the works of Shakespeare to some of popular culture’s most iconic franchises. Image: Patrick Stewart / Gage Skidmore, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0) Stewart was born on July 13, 1940 in Mirfield, England to Gladys Barrowclaugh, a textile worker, and Alfred Stewart, a Regimental Sergeant Major in the British Army. Growing up in a poor and abusive household,… Read the full story

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Profile of the Day: George Eastman

Posted July 12, 2021 by Amanda | No Comment

On this day in 1854, American inventor and philanthropist George Eastman was born. Image: George Eastman / Library of Congress Eastman was born on July 12, 1854 in Waterville, New York and was the youngest of three children born to George Washington Eastman and Maria Kilbourn. His father started a small business school, Eastman Commercial College, in Rochester, New York. When Eastman was 8, his father died suddenly and by 14, he left school to… Read the full story

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Profile of the Day: Tom Hanks

Posted July 9, 2021 by Amanda | 2 Comments

Do you have a favorite Tom Hanks movie? Today the beloved actor turns 65! Image: Tom Hanks / Wikimedia Commons Hanks was born Thomas Jeffrey Hanks on July 9, 1956 in Concord, California to Janet Frager, a hospital worker, and Amos Mefford, a cook. In 1979, he moved to New York City to pursue an acting career. After appearing in low-budget movies and bit parts on television, Hanks landed the lead role in the television comedy Bosom… Read the full story

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Profile of the Day: Kevin Bacon

Posted July 8, 2021 by Amanda | No Comment

Today actor Kevin Bacon celebrates his 63rd birthday! Image: Kevin Bacon / Genevieve, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0) The actor and musician was born on July 8, 1958 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Edmund Norwood Bacon and Ruth Holmes. His father was a prominent architect and served as the Executive Director of the Philadelphia City Planning Commission. Sometimes called the “Father of Modern Philadelphia,” the elder Bacon’s vision helped shape much of today’s Philadelphia. Bacon made… Read the full story

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Profile of the Day: Nettie Stevens

Posted July 7, 2021 by Amanda | No Comment

On this day in 1861, American geneticist Nettie Stevens was born. A pioneer of her field, Stevens is credited with discovering sex chromosomes. Image: Nettie Stevens / Wikimedia Commons Stevens was born on July 7, 1961 in Cavendish, Vermont to Julia Adams and Ephraim Stevens. An excellent student, Stevens was near the top of her class. She and her sister, Emma, were two of three women to graduate from Westford Academy, a private high school,… Read the full story

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Profile of the Day: Frida Kahlo

Posted July 6, 2021 by Amanda | No Comment

Do you have Mexican ancestry? On this day in 1907, Mexican painter Frida Kahlo was born. Image: Frida Kahlo / Library of Congress She was born Magdalena Carmen Frieda Kahlo y Calderón in her parents’ house, known as La Casa Azul, in Coyocoán, a town on the outskirts of Mexico City. Her father, Guillermo Kahlo, was born Carl Wilhelm Kahlo in Pforzheim, Germany. A photographer, Frida’s father traveled to Mexico at the age of 19 and changed his… Read the full story

Fun with Genealogy »

Look Who’s Related: The Signers of the Declaration of Independence

Posted July 4, 2021 by Amanda | No Comment

On July 4 the United States celebrates Independence Day, which commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. In July 1776, the Continental Congress declared that the thirteen American colonies were no longer subject to British rule under King George III and were now free, independent states. In celebration of the holiday, we take a look at a few of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence and how they are related to each… Read the full story

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Profile of the Day: Olav V of Norway

Posted July 2, 2021 by Amanda | No Comment

On this day in 1903, Olav V of Norway was born. Nicknamed “the People’s King,” Olav was immensely popular during his reign for his down-to-earth style. Image: Olav V of Norway / National Library of Norway The Norwegian monarch was born with the name Alexander Edward Christian Frederik on July 2, 1903 at Appleton House at the royal Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, England. He was the only child of Prince Carl of Denmark and Princess Maud, the… Read the full story

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Profile of the Day: Princess Diana

Posted July 1, 2021 by Amanda | No Comment

“Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.” Today we remember Diana, Princess of Wales on what would have been her 60th birthday. Fondly known as the People’s Princess, Diana was one of the most adored members of the British royal family.  Image: Princess Diana, Wikimedia Commons Diana Frances Spencer was born into an aristocratic English family on… Read the full story

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Profile of the Day: Lena Horne

Posted June 30, 2021 by Amanda | No Comment

On this day in 1917, singer, actress, and civil rights activist Lena Horne was born. Image: Lena Horne / Library of Congress Horne was born on June 30, 1917 in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, New York to Edwin Fletcher Horne, Jr. and Edna Louise Scottron. Her father was a professional gambler and left the family when Horne was 3. Her mother was an actress in a black theater troupe and was constantly traveling. As a child, she… Read the full story

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Profile of the Day: Katharine Hepburn

Posted June 29, 2021 by Amanda | No Comment

Today we remember one of the most iconic actresses in Hollywood, Katharine Hepburn, who died on June 29, 2003 at the age of 96. Image: Katharine Hepburn / Wikimedia Commons Considered one of the greatest actresses in film history, Hepburn garnered multiple awards and nominations for her breathtaking performances. Her career spanned over 60 years, making her last on screen appearance at the age of 87. Katharine Houghton Hepburn was born on May 12, 1907… Read the full story

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Profile of the Day: Henry VIII of England

Posted June 28, 2021 by Amanda | No Comment

How are you related to the Tudors? On this day in 1491, Henry VIII of England was born at Greenwich Palace in London, England. Image: Henry VIII / Wikimedia Commons He was the third child and second son of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York. Of his six siblings, only three would survive infancy. His older brother, Arthur, was expected to inherit the throne. However, just 20 weeks after his marriage to Catherine of Aragon, Arthur… Read the full story

Community »

Father’s Day Giveaway Winner

Posted June 25, 2021 by Amanda | No Comment

This Father’s Day we asked you to send a photo of your dad or a father-figure in your life and tell us what makes him special to you. One lucky person would be chosen at random and receive a free 1-year subscription of Geni Pro. We received some lovely stories from the community and today we’re excited to announce the winner of our Father’s Day giveaway – Līga Saleme! Līga shared the following about her… Read the full story

Profile of the Day »

Profile of the Day: George Orwell

Posted June 25, 2021 by Amanda | No Comment

Do you remember reading 1984? On this day in 1903, author George Orwell was born in Motihari, Bengal, India. Image: George Orwell / Wikimedia Commons Orwell was born Eric Arthur Blair to Ida Mabel and Richard Walmesley Blair, who worked in the Opium Department of the Indian Civil Service. His second-great grandfather, Charles Blair, was a wealthy owner of plantations in Jamaica. He started writing at a young age and in 1933, published his first major work, Down… Read the full story

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Profile of the Day: Jack Dempsey

Posted June 24, 2021 by Amanda | No Comment

On June 24, 1895, American boxer Jack Dempsey was born. Dempsey was the world heavy weight boxing champion from 1919 to 1926. Today he is still remembered as one of the greatest boxers of all time. Image: Jack Dempsey / Library of Congress Dempsey was born William Harrison Dempsey in Manassa, Colorado to Hyrum Dempsey and Mary Celia Smoot. Growing up poor, Dempsey’s family moved frequently in search of work. He took his first job… Read the full story

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Profile of the Day: Alan Turing

Posted June 23, 2021 by Amanda | No Comment

Mathematician Alan Turing was born on this day in 1912 in London, England. The pioneering computer scientist is widely recognized as the father of artificial intelligence. Image: Alan Turing / Wikimedia Commons From a young age, Turing excelled in mathematics and go on to study cryptology in college. During World War II, Turing played a vital role in deciphering the messages encrypted by the German’s Enigma machine. By cracking the code, the Allies gained access… Read the full story

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Profile of the Day: Meryl Streep

Posted June 22, 2021 by Amanda | No Comment

Happy birthday to Meryl Streep! Today the star turns 72. With a record of 21 Academy Award nominations, Steep is often considered to be one of the greatest actresses in history. Image: Meryl Streep / Wikimedia Commons She was born Mary Louise Streep on June 22, 1949 in Summit, New Jersey to Harry William Streep, Jr., a pharmaceutical executive, and Mary Wolf Wilkinson, an artist. Streep’s father was of German and Swiss ancestry. Her second… Read the full story

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Profile of the Day: Prince William, Duke of Cambridge

Posted June 21, 2021 by Amanda | No Comment

Happy birthday to Prince William! Today the Duke of Cambridge turns 39. Image: Prince William, Duke of Cambridge / USAID/Vietnam As the eldest son of Prince Charles and Princess Diana, the Duke of Cambridge is the second in line to the British throne. Prince William was born on June 21, 1982 at St. Mary’s Hospital in London, which is also the same hospital where his younger brother, Prince Harry, and Prince William’s three children were born. After completing his… Read the full story

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Profile of the Day: Paul McCartney

Posted June 18, 2021 by Amanda | No Comment

Happy birthday to Paul McCartney! Today the legendary musician turns 79. Image: Paul McCartney / Library of Congress Jams Paul McCartney was born on June 18, 1942 in Liverpool, England. His mother, Mary Patricia Mohin, was a midwife and his father, James McCartney, was a jazz trumpet player and pianist. At the age of 14, his mother died of an embolism shortly after undergoing an operation to stop the spread of cancer. Her death had a… Read the full story

Community »

Father’s Day Giveaway: Win a Free Year of Geni Pro

Posted June 15, 2021 by Amanda | No Comment

Each year Father’s Day is celebrated to honor fathers and father-figures in our lives. With the special day just around the corner, we thought it would be fun to hear about your dad and what makes him special to you. Share your stories with us and you can win a free 1-year subscription of Geni Pro! From important life lessons to teaching us new skills such as riding a bike, our dads have made long… Read the full story

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Profile of the Day: Jacques Cousteau

Posted June 11, 2021 by Amanda | No Comment

Today we remember famous oceanographer and explorer Jacques Cousteau, who was born on this day in 1910. A pioneer of marine conservation, Cousteau studied all forms of life in the water and documented his extensive investigations in books and films. Image: Jacques Causteau / Nationaal Archief, CC0 Jacques-Yves Causteau was born on June 11, 1910 in Saint-André-de-Cubzac, France to Daniel Cousteau and Elizabeth Duranthon. In 1930, he entered the French naval academy and graduated as a gunnery… Read the full story

News »

New Improvements to Sources on Mobile Devices

Posted June 9, 2021 by Amanda | No Comment

A few months ago, we released some major enhancements to sources on Geni. Today we are happy to announce new improvements to sources to make your citation experience on your mobile device even better.  Sources can now be added from the family tree interface quickly on your phone, making it even easier to document your ancestry while you are on the go. While visiting your local archive, courthouse, or library, you can use your mobile… Read the full story

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Profile of the Day: Frank Lloyd Wright

Posted June 8, 2021 by Amanda | No Comment

On this day in 1867, American architect Frank Lloyd Wright was born in Richland Center, Wisconsin. Image: Frank Lloyd Wright / Library of Congress Wright was born on June 8, 1867 to William Carey Wright, an orator, music teacher, and minister, and Anna Lloyd Jones. His mother was a member of a large, prosperous, and well-known Unitarian family that emigrated from Wales to Spring Green, Wisconsin. Considered one of the greatest architects of all time, Wright… Read the full story

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Profile of the Day: Angelina Jolie

Posted June 4, 2021 by Amanda | No Comment

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

Posted June 2, 2021 by Amanda | One Comment

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

Posted June 1, 2021 by Amanda | No Comment

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

Posted May 28, 2021 by Amanda | No Comment

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

Fun with Genealogy »

Friends: The One Where They’re Related

Posted May 27, 2021 by Amanda | No Comment

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

Posted May 25, 2021 by Amanda | No Comment

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

Posted May 24, 2021 by Amanda | No Comment

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

Posted May 21, 2021 by Amanda | No Comment

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

Posted May 20, 2021 by Amanda | No Comment

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

Community »

Mother’s Day Giveaway: Wise Words From Mom

Posted May 14, 2021 by Amanda | No Comment

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

Posted May 14, 2021 by Amanda | No Comment

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: Florence Nightingale

Posted May 12, 2021 by Amanda | No Comment

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

Posted May 7, 2021 by Amanda | No Comment

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