Author: Amanda

On August 26, 1740, Joseph-Michel Montgolfier was born in Annonay, France. Joseph-Michel was the inventor of the hot air balloon, along with his brother, Jacques-Étienne. In June 1783, the brothers successfully demonstrated publicly the first manned ascent, carrying Étienne to the sky. In recognition of their achievement, their father Pierre was elevated to the nobility and the hereditary appellation of de Montgolfier by King Louis XVI of France.   Have you ridden in a hot air balloon?… Read the full story

Happy birthday Barbara Eden! The I Dream of Jeannie star was born Barbara Jean Morehead in Tucson, Arizona. After her parents divorced, she moved to San Francisco with her mother at the age of three. Her mother later re-married, however the family was hit hard by the Great Depression. Unable to afford many luxuries, Barbara’s mother entertained the children by singing songs. Her early exposure to music left a lasting impression and inspired her to pursue… Read the full story

While researching your family history, it is not uncommon to find your ancestors moving from place to place. As genealogists, it is important to know what historical events may have occurred to better understand the factors that may be behind a family’s decision to move afar. During the late nineteenth century, the United States government passed a series of laws that gave an applicant ownership of land at little or no cost. Known as the Homestead… Read the full story

RIP Elmore Leonard. Yesterday, the American novelist and screenwriter died at the age of 87. Considered one of the most influential crime writers, Leonard was known for his gritty realism and strong dialogue. Among his best-known works are Get Shorty, Out of Sight and Rum Punch. A few his short stories have made it to the big and small screens including the film 3:10 to Yuma and the current television series Justified. Were you a fan… Read the full story

Before catching the newest episode of Who Do You Think You Are?, check out actor Chris O’Donnell‘s family tree on Geni. Known for starring on the hit show NCIS: Los Angeles, tonight O’Donnell visits St. Louis, Missouri to investigate his paternal ancestry. Along the way, he discovers his family’s patriotic legacy and the role they played in early American history. Chris O’Donnell is connected to over 70 million people in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are… Read the full story

Check out some interesting articles from the past week! The Genealogy Sphere Sibling similarities (Daily Mail UK) – Photographer splices pictures of brothers and sisters together showing how alike two people who share the same gene pool can be Mapping a Century of Change in the City of Boston (The Atlantic Cities) – An interesting comparison of Boston then and now Thousands of bodies under Bath Abbey threaten its stability (BBC News) – Since the… Read the full story

On August 19, 1883, fashion designer Coco Chanel was born in Saumur, France. After the death of her mother, Coco’s father sent her to live in an orphanage where she learned to sew, a trade that would make her one of the most influential fashion pioneers of the twentieth century. Her perfumes, handbags and trademark suits and little black dresses are still highly popular today. Coco Chanel is connected to over 70 million people in… Read the full story

On August 15, 1769, Napoleon Bonaparte was born in Ajaccio, France. In 1804, he became the first emperor of France and established hegemony over most of continental Europe. In what would be called the Napoleonic Wars, Napoleon’s drive for military expansion changed the world. After being forced into exile on the island of Elba, Napoleon was able to regain power of France temporarily before suffering a crushing defeat at Waterloo. Although he would live the… Read the full story

Happy birthday, Steve Martin! Today he turns 68. In 1945, the “wild and crazy” comedian was born in Waco, Texas and moved to southern California as a young child. Martin got his start entertaining audiences during his teens, performing magic tricks and banjo music at Disneyland. Since then, he’s not only become one of the most successful comedic actors but also an author, playwright and musician. Did you know that he won a Grammy Award… Read the full story

In tonight’s episode of Who Do You Think You Are? Zooey Deschanel  investigates tales of abolitionists in her father’s Quaker ancestry. Are you excited to see what mysteries she will uncover? Before the show, check out Zooey Deschanel’s family tree on Geni and see how you’re related!       View Zooey Deschanel’s Geni Profile  

Here are some great articles from the past week that you may have missed: The Genealogy Sphere WWI tourism: Looking for your family hero (BBC News) – As the 100th anniversary of WWI approaches, brothers visit the battlefield where their great grandfather fought World War One from the OTHER side (Daily Mail) – Photos of the German Army during WWI Tips to Researching WWI War Brides (a3Genealogy blog) – Tips on tracing your WWI veteran’s… Read the full story

On August 12, 1964, author Ian Fleming died at the age of 56. Fleming was best known for bringing suave British Secret Intelligence Service agent James Bond to life in his series of spy novels. Inspired by his own experience working for British Naval Intelligence during World War II, Fleming published his first Bond novel, Casino Royal, in 1953. Following the book’s success, 11 Bond novels and short-story collections would be published between 1953 and… Read the full story

August 9 is the United Nations’ International Day of the World’s Indigenous People! First pronounced by the General Assembly of the United Nations in 1994, the day is observed to promote and protect the rights of the world’s indigenous population. Each year this day is celebrated in recognition of the achievements and contributions that indigenous people make to improve world issues. In honor of the day, here are some of genealogy projects on Geni from all… Read the full story

On August 9, 1902, Edward VII was crowned the King of the United Kingdom and Ireland after the death of his mother Queen Victoria. Before his ascension to the throne, he served as heir apparent and held the title of Prince of Wales longer than any of his predecessors. He was recently surpassed by his great-great grandson Prince Charles as the longest-serving heir apparent in British history. Edward VII is connected to over 70 million… Read the full story

On this day in 1863, following his defeat at Gettysburg, General Robert E. Lee sent his letter of resignation as commander of the Army of Northern Virginia to Confederate President Jefferson Davis. Taking the defeat personally, Lee seriously questioned his ability to lead the confederate army into battle. Upon receiving the letter, Davis promptly refused his resignation. Robert E. Lee is connected to over 70 million people on Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you… Read the full story

Happy birthday, Charlize Theron! Today the Academy Award winning actress turns 38. Born in South Africa, Charlize moved to the U.S. in her teens to pursue a career in modeling. Did you know her second great uncle Daniel Theron was a captain during the Second Boer War? He is best known as the driving force behind the formation of a military bicycle corps used by the Boer Army for scouting and relaying messages. Check out her family… Read the full story

In tonight’s episode of Who Do You Think You Are? comedian Chelsea Handler learns more about her grandfather Karl Stoecker and his past as a German soldier during World War II. Are you eager to see what surprises will be revealed? Chelsea Handler is not yet connected to World Family Tree. Check out her family tree and help connect her to over 70 million people on Geni.     View Chelsea Handler’s Geni Profile  

Start the week of with some interesting genealogy articles! The Genealogy Sphere Rare Bible rescued from trash provides missing family history (Desertnews.com) – A rare 1815 Bible rescued from the garbage 40 years ago reveals provides missing family history Okinawa Battle Flag Returned to Owner’s Family (ABC News) – A tattered Japanese flag found by an American soldier during WWII is returned to its owners family A matter of consideration (The Legal Genealogist blog) –… Read the full story

Today we remember Marilyn Monroe, who passed away on this day in 1962. She overcame a very difficult childhood to become one of the world’s biggest and most influential cultural icons. Her widely successful career was cut short when she died at the age of 36 from a drug overdose. What’s your favorite Marilyn Monroe film? Marilyn Monroe is connected to over 70 million people in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related?  … Read the full story

How do you usually spend quality time with your family? If you were the Steinlauf family, you would probably all go out for a nice bike ride…on the same bike. In 1939, Charles Steinlauf invented the “Goofybike,” a two-story bicycle contraption to carry the entire family. Here’s a photo of Charles pedaling up top to help guide the bike, while his son pedals down below. His wife sits below him with the fully operational sewing… Read the full story

Today in 1876, frontiersman Wild Bill Hickcok was shot in the back and killed while playing poker at the Nuttal & Mann’s Saloon in Deadwood, located in the southern Dakota Territory. The legend of Wild Bill was known throughout the American West. During his lifetime, he was one of the first Pony Express riders, fought for the Union Army during the American Civil War, and became a lawman on the frontier. Considered one of the… Read the full story

On August 1, 1819, author Herman Melville was born in New York City. Although he experienced success early in his literary career, by the time of his death, his popularity had severely declined. It wasn’t until the “Melville Revival” in the early 20th century that his work won recognition, especially Moby-Dick which was hailed as one of the literary masterpieces of literature. Do you remember reading Moby-Dick? Herman Melville is connected to over 70 million people… Read the full story

Today is the Feast of Saint Ignatius of Loyola. On July 31, 1556, Ignatius of Loyola died in Rome. He was a Spanish Knight and theologian who founded the Society of Jesus, a Jesuit order of Roman Catholic missionaries. An important figure of the Counter-Reformation, Ignatius was canonized as a saint in 1622 by Pope Gregory XV. He is a foremost patron saint of soldiers and the Society of Jesus. St. Ignatius is connected to… Read the full story

Before watching tonight’s episode of Who Do You Think You Are? take a look at actress Christina Applegate‘s family tree on Geni. Thanks to the collaboration of several Geni users, you can see how you’re related to Emmy- winning actress before the show. Christina Applegate is connected to over 70 million people on Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related?     View Christina Applegate’s Geni Profile  

Have a great weekend? Start the new week off right with some interesting genealogy articles! The Genealogy Sphere Social Media Help Track Property Lost in Holocaust (New York Times) – MyHeritage helps connect heirs with properties lost during World War II Thousands Buried Beneath Philly Playground (NBC Philadelphia) – Archaeologists discover evidence of a 19th century burial site beneath a local playground Mistakes Researchers Make Looking for Death Records (The In-Depth Genealogist) – Good advice… Read the full story

Happy birthday, Mick Jagger! Can you believe the legendary rock star is turning 70? It’s been half a century since Mick first took the stage with The Rolling Stones and today he’s still going strong with his iconic moves and sound as the band continues to tour around the world. What’s your favorite Rolling Stones song? Check out Mick Jagger’s family tree on Geni!     View Mick Jagger’s Geni Profile  

On July 25, 1750, military officer Henry Knox was born in Boston, Massachusetts. An officer of the Continental Army during the American Revolution, Knox would later serve as the first United States Secretary of War. During the Revolutionary War, he accompanied George Washington on most of his campaigns and established training centers for artillerymen and manufacturing facilities that would become valuable assets. In 1806, Knox died from an infection received after swallowing a chicken bone. Do… Read the full story

Great news – we’ve just made Record Matches and Smart Matches™ smarter with new Value Indicators. This enhancement is designed to make your matches more useful and save you time. You’ll recall that Record Matching automatically finds matching historical records for your family tree from MyHeritage’s growing collection of billions of newspapers, birth, death, census and other records. Smart Matching™ automatically finds matches for your family tree in MyHeritage family trees so you can discover new… Read the full story

Do you remember reading The Three Musketeers? Today is author Alexandre Dumas‘s  211th birthday. On July 24, 1802, Dumas was born in Villers-Cotterêts, France. Best known for his historical novels of high adventure, his works have been translated into nearly 100 languages and have inspired several films. Considered one of France’s most distinguished citizens, Dumas is interred at the mausoleum of the Panthéon of Paris, alongside other French luminaries Victor Hugo and Émile Zola. Alexandre Dumas is connected… Read the full story

It is with a heavy heart to report that we have lost an important member of the Geni community. On Wednesday, July 17, 2013, Geni Curator Marvin Caulk passed away after a long battle with cancer. In January 2011, Marvin joined the ranks of Geni’s dedicated group of volunteers to help Curate the World Family Tree, a daunting task and one that Marvin embraced wholeheartedly as one of Geni’s ever-watchful eyes, guardians and mentors. He… Read the full story

The popular genealogy show Who Do You Think You Are? returns with an all new episode featuring singer Kelly Clarkson. Tonight Kelly will uncover her family’s close ties to American history and discover the bravery of her third great grandfather Isaiah Rose, a Union soldier in the American Civil War. Will you be watching tonight? Kelly Clarkson is connected to over 70 million people in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related?     View… Read the full story

Congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge! Today William and Kate welcomed their first child – a healthy baby boy! Kate went into labor earlier today and was taken to St. Mary’s hospital, the same hospital where William and his brother Prince Harry were born. The birth announcement stated the future monarch was born at 4:24pm local time and weighed 8 pounds and 6 ounces. While his name has not yet been released, here… Read the full story

Here are some interesting articles from the past week! The Genealogy Sphere Three Keys to Involving the Younger Generations in Genealogy (The Huffington Post) – Great tips on getting younger generations involved in your family history research 6 generations of same family living in Ontario (CBC News Toronto) – Amazing photo of six generations of the same family living in Ontario Photographer’s Facemash Project Reveals Uncanny Genetic Resemblances – (Mashable) – Great photos showing the… Read the full story

On July 22, 1849, poet Emma Lazarus was born in New York City, New York. She is best known for her sonnet “The New Colossus,” which was written in 1883. In 1903, the sonnet was inscribed on a bronze plaque in the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty, including the iconic lines: “Give me your tired, your poor Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free” Emma Lazarus is connected to over 70 million people in… Read the full story

On July 19, 1814, inventor Samuel Colt was born in Hartford, Connecticut. Colt’s design for a pistol with a revolving cartridge revolutionized the industry and made the mass-production of the revolver commercially viable for the first time.  His innovations greatly revolutionized the production of arms and by the end of the Civil War, he was one of the wealthiest men in America.  Samuel Colt is connected to over 70 million people in Geni’s World Family Tree…. Read the full story

Happy birthday Nelson Mandela! Today the inspirational leader turns 95. On July 18, 1918, Mandela was born in the village of Mvezo in Umtatu, then a part of South Africa’s Cape Province. A Nobel Peace Prize winner for his role in ending apartheid in South Africa, Mandela was also the first black South African to be elected president. In 2009, the UN General Assembly declared July 18 “Mandela Day” and encourage people to spend 67 minutes doing charitable services… Read the full story

Did you know Disneyland first opened its doors on July 17, 1955? It was 58 years ago today that Walt Disney opened the theme park in Anaheim, California. After visiting various amusement parks with his daughters, Disney was inspired to build a park for both children and adults to enjoy together. In his dedication speech on opening day, Disney stated: “To all who come to this happy place; welcome. Disneyland is your land. Here age… Read the full story

Today is the 14 year anniversary of the death of John F. Kennedy, Jr.  On July 16 ,1999, the light aircraft he was piloting crashed into the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. His wife, Carolyn and his sister-in-law Lauren Bessette also perished in the crash. John was born 16 days after his father President John F. Kennedy was elected to the presidency, becoming the first ever child born to a president-elect…. Read the full story

Check out some interesting articles from the past week! The Genealogy Sphere A White Father: Direct Evidence (Reclaiming Kin blog) – An incredible find in African-American genealogy research Tips for Researching Performers and Showmen (a3genealogy.com) – Did you have a relative who was a traveling performer? Check out some tips on how to research your on-the-move ancestors. Breakthrough DNA study links B.C. woman and 5,500 year old “grandmother” (The Vancouver Sun) – DNA tests have… Read the full story

Today we celebrate the 407th birthday of Dutch painter Rembrandt van Rijn! On July 15, 1606, Rembrandt van Rijn was born in Leiden, Netherlands to a well-to-do family. Considered on of the greatest painters and printmakers in European history, Rembrandt’s work came to dominate what has since been named the Dutch Golden Age. Over the course of his career, he produced hundreds of paintings and etchings. Are you a fan of Rembrandt’s art work? Check… Read the full story

Did you know that 151 years ago today, the Medal of Honor was created? As the highest military honor in the United States, the Medal of Honor awards individuals for personal acts of valor above and beyond the call of duty. Since its creation in 1862 during the Civil War, the Medal of Honor has been awarded to more than 3,400 men and one woman. Here are some interesting facts about the Medal of Honor:… Read the full story

Happy birthday, Bill Cosby! Today the beloved actor and comedian turns 76. In the 1960s, he helped break down racial barriers on television in the series I Spy, becoming the first African American actor to star in a dramatic role on television. Perhaps his most successful and memorable television role was Cliff Huxtable on the long-running family comedy series The Cosby Show. Do you remember watching the show? Did you know when Cosby was young, he… Read the full story

Happy birthday, E.B. White! On July 11, 1899, the Charlotte’s Web author was born in Mount Vernon, New York.  The notable children’s book author was the youngest child of Smauel Tilly White, the president of a piano firm, and Jessie Hart White, the daughter of painter William Hart. In 1978, White won an honorary Pulitzer Prize for his work. Do you remember reading Charlotte’s Web when you were a child?     View E.B. White’s Geni Profile… Read the full story

Today we celebrate Nikola Tesla‘s 157th birthday. On July 10, 1856, Tesla was born to Serbian parents in the village of Smiljan, Austrian Empire. A prolific inventor, Tesla’s groundbreaking discoveries help give birth to the commercialization of electricity. Sadly, despite his notable discoveries, Tesla was not able to achieve financial success during his lifetime. He died a recluse in his room at the New Yorker Hotel on January 7, 1943. Did you know that Tesla was… Read the full story

On July 9, 1819, American inventor Elias Howe was born in Spencer, Massachusetts. Howe invented the first practical sewing machine, which ultimately revolutionized the manufacturing of garments both commercially and in the home. In 1846, he received his patent for a sewing machine using a lockstitch design. However, he found it difficult to market his new machine to the U.S. public. While Howe struggled, other entrepreneurs found success replicating, improving and selling the sewing machines, most notably… Read the full story

Hope everyone had a happy Fourth of July! Here are some interesting articles you may have missed. The Genealogy Sphere The taxman cometh (The Legal Genealogist) – Judy G. Russell shares why genealogists should love tx records Finding Genealogy Evidence in the Most Unlikely Place (lonetester.com) – Interesting article on finding genealogy material when you least expect it A complicated family history places black Md. woman in DAR’s ranks (The Washington Post) – The story… Read the full story

Congratulations, Andy Murray! This weekend Murray became the first British tennis player to win the Wimbledon Championship in men’s singles in 77 years. In a stunning victory, Murray defeated Novak Djokovic with a final score card of 6-4 7-5 6-4. Did you catch the game? Check out Andy Murray’s family tree and see if you can help connect him to over 70 million people on Geni.     View Andy Murray’s Geni Profile   Image… Read the full story

On July 5 ,1810, P.T. Barnum was born in Bethel, Connecticut. An immensely successful promoter, Barnum is best remembered for founding the circus that came to be known as the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Dubbed the “Greatest Show on Earth,” Barnum brought together a strange menagerie of curiosities, from the Feejee mermaid to General Tom Thumb, “the Smallest Person that ever Walked Alone.” P.T. Barnum is connected to over 70 million people in Geni’s… Read the full story

Happy Independence Day! Today the U.S. commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The document declared the 13 American colonies’s freedom and independence from the British Empire. It’s principle author was Thomas Jefferson, who served in the Continental Congress at the beginning of the American Revolution. The Founding Father would later serve as the third President of the United States. Did you know that in a remarkable coincidence, both John… Read the full story

This week commemorates the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg. Lasting from July 1 to July 3, 1863, it was one of the bloodiest battles of the American Civil War. Often described as the turning point of the war, Union Maj. General George Gordon Meade successfully defeated attacks by Confederate General Robert E. Lee, thus ending Lee’s invasion of the North. The Battle of Gettysburg After his success at Chancellorsville, Virginia in May 1863,… Read the full story