Author: Amanda

On March 11, 1899, Frederick IX of Denmark was born. A highly popular monarch, Frederick IX reigned as the King of Denmark from 1947 to his death in 1972. During World War II, he encouraged Danish resistance against the Germans. Frederick IX and his wife Ingrid had three daughters and no sons. In 1953, the Act of Succession was passed, which allowed a female to inherit the throne if there were no male heirs. Upon… Read the full story

Today, the world celebrates International Women’s Day. Celebrated since the early 1900s, the holiday found its roots in the United States when 15,000 women marched through New York City protesting inequality and oppression in the workplace. In 1911, the first official international women’s day was celebrated across Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland as women banded together to demand women’s worker rights. Now the day is celebrated in over 100 different countries all around the world… Read the full story

On March 8, 1783, Hannah Van Buren, wife of the 8th United States President, Martin Van Buren was born in Kinderhook, New York. Did you know Hannah and Martin were first cousins once removed through his mother, Maria Van Buren? The couple had also been childhood sweethearts. Although she passed away in 1819, well before Martin Van Buren became President, she is still recognized as one of the American First Ladies. Hannah Van Buren is… Read the full story

On March 7, 1999, director Stanley Kubrick died at the age of 70. Regarded as one of the greatest filmmakers of all time, Kubrick was noted for his unique cinematography, hypnotic music scores and controversial themes. His perfectionism and mastery of cinema was often recognized with multiple awards and critical acclaim throughout his long and distinguished career. Check out Stanley Kubrick’s family tree and help connect him to over 68 million people on Geni!  … Read the full story

Today we remember author Ayn Rand, who passed away on March 6, 1982 at the age of 77. Rand was born and educated in Russia and moved to the United States in 1926 where she worked as a screenwriter. Known for the best-selling novels The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged, Rand also developed a philosophical system called Objectivism. Ayn Rand is not yet connected to the World Family Tree. Perhaps you can help expand her tree and… Read the full story

Today marks the 50th anniversary of the death of country music artist Patsy Cline. On this day in 1963, Cline died at the age of 30 in a plane crash. She is remembered as one of the most influential and acclaimed female vocalist of the 20th century. Ten years after her death, Cline became the first female solo artist to be inducted to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Patsy Cline is connected to over 68… Read the full story

What great finds have you been up to? In case you missed them, here are some interesting genealogy articles from the past week. The Genealogy Sphere ‘Genealogy is Like Crack’ (The Voice online) – Henry Louis Gates discusses the addictive nature of genealogy Researching Family History: Going the extra mile led to man receiving treasure trove of family genealogy information (Deseret News) – If you ever find family history documents or photos in the trash,… Read the full story

On March 4, 1394, Henry the Navigator was born in Porto, Portugal. An important figure in the early days of the Portuguese Empire and the Age of Discovery, Henry was responsible for the early development of European exploration and maritime trade with other continents. Henry the Navigator is connected to over 68 million people on Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related?     View Henry the Navigator’s Geni Profile  

On March 1, 1810, Frédéric Chopin was born. Although, like many cases in genealogy, conflicting records bring the date of his birth into question. His parish baptismal record gives his birthday as February 22, 1810, however, the date March 1 was stated by the composer and his family as his birthday. Regardless, today we remember the renowned child prodigy pianist and composer, whose music was highly influential. Many of his pieces remain popular today. Frédéric Chopin… Read the full story

On February 27, 1902, American writer John Steinbeck was born in Salinas, California. Widely known for his Pulitzer Prize-winning novel The Grapes of Wrath, Steinbeck’s work often examined the lives of the working class and migrant workers during the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression. In 1962, he received the Nobel Prize in Literature. John Steinbeck is connected to over 67 million people in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related?     View… Read the full story

On February 26, 1802, French poet and novelist Victor Hugo was born in Besançon, France. He is remembered as one of the most significant figures of French Romanticism. Did you know the most recent film adaptation of his novel, Les Misérables, won three Academy Awards on Sunday, including a win for Anne Hathaway for her portrayal of Fantine? Victor Hugo is connected to over 67 million people in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related?… Read the full story

Check out some interesting articles from the past week! The Genealogy Sphere The Wismer Saucepan (Adventures in Genealogy blog) – Deb Ruth shares her husband’s second cousin twice removed’s patent record for a new saucepan Harriet Tubman’s Tallahassee descendants loan artifacts to archives (Tallahassee.com) – In honor of Black History Month, Harriet Tubman’s descendants loan a few of her artifacts to the FAMU Black Archives Photochrom prints: images to use (The Legal Genealogist) – Judy Russell shares… Read the full story

Congratulations to Jennifer Lawrence for winning her first Academy Award! At just 22, Lawrence received her first Best Actress Oscar for her performance in Silver Linings Playbook. She took a little stumble on her way to the podium, but still managed to charm the crowed with her heartfelt acceptance speech. Jennifer Lawrence is connected to over 67 million people in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related?     View Jennifer Lawrence’s Geni Profile  … Read the full story

February is Black History month in the U.S., where we celebrate and remember the past and present achievements of African-Americans. In 1866, to help rebuild the country after the Civil War, the United States Congress established the first peacetime all-black regiment in the U.S. Army to help patrol the western frontier. About 6,000 African Americans were recruited into six regiments: 9th and 10th Cavalry and the 38th, 39th, 40th, and 41st Infantry Regiments. The last four… Read the full story

This Sunday, Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane will bring his off-color humor to the stage as host of the 85th Academy Awards. Did you know MacFarlane is also an Oscar nominee? He earned his first nomination for Best Original Song. Will you be watching the Academy Awards this weekend? Seth MacFarlane is connected to over 67 million people in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related?     View Seth MacFarlane’s Geni Profile   Image credit: Gage Skidmore

On February 21, 1848, Karl Marx published The Communist Manifesto. Written with the assistance of Friedrich Engels, it’s ideas were a significant force throughout the 20th century. By 1950, nearly half the world’s population lived under Marxist governments. Today, the Manifesto is considered one of the most influential political publications in history. Karl Marx is connected to over 67 million people in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related?     View Karl Marx’s… Read the full story

On February 20, 1902, American photographer Ansel Adams was born in San Francisco, California. Best known for his iconic black and white landscape photographs of the American West, Adams used his work to promote conservation of the American wilderness. His family came from New England, after having migrated from northern Ireland in the early 18th century. His grandfather founded a successful lumber business, which his father later inherited. Adams would later condemn the industry for… Read the full story

Hope everyone had a great long weekend! Check out some interesting genealogy articles from the past week! The Genealogy Sphere Genealogy for African-Americans challenging (Standard-Examiner) – An aritcle examining the challenges of African-American genealogy Carpe Diem! Missed Genealogy Opportunities (The Olive Tree Genealogy) – Do you have any missed genealogy opportunities? A 1913 will and property owned 120 years ago (Footsteps and Footprints blog) – Roger Glass shares the last will and testemant of his great-great… Read the full story

On February 19, 1473, astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus was born in Torun, Poland. Copernicus’s revolutionary concept of a heliocentric solar system, which identified the sun as the center of the solar system, significantly changed scientific thinking. His theories laid the basis for the coming of the Scientific Revolution. Nicolaus Copernicus is connected to over 67 million people in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related?     View Nicolaus Copernicus’s Geni Profile  

On February 15, 1820, civil rights leader Susan B. Anthony was born in Adams, Massachusetts. An instrumental figure of the 19th century women’s suffrage movement, Anthony helped draft the 19th amendment to the United States Constitution, which finally gave women the right to vote. Susan B. Anthony is connected to over 67 million people in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related?     View Susan B. Anthony’s Geni Profile  

It’s Valentine’s Day! Valentine’s Day brings out the romantic in many of us and what better way to spend Valentine’s Day than to read about great love stories in history. Baylor University, in collaboration with Wellesly College digitized the love letters between English poets Robert Browning and Elizabeth Barrett. The entire collection is now available online for your viewing pleasure. Elizabeth Barrett came from a prominent and wealthy family and she was already a well… Read the full story

Happy Valentine’s Day! In honor of this day, we’re highlighting Geoffrey Chaucer‘s Geni profile. Dubbed the “Father of English literature,” Chaucer is widely considered the greatest English poet of the Middle Ages. It was during Chaucer’s time that Valentine’s Day first became associated with romantic love. His poem, Parlement of Foules, made one of the first references to the idea that Valentine’s Day was a special day for lovers. Geoffrey Chaucer is connected to over… Read the full story

This morning the nominations for the 48th annual Academy of Country Music Awards were announced. Taylor Swift nabbed the most nods for a female artist, tying Miranda Lambert with 5 nominations. Will she score her third consecutive ACM win for Entertainer of the Year? Swift recently won a Grammy for her Hunger Games tune “Safe & Sound.”  Taylor Swift is connected to over 67 million people in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related?     View Taylor Swift’s… Read the full story

Today we remember President Abraham Lincoln, who was born on February 12, 1809 in a one bedroom log cabin in Hodgenville, Kentucky. Remembered as one of the greatest presidents of the United States, Lincoln successfully led the country through its greatest internal crisis, the American Civil War, preserving the Union and ending slavery. Abraham Lincoln is connected to over 67 million people in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related?     View Abraham… Read the full story

We hope everyone had a great weekend! Check out some interesting articles in the world of genealogy below! The Genealogy Sphere MN Woman Discovers Heritage in Swedish Reality Show (KSTP.com) – A woman from Minnesota learns of her ancestry through a reality show in Sweden A tool for finding urban ancestors (GenerousGenealogists.com) – Tips for using city directories to find relatives Why the princes in the tower are staying six feet under (The Guardian) – Interesting article… Read the full story

On February 11, 1936, actor Burt Reynolds was born in Lansing, Michigan. Although he had been a regular face on television for a number of years, it wasn’t until his breakout performance in Deliverance in 1972 that Reynolds became a star. In 1998, Reynolds earned an Academy Award nomination for his supporting role in Boogie Nights. Burt Reynolds is connected to over 67 million people in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related?    … Read the full story

We’re thrilled to announce that DNA tests for genealogy are now available on Geni! Take your genealogy into the new millennium with this cutting-edge technology to enhance your family history research. And for a limited time, we’re offering you a special discount on this revolutionary technology! Have you hit a brick wall in your genealogy research? You can break through these brick walls by identifying your direct paternal line (Y-DNA), direct maternal line (mtDNA) and… Read the full story

On February 8, 1828, science fiction author Jules Verne was born in Nantes, France. Often referred to as the “Father of Science Fiction,” Verne’s writings depicted technologies that were far advanced for the day and would later become commonplace in everyday life. Did you know Verne is the second most translated author of all time? Jules Verne is not yet connected to the World Family Tree. Perhaps you can help connect him to over 67… Read the full story

On February 7, 1867, acclaimed author Laura Ingalls Wilder was born in a log cabin outside of Pepin, Wisconsin. Her life in the “Big Woods” of Wisconsin formed the basis of her popular “Little House” series. Based on her childhood in a pioneer family, Wilder’s “Little House” books have been continually in print since the initial publication of Little House in the Big Woods in 1932. Laura Ingalls Wilder is connected to over 67 million people in Geni’s World… Read the full story

On February 6, 1756, Aaron Burr was born in Newark, New Jersey. Burr served as the third Vice President of the United States under President Thomas Jefferson. He is probably best remembered for killing his political rival Alexander Hamilton during a duel in 1804. Charges against Burr were eventually dropped, however, Burr’s political career ended with Hamilton’s death. Aaron Burr is connected to over 67 million people on Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you… Read the full story

Did you watch the Super Bowl on Sunday? The showdown between the Baltimore Ravens and the San Francisco 49ers was one of the most watched programs in television history. The game was a bit of a family affair as well, with Ravens head coach John Harbaugh facing off against his younger brother Jim Harbaugh, head coach of the 49ers. John ultimately defeated his brother, with the Ravens winning 34 – 31. John Harbaugh is connected to… Read the full story

Check out this week’s recap! The Genealogy Sphere Digging up the past: Passing the family history torch (Afterthekidsleave.com) – A good way to get your kids into genealogy: tell them they’re descended from Vikings! Use SMART goals for your family history and genealogy planning (Examiner.com) – Great tips on how to plan your family history research Richard III dig: DNA confirms bones are king’s (BBC News) – The remains of Richard III of England have… Read the full story

It was announced today that archaeologists have identified the skeletal remains found in Leicester as Richard III of England. The king had died during the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485. After extracting DNA from the bone samples, the archaeological team was able to compare it with the DNA of a Canadian family who are direct descendants of Anne of York, Richard III’s eldest sister. Richard III of England is connected to over 67 million people in… Read the full story

On February 1, 1902, American poet, novelist and playwright Langston Hughes was born in Joplin, Missouri. Hughes was one of the earliest innovators of jazz poetry and a leading figure of the Harlem Renaissance. Raised mainly by his maternal grandmother, Mary Patterson, Hughes often credited her for instilling in him a lasting sense of racial pride. Langston Hughes is connected to over 67 million people on Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related?   View Langston… Read the full story

Happy birthday, Justin Timberlake! Today the versatile artist turns 32. It was announced yesterday that Timberlake would be performing at the 55th Annual Grammy Awards. A couple of weeks ago, he released his first song, “Suit & Tie,” from his new album. It’s been over six years since he first took a break from music to pursue his acting career. Are you excited to see JT heading back to his musical roots? Justin Timberlake is… Read the full story

Today marks the 135th birthday of Estonian writer Anton Hansen Tammsaare. Born on January 30, 1878 in Albu, Estonia, Tammsaare came from a poor farming background and became one of the most important figures in Estonian literature. His most famous publication, Truth and Justice, a pentalogy chronicling the evolution of Estonian society during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, is considered to be one of the major works of Estonian literature. Today, many refer… Read the full story

Today we remember poet Robert Frost, who passed away January 29, 1963 in Boston, Massachusetts. Frost frequently depicted New England rural life in his work, using the early twentieth century setting to examine complex and philosophical themes. Considered one of the most popular and critically respected American poets of his generation, Frost was honored with four Pulitzer Prizes for Poetry. Robert Frost is connected to over 67 million people in Geni’s World Family Tree. How… Read the full story

Check out some interesting genealogy articles from the past week! The Genealogy Sphere Cpt Edward Doherty – the man who tracked down an assassin (The Sligo Champion) – Interesting article about the man who lead the hunt and capture of John Wilkes Booth My Grandmother’s Writings Part Two: File Cabinets and Beer Boxes (nocategories.net) – Tip on keeping things organized when repacking collections of materials O death! Thy name is woman (The Legal Genealogist blog)… Read the full story

On January 28, 1754, writer and playwright Ludvig Holberg died at the age of 69. Best remembered for his comedic and satirical poetry, Holberg is considered the founder of modern Norwegian and Danish literature. He also played an important role as a historian and philosophical essayist. His works about natural and common law were widely read by many Danish law students for over two hundred years. Ludvig Holberg is connected to over 67 million people in Geni’s World Family Tree…. Read the full story

Genealogists know that passenger lists and travel documentation can hold a great deal of genealogical information. Here’s an interesting one that I thought I’d share. Recently, I came across this immigration form for legendary director Alfred Hitchcock. Check out the title of the document: Information Sheet (concerning passenger arriving on aircraft). I have to say this is the first time I’ve seen an immigration form for a passenger arriving via airplane! When you take a… Read the full story

On January 25, 1927, Brazilian musician Tom Jobim was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Considered one of the most important songwriters of the 20th century, many of the most famous jazz singers, such as Ella Fitzgerald, prominently featured Jobim’s songs on their albums. Today he is remembered as the primary force behind the creation of the bossa nova style of music. Tom Jobim is connected to over 67 million people in Geni’s World Family… Read the full story

On January 24, 1917, actor Ernest Borgnine was born in Hamden, Connecticut. His parents had immigrated to the United Sates from Italy and changed their name from Borgnino to Borgnine. Borgnine’s career in film and television spanned over six decades. In 1955, he won the Academy Award for Marty and at the age of 92, Borgnine earned an Emmy Award nomination for his work on the television drama ER. Check out Ernest Borgnine’s family tree… Read the full story

On January 23, 1737 (N.S.), John Hancock was born in Quincy, Massachusetts. A proud Patriot of the American Revolution, he was the first to sign the United States’s Declaration of Independence. According to American lore, Hancock signed his name largely and clearly so that King George could read it without his spectacles. John Hancock is connected to over 67 million profiles in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related?     View John Hancock’s… Read the full story

On January 22, 1875, pioneering silent film director D.W. Griffith was born in LaGrange, Kentucky. Dubbed by some as “the man who invented Hollywood,” Griffith’s groundbreaking work laid the foundations for many of the basic techniques for film making.  He founded United Artist together with Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks. D.W. Griffith is connected to over 66 million people in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related?     View D.W. Griffith’s… Read the full story

Have you made any interesting discoveries recently? Check out some interesting articles from the past week. The Genealogy Sphere “Grandma Did What?” Digging Up the Roots of Family Lore (Wall Street Journal) – Megan Smolenyak Smolenyak gives a brief summary of some common misperceptions passed down by families Address book is a family history, bound by tradition (MPR News) – Do you still have a physical address book? A great article to remind us that these… Read the full story

On January 21, 1793, King Louis XVI of France was executed for treason by guillotine. Louis XVI ascended to the throne in 1774, and was the last Bourbon King of France. Scientists recently discovered an old gourd believed to contain the blood of Louis XVI. Written on the gourd were the words “On January 21, Maximilien Bourdaloue dipped his handkerchief in the blood of Louis XVI after his decapitation”. Apparently, after his execution, spectators dipped… Read the full story

On January 18, 1955, actor and director Kevin Costner was born in Lynwood, California. It’s been a good week for the multi-talented star. On January 14, he won the best actor Golden Globe award for his performance in the History Channel miniseries Hatfields & McCoys. Did you know Costner’s ancestors first immigrated to the States from Germany in the 1700’s? Kevin Costner is connected to over 66 million people in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you… Read the full story

Today, boxing champion Muhammad Ali turns 71! Born Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr. in Louisville, Kentucky, he changed his name after converting to Islam. Ali learned to box at an early age and by 22, he won his first heavy weight championship. He would go on to become the first and only three-time lineal World Heavyweight Champion and he will be remembered as one of the greatest boxing legends in history. Muhammad Ali is connected to… Read the full story

On January 16, 2001, Theodore Roosevelt was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his charge up the San Juan Hill, Cuba during the Spanish-American War. Did you know that the Roosevelts are one of only two father-son pairs to receive the Medal of Honor? In 1944, his son, Theodore Roosevelt, Jr. received the Medal of Honor for heroism in the Battle of Normandy. Theodore Roosevelt is connected to over 66 million people in Geni’s… Read the full story

Have you read any interesting genealogy articles this week? Check out a few more below! The Genealogy Sphere How my Grandmother risked her life in the dockyards during World War Two (Whaley Bridge Writer blog) – Blogger Gillian Mawson shares an amazing story about her grandmother MyHeritage mobile app version 2.0 released today! (MyHeritage blog) – Have you checked out MyHeritage’s new mobile app? Who belongs on the Family Tree? (The Professional Descendant blog) –… Read the full story