Author: Amanda

On this day in 1849, poet Edgar Allan Poe died under mysterious circumstances at the age of 40. Known for his mysterious and macabre tales, it seems almost fitting that his death would be just as strange. Image: Edgar Allan Poe / U.S. National Archives and Records Administration Poe was born on January 19, 1809 in Boston, Massachusetts. Death plagued much of the early years of his life. Within three years after his birth, both of… Read the full story

On this day in 1820, Swedish opera singer Jenny Lind was born in Stockholm, Sweden. Image: Jenny Lind / National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution CC0 Nicknamed the “Swedish Nightingale,” Lind was one of America’s first female celebrities. A sensation across Europe, Lind was persuaded by American showman P.T. Barnum to undertake a tour in the United States. Barnum succeeded in creating great publicity in anticipation for her arrival. Soon everyone in the country knew of Lind and her… Read the full story

Do you remember watching The Andy Griffith Show? 65 years ago today, the classic sitcom starring Andy Griffith premiered. Image: Andy Griffith / Wikimedia Commons Set in the small town of Mayberry, the show followed the lives of the widowed sheriff, Andy Taylor, his deputy Barney Fife, his young son, Opie, and his Aunt Bee. From the moment it premiered, the show was a success. For all 8 seasons, the show consistently remained one of the most popular… Read the full story

“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi On this day in 1869, Mahatma Gandhi was born. Known as “the father of the nation,” Gandhi led India to independence from British rule through nonviolent civil protest. His leadership would inspire movements for civil rights and freedom through non-violent disobedience all around the world. Image: Mahatma Gandhi / Nationaal Archief, Wikimedia Commons He was born Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi to a… Read the full story

Happy birthday to Julie Andrews! Today the beloved star turns 90. Image: Eva Rinaldi, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0) Julie Andrews was born Julia Elizabeth Wells on October 1, 1935 in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, England. When she was young, her parents divorced and remarried. She later adopted her stepfather’s surname, Andrews. By the age of 10, she began performing with her mother and stepfather on stage. Since making her Broadway debut in 1954, Andrews has starred as… Read the full story

On this day in 1924, author Truman Capote was born. Image: Truman Capote / Library of Congress Capote was born Truman Streckfus Persons on September 30, 1924 in New Orleans, Louisiana. When he was four years old, his parents divorced and he was sent to live with his mother’s relatives in Monroeville, Alabama. A lonely child, Capote spent much of his time reading and writing. He became best friends with his neighbor and future author… Read the full story

Have you read Don Quixote? On this day in 1547, author Miguel de Cervantes was born. Today Cervantes is regarded as one of the greatest writers of the Spanish language. Image: Miguel de Cervantes / New York Public Library Cervantes was born near Madrid, Spain and was the fourth of seven children. His father, Rodrigo de Cervantes, was a barber-surgeon and his mother, Leonor de Cortinas, was the daughter of a nobleman. Dubbed “El Príncipe de… Read the full story

On this day in 1774, the real Johnny Appleseed, John Chapman, was born. The American folk hero became known as “Johnny Appleseed” for planting apple trees across 1,200 acres of land. Image: Harper’s New Monthly Magazine, 1871 / Internet Archives Chapman was born on September 26, 1774 in Leominster, Massachusetts. He was the eldest son of Nathaniel Chapman and Elizabeth Simonds, who died while giving birth to a second son. During the American Revolutionary War, his father was… Read the full story

Remember watching Superman? Today we remember star Christopher Reeve on what would have been his 73rd birthday. Image: Christopher Reeve / Jbfrankel, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0) Reeve was born on September 25, 1952 in New York City, New York to Barbara Pitney Lamb and Franklin D’Olier Reeve. He grew up in a wealthy and well-educated family. His mother worked as a journalist and his father was a prominent writer, poet, and academic. His great grandfather, Franklin D’Olier, was… Read the full story

Remember reading The Great Gatsby? On this day in 1896, author F. Scott Fitzgerald was born. Today Fitzgerald is often regarded as one of the greatest American writers of the 20th century. Image: F. Scott Fitzgerald / Library of Congress Francis Scott Fitzgerald was born on September 24, 1896 in St. Paul, Minnesota. He was named after his famous relative, Francis Scott Key, who wrote “The Star-Spangled Banner.” His maternal grandfather, Philip Francis McQuillan was an Irish immigrant… Read the full story

Happy birthday to Bruce Springsteen! Today the Boss turns 76. Image: Bruce Springsteen / Takahiro Kyono, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0) Bruce Frederick Springsteen was born on September 23, 1949 in Long Branch, New Jersey to a working-class family. His father, Douglas Springsteen, held various jobs including that of a bus driver and millworker. His mother, Adele Zerilli, worked as a legal secretary and was the main breadwinner of the family. His maternal great grandmother,… Read the full story

On this day in 1791, English physicist and chemist Michael Faraday was born. Considered one of the greatest scientists in history, Faraday’s work significantly contributed to the understanding of electromagnetism. Image: Michael Faraday / Community Archives, Flickr Commons Faraday was born on September 22, 1791 in Newington, Surrey, England to James Faraday, a blacksmith, and Margaret Hastwell. While growing up, his father was often ill and incapable of maintaining steady work. As a result, the… Read the full story

Remember watching Batman on TV? Today we remember Adam West on what would have been his 97th birthday. Image: Adam West / Wikimedia Commons The television star was born William West Anderson on September 19, 1928 in Walla Walla, Washington. His father was a farmer and his mother was a former opera singer and concert pianist. While serving in the U.S. Army, West worked as an announcer on American Forces Network television. After getting his… Read the full story

Today we celebrate the life of Hollywood icon Greta Garbo, who was born on this day 120 years ago. Image: Greta Garbo / Library of Congress Greta Lovisa Gustafsson was born in Stockholm, Sweden on September 18, 1905 to Anna Lovisa and Karl Alfred Gustafsson. The youngest of three children, Garbo dropped out of school at the age of 13 to care for her ailing father. He would die in 1920 when she was 14…. Read the full story

On September 17, 1923, country music’s first superstar Hank Williams was born in Butler County, Alabama. Best known for his hits “Your Cheatin’ Heart,” “Hey, Good Lookin’,” and “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry,” Williams is regarded as one of the most important country music artists of all time. Image: Hank Williams / Wikimedia Commons He was born Hiram Williams in Mount Olive, Alabama to Elonzo Huble Williams and Jessie Lillybelle Skipper. Born with spina… Read the full story

Today we remember Robert Redford, who has passed away at the age of 89. Image: Robert Redford / San Diego Air and Space Museum Archive Redford was born Charles Robert Redford on August 18, 1936 in Santa Monica, California. He was the only child born to Charles Robert Redford, Sr., an accountant, and Martha Hart. After studying at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Redford began his career on both stage and television. He later… Read the full story

Are you a fan of Agatha Christie’s mystery novels? On this day in 1890, the best-selling author was born in Torquay, England. Image: Agatha Christie / Nationaal Archief, CC0 Christie was born on September 15, 1890 to a wealthy upper middle-class family. Educated in her home by her mother, Christie was encouraged to write from a very young age. During World War I, Christie served in a hospital as a nurse while her husband served as a… Read the full story

On this day in 1913, Olympic champion Jesse Owens was born in Oakville, Alabama. Image: Jesse Owens / Library of Congress The youngest of ten children, James Cleveland Owens was known as J.C. until the age of nine when his family moved to Cleveland, Ohio in search for better work opportunities. When his new teacher asked for his name, he said “J.C.” in a heavy southern accent. The teacher misheard and thought he said “Jesse.” The name… Read the full story

On this day in 1862, short story author William Sydney Porter, better known by his pen name O. Henry, was born. A prolific writer, Porter’s clever wordplay and twist endings made him one of the most popular American short story writers of his time. Image: O. Henry / Wikimedia Commons Porter was born on September 11, 1862 in Greensboro, North Carolina. As a child, he enjoyed reading  everything from the classics to dime novels. Porter worked at his uncle’s… Read the full story

Happy birthday to Colin Firth! Today the actor turns 65. Image: Colin Firth / Gage Skidmore, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0) Firth was born on September 10, 1960 in Grayshott, Hampshire, England to Shirley Jean Rolles and David Norman Lewis Firth. Both of his parents were academics and teachers and as a child, he frequently traveled to Nigeria for his parents’ work. Firth himself was not academically inclined and decided to study theater at Drama… Read the full story

Happy birthday to Hugh Grant! Today the British actor turns 65. Image: Hugh Grant / Tine Hemeryck, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0) Grant was born Hugh John Mungo Grant on September 9, 1960 in London, England. Before pursuing a career in theater, Grant studied English literature at Oxford. He achieved international success after staring in the 1994 hit comedy Four Weddings and a Funeral. Since then, he’s gone on to star in several hit films, including… Read the full story

Remember watching Peter Sellers as the bumbling Inspector Jacques Clouseau? On this day in 1925, the iconic comedian was born in Portsmouth, England. Image: Peter Sellers / Wikimedia Commons He was born Richard Henry Sellers, but his parents called him “Peter” after his elder stillborn brother. Both of his parents were vaudeville entertainers and Sellers often accompanied his parents on the variety show circuit. In 1943, he joined the Royal Air Force and traveled with the entertainment… Read the full story

On this day in 1847, American outlaw Jesse James was born. The leader of the infamous James-Younger Gang, James is remembered to day as one of the most iconic figures of the American Old West. Image: Jesse James / Library of Congress James was born on September 5, 1847 in Clay County, Missouri to Robert James, a Baptist minister, and Zerelda Elizabeth Cole. When he was young, his father left the family to journey west to preach… Read the full story

Image: George Eastman / Library of Congress On September 4, 1888, George Eastman received a patent for his roll-film camera and registered his trademark, Kodak. Eastman’s invention revolutionized the industry and helped make photography available to the general public. In 1892, he established the Eastman Kodak Company in Rochester, New York. The company was one of the first firms to mass-produce standardized photography equipment. Considered one of the most outstanding philanthropists of his time, Eastman donated… Read the full story

“It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.” – e e cummings Today we remember poet E.E. Cummings, who died on September 3, 1962 at the age of 67. Image: E.E. Cummings / Library of Congress Cummings was born Edward Estlin Cummings in Cambridge, Massachusetts to Unitarian parents. He went to Harvard University, where his father taught, before leaving to serve overseas in World War I as a volunteer for the… Read the full story

On this day in 1948, high school teacher Christa McAuliffe was born in Boston, Massachusetts. McAuliffe made history when she became the first American civilian to be selected to go into space. Sadly, she died in the explosion of the space shuttle Challenger in 1986. Image: Christa McAuliffe / NASA In 1985, McAuliffe was selected to participate in the NASA Teacher in Space Project and become the first teacher to go to space. The purpose of the program was… Read the full story

Labor Day is a time to celebrate the contributions of workers throughout history. It’s also the perfect opportunity to reflect on the hardworking ancestors in our own families. Have you ever wondered what kind of work your great-grandparents did to support their families? Or how their occupations shaped the paths of future generations? The Importance of Occupations in Family History When researching your family tree, names and dates are just the beginning. Discovering what your… Read the full story

Happy birthday to actress and comedy legend Lily Tomlin! Today the star turns 86. Image: Lily Tomlin / U.S. Department of State Tomlin was born Mary Jean Tomlin on September 1, 1939 in Detroit, Michigan to Guy Tomlin and Lillie Mae Ford. After high school, Tomlin enrolled at Wayne State University to study medicine. During her time in school, she began taking theater art classes and before long, she was performing stand-up comedy at local… Read the full story

Today we remember legendary film star Ingrid Bergman, who was born on this day in 1915. She passed on her 67th birthday in 1982. Image: Ingrid Bergman / Wikimedia Commons Bergman was born on August 29, 1915 in Stockholm, Sweden. After losing both her parents while she was young, Bergman went to live with her aunt and uncle. At the age of 17, she earned a scholarship to the Royal Dramatic Theatre School, but left after a… Read the full story

On this day in 1749, German writer, poet, and statesman Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was born. Image: Johann Wolfgang von Goethe / New York Public Library He was born in Frankfurt, which was then an Imperial Free City of the Holy Roman Empire. Goethe’s father, Johann Caspar Goethe, was the son of a wealthy tailor and owner of one of the most distinguished guesthouses in Frankfurt. His mother, Katharina Elizabeth Textor, was the daughter of… Read the full story

On this day in 1908, Lyndon B. Johnson, the 36th President of the United States, was born. Image: Lyndon B. Johnson / National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution CC0 Lyndon Baines Johnson was born on August 27, 1908 in a small farmhouse in Stonewall, Texas. He was the oldest of five children born to Samuel Ealy Johnson, Jr. and Rebekah Baines. Perhaps it was inevitable that Johnson would enter the world of politics. His father had… Read the full story

On this day in 1918, NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson was born. A brilliant mind, Johnson’s calculations helped send the first American astronauts into space. Image: Katherine Johnson / NASA Johnson was born on August 26, 1918 in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia to Joylette Roberta Lowe and Joshua McKinley Colman. A gifted student, Johnson graduated high school by the age of 14. She studied at West Virginia State College and graduated summa cum laude with… Read the full story

Today we remember actor Sean Connery on what would have been his 95th birthday. Image: Sean Connery / Nationaal Archief, CC0 Connery was born Thomas Sean Connery on August 25, 1930 in Edinburgh, Scotland. He was named after his paternal grandfather and was called “Tommy” for much of his youth. He grew up in a working class family and at the age of 13, quit school to work full time at a local dairy. Then… Read the full story

French composer Claude Debussy was born on August 22, 1862. Known as the first impressionist composer, Debussy is often regarded as one of the most influential composers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Image: Bergen Public Library Norway, Flickr Debussy was the eldest of five children born to Manuel-Achille Debussy and Victorine Manoury. His father ran a china shop and his mother worked as a seamstress. As a young child, Debussy began taking piano classes and… Read the full story

Have you found your connection to royalty? On this day in 1765, William IV was born. The third son of King George III and Queen Charlotte, William was never expected to be king. However, in 1830, he ascended to the throne after the death of his brother, George IV. William was born on August 21, 1765 at Buckingham Palace. At the age of 13, he began his career with the Royal Navy and served in New York… Read the full story

We’re back from Fort Wayne, Indiana where we attended the 45th IAJGS International Conference on Jewish Genealogy. From August 10-14, Jewish genealogists came together for a week of educational sessions, activities, and fun. It was wonderful to see old friends and reunite with several Geni curators in-person. The Geni booth Geni had a booth in the exhibit hall and many attendees stopped by with questions about their Geni accounts. Last year the Geni Pathfinder was… Read the full story

Are you a horror fan? On this day in 1890, author H.P. Lovecraft was born in Providence, Rhode Island. Image: H.P. Lovecraft / Wikimedia Commons Howard Philips Lovecraft was born on August 20, 1890 in his family home. He was the only child of Winfield Scott Lovecraft, a traveling salesman, and Sarah Susan Phillips. When he was three, his father was placed in the Providence psychiatric institution, Butler Hospital, where he remained until his death. Lovecraft was… Read the full story

On this day in 1871, pioneering aviator Orville Wright was born. In 1903, Orville and his brother Wilbur made history by making the world’s first sustained, man-powered, heavier-than-air flight. Image: Orville Wright / Library of Congress Orville Wright was born on August 19, 1871 in Dayton, Ohio to Milton Wright, a bishop, and Susan Koerner. He was the sixth of seven children. Growing up, Orville and his siblings were encouraged to pursue their intellectual interests… Read the full story

Today we remember actor Patrick Swayze on what would have been his 73rd birthday. Image: Patrick Swayze / Alan Light, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0) Patrick Wayne Swayze was born on August 18, 1952 in Houston, Texas. He was the second child of Patsy Yvonne Helen Karnes, a choreographer and dance instructor, and Jesse Wayne Swayze, an engineering draftsman. Thanks to his mother’s profession, Swayze was first introduced to dance at an early age. He showed… Read the full story

Today we remember French Emperor Napoleon I, who was born on this day in 1769. Commonly called Napoleon Bonaparte, the French military commander and emperor conquered much of Europe during his rule, making France one of the strongest empires in Europe until its collapse in 1815. Image: Napoleon I / Wikimedia Commons Napoleon was born on August 15, 1769 on the island of Corsica to Carlo Maria di Buonaparte and Maria Letizia Ramolino. Although the family were of minor Corsican… Read the full story

Happy birthday to Steve Martin! Today the actor turns 80. Image: Steve Martin / David Shankbone, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0) Born in Waco, Texas on August 14, 1945, Martin grew up in Southern California. He landed his firs job as a teen selling guidebooks at Disneyland and later, worked at the Magic Shop in the park where he frequently performed magic tricks for patrons. Martin’s big break came in 1976 when he hosted his first episode… Read the full story

What’s your favorite Alfred Hitchcock film? On this day in 1899, the legendary filmmaker was born in London, England. Image: Alfred Hitchcock / Library of Congress Hitchcock was the youngest of three children born to William Hitchcock and Emma Jane Wheland. At the age of 5, Hitchcock’s father once sent him to the local police station with a note asking the officer to lock him up in a cell for a few minutes for behaving… Read the full story

On this day in 1762, George IV of the United Kingdom was born. In 1820, he ascended throne after the death of his father, George III. Image: George IV of the United Kingdom / Rijksmuseum, Wikimedia Commons George was born at St. James’s Palace in London, England on August 12, 1762. He was the first child of King George III and his wife, Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz. They would have 15 children together, only 13 would… Read the full story

Happy birthday to Chris Hemsworth! Today the actor turns 42. Image: Chris Hemsworth / Gage Skidmore, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0) Hemsworth was born on August 11, 1983 in Melbourne, Australia to Leonie van Os, an English teacher, and Craig Hemsworth, a social services counsellor. He was the second of three sons. Both of his brothers, Luke and Liam, also became notable actors. Before becoming a household name as Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe,… Read the full story

On this day in 1807, Swedish writer Emilie Flygare-Carlén was born. A popular writer during her lifetime, Flygare-Carlén had endured several personal hardships before turning to literature as a means of supporting her family. She became known for her realistic depictions of family life in Sweden and was widely read both within the country and around the world during the later half of the 19th century. Image: Emilie Flygare-Carlén / Wikimedia Commons She was born Emilie… Read the full story

Today actress Charlize Theron celebrates her 50th birthday! Image: Charlize Theron / Gage Skidmore, Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 2.0 The South African star was born on August 7, 1975 in Benoni, in what was then the Transvaal Province of South Africa. An only child, she grew up on her parents’ farm outside of Johannesburg and spent her childhood studying dance. Life at home was difficult. Her father was an alcoholic and was physically abusive. When… Read the full story

On this day in 1928, American artist Andy Warhol was born. A leading figure of the Pop art movement, Warhol’s work explored the relationship between celebrity culture, advertising, and artistic expression. Image: Andy Warhol / Library of Congress Warhol was born Andrew Warhola on August 6, 1928 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Andrej Warhola and Julia Zavacká. His parents were Carpatho-Rusyn immigrants from what is now eastern Slovakia. As a child, Warhol suffered from Sydenham’s chorea,… Read the full story

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

Join Geni at the 45th IAJGS International Conference on Jewish Genealogy in Fort Wayne, Indiana! The conference will take place August 10-14 at the Grand Wayne Center and will be packed with activities everyday. Come find us in the conference exhibit hall and say hello! Remember to bring your Geni questions for one-on-one help from the team. We’ll also be offering an exclusive conference discount on Geni Pro subscriptions that you won’t want to miss…. Read the full story

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