Author: Amanda

Tonight is the 12th annual Latin Grammy Awards. Colombian singer Shakira was named the Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year for her artistic achievement in the Latin music industry and her dedication to philanthropy. She is up for three Grammy awards tonight, including Album of the Year.   View Shakira’s Geni Profile

Recently, we introduced Record Matches to make it faster and easier for Geni users to find records about their relatives on their family tree. Today, we’re excited to announce the addition of Find A Grave to Geni’s growing number of record partners. Find A Grave is a free grave registration site with millions of records containing photos, biographies and dates. To see the record matches for a profile, click on the Record Matches button and… Read the full story

On November 9, 1970, Charles de Gaulle died at the age of 79. de Gaulle was a French general and statesman who led the Free French Forces during World War II. In 1958, he founded the French Fifth Republic and served as its first President. Charles de Gaulle is connected to over 60 million profiles in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related? View Charles de Gaulle’s Geni Profile

Today, November 8, is the 355th anniversary of English astronomer Edmond Halley‘s birthday. He is best known for computing the orbit of Halley’s comet, which is the only short-period comment that is visible to the naked eye from Earth every 75-76 years. Edmond Halley is connected to over 60 million profiles in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related? View Edmond Halley’s Geni Profile

On November 4, American journalist and 60 Minutes commentator Andy Rooney died at the age of 92. Before joining 60 Minutes, Rooney covered World War II and was one of the first American journalists to visit the Nazi concentration camps. Just one month ago, Rooney stepped down from his post on 60 Minutes, ending his 33 year run on the program.   View Andy Rooney’s Geni Profile

Tomorrow, November 5, the U.K. celebrates Guy Fawkes Day. In 1605, Guy Fawkes conspired to blow up Parliament on November 5. However, the plot, famously known as the “Gunpowder Plot,” failed, and Fawkes was captured and executed for treason. Guy Fawkes is connected to over 59 million profiles in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related? View Guy Fawkes’s Geni Profile

Geni projects are a fantastic tool to collaborate with other genealogists who are working in the same genealogical area. We recently interviewed Annemarie Healy, a Geni user since 2009, who recently created the Irish Portal project. The project is the perfect place to collaborate, find advice and assistance when researching your Irish ancestry. Can you give us a brief overview of the Irish Portal project and what goals you hope to accomplish? Overview in brief: The Irish… Read the full story

Australian actor Russell Crowe has achieved both box office success and critical acclaim throughout his career. In 2001, Crowe won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in the film Gladiator.   View Russell Crowe’s Geni Profile

Membership Tiers Geni has always offered a free Basic account to our members. This is a great way to give Geni a try and see how quickly your family tree can grow. As your tree grows and you want to take advantage of advanced features, such as profile matches and tree merging, you can choose from two subscription levels, Plus and Pro. We’ve made two changes to these membership tiers to make them easier to… Read the full story

On November 2, 1755, Marie Antoinette was born. As the queen consort of King Louis XVI of France, she helped provoke the popular unrest that led to the French Revolution and overthrow of the monarchy. Marie Antoinette was convicted of treason and executed by guillotine nine months after her husband’s execution. Marie Antoinette is connected to over 59 million profiles in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related?   View Marie Antoinette’s Geni Profile  

In celebration of the Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, we thought it would be fun to take a look at how this holiday is celebrated around the world and share with you some interesting facts from Geni about each country. Enjoy!

Diego Rivera Diego Rivera was a prominent Mexican painter and muralist, whose art reflected the lives of working class people of Mexico. Do you have info about Diego Rivera’s genealogy? Help build his tree in Geni’s World Family Tree to see how you’re related!   View Diego Rivera’s Geni Profile

In honor of Halloween, today we highlight Vlad the Impaler, Prince of Wallachia, otherwise known as Dracula. Remembered for his cruelty, Vlad the Impaler served as the inspiration for the name of Bram Stoker‘s vampire novel, Dracula. Vlad the Impaler is connected to over 59 million profiles in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related? View Vlad the Impaler’s Geni Profile

Actress Pam Grier achieved fame during the 1970’s after starring in a series of successful blaxploitation films. Throughout her career, she appeared in several horror films including Ghost of Mars, Something Wicked This Way Comes and Scream, Blacula, Scream.   View Pam Grier’s Geni Profile

American author Washington Irving is best known for his short story “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” The story tells the tale of Ichabod Crane and his encounter with the Headless Horseman, who haunts the small village of Sleepy Hollow. Washington Irving is connected to over 59 million profiles in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related? View Washington Irving’s Geni Profile

Actor Boris Karloff is largely recognized as one of the true icons of horror. He is best remembered for his terrifying portrayal of Frankenstein’s monster in the films Frankenstein, Bride of Frankenstein and Son of Frankenstein. The character of Frankenstein’s monster first appeared in Mary Shelley‘s Gothic  novel, Frankenstein in 1818. View Boris Karloff’s Geni Profile

American architect Frank Lloyd Wright has been largely considered one of the greatest architects of all time. A proponent of organic architecture, Wright designed more than 1,000 projects. Some of his most famous designs include Fallingwater and the Guggenheim Museum. Wright was born on June 8, 1867 in a small farming town in Wisconsin. His father was William Carey Wright, who was an orator, music teacher and minister. His mother was Anna Lloyd Wright, who was a school… Read the full story

Legendary horror film actor Vincent Price was best known for his distinctive voice and menacing screen presence. Dubbed the Master of Horror, Price appeared in several classic horror films, including The House of Wax, The Fly and The House on Haunted Hill. Vincent Price is connected to over 59 million profiles on Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related? View Vincent Price’s Geni Profile

Best-selling novelist Stephen King is known for blending horror, fantasy and science fiction into a consistently scary mix. Much of his work has been adapted into highly successful horror films, such as Carrie, The Shining, Misery and Salem’s Lot. Stephen King is connected to over 59 million profiles in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related? View Stephen King’s Geni Profile

Langston Hughes Langston Hughes was an American poet and activist. Best known for his work during the Harlem Renaissance, Hughes was one of the earliest innovators of jazz poetry. Langston Hughes is connected to over 59 million profiles in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related? View Langston Hughes’s Geni Profile

On October 20, 1964 President Herbert Hoover died at the age of 90. Hoover was the 31st President of the United States. When the Wall Street Crash of 1929 struck less than 8 months after he took office, Hoover sought to combat the ensuing Great Depression with volunteer efforts and public works projects such as the Hoover Dam. Herbert Hoover is connected to over 59 million profiles in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you… Read the full story

Geni projects are a fantastic tool to collaborate with other genealogists who are working in the same genealogical area. We recently interviewed Geni‘s first Filipino curator Mona Magno-Veluz, who enthusiastically agreed to share with us her experience researching Filipino genealogy and collaborating with others in the Families of the Philippines project. You are the first Filipino curator on Geni, what do you hope to accomplish with the Families of the Philippines project? I have been blogging… Read the full story

On October 19, 1781, British General Charles Cornwallis surrendered at Yorktown, Virginia, signifying the end of the American Revolutionary War. Charles Cornwallis is connected to over 59 million profiles in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related? View Charles Cornwallis’s Geni Profile

American actor, director and producer John Wayne epitomized rugged masculinity and became an enduring American icon. His career spanned five decades, leaving his most lasting impression in American Westerns. In 1999, the American Film Institute named him one of the greatest screen legends of all time. He was born Marion Robert Morrison on May 26, 1907 in Winterset, Iowa. His father, Clyde Leonard Morrison, was a pharmacist. In 1906, he married Mary “Molly” Alberta Brown, a… Read the full story

On October 18, 1931, inventor Thomas Edison died at the age of 84. His inventions, such as the electric light bulb, significantly influenced life around the world. Did you know he was one of the first inventors to apply the principles of mass production and team work to the process of invention? As a result, he is often credited with the creation of the first industrial research laboratory. Thomas Edison is connected to over 59… Read the full story

On October 17, 1918, legendary Hollywood actress Rita Hayworth was born. Over her long career, Hayworth appeared in over 61 films and is named one of the American Film Institute’s Greatest Stars of All Time. Rita Hayworth is connected to over 59 million profiles in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related? View Rita Hayworth’s Geni Profile

Today we highlight American guitarist and singer-songwriter Jimi Hendrix. One of the most influential musicians in musical history, Hendrix synthesized many different styles into his own unique sound. In 1992, he was posthumously inducted into the U.S. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Jimi Hendrix is connected to over 59 million profiles in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related? View Jimi Hendrix’s Geni Profile

On October 13, 1925 former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was born. In 1979, she became the first woman to be elected Prime Minister of the UK. Margaret Thatcher is connected to over 59 million profiles in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related?   View Margaret Thatcher’s Geni Profile

On October 12, 1870, General Robert E. Lee died at the age of 63. During the American Civil War, Lee commanded the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia. After the war, Lee became a Southern hero of the war, and today, remains an iconic American military figure. Robert E. Lee is connected to over 59 million profiles in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related? View Robert E. Lee’s Geni Profile

The Marx Brothers were an American family comedy act that enjoyed success in vaudeville and film during the early 20th century. While there were five brothers in total, the act mainly consisted of eldest brothers, Chico,  Harpo and Groucho. The comedy trio gained enormous fame for their films and were inducted to the Motion Picture Hall of Fame in 1977. Their parents were Simon “Frenchie” Marx and Minnie Marx. Simon was born in Alsace, France… Read the full story

Today, the United States celebrates Columbus Day in honor of Christopher Columbus‘s discovery of the New World in 1492. A Spanish explorer, Columbus completed four voyages across the Atlantic to the American continents. His expeditions played a significant role in Spain’s colonization of the New World. Christopher Columbus is connected to over 59 million profiles in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related? View Christopher Columbus’s Geni Profile

Today we highlight Michelle Obama, the first African-American First Lady of the United States. As First Lady, she has focused her attention on current social issues, including education, supporting military families and promoting healthy eating for families across the country. Michelle Obama is connected to over 59 million profiles in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related? View Michelle Obama’s Geni Profile

Yesterday, October 5, Apple co-founder Steve Jobs died at the age of 56. Considered one of the world’s greatest innovators and visionaries, Jobs revolutionized technology and changed the way the world communicates and interacts. Check out his profile on Geni. View Steve Jobs’s Geni Profile

On October 5, 1882 physicist and inventor Robert H. Goddard was born. Known as the father of modern rocketry, Goddard is credited with creating and building the world’s first liquid-fueled rocket. Robert Goddard is connected to over 59 million profiles in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related? View Robert H. Goddard’s Geni Profile

The Northern California Family History Expo is being held on October 7-8 in San Mateo, California. In additon to being one of the sponsors of the event, Geni will be giving two presentations, one each day, about the benefits of collaborative genealogy. Join us for a demonstration of Geni’s exciting features and learn about what you can gain through collaborative genealogy. Here’s a look at our speaking schedule below: Friday October 7, 2011 6:30pm: Don’t… Read the full story

On October 4, 1895 silent film actor Buster Keaton was born. Keaton was known as “The Great Stone Face” for getting big laughs for his physical comedy with a consistently stoic, deadpan expression. Buster Keaton is connected to over 59 million profiles in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related? View Buster Keaton’s Geni Profile

On October 3, 1925, American author, playwright and activist Gore Vidal was born. Praised for his highly provocative works, Vidal’s writing career has spanned over six decades. His most well known and controversial book is The City and the Pillar, which was one of the first major American novels to feature unambiguous homosexuality. Gore Vidal is connected to over 59 million profiles in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related? View Gore Vidal’s Geni Profile

Madam C.J. Walker Madam C.J. Walker was an African American business woman, philanthropist and founder of the Madam C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company. According to the Guinness Book of Records, Walker was the first woman to become a millionaire by her own achievements. View Madam C.J. Walker’s Geni Profile

Laura Ingalls Wilder Laura Ingalls Wilder was an American author best known for writing the Little House series, which was based on her own childhood experiences as a pioneer. The popularity of the series continued to grow after her death in 1957. In 1974, it was eventually adapted into the long running television show, Little House on the Prairie. Laura Ingalls Wilder is connected to over 59 million profiles in the World Family Tree. How… Read the full story

Today at sundown, the Jewish community will begin their celebration of Rosh Hashanah, the start of the Jewish New Year. Considered one of the holiest of Jewish holidays, it is traditionally celebrated over the course of two days and is best characterized as a holiday of reflection, introspection and renewal. Much time during the holiday is spent in prayer, with people asking God for forgiveness, giving penance and praying for a healthy new year. Like… Read the full story

Today we remember comedian and film star Harpo Marx, who died on September 28, 1964. Known for performing in silence, Marx used pantomine and often a horn or whistle to communicate during his performances. A gifted harp player, Marx often incorporated the harp into his films. View Harpo Marx’s Geni Profile

Author Herman Melville is perhaps best known for his novel, Moby-Dick. Although he achieved some notoriety during his lifetime, Melville’s fame had waned by the time of his death. It was not until after his death that Melville’s work was recognized once again and today, Moby-Dick is considered one of the greatest master pieces of American literature. Melville came from a well-to-do family, with roots that date back to the early history of the United States. He was… Read the full story

On September 27, 1722, Samuel Adams, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, was born. Adams was an important political leader during the American Revolution and in 1776, signed the Declaration of Independence. Did you know that Samuel Adams is the second cousin of President John Adams? Samuel Adams is connected to over 59 million profiles in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related? View Samuel Adams’s Geni Profile  

On September 26, 1888, American poet T.S. Eliot was born. Considered one of the greatest poets in history, Eliot was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1948. T.S. Eliot is connected to over 59 million profiles in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related? View T.S. Eliot’s Geni Profile

On September 26, 1949, Bruce Springsteen was born. Throughout his highly successful career, Springsteen has earned several awards and sold over 200 million records worldwide. In 1999, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. How are you related to “The Boss”? View Bruce Springsteen’s Geni Profile

This week we’re releasing some minor enhancements and fixes, including the addition of the Report tool for projects. Users can now report a project for Spam, Inappropriate Content or as an Abandoned Project. And if you’re a Geni Plus user, you can now see your very own Plus badge on the tree! Take a look at our full release notes below: Enhancements: Added “Report” option to the Actions menu for projects. Profile hovercards added to… Read the full story

Progeny Genealogy recently announced an exciting new feature to Charting Companion – Embroidery Charts! Perfect for family reunions, embroidery charts allow you to showcase your family tree to the world. Proudly wear your family tree on a T-shirt, sweater or whatever you choose. This fantastic new feature is available exclusively to Geni users right now, with other versions to be rolled out at later date. You can embroider two types of charts, Ancestor Fan and Descendant Fan Charts, and… Read the full story

On September 22, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln issued the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation, which declared that all slaves in rebel states should be free as of January 1, 1863. The final proclamation made abolition a central goal of the American Civil War. Check out Abraham Lincoln’s family tree and see how you’re related! View Abraham Lincoln’s Geni Profile

It was announced a few months ago that actress Angelina Jolie would take on the role of Cleopatra in an upcoming biopic. We thought it would be interesting to see how Angelina Jolie is related to the Egyptian queen and look what we found: Cleopatra is Angelina Jolie’s 57th great grandmother! Check out how Angelina Jolie is related to other notable celebrities in Geni’s World Family Tree! The World Family Tree is quickly approaching 60 million… Read the full story

On September 21, 1937, The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien was published. The highly popular fantasy children’s book will be adapted into a movie by director Peter Jackson, who famously brought Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings Trilogy to the big screen. How are you related to the fantasy author? View J.R.R. Tolkien’s Geni Profile