Author: Amanda

Have you read Moby-Dick? On this day in 1819, author Herman Melville was born in New York City, New York. Image: Herman Melville / Library of Congress He was the third of eight children born to Allan Melvill and Maria Gansevoort. Both of his grandfathers were heroes of the American Revolutionary War. His paternal grandfather, Major Thomas Melvill, participated in the Boston Tea Party and served as a Major in the Continental Army. Melville’s maternal grandfather,… Read the full story

Did your ancestors fight in the American Civil War? On this day in 1816, Union general George H. Thomas was born. Image: George H. Thomas / Library of Congress Thomas was born on July 31, 1816 in Newsom’s Depot, Virginia to John Thomas and Elizabeth Rochelle. At the outbreak of the American Civil War, Thomas chose to stay with the U.S. Army despite his Virginian heritage. His decision to remain loyal to the Union caused… Read the full story

On this day in 1818, author Emily Brontë was born. Image: Brass plaque at St Michael and All Angels’ Church, Haworth / dulhunk, Flickr CC BY 2.0 Emily was born on July 30, 1818 in Thornton, Yorkshire, England. She 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… Read the full story

Do you enjoy the artwork of Vincent van Gogh? Today we remember the famous Dutch painter who died on this day in 1890 from a self inflicted gunshot wound. Image: Vincent van Gogh / Wikimedia Common Van Gogh was born on March 30, 1853 to an upper-middle class family. He was born exactly one year after the stillbirth of his parents’ first son, who was also named Vincent. Van Gogh had a close relationship with his… Read the full story

Today we remember former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis on what would have been her 96th birthday. Image: Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis / Library of Congress She was born Jacqueline Lee Bouvier on July 28, 1929 in Southhampton, New York to Wall Street stockbroker John Vernou Bouvier III and socialite Janet Norton Lee. Before marrying John F. Kennedy, she worked as an inquiring photographer at the Washington Times-Herald. The couple was first introduced by a mutual friend, journalist… Read the full story

Did your ancestors fight in the American Revolutionary War? On this day in 1750, American Revolutionary War General Henry Knox was born. Image: Henry Knox / National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution, CC0 Knox was born in Boston, Massachusetts on July 25, 1750. To help support his family, he left school at the age of 9 and began working at a bookstore. He educated himself by reading the books in the store and eventually was able to open… Read the full story

Today we remember pioneer aviator Amelia Earhart on what would have been her 128th birthday. Image: Amelia Earhart / San Diego Air and Space Museum Archive Amelia Mary Earhart was born on July 24, 1897 in Atchison, Kansas. She was named after her two grandmothers, Amelia Josephine Otis and Mary Wells Earhart. From a young age, Amelia had an adventurist spirit. After Charles Lindbergh’s solo flight across the Atlantic, she knew she wanted to be the first woman… Read the full story

Happy birthday to Woody Harrelson! Today the actor celebrates his 64th birthday. Image: Woody Harrelson / LBJ Library photo by Gabriel Cristóver Pérez Harrelson was born Woodrow Tracy Harrelson on July 23, 1961 in Midland, Texas. His father was a convicted contract killer and received a life sentence in 1979. Raised by a single mother, Harrelson grew up in a very religious Presbyterian household. He later attend Hanover College on a Presbyterian scholarship. In 1985,… Read the full story

On this day in 1849, American poet and activist Emma Lazarus was born. Lazarus is best remembered for the sonnet “The New Colossus,” and today, her iconic words, “Give me your tired, your poor, / Your huddled Masses yearning to breath free,” can still be found inscribed on a bronze plaque at the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty. Image: Emma Lazarus / Wikimedia Commons Lazarus was born on July 22, 1849 in New York City, New York… Read the full story

Today we remember author Ernest Hemingway, who was born on this day in 1899. Image: Ernest Hemingway / U.S. National Archives and Records Administration Ernest Miller Hemingway was bon on July 21, 1899 in Oak Park, Illinois to Clarence Edmonds Hemingway, a physician, and Grace Hall, an opera singer and painter. During World War I, Hemingway enlisted with the Red Cross to become an ambulance driver. While at the Italian front, he was severely injured and… Read the full story

On this day in 1867, American socialite and philanthropist Margaret Brown was born. A survivor of the sinking of the RMS Titanic, Brown was dubbed “The Unsinkable Molly Brown” by historians for her legendary tales of heroism during the disaster. Image: Margaret Brown / Library of Congress She was born Margaret Tobin in Hannibal, Missouri in a two-room cottage to John Tobin and Johanna Collins. In 1886, she married James Joseph “J.J.” Brown, a self-educated entrepreneur… Read the full story

Today we remember comedian Phyllis Diller, who was born on July 17, 1917 in Lima, Ohio. Image: Phyllis Diller / Allan Warren, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0) The only daughter of Perry Marcus Driver and Frances Ada Romshe, Diller studied the piano for many years but decided against pursing a career in music. In 1939, she eloped with Sherwood Diller and together, the couple had six children (one died in infancy). She got her start in comedy… Read the full story

Are you a fan of old fashioned Hollywood musicals? Today we remember Ginger Rogers, who was born on this day in 1911. Image: Ginger Rogers / Wikimedia Commons Rogers was born Virginia Katherine McMath on July 16, 1911 in Independence, Missouri. She started her career in vaudeville after a win at a Charleston dance contest earned her a spot with a traveling vaudeville act. She became most famous for her musical and dance partnership with Fred… Read the full story

On this day in 1606, Dutch painter Rembrandt van Rijn was born. An artist during the Dutch Golden Age, today Rembrandt is considered to be one of the greatest and most important Dutch painters in history. Image: Rembrandt van Rijn / Wikimedia Commons Rembrandt was born on July 15, 1606 in Leiden, Dutch Republic, which is now the Netherlands. He was the ninth child born to Harmen Gerritszoon van Rijn, a miller, and Neeltgen Willemsdochter… Read the full story

On this day in 1912, American folk singer and songwriter Woody Guthrie was born in Okemah, Oklahoma. Image: Woody Guthrie / Library of Congress Guthrie was named after Woodrow Wilson, who was then the Democratic candidate for President. He faced family tragedies early in his life, including the death of his sister in a fire. His mother, suffering from Huntington’s disease, was also later institutionalized. By the age of 14, Guthrie was left to fend for… Read the full story

Today marks the 258th birthday of John Quincy Adams, the sixth President of the United States. Image: John Quincy Adams / Wikimedia Commons Adams was born on July 11, 1767 in Braintree, Massachusetts to John and Abigail Adams. He was named after his mother’s maternal grandfather, Colonel John Quincy. The city of Quincy, Massachusetts was named after the Colonel. As a young boy, Adams witnessed the Battle of Bunker Hill from the top of Penn’s Hill above… Read the full story

Happy birthday to Nikola Tesla! Today marks what would have been the inventor’s 169th birthday. Image: Nikola Tesla / Library of Congress Tesla was born on July 10, 1856 in the village of Smiljan in the Austrian Empire (modern-day Croatia) to Serbian parents. His father and his maternal grandfather were Orthodox priests. Although his father wished for him to also enter the priesthood, Tesla was firmly interested in the sciences. After arriving in American in 1884, Tesla worked briefly as an… Read the full story

On this day in 1819, American inventor Elias Howe was born. Remembered for patenting the first practical sewing machine, Howe’s invention revolutionized the manufacturing of garments. Image: Elias Howe / Wikimedia Commons Howe was born on July 9, 1819 in Spencer, Massachusetts to Dr. Elias Howe, Sr. and Polly Bemis. At 16, Howe began an apprenticeship in a textile factory. However, the Panic of 1837 cost Howe his job. He later began working at a machinist’s shop, where… Read the full story

Today actor Kevin Bacon celebrates his 67th 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

Happy birthday to Ringo Starr! Today the legendary musician turns 85. Image: Ringo Starr / Library of Congress The Beatles drummer was born Richard Starkey in Liverpool, England on July 7, 1940. He was in and out of hospitals for much of his childhood. After contracting tuberculosis in 1953, he was admitted to a sanitarium where he stayed for two years. To help stimulate his motor activity and relieve boredom, Starr was encouraged to join… Read the full story

Declaration of Independence, Goddard broadside / Library of Congress Every year on July 4th, the United States celebrates Independence Day to commemorate the ratification of the Declaration of Independence. Drafted by Thomas Jefferson, the document declared the freedom and independence of the 13 American colonies from British rule under King George III. On July 4, 1776 the Second Continental Congress gathered at the Pennsylvania State House to unanimously adopt the Declaration of Independence. The document… Read the full story

Happy birthday to Tom Cruise! Today the star turns 63. Image: Tom Cruise / Gage Skidmore, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0) The popular movie star was born Thomas Cruise Mapother, IV on July 3, 1962 in Syracuse, New York. After making notable appearances in the films Taps and The Outsiders, Cruise went on to star in two highly successful films Risky Business and Top Gun, cementing his status as a major Hollywood superstar. Since then, Cruise has headlined… Read the full story

Today we remember Diana, Princess of Wales, on what would have been her 64th birthday. Image: Diana, Princess of Wales / Wikimedia Commons She was born Diana Frances Spencer on July 1, 1961 in Park House, Sandringham, Norfolk. She was the fourth of five children born to Edward John Spencer, and his first wife, Frances Ruth Roche. Her parents divorced when she was a child and her father received custody of the children. After her father… Read the full story

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

“There is no king who has not had a slave among his ancestors, and no slave who has not had a king among his.” Today we remember Helen Keller, who was born on June 27, 1880 in Tuscumbia, Alabama. Image: Helen Keller / Library of Congress Struck blind and deaf before the age of two, Keller had very limited means of communication. Her family was referred to Alexander Graham Bell, who recommended they travel to… Read the full story

Do you have any writers in your family tree? On this day in 1892, Nobel Prize winning author Pearl S. Buck was born in Hillsboro, West Virginia. Image: Pearl S. Buck / National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution, CC0 She was born Pearl Comfort Sydenstricker to Caroline Stulting and Absalom Sydenstricker. The daughter of Southern Presbyterian missionaries, Pearl spent much of her childhood and young adult life living in China. The family had moved to the country when… Read the full story

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

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

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

Today we remember baseball legend Lou Gehrig, who was born on this day in 1903. Considered one of the greatest hitters in baseball history, Gehrig was nicknamed “the Iron Horse” for his durability. He set the record for most consecutive games played and led his team to six World Series titles. Image: Lou Gehrig / Library of Congress He was born Heinrich Ludwig Gehrig in Manhattan, New York to German immigrant parents. From an early age, Gehrig… Read the full story

Happy birthday to Paul McCartney! Today the legendary musician turns 83. 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

On this day in 1808, Norwegian poet, playwright, and historian Henrik Wergeland was born. Remembered as one of Norway’s foremost poets, Wergeland is often regarded as a symbol of the country’s independence. Image: Henrik Wergeland / National Library of Norway Wergeland was born on June 16, 1808 in Kirstiansand, Norway. He was the oldest son of Alette Dorthea Thaulow and Nicolai Wergeland, who served as a member of the Norwegian Constituent Assembly at Eidsvoll in… Read the full story

On this day in 1902, American scientist Barbara McClintock was born. In 1983, McClintock was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for her discovery of genetic transposition. Image: Barbara McClintock / Smithsonian Institution Archives, Flickr McClintock was born on June 16, 1902 in Hartford, Connecticut to Thomas Henry McClintock, a physician, and Sara Handy. From a young age, McClintock had a passion for science. While studying at Cornell, she developed an interest in… Read the full story

We’re happy to announce an exciting new feature exclusive to Geni Pro subscribers – Relationship Path Diagrams! These easy-to-read visualizations offer a fresh way to explore how any two people are connected to others in the World Family Tree.  Whether you’re related to a historical figure, a celebrity, or a newfound cousin, the new relationship path diagrams bring these connections to life in a clear and engaging way. It’s never been easier to trace your… Read the full story

Image: William Butler Yeats / Library of Congress On June 13, 1865, Irish poet and playwright William Butler Yeats was born. Named one of the greatest writers of 20th century literature, Yeats became the first Irishman to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1923. He is generally considered one of the few writers who completed their greatest works after being awarded the Nobel Prize. What’s your favorite Yeats poem? Explore William Butler Yeats’s… Read the full story

“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” – Anne Frank Image: Anne Frank / Wikimedia Commons Today we remember Anne Frank, who was born on this day 96 years ago. Annelies Marie Frank was born on June 12, 1929 in Frankfurt, Germany to Otto and Edith Frank. The family lived in Frankfurt until Anne was five. In 1933, the family fled to Amsterdam after the Nazi… Read the full story

Do you remember watching The Wizard of Oz? Today we remember legendary actress Judy Garland, who was born on June 10, 1922 in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Image: Judy Garland / Wikimedia Commons Garland was born Frances Ethel Gumm to Ethel Marion and Francis Avent Gumm, both vaudeville performers. She began her career at an early age, and by 16, she landed the most iconic role of her career, Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. The classic… Read the full story

Happy birthday to Michael J. Fox! Today the actor and advocate turns 64. Image: Michael J. Fox / Photo by Alan Light, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0) Fox was born on June 9, 1961 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada to Willam Fox and Phylis Piper. Although his middle name is “Andrew,” Fox adopted the middle initial “J” as an homage to the actor Michael J. Pollard. At the age of 15, Fox landed a starring role… Read the full story

Who are your Patriot ancestors? On this day in 1755, Nathan Hale, soldier and spy for the Continental Army, was born in Coventry, Connecticut. Image: Nathan Hale / New York Public Library He was born to Richard Hale and Elizabeth Strong and was the great grandson of Reverend John Hale, who was one of the most prominent figures of the Salem Witch Trials. At the age of 14, Hale went to study at Yale College and became… Read the full story

On this day in 1968, Robert F. Kennedy was shot three times at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles. Kennedy died of his wounds the following day. Image: Robert F. Kennedy / Nationaal Archief, CC0 He was born Robert Francis Kennedy on November 20, 1925 to Joseph Kennedy, Sr. and Rose Fitzgerald in Brookline, Massachusetts. The seventh child of the prominent Kennedy clan, Kennedy grew up in a close but competitive environment. In 1950, he married Ethel Skakel and… Read the full story

What’s your connection to royalty? On this day in 1738, George III, King of Great Britain and Ireland, was born. George III was Great Britain’s longest living and reigning monarch until the reign of his granddaughter, Queen Victoria. Image: George III / New York Public Library The eldest son of Frederick, Prince of Wales, and Augusta of Saxa-Gota, George was born two months prematurely and was not expected to survive. When his father died unexpectedly… Read the full story

On this day in 1865, George V was born. He reigned as the King of the United Kingdom and the British Dominions, and Emperor of India, from 1910 until his death in 1936. Image: George V / Library of Congress George was born on June 3, 1865 in Marlborough House, London, England. He was the second son of Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, and Alexandra, Princess of Wales. His father was the eldest son of… Read the full story

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

We’re back from Louisville, Kentucky where we attended the NGS 2025 Family History Conference. Between May 23-26, the Geni team could be found in the conference exhibit hall, happily chatting with attendees. As always, our conference computers were equipped with free access to Geni Pro. We had the pleasure of meeting an enthusiastic user who asked for help to upload his GEDCOM file to Geni. It was a little tricky because he already had an… Read the full story

Remember watching Bugs Bunny cartoons? On this day in 1908, voice actor Mel Blanc was born in San Francisco, California. Image: Mel Blanc / Wikimedia Commons Known as “The Man of a Thousand Voices,” Blanc brought to life some of the most iconic cartoon characters during America’s golden age of animation. While working for Warner Bros., Blanc created the voices for about 90 percent of the studio’s cartoons, including Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig,… Read the full story

Image: John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum On this day in 1917, John F. Kennedy was born in Brookline, Massachusetts. Remembered as one of the most beloved presidents in the history of the United States, Kennedy’s leadership and accomplishments continues to inspire generations years after his death. Kennedy was the second of nine children born to Joseph “Joe” Kennedy and Rose Elizabeth Fitzgerald. He was named in honor of his maternal grandfather, John Francis Fitzgerald,… Read the full story

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

On this day in 1907, American marine biologist and conservationist Rachel Carson was born. Carson’s groundbreaking work is often credited with advancing the global environmental movement. Image: Rachel Carson / Smithsonian Institution Carson was born on May 17, 1907 on a family farm near Springdale, Pennsylvania to Robert Warden Carson, an insurance salesman, and Maria Frazier McLean. Growing up, she developed a deep love of nature and enjoyed writing stories, publishing her first story at… Read the full story

Image: Rosemary Clooney / Library of Congress On May 23, 1928, singer and actress Rosemary Clooney was born in Maysville, Kentucky. One of five children, she and several of her siblings became successful entertainers, as did their children. Today, her nephew, George Clooney, is one of the most highly sought after stars in Hollywood. A successful jazz vocalist, Clooney first rose to prominence in the early 1950s with the hit “Come On-a My House” and… Read the full story

Are you a fan of Sherlock Holmes? On this day in 1859, author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. Image: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle / Library of Congress Supported by wealthy uncles, Doyle was sent to the Roman Catholic Jesuit preparatory school, Hodder Place, Stonyhurst, at the age of 9. He studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh Medical School and it was there that he began writing short stories. In 1887,… Read the full story