Author: Amanda

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

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

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

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

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