July 2011

We are proud to announce some improvements to the way the name fields work on Geni.com. These changes will provide a clearer and more consistent method of inputting names.  The “Nicknames” field is now located on the Basics tab and has been renamed to “Also Known As.” “Maiden Name” has been renamed to “Birth Name.” Lastly, male profiles will now have the ability to be listed with a “Birth Name” just as female profiles can.    … Read the full story

This week we highlight the Prominent Historians and Philosophers project. This project houses a collection of Geni profiles for those notable thinkers who have made major contributions to our understandings of the world. Interested in learning more about the genealogy of influential historians and philosophers? Want to help research and build their family trees? Check out this project and become a collaborator today! Perhaps you may discover that you’re related to an influential thinker of the past! Take a look… Read the full story

On July 29, 1890 artist Vincent van Gogh died in Auvers-sur-Ouse in northern France after shooting himself in the chest two days earlier.

While researching your genealogy, voter registration records may not be the first resource that springs to mind. However, you’d be surprised how this often overlooked resource can help supplement your research and provide you with clues in new directions. As you build your family tree on Geni, you may want to take time to look into what you can find about your ancestor’s voting history. Important things to keep in mind:   In the United… Read the full story

On July 28, 1866, English author Beatrix Potter was born. Although she is best remembered for writing and illustrating The Tale of Peter Rabbit, Potter was also a passionate conservationist. How are you related?

On July 27, 1882, pioneer aviator and aircraft engineer Sir Geoffrey de Havilland was born. In 1920, he founded the de Havilland Aircraft Company. De Havilland and his company designed many innovative aircrafts, a large number of which were used during the First World War. Check out de Havilland’s profile in the Great Aviators project and see how you’re related!

We are always listening to feedback from our users and regularly make improvements and bug fixes to the site. While some of the improvements may not be noticeable while interacting with Geni, we want to give our users a better idea of what is included in each release. You may notice that many of these enhancements and fixes came directly from requests posted to Geni Help and our public discussions. An archive of our previous… Read the full story

English naturalist Charles Darwin laid the foundation for evolution in his book On the Origin of Species. Published in 1859, Darwin introduced the theory that populations evolved overtime through the process of natural selection. His revolutionary theory has become a fundamental tenet in the life sciences and in explaining the diversity of life. Today, Darwin is considered one of the most influential figures in human history. Born in 1809, Darwin was the fifth of six children of Robert… Read the full story

On July 26, 1928, director Stanley Kubrick was born. Widely regarded as one of the most accomplished and influential filmmakers in the history of cinema, Kubrick was known for often directing unique and controversial films, such as the highly acclaimed film, A Clockwork Orange. Check out his family tree and see how you’re related! View Stanley Kubrick’s Geni Profile

Recently, Geni had its fifth anniversary. In celebration, the whole crew took a day off to race go-karts, eat fondue, and reminisce. At this point, Geni is a fantastic amalgam of veteran employees and new blood. A constant flow of fresh ideas along with the strong foundation we’ve built over the last five years have made Geni what it is today. No matter how long the employees have been with the company, it truly feels… Read the full story

[Download This Episode] [Subscribe in iTunes] [Subscribe in Your Favorite Podcatcher] What is a family reunion and how can I get started organizing one for my family? Family reunions are as unique as families themselves and they come in all shapes, sizes and formats. For most families, a family reunion is held on an annual basis, and during the summer here in the United States, where family members get together to share a meal and… Read the full story

On July 25, 1969, U.S. President Richard Nixon announced the Nixon Doctrine, which stated that the United States would from now on expect its Asian allies to handle their own military defense. His announcement marked the start of the “Vietnamization” of the Vietnam War.

[Download This Episode] [Subscribe in iTunes] [Subscribe in Your Favorite Podcatcher] Geni Podcast: Interview with Dick Eastman by Geni, Inc. In this episode, Geni.com sits down with Dick Eastman of Eastman’s Online Genealogy Newsletter to discuss his background in genealogy, blogging, and how his newsletter has changed over the past 15 years.

Yesterday, Comic-Con International 2011 began in San Diego, CA. Each year, thousands of fans wait in anticipation for this convention, which showcases comic books, science fiction, fantasy and film/television. Today, we thought it would be fun to highlight the Comic Book Villains & Superheroes project. This amusing project aims to gather the Geni profiles for all the actors who have portrayed comic book characters and their creators. Interested in learning more about the genealogy of… Read the full story

Today, July 22, Captain America: The First Avenger opens in theaters. Are you excited to see Chris Evans take on the role of comic book hero Captain America? Check out his family tree and see how you’re related!

On July 21, 1899 author Ernest Hemingway was born. Best remembered for his novels, A Farewell to Arms and The Sun Also Rises, Hemingway’s distinctive writing style had a profound influence on 20th century fiction. In 1954, he was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature. How are you related?

On July 20, 1969, the first manned spacecraft landed on the moon. Named one of the greatest accomplishments in the history of space exploration, Astronauts Neil Armstrong and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin, Jr. became the first humans to step foot on the moon. Check out Buzz Aldrin’s family tree and see how you’re related!

Boxing legend Muhammad Ali was born as Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr. on January 17, 1942 in Louisville, Kentucky. In 1960, Ali won an Olympic gold medal in boxing after defeating Polish boxer Zbigniew Pietrzykowski. During his professional career, he became the first and only boxer to be named Wold Heavyweight Champion. In 2002, Ali received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contributions to the entertainment industry. His star is the only… Read the full story

On July 19, 1848 the Seneca Falls Convention, opened in New York, launching the women’s right movement in the U.S. Organized by abolitionists Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott, the convention was the first of its kind to be held in the United States.

The LA Latino International Film Festival started on Sunday, so today we’re happy to celebrate a few well known Latinos from Los Angeles. Antonio Villaraigosa, 41st Mayor of Los Angeles, is an LA native. Born to a father from Mexico and a mother of Mexican descent, Villaraigosa has strongly supported the latino community. Interestingly, his maternal grandparents both came over from Mexico in the early 1900s. Villaraigosa’s grandfather worked as a merchant in the LA area… Read the full story

On July 18, 1918 anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela was born. For his role in ending the apartheid regime, Mandela was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993. He made history in 1994 by becoming the first president of South Africa to be elected in a fully democratic election. Check out his family tree on Geni! Perhaps you can help connect him to our world family tree!

Do you have any ancestors who set sail in the service of the East India Company during the 17th to 19th centuries? Or do you have an interest in the people involved in these trade routes? You may want to check out this week’s highlighted project, Sellers & Sailors: The East India Companies project.

Excited for the last Harry Potter film? Check out author J.K. Rowling’s Geni profile!

As you build your family tree on Geni, you may want to research funeral home records to help supplement the information on your tree. Often overlooked in genealogy, funeral home records may contain information not found in death certificates or tombstones. They can offer great genealogical information and perhaps help you fill in some missing pieces.

Today is Bastille Day in France! Check out Maximilien de Robespierre’s profile on Geni!

On July 13, 1940, English actor Patrick Stewart was born. Stewart began his career as a Shakespearean theater actor and shot to fame as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation, which would prove to be his most iconic and beloved role of his career. Check out his family tree on Geni! Perhaps you can help add more information to link him to our world family tree!

[Download This Episode] [Subscribe in iTunes] [Subscribe in Your Favorite Podcatcher] In this episode, Thomas and Grant dicuss collateral and cluster searches in regards to genealogy. Learn how you can gain information about your ancestors by learning more about history.

Learn more about author Louisa May Alcott’s family tree on Geni!

On July 12, 1817 author and poet Henry David Thoreau was born. Although he is best known for his novel Walden, Thoreau was also a n accomplished philosopher and active abolitionist. His writings influenced many political leaders and reformers, including Mahatma Ghandi, President John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Jr. Check out his family tree and see how you’re related!

Today marks the 244th anniversary of the birth of John Quincy Adams — Sixth President of the United States. But did you know he did much, much more in his career besides serve as President? He also served as: US Representitive Secretary of State Ambassador to the UK Ambassador to Russia Ambassador to Prussia State Senator of MA Any single one of the positions would make for an illustrious career. Truly, he was a massive… Read the full story

On Friday, July 8, former U.S. First Lady Betty Ford passed away. Take a look at her Geni profile.

This week we highlight the Spanish Conquistadors project. The term “Conquistador” refers to the Spanish and Portuguese explorers, soldiers and adventurers who brought much of the New World under the control of Spain and Portugal during the 16th century. This project aims to identify conquistadors on Geni, merge all duplicates and ensure the quality of data on each profile. If your interested in helping out, check out this project and join its collaborators!

On July 8, 1958, American actor Kevin Bacon was born. How are you related?

One of the most rewarding aspects of genealogy is learning about who your ancestors were as individuals. It’s important to remember that genealogy isn’t only about scouring through documents in libraries and online resources. Chances are you have a few heirlooms in your family. These items are a great place to begin learning more about your ancestors’ lives, while at the same time, getting your family more involved in their genealogy.

On July 7, 1940, English musician Ringo Starr was born in Liverpool, England. Starr achieved international fame as the drummer for The Beatles, the best-selling band in the history of popular music.

On July 6, 1907, Mexican painter Frida Kahlo was born.

Learn more about singer and actress Olivia Newton-John’s family tree on Geni!

Profile of the Day Profile of the Day: Diana, Princess of Wales Profile of the Day: Lena Horne Profile of the Day: Antoine de Saint-Exupery Profile of the Day: Archduke Franz Ferdinand Profile of the Day: Peter Falk Interesting Geni Blog Posts Featured Project: Signers of the Declaration of Independence Researching Bounty Land Warrants Free Geni Webinar Family Tree Tuesday – Aldous Huxley From the Genealogy Community Don’t Wait for the 1940 Census Don Grant,… Read the full story

Prince Albert II of Monaco and Charlene Lynette Wittstock were married on July 2, 2011 in a civil ceremony in the throne room of the palace in Monte Carlo.

Happy 4th of July, everyone! Today is a federal holiday here in the United States; a day dedicated to remembering the conceptual birth of America. Since many of us have today off, it’s a great time to read up about the history of Independence Day. As featured recently, we have a great project on Geni called Signers of the “Declaration of Independence”: Colonial America in 1776 Project. This is a great place to start, but… Read the full story

Monday July 4, the U.S. celebrates Independence Day to commemorate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Today’s featured project highlights those individuals who signed the document. Primarily written by Thomas Jefferson, the document announced the independence of the thirteen colonies from the rule of the British Empire. Check out this project to view the profiles of all the signers of the Declaration of Independence! If you want to help add information and… Read the full story

Today we remember Diana, Princess of Wales, who was born 50 years ago on July 1, 1961 in Sandringham, Norfolk, England.