May 2012

Happy Birthday, Clint Eastwood! On May 31, 1930, Clint Eastwood was born in San Francisco, California. Today, the talented actor and director turns 82! Before making it in Hollywood, Eastwood served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. In addition to his long and accomplished film career, Eastwood has had a hand in politics for a number of years. Did you know he once served as mayor of Carmel, California? Clint Eastwood is connected… Read the full story

Tonight, the History Channel airs part 3 of their record breaking miniseries, Hatsfields & McCoys. Have you been watching the series about the vicious and violent clash between the Hatfield and McCoy families? The bitter feud between the Hatfields, headed by Devil Anse Hatfield, and the McCoys, whose head patriarch was Randolph “Ole Ran” McCoy, has made a lasting impression in American folklore.  The Hatfield Clan   The origins of the feud can be traced back to the murder of… Read the full story

The 43rd annual Southern California Genealogy Jamboree is next week! Are you as excited for the fun-filled genealogy conference? Jamboree 2012 will be taking place June 8 – 10 in Burbank, California – that’s right in our own backyard! Several Geni team members will be making an appearance too! We’re giving away a free Geni “Who’s Your Daddy?” t-shirt to all Geni users who come to our booth (410, 411). We’d love to meet you, so… Read the full story

On this day in 1911, the Indianapolis 500 had its inaugural run at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indiana. Since then, the 200-lap, two-and-a-half mile race has become a Memorial Day weekend tradition. This year, racer Dario Franchitti made it into the record books with his third Indy 500 win. His wife, actress Ashley Judd, was there cheering him on. Did you catch the race on TV? Dario Franchitti’s family tree is still rather small…. Read the full story

We hope everyone had a great Memorial Day weekend! Due to the holiday, this week’s recap is a day late. Enjoy the links below! The Genealogy Sphere Turn a Genealogy Guess into a Working Theory (Olive Tree Genealogy Blog) – Tips on how to turn your guess into a working theory Where Were They? 1936 North American Heat Wave (Ancestral Breezes) – Where were your ancestors during the 1936 heat wave? Interview with Henry Louis… Read the full story

Ricky Nelson was an American singer-songwriter, instumentalist, and actor. He played himself in the radio sitcom series, The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet in 1949 which was the start of his entertainment career and he appeared in his first feature film, Here Come the Nelsons in 1952. In 1957, he recorded his first single, debuted as a singer on the television version of the sitcom, and recorded a number one album, Ricky. Nelson was the first… Read the full story

On May 29, 1917, John F. Kennedy was born in Brookline, Massachusetts. Kennedy was born into a politically and socially prominent family, so it was of no surprise that he would pursue public office. In 1961, Kennedy became the 35th president of the United States. Sadly, in 1963 he was assassinated while riding in his motorcade in Dallas. His death shocked the nation. Today, he is remembered as one of America’s most beloved presidents in… Read the full story

Monday, May 28, is Memorial Day in the U.S. On this day, the country honors the men and women who have given their lives while serving in the U.S. military. Typically, the day is celebrated by visiting cemeteries, attending parades and family gatherings. Memorial Day was first introduced after the end of the Civil War. However, after the devastation of World War I, the day was expanded to encompass all American soldiers who have died in… Read the full story

On May 25, 1803 poet and essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson was born. Emerson was seen as a champion of individualism and a leader of the Transcendentalist movement. His essays on individuality and optimism significantly influenced American thinking. Ralph Waldo Emerson is connected to over 60 million profiles in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related?     View Ralph Waldo Emerson’s Geni Profile  

This week Brad Pitt made an appearance at the Cannes Film Festival in support of his new movie Killing Them Softly. The film was created in collaboration with writer/director Andrew Dominik, who worked with Brad in the film The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford. In the film, Brad played the American outlaw Jesse James. Did you know Brad Pitt and Jesse James are actually related? Jesse James is Brad Pitt’s 9th cousin twice removed!… Read the full story

On May 24, 1543, astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus died at the age of 70. The Renaissance astronomer proposed the idea of a heliocentric solar system. He believed that the planets rotated around the sun, and that Earth, besides orbiting the sun annually, turned daily on its own axis. Copernicus’s theory significantly impacted scientific thinking of the time, and laid the beginnings of the scientific revolution. Nicolaus Copernicus is connected to over 60 million profiles in Geni’s… Read the full story

On May 23, 1934, notorious criminals Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow were shot to death in an ambush by the Texas and Louisiana state police. For two years during the Great Depression, the infamous couple committed robberies and murders throughout the U.S. Their crimes captured the imagination of the nation. At the time, the public’s attitude was against the government and banks and the couple used that to their advantage. The intense media coverage mixed… Read the full story

English poet, illustrator, painter and translator, Dante Gabriel Rossetti was the son of émigré Italian scholar Gabriele Pasquale Giuseppe Rossetti and Frances Polidori. He was born in London, England and originally named Gabriel Charles Dante Rossetti. Although his family and friends called him Gabriel, he put the name Dante first in honour of Dante Alighieri. Rosetti founded the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood in 1848 with William Holman Hunt and John Everett Millai. His work influenced the European Symbolists… Read the full story

On May 22, 1885, French poet and author Victor Hugo died. He is buried in the Panthéon in Paris, which holds the remains of France’s most distinguished citizens. He shares a crypt with Alexandre Dumas and Émile Zola. Hugo is best remembered for his novels The Hunchback of Notre-Dame and Les Misérables.   Victor Hugo is connected to over 60 million profiles in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related?   View Victor Hugo’s Geni Profile  

Here’s a wrap-up of the past week in genealogy: The Genealogy Sphere African-American’s roots revised (MSNBC) – African-American family researcher William Holland plans a family reunion to visit the location where his ancestors were once held as slaves Using OneNote to keep up with those ancestors (4yourfamilystory.com) – Caroline Pointer presents a great video tutorial on how to use OneNote in your genealogy research New Cousins! (Ancestorslivehere.com) – Blogger Leslie Ann discovers new cousins! Morenci… Read the full story

It was announced earlier this week that Britney Spears will be the latest celebrity judge to join The X Factor. The newly engaged Spears has been making a comeback lately. She was recently listed as No. 6 on Forbes’ 100 Most Powerful Celebrities and on May 20, she will compete for Top Dance Artist at the Billboard Music Awards. Let’s check out how she’s related to some of today’s top stars! It was originally rumored that Miley… Read the full story

The genealogy television show Who Do You Think You Are? signs off on its final season with a dramatic episode featuring chef Paula Deen. Will you be watching tonight as Paula makes some surprising discoveries about her southern roots? What are your thoughts about the show’s cancellation? Paula Deen is connected to over 60 million profiles in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related?   View Paula Deen’s Geni Profile  

May 17 is Norwegian Constitution Day or the National Day of Norway. The holiday is observed May 17 each year to commemorate the signing of the Norwegian constitution, which declared Norway to be an independent nation. Prior to independence, Norway had become entangled on the French side of the Napoleonic War. Following the defeat of Napoleon’s troops at the Battle of Leipzig and the Treaty of Kiel, the Crown Prince of Denmark-Norway, Christian Frederik, founded… Read the full story

On May 16, 1929, the very first Academy Awards ceremony were held in Los Angeles, California. Hosted by renowned silent film star Douglas Fairbanks, the ceremony lasted just 15 minutes. With only 250 people in attendance, the Academy awarded 15 Oscars to the best films of 1927 and 1928. Today, the Academy Awards is the film industry’s biggest event of the year and is watched by millions around the world. Douglas Fairbanks is connected to… Read the full story

We’re back from Cincinnati, Ohio where we attended the NGS 2012 Family History Conference. We met lots of Geni users and had a great time chatting with the other vendors. All week, people were abuzz about this year’s lectures. On Wednesday, our good friends at AncestorSync that their beta is now live. With AncestorSync you can seamlessly synchronize your Geni tree with your desktop software and back without the hassle of GEDCOMs. If you want… Read the full story

Polish novelist, Joseph Conrad was born Józef Teodor Konrad Korzeniowski on December 3, 1857 in Berdichev, Kiev Governorate (now Berdychiv, Ukraine). He was born into a highly patriotic, noble Polish family. His father, Apollo Korzeniowski, was a Polish poet, playwright, clandestine political activist and a translator of Alfred de Vigny and Victor Hugo from French and of Charles Dickens and Shakespeare from English. He encouraged his son to read widely in Polish and French. In 1861… Read the full story

Are you a fan of NCIS? Tonight is the 9th season finale of the top rated show starring Mark Harmon as Special Agent Gibbs. Did you know his parents are Heisman Trophy winner Tom Harmon and actress/fashion designer Elyse Knox? He’s also married to Pam Dawber of Mork and Mindy. In fact, his family tree is filled with lots of famous faces! Check out his family tree on Geni and see his connection to famous in-laws… Read the full story

We had a great time at the NGS 2012 Family History Conference last week! Were you in Cincinnati, Ohio for the genealogy conference? Here are some interesting articles from the world of genealogy that you may have missed! The Genealogy Sphere AncestorSync Beta 2012 (Tamura Jones) – Tamura Jones reviews AncestorSync beta Family Tree Talk: Piles and piles of paper (The Ionia Sentinel-Standard) – Jim Moses discusses sorting piles of documentation for his family history… Read the full story

On May 14, 1936, singer and actor Bobby Darin was born in New York. Darin first gained fame with 1958 song “Splish Splash.” In 1960, he married actress Sandra Dee. It was not until 1968 that Darin discovered that the woman he believed to be his sister was actually his biological mother. He died at the age of 37, following a heart operation in Los Angeles. Bobby Darin is connected to over 60 million profiles… Read the full story

Special thanks to Smadar Belkind Gerson of Past-Present-Future for this week’s blog post. Read on to hear her insightful thoughts about telling your own story and those of your relatives in their own words. I must admit, I was not excited about reading about Alzheimer’s, the theme of my last book club book, Still Alice by Lisa Genova. As the eight of us sat around the cozy dining room table, I learned that the apprehension… Read the full story

Tonight’s all-new episode of Who Do You Think You Are? features comedian Jason Sudeikis. The Saturday Night Live star traces his family history to the coal mines of Pennsylvania. Jason Sudeikis’s family tree is not yet connected to the world family tree. Perhaps after tonight’s episode, you can help connected him to over 60 million profiles on Geni!   View Jason Sudeikis’s Geni Profile  

Do you have New Amsterdam ancestors? You may want to check out the New Amsterdam project on Geni! Curator George Homs kindly agreed to share with his some insights about the New Amsterdam project and how it can help you in your family history research. Read part 2 of our interview below! You can find part 1 here. What are your next steps in the New Amsterdam genealogy project? This is a never-ending project. As said before, the churches… Read the full story

On May 10, 1899, legendary actor Fred Astaire was born. Over his 76 year-long career, Astaire made 31 musical films. Without fail, Astaire always wowed audiences with his dancing ability. Today he is remembered as one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Fred Astaire is connected to over 60 million profiles in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related?   View Fred Astaire’s Geni Profile  

Do you have New Amsterdam ancestors? You may want to check out the New Amsterdam project on Geni! Curator George Homs kindly agreed to share with his some insights about the New Amsterdam project and how it can help you in your family history research. Read part one of our interview below! Check back tomorrow for part 2! You’ve played a pivotal role in organizing the New Amsterdam project on Geni. Can give us an… Read the full story

On May 9, 1860, author J.M. Barrie was born. Barrie is perhaps best remembered as the creator of Peter Pan. The character of Peter Pan made his debut in the play Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up, about the adventures of an age-less boy in the fantasy world of Neverland. J.M. Barrie’s family tree is not yet connected to the world family tree. Perhaps you can help connected him to over 60… Read the full story

Singer and songwriter Enrique Iglesias has sold over 100 million records worldwide, making him one of the best selling Spanish language artists of all time. He has had five Billboard Hot 100 top five singles, including two number ones, and holds the record for producing 22 number one Spanish-language singles on the Billboard’s Hot Latin Tracks. He won a Grammy Award in 1997 for Best Latin Pop Performance. Iglesias shopped his first demo using the… Read the full story

Today marks the 126th anniversary of the invention of Coca-Cola! On May 8, 1886, John Pemberton, an American pharmacist, concocted a carbonated beverage to be used for medicinal purposes. Before long, the refreshment gained enormous popularity. Today, Coke is one of the most recognized products in the world. John Pemberton is connected to over 60 million profiles in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related?     View John Pemberton’s Geni Profile  

Happy Monday! NGS 2012 Family History Conference begins this week. Will you be there? Here are some great genealogy articles to check out before you go! The Genealogy Sphere Tips to Get Ready for a Genealogy Conference (Family Tree Magazine Blog) – Family Tree Magazine provides some great tips on how to prepare for a genealogy conference But How Can I Choose? Tips for Picking Conference Lectures (A Sense of Family blog) – Great tips… Read the full story

Yesterday, François Hollande was elected the new president of France. With Hollande’s victory, his opponent, Nicholas Sarkozy, became the first one-term president since 1981. Hollande will take office on May 15. Check out his family tree to learn more about France’s new leader. François Hollande is connected to over 60 million profiles in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related?     View François Hollande’s Geni Profile  

Joss Whedon‘s highly anticipated superhero film, The Avengers, has broken domestic and international box office records this weekend. Are you excited to watch Joss’s take on the multi-superhero movie? Joss began his career as a sitcom writer and before long began writing screenplays for feature films. It was through his success in television that he amassed a fervent and devoted cult following. As the mastermind behind television shows Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Firefly, Whedon… Read the full story

Tonight’s episode of Who Do You Think You Are? features actress Rashida Jones on her quest to learn more about her maternal ancestry. Did you know Rashida Jones is the daughter of Peggy Lipton and Quincy Jones? Will you be watching as Rashida journeys to Eastern Europe to uncover the devastating effect World War II had on her ancestors? Rashida Jones is connected to over 60 million profiles in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you… Read the full story

On May 3, 1903, actor and singer Bing Crosby was born in Tacoma, Washington. Bing was one of the best selling artists of the 20th century, with over half a billion records in circulation. His biggest hit was the Christmas song, “White Christmas.” According to Guinness World Records, Crosby’s recording of the number has sold over 100 million copies around the world. Bing Crosby is connected to over 60 million profiles in Geni’s World Family… Read the full story

Next week Geni will be at the NGS 2012 Family History Conference in Cincinnati, Ohio. From May 9-12, genealogists from around the country will come together at the Duke Energy Convention Center to learn about the latest in the world of genealogy. This year’s conference theme is The Ohio River: Gateway to the Western Frontier. We can’t wait to meet all of you, so be sure to stop by the Geni booth (422, 424) and… Read the full story

Happy Birthday, David Beckham! Today, the soccer superstar turns 37. David has had a lot to celebrate since his last birthday. In the past year, he and wife Victoria welcomed daughter Harper to the world and a few months later, his team, the Los Angeles Galaxy, won the 2011 MLS Cup. Here’s to another year filled with more celebrations! David Beckham’s family tree is not yet connected to World Family Tree. Perhaps you can help… Read the full story

Edgar Allan Poe was an American author, poet, editor and literary critic. He was the first well-known American writer to try to earn a living through his writing alone which resulted in a financially difficult life and career. He had enlisted in the United States Army as a private on May 27, 1827 using the name “Edgar A. Perry” claiming he was 22 years old when he was actually 18. Poe served at fort Independence… Read the full story

On May 1, 1852, American frontierswoman and folk hero Calamity Jane was born. She was infamous for her riding and shooting skills and a close friend of Wild Bill Hickok. Her compassion and kindness, especially to the sick and needy, distinguished her from other notable figures in the Wild West. Calamity Jane is connected to over 60 million profiles in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related?   View Calamity Jane’s Geni Profile