August 2012

Today we’re excited to introduce Facebook Social Sharing on Geni – a new way to share your Geni experience with your friends and family! Have you ever been working on a Geni project and wish you could share your progress with your friends? Or perhaps added your latest census discovery to your ancestor’s Geni profile and wanted to share it with your genealogy Facebook buddies? Facebook Social Sharing will easily allow you to share your… Read the full story

Tomorrow, September 1, is the 174th anniversary of explorer William Clark‘s death. As one half of the famous exploration team Lewis and Clark, he made history as the first to undertake a transcontinental expedition to the Pacific Ocean. Did you know Meriwether Lewis is William Clark’s 9th cousin thrice removed? William Clark is connected to over 60 million profiles on Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related?     View William Clark’s Geni Profile… Read the full story

Celebrate Labor Day with Geni by working on your family tree! Between August 31 – September 3, you can add unlimited people to your family tree for FREE! Whether you’ve welcomed a new member to the family or discovered a new branch of ancestors, here’s your chance to add their place in your family tree. Add as many people as you can because you get to keep each new addition to your tree at no extra charge! And remember to… Read the full story

This year the Federation of Genealogical Societies 2012 Conference has chosen the theme of “Indians, Squatters, Settlers and Soldiers in the ‘Old Southwest.’” In honor of the conference, we’re highlighting the Pioneers of the Old Southwest Territory project on Geni! Do you have any pioneer ancestors from the “Old Southwest”? Join this project and collaborate with other genealogists researching your shared history. You never know when you’ll discover a new relative! View the Pioneers of… Read the full story

Today we highlight American frontiersman and folk hero Daniel Boone. Boone is perhaps most famous for his exploration and settlement of what is now Kentucky. The village of Boonesborough, Kentucky was one of the first American settlements west of the Appalachians. Daniel Boone is connected to over 60 million profiles in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related?     View Daniel Boone’s Geni Profile  

On August 29, 1915, legendary actress Ingrid Bergman was born in Stockholm, Sweden. Considered one of the greatest actresses in film history, the Casablanca star won three Academy Awards, two Emmys and a Tony. Her daughter, Isabella Rosellini, followed in her mother’s footsteps and became an international star and model. Sadly, in 1982, Bergman passed away on her 67th birthday. Ingrid Bergman is not yet connected to the World Family Tree. Perhaps you can help… Read the full story

On August 28, 1749, German writer, artist and politician Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was born. In addition to his novels, epics and poetry, Goethe wrote several scientific works on botany and anatomy. A celebrity by the age of 25, Goethe had a great effect on nineteenth century thought. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is connected to over 60 million profiles in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related?       View Johann Wolfgang von… Read the full story

Check out some great genealogy articles from the past week! The Genealogy Sphere Business Records and Your Genealogy (Arlene H. Eakle’s Genealogy Blog) – Good tips for using business records in your genealogy research Family trees: Tracing the world’s ancestor (BBC News) – In 3,000 years, someone alive today will be the common ancestor of all humanity Lost telegram revealing soldier’s death delivered after 67 years (The Telegraph) – A telegram discovered at a bus… Read the full story

On August 27, 1979, Admiral of the Fleet Louis Mountbatten, 1st Earl Mounbatten of Burma was killed by the Provisional Irish Republican Army. Lord Mountbatten was not only a British war hero but the uncle of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and the second cousin once removed of Queen Elizabeth II. Louis Mountbatten is connected to over 60 million profiles in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related?   View Louis Mountbatten’s Geni Profile… Read the full story

On August 24, 1572, King Charles IX of France, under the influence of his mother, Catherine de Medici, ordered the assassination of Huguenot leaders in Paris. In what became known as the Saint Bartholomew’s Day Massacre, thousands of French Huguenots were killed in just a few days. The event became the defining characteristic of his reign, which was dominated by the French Wars of Religion. Charles IX of France is connected to over 60 million… Read the full story

Today marks the 100th anniversary of Gene Kelly‘s birth. The Singin’ in the Rain star was born August 23, 1912 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His athletic style and classical ballet technique transformed Hollywood musical film. Kelly was named by the American Film Institute as one of the greatest male stars of all time. Gene Kelly is not yet connected to the world family tree. Perhaps you can help connect him to over 60 million profiles on Geni!… Read the full story

Next week we’ll be heading to Birmingham, Alabama for the Federation of Genealogical Societies 2012 Conference! This year’s theme is “Indians, Squatters, Settlers and Soldiers in the ‘Old Southwest.’” Do you have ancestry from the “Old Southwest”? The conference will be held between August 29 – September 1 at the Birmingham Convention Center and is hosted by the Alabama Genealogical Society. If you’re planning on attending, be sure to stop by the Geni booth (615,… Read the full story

Today is the 90th anniversary of the death of Irish revolutionary leader Michael Collins. On August 22, 1922, Collins was shot and killed while fighting for freedom during the Irish Civil War. He was only 31. Although his life was cut short, Collins made significant contributions to the foundation of the modern Irish state. Did you know that Michael Collins has been ranked as one of the top Irish individuals that people would like to discover… Read the full story

Nolan Hemmings is an English stage and film actor. He is most known for his portrayal of Staff Sergeant Charles ‘Chuck’ Grant in the HBO miniseries Band of Brothers. He is an actor in London’s West End Theatre. Nolan is married to actress Nikki Grosse who was one of the hosts on the Globe Trekker travel show. Hemmings was born in 1970 to English actor and director David Hemmings and American actress Gayle Hunnicutt. David… Read the full story

Today we remember legendary comedian Phyllis Diller, who passed away yesterday at the age of 95. As one of the first female stand-up comedians, Diller paved the way for the way for future female comics. Her eccentric persona and self-depreciating jokes captivated audiences for decades. Will you miss her trademark crackle? Phyllis Diller is connected to over 60 million people in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related?     View Phyllis Diller’s Geni Profile… Read the full story

Check out some interesting articles from the past week! The Genealogy Sphere Technology links for today’s genealogyst for 17 Aug 2012 (4YourFamilyStory.com) – Caroline Pointer has a great list of must-have apps for those of you attending the FGS Conference this year in Birmingham, Alabama DNA checks done on family trees (ABC News) – Members of the South Australian Genealogy Society use DNA tests to check the accuracy of their family tree data In Andalusia,… Read the full story

Happy birthday, Amy Adams! Today the Enchanted actress turns 38. Adams was born in Vicenza, Italy in 1974. In the film Julie & Julia , Adams portrays a young New Yorker making her way through Julia Child‘s cookbook. Did you know Julia Child is Amy Adams’ 8th cousin twice removed? Next, Adams will be taking on the iconic role of Lois Lane in the upcoming Superman reboot. Amy Adams is connected to over 60 million profiles… Read the full story

On August 17, 1786, American folk hero Davy Crockett was born. Known as the King of the Wild Frontier, Crockett gained fame for his own larger-than-life exploits. In 1826, Crockett was elected to the U.S. Congress. He served two terms before leaving politics to join the Texas Revolution. He arrived at the Alamo in February 1836. Crockett would soon lose his life during the infamous Battle of the Alamo. If your interested in the defenders… Read the full story

On August 16, 1746, Joaquim José da Silva Xavier, also known as Tiradentes, was born. A leader of the Brazilian revolutionary movement, Tiradentes fought to create an independent Brazilian republic free from Portuguese colonial power. However, when his plot to take his protests to the streets was discovered, he was arrested and publicly hanged. Today, Tiradentes is remembered as a national hero of Brazil. Tiradentes is connected to over 60 million profiles in Geni’s World Family… Read the full story

Today India celebrates their Independence Day! On August 15, 1947, India achieved independence from British rule and became a sovereign nation. The country’s road to independence began with the Indian independence movement, which was noted for largely peaceful, nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience led by the Indian National Congress. One of the most enduring symbols of the movement was Mahatma Gandhi, who would go on to inspire movements of non-violence, civil rights and freedom across… Read the full story

Today we celebrate Julia Child‘s 100th birthday! In 1961, Child co-authored the cookbook, Mastering the Art of French Cooking, which quickly turned Child into a culinary sensation. Praised for its precise attention to detail and helpful illustrations, the book made fine French cuisine accessible to the general public. Throughout her career, she continued to write numerous cookbooks and became a regular fixture on television. Today the “French Chef” is remembered as one of America’s most… Read the full story

Anthony Howard “Tony” Goldwyn is an American actor and director. He stars in the ABC drama Scandal, as Fitzgerald Grant III, President of the United States. He played the role of Carl Bruner in Ghost, Colonel  Bagley in The Last Samurai, and the voice of the title character of the Disney animated Tarzan. He is also known for his role of Kendall Dobbs on the comedy series, Designing Women. Goldwyn had a recurring role on… Read the full story

On August 14, 1851, Doc Holliday was born in Griffin, Georgia. A good friend of fellow gunslinger Wyatt Earp, Holliday was known in the American Wild West as a deadly gunfighter and gambler. His involvement in the gunfight at the O.K. Corral cemented Holliday’s status as a folk legend. Did you know Doc Holliday earned a D.D.S. degree in dentistry? Doc Holliday is connected to over 60 million profiles on Geni’s World Family Tree. How… Read the full story

Sad that the Olympics are over? These great genealogy articles should help brighten your day! The Genealogy Sphere How Google Images can help you research your family history like never before (The Sociable) – Great tip on using Google maps in genealogy Beware Colloquialisms (Mocavo Blog) – Good advice to keep aware of colloquialisms while you research Unraveling her father’s Cold War secrets (LA Times) – A women discovers her father’s work on a top-secret… Read the full story

On August 13, 1899, legendary director Alfred Hitchcock was born in London, England. Dubbed the “Master of Suspense,” Hitchcock masterfully used voyeuristic camera movements and carefully framed shots to convey suspenseful and thrilling stories with twist endings. Despite being considered one of the greatest film directors of all time, Hitchcock never won an Academy Award for Best Director in his entire career. What’s your favorite Hitchcock film? Alfred Hitchcock’s family tree is not yet connected to the… Read the full story

The world has been abuzz over NASA’s latest accomplishment – the successful landing of Curiosity on the surface of Mars. NASA’s rover has already started sending images back of the red planet. Considered one of the most ambitious planetary missions in history, scientists hope to investigate whether life ever existed on the planet. However, without the scientific breakthroughs of physicist and inventor Robert Goddard, none of this may have ever been possible. Known as one of the founding… Read the full story

Yesterday, the U.S. Women’s National Soccer team took home their third consecutive Olympic gold medal! Today we highlight team co-captain Abby Wambach, who currently stands as the second highest all-time goal scorer for the U.S. Women’s National Soccer team. The veteran soccer player helped lead Team USA to a 2-1 victory over Japan. Abby Wambach is not yet connected to the world family tree. Perhaps you can help connect her to over 60 million profiles on… Read the full story

South African sprinter Oscar Pistorius made history this year by becoming the first amputee track athlete to compete at the Olympics. Pistorius was born without fibulas and had both legs amputated just below the knee when he was 11 months old. Known as the “Blade Runner,” Pistorius made it to the 400m semifinals, but failed to land a place in the finals. Today, Pistorius will run once more as part of South Africa’s 4x400m relay… Read the full story

We’re excited to bring to you a special guest series by genetic genealogist CeCe Moore. Some of you may recognize her from her popular blog  YourGeneticGenealogist.com. She’ll be providing a great overview about DNA testing for genealogy. Here’s the final installment of her very informative series. Enjoy! We have covered the three types of DNA tests for genealogy over the last few weeks, but there is one more aspect of genetic genealogy that should not be… Read the full story

Today we highlight four time Olympic medal winner Sebastian Coe! Coe won the 1500 m gold metal at the Olympic games in 1980 and 1984. After retiring from athletics, Coe served as a Member of Parliament from 1992-1997. He was the head of the London bid to host the 2012 Olympics and is currently serving as the chairman of the London Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games. Sebastian Coe is connected to over 60 million profiles… Read the full story

Robin Williams is an American actor and comedian. He rose to fame in the late 1970s with his role as Mork, the alien in the TV series Mork & Mindy, and later stand-up comedy work. Williams has performed in many feature films since 1980. He won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in the 1997 film Good Will Hunting. He has also won two Emmy Awards, four Golden Globes, two Screen… Read the full story

Yesterday, Great Britain’s Beth Tweddle won the bronze medal in the Women’s Uneven Bars. The three time world champion won Britain’s first  women’s Olympic gymnastics medal in the history of the sport. As team captain, she also led Team GB to finish sixth in the women’s team finals, their highest placed finish since 1928. Beth Tweddle is not yet connected to the world family tree. Perhaps you can help connect her to over 60 million… Read the full story

Here’s our recap of some great genealogy articles from the past week! The Genealogy Sphere Beware of Colloquialisms (Mocavo blog) – Good advice about being mindful of colloquial location names Obama Slave-Ancestry Report Misses Mark (The Root) – Two scholars take issue with the recent findings  about Obama’s ancestry Is there an Olympian in your Family Tree? (Nutfield Genealogy blog) – Heather Rojo shares her family connection to an Olympian 101 Best Genealogy Websites for… Read the full story

Today we highlight Estonian discus thrower Gerd Kanter. Kanter has been named one of Estonia’s strongest medal hopefuls. In the 2008 Summer Olympics, Kanter won the gold medal in the men’s discus throw. Will he be able to defend his title and earn his second gold medal in the event? Gerd Kanter is connected to over 60 million profiles in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related?   View Gerd Kanter’s Geni Profile  

Today, the Olympic track and field events begin. To welcome the start of these events, we’re highlighting track and field legend Carl Lewis. Over his long and highly successful athletic career, Lewis won 10 Olympic medals, 9 of which were gold. In the process, he set numerous world records and is considered by many to be the greatest track and field athlete of all time. Carl Lewis is not yet connected to the World Family… Read the full story

Today we’re releasing enhancements to merge requests and projects that’ll make collaboration a little easier. Read below for the details. Approving Merges We’re making it a little easier to grow your family tree by expanding permissions for approving merges to everyone. For a limited time, all users will be able to approve a merge for free. This means that Basic and Plus users will be able to complete merge requests for private profiles and unconnected… Read the full story

Today U.S. gymnast Aly Raisman competes for her second Olympic medal in the Women’s Individual All-Around. In one of the biggest surprises of the Olympics, Raisman scored the second highest qualifying score, knocking out her teammate and reigning world champion Jordyn Wieber from the finals. Just a few days later, the team captain of the U.S. women’s gymnastic team led the “Fab Five” to win their first Olympic gold medal. Aly Raisman is connected to over 60 million profiles in Geni’s World… Read the full story

We’re excited to bring to you a special guest series by genetic genealogist CeCe Moore. Some of you may recognize her from her blog YourGeneticGenealogist.com. For the next few weeks, she’ll be providing a great overview about DNA testing for genealogy. Enjoy! This week we are finally going to discuss my favorite type of genetic testing for genealogy – autosomal DNA. For the past two weeks we have covered DNA tests that are solely informative of one… Read the full story

U.S. swimmer Michael Phelps made Olympic history yesterday by becoming the most decorated Olympian. Phelps set a new record after winning his 19th medal as part of the U.S. men’s 4×200 meter freestyle relay team. His latest gold medal win breaks Soviet gymnast Larisa Latynina’s record of 18. After four Olympic games, his medal count now stands at 15 gold, 2 silver and 2 bronze. With more races left to go, Phelps is likely to… Read the full story