2021

Do you have inventors in your family tree? On this day in 1800, inventor and chemist Charles Goodyear was born in New Haven, Connecticut. Goodyear invented the process of vulcanization, which revolutionized the rubber industry. Image: Charles Goodyear / Library of Congress Goodyear was the eldest of six children born to Amasa Goodyear and Cynthia Bateman. His third great grandfather, Stephen Goodyear, was one of the founders of the colony of New Haven in 1638. After his… Read the full story

As the year comes to a close, we’re looking back at 2021 on Geni. We’re proud of the many new enhancements to Sources introduced to Geni and along the way, hit a new milestone in the World Family Tree. Although we are still in the midst of the pandemic, we are grateful that we were still able to connect with the genealogical community through virtual conferences throughout the year. Here’s a look back at our… Read the full story

Today we remember Walt Disney, who died on this day in 1966 at the age of 65. Image: Walt Disney / NASA He was born Walter Elias Disney on December 5, 1901 in Chicago, Illinois to Elias Charles Disney and Flora Call Disney. At 16, he tried to join the U.S. army during World War I, but was rejected for being underage. Undeterred, he joined the American Red Cross and worked as an ambulance driver… Read the full story

Happy birthday to Dick Van Dyke! Today the star turns 96. Image: Dick Van Dyke / Gage Skidmore, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0) Richard Wayne Van Dyke was born on December 13, 1925 in West Plains, Missouri to Hazel Victoria McCord, a stenographer, and Loren Wayne Van Dyke, a salesman. During World War II, Van Dyke enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps and eventually served as a radio announcer before transferring to the Special… Read the full story

On this day in 1830, American poet Emily Dickinson was born. A prolific writer, Dickinson wrote over 1800 poems, however less than a dozen were published during her lifetime. It was not until after her death that a cache of her poetry was discovered and published. Image: Emily Dickinson / Wikimedia Commons Dickinson was born in Amherst, Massachusetts on December 10, 1830 to a prominent New England family. Her paternal grandfather, Samuel Fowler Dickinson, was a founder… Read the full story

Happy birthday to Donny Osmond! Today the singer and former teen idol turns 64. Image: Donny Osmond / Nationaal Archief, CC0 Osmond was born on December 9, 1957 in Ogden, Utah and was the seventh son born to George Osmond and Olive Davis. A natural performer, Osmond began singing at a very young age alongside his older brothers as part of the musical group The Osmonds. His talent made him a standout performer and he… Read the full story

Today we remember famous Rat Pack performer Sammy Davis, Jr., who was born on this day in 1925. Image: Sammy Davis, Jr. / Nationaal Archief, Wikimedia Commons CCO Samuel George Davis, Jr. was born in Harlem, New York to Sammy Davis, Sr., an African-American entertainer, and Elvera Sanchez, a tap dancer of Afro-Cuban descent. Davis began his career in show business as a small child dancing in his father’s vaudeville act. During World War II, he… Read the full story

Do you have pioneer ancestors? On this day in 1873, author Willa Cather was born in Winchester, Virginia. Cather is perhaps best remembered for her vivid portrayal of frontier life on the Great Plains in her novels, O Pioneers! and My Ántonia. Image: Willa Cather / Library of Congress Wilella Sibert Cather was born on her maternal grandmother’s farm in the Back Creek Valley near Winchester, Virginia. Although most may think of her as a Nebraskan,… Read the full story

Do you have Dutch ancestry? On this day in 1792, William II, King of the Netherlands, was born. He was the eldest son of William I, the first King of the Netherlands, and Wilhelmine of Prussia, the daughter of King Frederick William II of Prussia and William I’s first cousin. Image: William II of the Netherlands / Wikimedia Commons In 1816, he married Grand Duchess Anna Pavlovna of Russia, the youngest sister of Alexander I of Russia. Following his father’s… Read the full story

On November 24, 1784, Zachary Taylor, the 12th President of the United States, was born. Image: Zachary Taylor / National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution Taylor was born on a plantation in Orange County, Virginia to a prominent family of planters. Before his presidency, Taylor was a career officer in the United States Army and a national hero for his victories during the Mexican-American War. In 1848, he was elected the 12th President of the United States, becoming… Read the full story

It was recently announced that MyHeritage and Expedia have partnered to help you plan the ultimate heritage tour. Together, MyHeritage and Expedia have launched the Heritage Travel Hub to make it easy for you to plan an incredible journey to the land of your ancestors. The site is housed on Expedia and features rich content that bridges family history research with planning a memorable, heritage-oriented trip. The Heritage Travel Hub will help you map an… Read the full story

On this day in 1887, legendary actor Boris Karloff was born. Today, Karloff’s frightening yet sympathetic turn as Frankenstein’s monster still remains an iconic figure in horror. Image: Boris Karloff / Wikimedia Commons Before he became known for the role of the “Monster” on the big screen, Karloff, born Willam Henry Pratt, was the youngest of nine children born to Edward Pratt and Eliza Millard. His great aunt was Anna Leonowens, an English writer and educator. Her experience… Read the full story

Happy birthday to Scarlett Johansson! Today the star turns 37. Image: Scarlett Johansson / Gage Skidmore, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0) Johansson was born on November 22, 1984 in New York City, New York to Karsten Olaf Johansson and Melanie Sloan. She and her twin brother, Hunter, are the youngest of four siblings. Coming from a creative family, it seemed natural for Johansson to follow in her family’s footsteps. Her father is an architect originally… Read the full story

Today we remember American radio host and writer Mary Margaret McBride, who was born on this day in 1899. Known as “the First Lady of Radio,” McBride’s popular radio shows spanned for more than 40 years with millions of listeners tuning in daily. Image: Eleanor Roosevelt and Mary Margaret McBride / U.S. National Archives and Records Adminstration McBride was born on November 16, 1899 to a farming family in Paris, Missouri. At the age of… Read the full story

Today we remember legendary icon Grace Kelly, who was born on this day in 1929. Image: Grace Kelly / Library of Congress Grace Kelly was born on November 12, 1929 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to a very affluent family. Her father John B. Kelly, Sr., a three-time Olympic gold medalist, was once appointed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as the National Director of Physical Fitness. Her mother, Margaret Majer, taught physical education at the University of… Read the full story

On this day in 1885, General George Patton was born in San Gabriel, California. Remembered as one of the most successful generals in history, Patton was instrumental to the liberation of Germany from the Nazis during World War II. Image: George Patton / Library of Congress Patton’s family had an extensive military background. His paternal grandfather George Smith Patton, a Confederate general, commanded the 22nd Virginia Infantry in the American Civil War. Patton’s third great… Read the full story

On this day in 1871, anatomist and medical researcher Florence R. Sabin was born. A pioneer for women in science, Sabin made breakthroughs on the lymphatic system and was the first woman to be elected to the National Academy of Sciences. Image: Florence R. Sabin / Smithsonian Institution Sabin was born on November 8, 1871 in Central City, Colorado to George K. Sabin, a mining engineer, and Serena Miner, a schoolteacher. After the death of… Read the full story

Do you have Irish ancestry? 174 years ago today, Irish author Bram Stoker was born in Dublin, Ireland. In 1897, Stoker published his most famous novel, Dracula. Although he didn’t originate the concept of the vampire, Stoker’s Dracula came to define the undead creature in its modern form. Image: Bram Stoker / Wikimedia Commons Stoker was born Abraham Stoker on November 8, 1847 to Abraham Stoker, a civil servant, and Charlotte Mathilda Blake Thornley. The third of seven… Read the full story

On this day in 1879, vaudeville performer and cowboy humorist Will Rogers was born. Rogers is remembered as “America’s Cowboy Philosopher.” Image: Will Rogers / Library of Congress Rogers was the youngest of eight children born to Clement Vann Rogers and Mary America Schrimsher. Of his siblings, only he and three sisters survived into adulthood. Rogers was born on his parents’ Dog Iron Ranch in the Cherokee Nation of Indian Territory in what is near present-day… Read the full story

On this day in 1734, American frontiersman Daniel Boone was born. Famous for his exploration and settlement of what is now Kentucky, Boone is remembered as one of the most popular folk heroes in American history. Image: Daniel Boone / Library of Congress Boone was born to a large Quaker family at his family’s homestead in Pennsylvania. He was given his first rifle at the age of 12 and learned to hunt. Growing up on the frontier made Boone adept… Read the full story

Happy birthday to Winona Ryder! Today the actress celebrates her 50th birthday. Image: Winona Ryder / Karon Liu, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0) Winona Laura Horowitz was born on October 29, 1971 to Michael D. Horowitz and Cynthia Istas. Her father’s family originally had the surname “Tomchin” but it was changed to “Horowitz” when the family immigrated to the United States. Ryder made her film debut in the 1986 film Lucas. She got her big… Read the full story

Happy birthday to Julia Roberts! Today the actress turns 54. Image: Julia Roberts / David Shankbone, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0) Roberts was born on October 28, 1967 in Smyrna, Georgia to Betty Lou Bredemus and Walter Grady Roberts. The youngest of three children, Roberts grew up in a highly creative household. Her parents were actors and co-founded a workshop for aspiring actors and writers in Atlanta. In 1989, she earned critical praise for her… Read the full story

Did your family own a Singer sewing machine? On this day in 1811, inventor Isaac Singer was born in Pittstown, New York. Singer’s improvements to the sewing machine would make it more practical and efficient than ever before. Image: Isaac Singer / National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution, CC0 Isaac Merritt Singer was born to Adam Singer and Ruth Benson on October 27, 1811. Around the age of 12, he left home to work various odd… Read the full story

Today we are excited to introduce the next step on our road to improving sources on Geni – Source Conflicts!  When a profile has information that differs from the source citation values provided, you will receive an alert to review the discrepancy and if needed, update the profile. This new enhancement provides a fast and easy way for you to ensure that the best information, backed by documentation, is included on your Geni profiles. Where… Read the full story

Today marks the 140th anniversary of the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. Remembered as the most famous shootout in the history of the Wild West, the gunfight was the result of the long-simmering feud between outlaw Cowboys, the Clanton-McLaurys, and lawmen Wyatt Earp, his brothers, and temporary policeman Doc Holliday. Image: Wyatt Earp / Wikimedia Commons The Earp brothers were targets of death threats by the group of outlaws and before long, tensions had erupted into gunfight…. Read the full story

On this day in 1844, stage and early film actress Sarah Bernhardt was born. Once called “the most famous actress the world has ever known,” Bernhardt was one of the most in demand actresses in Europe and America. She rose to fame in the 1870s on the stages of France and with the advent of film, became one of the first actors to appear in motion pictures. Image: Sarah Bernhardt / Library of Congress She was… Read the full story

Do you have early American ancestors? On this day in 1644, William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania, was born in London, England. Image: William Penn / New York Public Library His father, Sir William Penn, was an English admiral and his mother, Margaret Jasper, was the daughter of a rich merchant. An early advocate of democracy and religious freedom, Penn received a royal charter in 1681 to form a new colony in America. As a Quaker, Penn had… Read the full story

On this day in 1840, Polish actress Helena Modrzejewska was born. Known professionally as Helena Modjeska, Modrzejewska is remembered as one of Poland’s most celebrated actresses. She won wide acclaim for her Shakespearean performances on stage. Image: Helena Modrzejewska / Library of Congress She was born on October 12, 1840 in Kraków, Poland. Her name was recorded as Jadwiga Benda at birth, but she was later baptized as Helena Opid. In 1861, she made her… Read the full story

On this day in 1882, American engineer, physicist, and inventor Robert H. Goddard was born in Worcester, Massachusetts. Known as the “Father of Modern Rocketry,” Goddard is credited with building and launching the world’s first liquid-fueled rocket. Image: Robbert H. Goddard / San Diego Air and Space Museum Archive Goddard was born Robert Hutchings Goddard on October 5, 1882 to Nahum Danford Goddard, a bookkeeper, and Fannie Louise Hoyt. Inspired by H.G. Wells’ novel, The War of… Read the full story

On this day in 1895, iconic silent film star Buster Keaton was born in Piqua, Kansas. Image: Buster Keaton / Library of Congress Joseph Frank Keaton, VI was the son of Joseph Hallie “Joe” Keaton and Myra Cutler. Born into a vaudeville family, Keaton was destined to follow in his family’s footsteps. By the age of three, his parents had incorporated him into their vaudeville act. His father once worked in a traveling medicine show with Harry Houdini. According… Read the full story

On this day in 1955, actor James Dean died in a car crash at the age of 24. Image: James Dean / Wikimedia Commons Dean was born on February 8, 1931 in Marion, Indiana to Winton Dean and Mildred Wilson. When he was five, the family moved to California. However, after his mother died four years later, Dean was sent back to Indiana to live on his aunt and uncle’s farm. Dean later returned to California… Read the full story

Are you related to a Founding Father? On September 27, 1722, Samuel Adams was born in Boston in the British colony of Massachusetts. Image: Samuel Adams / Library of Congress Adams was one of twelve children born to Samuel Adams, Sr. and Mary Fifield. The Adams were an affluent and prosperous Puritan family. His father was a prominent local merchant and church deacon who became a leading figure in Boston politics. A strong opponent of… Read the full story

On this day in 1870, British tennis player Charlotte Cooper was born. A tennis pioneer, Cooper won five singles titles at the Wimbledon Championships and holds the distinction of being the first female Olympic tennis champion. Image: Charlotte Cooper / Wikimedia Commons In 1895, Cooper won her first of five Wimbledon woman’s single titles and by the time she won her second championship a year later, Cooper had lost her sense of hearing. In 1900,… Read the full story

Are a fan of science fiction? On this day in 1866, author H.G. Wells was born in Kent, England. Image: H.G. Wells / Library of Congress Herbert George Wells was the fourth and youngest child born to Joseph Wells, a shopkeeper and professional cricketer, and Sarah Neal, a former domestic servant. When he was a child, an accident left Wells bedridden with a broken leg. To pass the time, he immersed himself in books and discovered… Read the full story

On this day in 1878, author Upton Sinclair was born. Sinclair is best known for his classic novel, The Jungle, which exposed the horrid conditions of the U.S. meatpacking industry. Image: Upton Sinclair / Library of Congress Sinclair was born on September 20, 1878 in Baltimore, Maryland to Upton Beall Sinclar, Sr. and Priscilla Harden. Although he grew up in poverty, his mother’s family was very affluent. His exposure to both social settings would later… Read the full story

On this day in 1964, the classic television comedy Bewitched premiered. Starring Elizabeth Montgomery, the show was a huge success and ran for eight seasons. Image: Elizabeth Montgomery / Wikimedia Commons Montgomery starred as Samantha Stephens, a witch married to a mortal played by Dick York, and in later seasons, by Dick Sargent. Agnes Moorehead starred as Samantha’s mother, Endora. In its first season, the show was a ratings hit and ranked as one of… Read the full story

Happy birthday to Prince Harry! Today the Duke of Sussex celebrates his 37th birthday. Image: Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex / Dutch Ministry of Defence, Wikimedia Commons (CC0 1.0) Harry was born on September 15, 1984 at St. Mary’s Hospital in London, England to Charles, Prince of Wales and Diana, Princess of Wales. He was christened Henry Charles Albert David, but growing up, he was referred to as “Harry.” He is currently the sixth in… Read the full story

On this day in 1927, pioneering dancer Isadora Duncan died in a tragic accident. Known as the “mother of modern dance,” Duncan broke away from convention and developed free, emotional, and natural movements in dance. Image: Isadora Duncan / Library of Congress Duncan was born on May 26, 1877 in San Francisco, California to Joseph Charles Duncan, a banker and mining engineer, and Mary Isadora Gray, a music teacher. As a child, she enjoyed dance… Read the full story

On this day in 1776, Nathan Hale, a solider in the Continental Army, volunteered to spy behind British lines. Image: New York Public Library Nathan Hale was born in Coventry, Connecticut Colony on June 6, 1755. Educated at Yale, Hale joined the Connecticut militia after the start of the American Revolutionary War. Prior to the upcoming Battle of Harlem Heights, General George Washington called for a volunteer to cross enemy lines to gather intelligence. Hale volunteered… Read the full story

On this day in 1932, legendary country singer Patsy Cline was born. Image: Patsy Cline / Wikimedia Commons Cline was born Virginia Patterson Hensley in Winchester, Virginia to Hilda Patterson, a 16-year-old seamstress, and Samuel Hensley, a 43-year-old blacksmith. She was introduced to music at an early age and by the age of 8, she had taught herself to play the piano. She later started performing with her mother in the local church choir and… Read the full story

On this day in 1533, Elizabeth I of England was born. The last Tudor monarch, Elizabeth reigned for 44 years until her death in 1603. Image: Elizabeth I / Wikimedia Commons Elizabeth was born on September 7, 1533 at Greenwich Palace and was the daughter of Henry VIII of England and his second wife, Anne Boleyn. She was named after her grandmothers, Elizabeth of York and Elizabeth Boleyn. When she was two years old, her… Read the full story

What did your ancestors do for a living? In the mid-19th century, occupational portraits were a common portrait style that illustrated an individual’s trade or profession. If you are lucky to have an occupational portrait of an ancestor, you may see that they often include tools or props to help illustrate their profession or skills. They may be dressed in their work attire and in some cases, they may even pretend to be working. These… Read the full story

Today we celebrate social activist Jane Addams, who was born on this day in 1860. Image: Jane Addams / Library of Congress Addams was born on September 6, 1860 in Cedarville, Illinois to John H. Adams and Sarah Weber. Her father was a prominent political figure in Illinois and a friend of President Abraham Lincoln. As a child, she became interested in helping the poor after reading the works of Charles Dickens. She studied medicine… Read the full story

On this day in 1883, Polish biologist Rudolf Weigl was born. Weigl is remembered for producing the first effective vaccine for epidemic typhus and saving thousands of Jewish lives during World War II. Image: Rudolf Weigl / Narodowe Archiwum Cyfrowe Weigl was born on September 2, 1883 in the city of Prerau in what was then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. When he was a child, his father died in a bicycle accident. His mother… Read the full story

Have you found your connection to Dutch royalty? On this day in 1880, Wilhelmina of the Netherlands was born. Image: Wilhelmina of the Netherlands / Wikimedia Commons Wilhelmina Helena Pauline Maria was born on August 31, 1880 at Noordeinde Palace in The Hague, Netherlands. The only surviving child of King Willem III and his second wife, Emma of Waldeck and Pyrmont, Wilhelmina became queen at the age of 10 after her father’s death in 1890…. Read the full story

Today we remember Ed Asner, who passed away yesterday at the age of 91. Image: Ed Asner / Department of Defense, William D Moss Asner was born on November 15, 1929 in Kansas City, Missouri to Morris David Asner and Elizabeth Seliger. the youngest of five children, Asner was raised in an Orthodox Jewish family. After high school, he was accepted at the University of Chicago and studied journalism before dropping out. He worked a… Read the full story

Today we remember actor Sean Connery on what would have been his 91st birthday. Image: Sean Connery / Nationaal Archief, CC0 Thomas Sean Connery was born on August 25, 1930 in Edinburgh, Scotland to Euphemia McBain, a cleaning woman, and Joseph Connery, a factory worker and lorry driver. Named after his paternal grandfather, Connery went by the name “Tommy” growing up. Before becoming an actor, Connery’s first job was a milkman at the age of… Read the full story

On August 24, 1899, Argentine writer and poet Jorge Luis Borges was born. Explore his family tree on Geni.

On this day in 1833, Benjamin Harrison was born. Harrison served as the 23rd President of the United States from 1889 to 1893. Image: Benjamin Harrison / Library of Congress Harrison was born on August 20, 1833 to John Harrelson and Elizabeth Irwin in North Bed, Ohio. He was the grandson of William Henry Harrison, the 9th President of the United States and first governor of the Indiana Territory. Harrison was seven years old when his grandfather was… Read the full story

Happy birthday to Robert Redford! Today the actor turns 85. Image: Robert Redford / San Diego Air and Space Museum Archive Charles Robert Redford, Jr. was born on August 18, 1936 in Santa Monica, California. He was the only child born to Martha W. Hart and Charles Robert Redford, Sr., a milkman-turned-accountant. After starting out with small roles on television, Redford became a major star after co-starring with Paul Newman in the box office hit Butch Cassidy and… Read the full story