Featured Project

Happy Saint David’s Day! Saint David’s Day is a Welsh national holiday in honor of Saint David, Wales’s patron saint. Are you searching for your Welsh ancestors? The Geni community could use your help! Check out some great Geni projects and collaborate with other Geni users in discovering your common ancestry. UK Portal – Wales   This project encourages everyone researching their links to Wales to join. Communicate with other Geni members and contribute what… Read the full story

Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone! Throughout the world, Valentine’s Day is celebrated by the exchange of candy, flowers and gifts with loved ones. In honor of this romantic day, we’re featuring the Famous Couples in History project on Geni! Check out the family trees of some of the most prominent couples from all over the world. Here you will find a wide range of famous relationships, including historical figures Mark Antony and Cleopatra and the celebrity couple… Read the full story

In anticipation for RootsTech 2012 genealogy conference in Salt Lake City, Utah, we interviewed Geni Curator Randy Stebbing, who graciously agreed to share with us his experience working on projects about Mormon genealogy on Geni. Below is part 2 of his interview. You can find part 1 here. What are some of the biggest challenges of doing Mormon genealogy? One of the challenges is working with profiles that lived recently. Many of these profiles are initially… Read the full story

In anticipation for RootsTech 2012 genealogy conference in Salt Lake City, Utah, we interviewed Geni Curator Randy Stebbing, who graciously agreed to share with us his experience working on projects about Mormon genealogy on Geni. Here is part 1 of his interview. Check back tomorrow for part 2. You’ve been instrumental in creating several projects about Early Mormon Leaders and Pioneers. What first sparked your interest in this area? You might say its “in my… Read the full story

In anticipation of the new season of the television show Who Do You Think You Are?, we’re highlighting the Who Do You Think You Are? project on Geni! Originating in the U.K., the popular celebrity genealogy series has spawned several international adaptations of the show. Season 3 of the U.S. version premieres next week on February 3 with an all new episode featuring actor Martin Sheen. The project aims to gather all the celebrities who have appeared… Read the full story

One of the greatest benefits of Geni projects is the collaboration and assistance from other passionate and knowledgeable users. We thought it would be great to bring some attention to one of Geni’s earlier projects, the Gravestone Photo Exchange project. Gravestones hold a wealth of information for the genealogy researcher. Many genealogists trek through cemeteries hunting for their relatives graves, some traveling far and wide to find that new bit of information. However, in many instances, people… Read the full story

November is Native American Heritage month in the U.S. Last week we shared some great Native American genealogy projects on Geni. Today, lets take a look at some notable figures who descend from Native American heritage. Cowboy and world famous actor Will Rogers was born to a prominent Cherokee Nation family in Indian Territory (now Oklahoma). His father was a Cherokee judge, Confederate veteran and served several terms in the Cherokee Senate. Rogers County in Oklahoma… Read the full story

November is Native American Heritage Month in the U.S. The month is dedicated to the celebration and recognition of Native American achievements and contributions to the country’s heritage. Did you know there are quite a few Native American projects on Geni? If you are of Native American descent or interested in the study of Native American genealogy, check out some of these Geni projects dedicated to Native American history and collaborate with other Geni users!… Read the full story

Geni projects are a fantastic tool to collaborate with other genealogists who are working in the same genealogical area. We recently interviewed Annemarie Healy, a Geni user since 2009, who recently created the Irish Portal project. The project is the perfect place to collaborate, find advice and assistance when researching your Irish ancestry. Can you give us a brief overview of the Irish Portal project and what goals you hope to accomplish? Overview in brief: The Irish… Read the full story

Geni projects are a fantastic tool to collaborate with other genealogists who are working in the same genealogical area. We recently interviewed Geni‘s first Filipino curator Mona Magno-Veluz, who enthusiastically agreed to share with us her experience researching Filipino genealogy and collaborating with others in the Families of the Philippines project. You are the first Filipino curator on Geni, what do you hope to accomplish with the Families of the Philippines project? I have been blogging… 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

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

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.

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!

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 highlighted U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayer, the first Hispanic justice. In addition to that, we thought it’d be interesting to highlight the Justices of the U.S. Supreme Court project.  Established by the U.S. Constitution, the court convened for the first time in 1790. The U.S. Supreme Court is the highest court in the United States. Each associate justice is nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate. There are currently 27 profiles… Read the full story

Tomorrow, June 18, marks the anniversary of the beginning of the War of 1812. Just 29 years after the American Revolutionary War, the United States declared war on the British Empire in reaction to the Empire’s economic blockade of France and the forceful induction of American sailors into the British Royal Navy. Do you have any ancestors who fought in the War of 1812? Add them to this project and see how you can connect… Read the full story

Do you have an ancestor who was involved in the Salem witch trials? This week we highlight the Salem Witch Trials: Colonial America in 1692 project. The goal of this project is to discover our ancestors involved in the notorious “Salem Witch Trials,” validate their family trees and our own connections to them, and create quality, genealogically valid mini biographies for the Profiles. If you’re interested in helping out, join the project’s collaborators! Perhaps you may… Read the full story

On Monday, May 30, the U.S. will celebrate Memorial Day, which honors the men and women who have lost their lives while in military service to the United States. Originally conceived to remember the fallen Union and Confederate soldiers of the U.S. Civil War, after World War I, the observance was extended to include all American soldiers who have died in the service of the country. Today, we highlight the U.S. Civil War Notables and… Read the full story

Today we highlight the Age of Discovery project. The years between 1200-1600 were known as Europe’s Age of Discovery. During this time, Europeans engaged in heavy exploration of the world, established contact with other continents and people and proceeded to map the world. This overseas expansion lead to the rise of colonial empires and the establishment of new trade routes. These routes allowed for the exchange of exotic goods, culture and peoples (slaves). Check out the early… Read the full story

Today we highlight the Fast & Furious project, which is dedicated to those who have made significant contributions to the automotive industry. The project ranges from entrepreneurs, inventors, prominent race car drivers and many more. If your interested in the history of the auto industry or have a love for fast cars, perhaps you’ll want to join this project and help build the family trees of other significant automotive figures on Geni! Here’s a look at… Read the full story

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was established in 1986 to record the history of the most influential musical artists in the world. These artists include individual performers, bands and producers who have made significant impacts in the music industry. This project aims to add the family trees all the members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to Geni. Are you interested in the genealogy of some of the greatest musicians in… Read the full story

Yesterday we gave you tips on using fraternal organization records in genealogy. Today we highlight the Freemasons in America project. The Freemasons have played an integral part in the early history of America. Some of the most prominent members of this fraternal organization include U.S. presidents, CEOs and actors.  If you’re interested in learning more about Freemasons in America, check out this project. Perhaps you may want to join the project’s contributers and add more… Read the full story

Today we feature the Great Aviators project. In this project are some of the most notable aviators in history. There are currently 36 profiles included. Perhaps you may want to add more great aviators to Geni! Here’s a look at a few of the profiles included: Howard Hughes – He was an American aviator, engineer, film producer, philanthropist and one of the wealthiest people in the world. He set multiple world air-speed records and built… Read the full story

This week we feature the New and Modern Masters project. This project is comprised of the great painters from the mid 19th century to the present. (For great painters from the mid 13th to mid 19th century, check out the Old Masters project). If you’re interested, you may want to join the project’s collaborators and add more notable modern painters to Geni! Here’s a look at a few of the profiles included: Andy Warhol –… Read the full story

Interested in researching notable scientists in history? Check out this week’s featured project, Prominent Scientists: (ii) Medicine & Life Sciences. This project aims to organize and build the family trees for the scientists who have made major contributions to the fields of medicine and other life sciences. Perhaps you may want to join the project’s collaborators and add more profiles to the project! Are you related to any of the profiles included? Here’s a peek… Read the full story

Today’s featured project aims to identify and trace the genealogy of Pirates and Privateers on Geni. We’ve all heard tales of dreadful pirates and heroic privateers, but what actually distinguishes a pirate from a privateer? Acts of piracy are categorized as war-like acts committed by private parties that engage in acts of robbery and/or violence at sea. Privateers practice similar methods, however, the most important distinction is that they are authorized by governments to attack… Read the full story

This week’s featured project highlights Nobel Prize Winners on Geni. Since 1901, the Nobel Prize has been awarded annually for achievements in physics, chemistry, medicine, literature and peace. In his will, Swedish chemist Alfred Nobel requested that his vast fortune be used to create a series of prizes for those who’s achievements provide the greatest benefit to mankind. As of 2010, there has been a total of 813 individuals who have been awarded the Nobel… Read the full story

Today we feature the RMS Titanic project. The goal of this project is to identify the survivors and casualties of the sinking of the RMS Titanic on Geni. On April 10, 1912 the RMS Titanic, the largest passenger ship in the world, set sail on her maiden voyage from Southhampton, England to New York City. Four days into her journey, the ship struck an iceberg and tragically sank to the depths of the ocean the following… Read the full story

This week we highlight the Great Composers of Classical Music project. This project includes some of the most renowned classical composers whose music has left a significant mark in history. Today, their compositions are performed and enjoyed throughout the world. Here’s a look at a few of the profiles included: Ludwig van Beethoven – He is considered one of the most famous and influential composers of all time. Even after he became completely deaf, Beethoven… Read the full story

Today we feature the Authors of Great Literature project. From the times of ancient Greece to the 20th century, the works of these authors have withstood the test of time and continue to be read by new generations today. Is your favorite author included? Check out the Authors of Great Literature project and help contribute more great authors to Geni! Here’s a look at a few of the 127 profiles already included in this project:… Read the full story

This coming Monday is Presidents Day in the U.S. Also known as Washington’s Birthday, the holiday has evolved overtime to not only honor George Washington‘s birthday (February 22, 1732), but also Abraham Lincoln‘s birthday (February 12, 1809) and the legacies of all U.S. presidents. Today we highlight the U.S. Presidents and Vice Presidents project in honor of  the upcoming holiday. In this project you can find the master profiles of all 44 U.S. presidents and their vice… Read the full story

This week we highlight the Food & Beverage People project, which features individuals who have made significant impacts in the food industry. Their successes have contributed a wide array of food and beverages that we all still enjoy today. There are already 17 profiles included in this project. Perhaps  you’ll want to help add some more people whose creations have satisfied our stomachs! Take a look at a few of the profiles included: Will Kellogg… Read the full story

Today we highlight the Inventors Project. The inventors included in this project have each made their mark in the everyday lives people and in history through their discoveries and creations. This project aims to include all inventors on Geni and learn how we are all related to them. Currently there are 44 profiles in the project. Take a peak at a few of the profiles included: Samuel Morse – He was an American contributer to the… Read the full story

This week we highlight the Old Masters Project. This project is dedicated to all of the great painters from the mid 13th to the mid 19th century. There are currently 48 profiles included in the project. Perhaps you’ll want to contribute by adding more great artists in history to Geni? Here’s a look at some of the profiles included: Jean Fouquet – He is considered one of the best French painters of 15th century. He… Read the full story

The entertainment industry has provided the world with film, television and music for decades. In 1958, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce began honoring those individuals who have made significant contribution to the media with stars on Hollywood Blvd. at Highland Avenue. Since then, over two thousand stars have been placed on the Walk of Fame recognizing individuals, both living and deceased, for their accomplishments. The goal of the Hollywood Walk of Fame project is to make… Read the full story

Today we feature the Silent Era project, which is dedicated to the people who have made a significant contribution to silent films. These people include actors, directors and writers. Films made between 1894-1929 contained no sound, therefore actors used exaggerated body language and facial expressions to convey emotion. Live music featured at each showing was essential in conveying the atmosphere and giving the audience vital emotional cues.  Here’s a preview of the profiles included: D.W. Griffith –… Read the full story

Featured Project: Prominent Scientists: (i) Exact Sciences & Natural Sciences http://www.geni.com/projects/Prominent-Scientists-i-Exact-Sciences-Natural-Sciences

About a week ago, one of our Pro users, Malka Mysels, offered to do a write up for one of the projects she started, hoping to get others just  as excited about joining her project. Start your adventurous genealogical journey by experiencing past worlds. Stroll through the annals of world history to meet the remarkable ancestors upon whose stalwart shoulders we stand today. In this featured project, we will encounter the influence and persuasiveness of… Read the full story

By now, you should be familiar with the many different types of Projects on Geni. This week we highlight the American Football Players Project. This project focuses on the founders, contributors and players for the NFL and NCAA. Some of those profiles included in this project are: Terry Bradshaw – He is a former American football quarterback with the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL, who played 14 seasons. George Calhoun – He was a co-founder… Read the full story

Designed to capture contributors and participants in America’s expansion westward, this project features the likes of many popular folks. Here is just a preview of those included: Jesse James – He was an American outlaw, gang leader, bank robber, train robber, and murderer from the state of Missouri and the most famous member of the James-Younger Gang. Belle Starr – She was another famous American female outlaw. Bill Doolin – He was an American bandit and… Read the full story

Starting this week, we will feature a Geni Project every Friday. Today’s featured Project was created by user Ric Dickinson.  It is a collection of profiles and information about the Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren of Queen Elizabeth II. Hi Ric, can you share with us what sparked your interest in these royal lines? My interest in the British royal family was sparked by my grandmother, who was born in England, she remained an Anglophile all her… Read the full story