Fun with Genealogy

April 15 marks the anniversary of the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Every year the public’s imagination is captured by the infamous ship along with its harrowing stories of survival and loss. Amongst one of the crew was stewardess Violet Jessop, who would experience more than one maritime disaster in her lifetime. She remarkably survived not only the sinking of the Titanic, but also a second disaster at sea on the HMHS Britannic only a… Read the full story

At a recent press conference for her latest film Golda, Helen Mirren was presented with a surprising discovery from the researchers at MyHeritage – she is in fact distantly related to Golda Meir, the former Israeli Prime Minister! In the film, Mirren stars as the iconic politician and follows the enormous responsibilities and decisions Meir faced during the Yom Kippur War. The film is set to premier at the opening of the 40th Jerusalem Film… Read the full story

This weekend Charles III will officially be crowned King of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth realms. The coronation will take place on May 6, 2023, which coincidentally falls on the fourth birthday of his grandson, Archie. In preparation of this historic event, here are some interesting facts to know before His Majesty’s coronation. Image: Charles III / Dan Marsh, Flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0) 1. Charles was born on November 14, 1948 in Buckingham Palace and… Read the full story

It’s Valentine’s Day and love is in the air. While reading through old newspapers, it’s fun to find announcements celebrating 50, 60, 70 year wedding anniversaries. Some offer secrets to their lasting relationship and pictures of the happy couple, while others contain an abundance of genealogical information as families came together to celebrate these long-lasting unions. This Valentine’s Day, we take a look at a few of them below: After 72 years of marriage, Joseph… 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

After being postponed for a year, the Tokyo 2020 Olympics are now in full swing. Although this year’s games are different due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is still full of history making celebrations from some amazing female athletes. Weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz made history for winning the Philippines’s first Olympic gold medal. Japan’s Momiji Nishiya became the first gold medalist in the women’s street skateboarding event at just 13 years old. She is also Japan’s… Read the full story

On July 4 the United States celebrates Independence Day, which commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. In July 1776, the Continental Congress declared that the thirteen American colonies were no longer subject to British rule under King George III and were now free, independent states. In celebration of the holiday, we take a look at a few of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence and how they are related to each… Read the full story

Could we BE anymore excited!? After 17 years off the air, the entire cast of the hit television show Friends came together in a highly anticipated reunion special. Friends: The Reunion, also dubbed “The One Where They Get Back Together,” was released on May 27 after being delayed for a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. All six of the main cast, Jennifer Aniston, Courtney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer,… Read the full story

Have you tried Deep Nostalgia™, MyHeritage’s amazing new photo feature? Deep Nostalgia™ brings your old family photos to life by animating the faces on any photo. This incredible feature has brought many to tears by producing a realistic depiction of how a person may have smiled and moved if they were captured on video. The technology for animating photos was licensed from D-ID, which specializes in video reenactment using deep learning. MyHeritage has integrated this… Read the full story

The month of March is known as Women’s History Month and March 8 is celebrated as International Women’s Day, which honors the past and present achievements of women all around the world. In honor of the day, we’re highlighting some remarkable and inspiring women in Geni’s World Family Tree. We also had some fun with MyHeritage’s Deep Nostalgia™ photo feature to help bring the images of these historic icons to life. 1. Clara Barton Clara… Read the full story

Actress Olivia Colman has won rave reviews for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II in the award-winning drama, The Crown. It was also recently revealed that Colman is a distant relative to the royal family as well. MyHeritage researchers shared that Colman is the Queen’s 13th cousin once removed. We can see this path clearly in Geni’s World Family Tree, which connects over 150 million people to a single family tree. Image: Ibsan73, Wikimedia Commons… Read the full story

In a recent interview with the U.K’s Capital FM, singer Katy Perry was in for a genealogical surprise when host Sian Welby shared that she and Taylor Swift are distant cousins. Although Perry dismissed it as a bit of fan fiction, it turns out they really are related! MyHeritage found through Geni’s World Family Tree that the two are in fact 9th cousins! Although the pandemic derailed her planned destination wedding with actor Orlando Bloom… Read the full story

Playwright William Shakespeare died on April 23, 1616 in Straford-upon-Avon, England. Considered one of the greatest writers of the English language, Shakespeare’s body of work has been translated into every major language. Explore some fascinating facts about the Bard that you may not have known. 1. The exact date of his birth is unknown. Baptism of William Shakespeare / MyHeritage SuperSearch Shakespeare was the third of eight children born to John Shakespeare, an alderman and… Read the full story

This week actor John Krasinski launched Some Good News, a delightful new YouTube show to bring good news into everyone’s home. The inaugural episode also featured a mini-reunion with his former co-star from The Office, Steve Carell, to celebrate the hit comedy’s 15th anniversary. Since its premier in 2005, the critically acclaimed show has gained a devoted following. Today the beloved sitcom remains as popular as ever, if not more so, with new generations of… Read the full story

It’s St. Patrick’s Day! In honor of the holiday, we took a look into the World Family Tree to explore the surprising Irish heritage of a few celebrities. Check them out below and share how you’re connected too! Martin Sheen Georges Biard / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0) Actor Martin Sheen was born Ramón Antonio Gerardo Estévez to Francsico Malabe Estévez and Mary Anne Phelan. Both of Sheen’s parents were immigrants to the United Sates…. Read the full story

This weekend the movie, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, hits theaters nationwide. The film stars Tom Hanks as Fred Rogers, the host of the beloved children’s television show Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. The film was inspired by the 1998 article “Can You Say…Hero?” by Tom Junod for Esquire. The film follows journalist Lloyd Vogel, who is assigned to profile the television icon for Esquire magazine. Recently on the red carpet, Hanks learned of his own personal connection to Rogers – they are… Read the full story

Have you seen any old photos with ghostly images? Chances are you may be looking at an old spirit photograph. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, spirit photography became incredibly popular. Many people came to believe that spirit photographers could capture the image of a deceased loved one in a photograph. Check out these 7 facts about the history of spirit photography: Preus Museum, Flickr 1. Spirit photography was discovered by accident by William H. Mumler… Read the full story

Geni’s parent company, MyHeritage, partnered with the Backstreet Boys to dive into their DNA to discover their ancestral origins. One of the most successful musical groups in history, the Backstreet Boys recently released their ninth studio album DNA and are in the midst of their DNA World Tour. In promotion of their latest album, the entire group (AJ McLean, Howie Dorough, Nick Carter, Kevin Richardson, and Brian Littrell) took a MyHeritage DNA test to learn more about where their families come from. Watch the Backstreet… Read the full story

On June 14, the United States celebrates Flag Day in commemoration of the adoption of the U.S. flag. In honor of Flag Day, here are some interesting facts about the Stars and Stripes. 1. On June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress passed a resolution to adopt the official flag of the United States, which had 13 alternating red and white stripes and 13 stars in a blue field. That same day, the Continental Congress also established the Continental Army…. Read the full story

Are you planning for your next family reunion? The warm weather and breaks from school makes summer the perfect time to throw a family get-together. And before you know it, summer will be here so It’s important to get started early. With lots of planning and a little creativity, you can make it a reunion that your family will not soon forget. Check out these quick tips to help you get organized for your next family reunion. 1. Gather your team Family reunions… Read the full story

Today the world celebrates International Women’s Day in recognition of past and current achievements of women all over the world. In honor of the day, here are some fascinating and pioneering women found in Geni’s World Family Tree. Hedy Lamarr (1914 – 2000) Image: Wikimedia Commons Film actress Hedy Lamarr was born in Vienna, Austria-Hungary on November 9, 1914. Lamarr was not only one of the most popular film actresses of Hollywood’s Golden Age, but she… Read the full story

Do you remember watching Mary Poppins? This week Mary Poppins Returns, the sequel to the classic Disney children’s film, hits theaters with star Emily Blunt taking the reigns from Julie Andrews as everyone’s favorite magical nanny. The sequel sees Mary Poppins return to the home of the now adult Banks children, who are struggling to raise Michael’s young children after a family tragedy. Today, many people around the world consider Mary Poppins to be one of the most beloved musicals of all time. Now… Read the full story

This Thursday the U.S. celebrates Thanksgiving! The holiday is known for bringing together family and friends to share a traditional feast of turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and other delicious dishes. Thanksgiving is an excellent opportunity for everyone to give thanks and share stories around the dinner table. With the entire family gathered together, it’s also great time to do a little genealogical digging. Here are five ways to share some family history with your relatives this… Read the full story

Do you have any ancestors who were on the Mayflower? In 1620, 102 passengers arrived to the New World aboard the Mayflower and established the Plymouth Colony. Today, millions of people can trace their ancestry back to these early settlers. Image: Wikimedia Commons Here’s a look at a few notable Mayflower descendants in Geni’s World Family Tree: George Eastman George Eastman was the founder of the Eastman Kodak Company. He helped bring photography to mainstream audiences with the introduction of the… Read the full story

Are you excited for Halloween? Halloween is that great time of the year where children and adults put on their best or scariest costumes and indulge in an abundance of sweet treats. Homes are decorated in faux cobwebs, jack-o-lanterns are carved, and apples are ready to be bobbed. Halloween parties are held all around filled with fun and games throughout the night, while other folks are up to some playful mischief with Halloween pranks or “tricks.” Do… Read the full story

Growing up, our parents taught us to be polite and practice good manners – say your “pleases” and “thank yous,” hold the door for others, don’t talk with your mouth full, etc. And as we grew up, we strive to pass along these best practices to our children. During the 19th century, etiquette guides were a booming business. To the people of the Victorian Era, practicing good manners was essential to all social interactions. Many books were written… Read the full story

Now that summer is in full swing, you can take advantage of these long days to do more with your genealogy research. There are plenty of outdoor and indoor activities to get your family more involved and interested in your family history. Here are some activities to keep you and your family occupied this summer: Take a genealogy trip Image: Missouri State Archives Ready for a summer vacation out of town? Take a genealogy-themed trip to visit… Read the full story

While researching your family history, you may sometimes come across funny names in your family tree or maybe an amusing name will pop out in an old document. For fun, we took a look at some profiles in Geni’s World Family Tree and a few historical records to find some very amusing names that will be sure to give you a chuckle. Check them out below! 1. Here’s Pleasant Wear in the World Family Tree. 2. Wealthy Nutter can be found in the 1920 U.S…. Read the full story

Today marks what would have been the 100th birthday of Nelson Mandela, who is often considered one of the most inspirational and beloved leaders in history. In honor of this occasion, check out these 10 interesting facts about the former South African president and freedom fighter. Image: Library of Congress 1. Nelson Mandela was born on July 18, 1918 in the village of Mvezo in Umtata, South Africa. He was given the name Rolihlahla, a Xhosa… Read the full story

In many parts of the world, the end of the school year means students receive their yearbooks to sign and remember the year they’ve had. Years from now, they will be able to look back at these yearbooks to remember what happened during this unique moment of their lives. Yearbooks are also fantastic records to explore for genealogy, too. With these school records, you can learn about what clubs and activities family members were a part of and see… Read the full story

It’s World Family History Day! World Family History Day is celebrated on on May 15 of each year and it falls on the same day that the United Nations observes its International Day of Families. This is the perfect day to dive into your genealogy research and share with your relatives all of the amazing things you have uncovered about your family history. In honor of World Family History Day, check out our list of fun ways you can make… Read the full story

It’s DNA Day! Celebrated each year on April 25, DNA Day commemorates the completion of the Human Genome Project in April 2003 and the discovery of the double helix structure of DNA in 1953 by James Watson and Francis Crick. In honor of the anniversary of the completion of the Human Genome Project, here are 15 interesting facts about DNA: 1. The discovery of structure of DNA would not have been possible without the work of… Read the full story

Did your ancestors ever received mail via the Pony Express? The Pony Express was once hailed as the fastest way to send and receive mail across the United States. Although it’s existence was short, its impact and popularity on the American West has continued to endure. Pony Express poster / Wikimedia Commons Check out these interesting facts about the old mail-delivery system of the United States. 1. The Pony Express was founded by William Russell, Alexander Majors,… Read the full story

When news of Prince Harry’s engagement to American actress Meghan Markle broke, we shared how the newly engaged couple were related through Geni’s World Family Tree. With excitement still in the air, we thought it would be fun to share a few more of Meghan’s surprising relatives. Recently, our parent company, MyHeritage, shared the news that Meghan was related to William Shakespeare and Winston Churchill through her English roots. This was possible thanks to Geni’s World Family Tree, which connects over 120… Read the full story

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are engaged! Did you know that Prince Harry and Megan are also related? Discover how in Geni’s World Family Tree. According to the official announcement, the couple will marry in the spring of next year. They were introduced by a mutual friend and have been together for over a year. While making their debut as an engaged couple outside of Kensington Palace, Prince Harry revealed that he knew she was the one from the moment they met.

Today we remember Diana, Princess of Wales, on the 20th anniversary of her death. On August 31, 1997, Princess Diana died tragically in a car crash in Paris, France. Known as the “People’s Princess” for her compassion and charitable efforts, Princess Diana was beloved all and the world mourned when news spread of her sudden death. In honor of her memory, we take a look back at her life. Image: Wikimedia Commons 1. Diana Frances Spencer… Read the full story

Today marks what would have been John F. Kennedy’s birthday! The 35th President of the United States was born on May 29, 1917 in Brookline, Massachusetts to Joseph “Joe” Kennedy and Rose Elizabeth Fitzgerald. Image: John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum In celebration of John F. Kennedy’s birthday, here are 10 interesting things you may not know about the beloved U.S. President: 1. He was named after his maternal grandfather. John Fitzgerald Kennedy was named… Read the full story

When the RMS Titanic sank on April 15, 1912, over 1,500 people died in what was one of the deadliest peacetime maritime disasters in history. Of the estimated 2,240 passengers and crew on board, over 700 survived. Amongst the survivors where two young French boys who were tossed into a lifeboat by their father, who had died in the disaster. Unable to speak English, the identity of the boys was a mystery. The boys were at first misidentified as Louis and… Read the full story

It’s St. Patrick’s Day! To celebrate, here are some interesting facts about the holiday that you may not have known: 1. Saint Patrick was not Irish. St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated on the anniversary of the death of Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. He was actually born in Britain, probably in Scotland. He was kidnapped by pirates at the age of 16 and spent 6 years as a slave in Ireland. He became… Read the full story

Today we celebrate the birthday of Albert Einstein, one of the most brilliant minds in history. Albert Einstein was born on March 14, 1879 in Ulm, in the Kingdom of Wüttemberg in what was then the German Empire. Considered one of the most influential physicists of the 20th century, Einstein’s scientific breakthroughs dramatically changed our understanding of the universe. Albert Einstein / Library of Congress In honor of his birthday, here are some interesting facts about Albert… Read the full story

Today the world celebrates International Women’s Day, recognizing the past and present achievements of women all around the world. In honor of the day, we’re highlighting some of the inspiring women in Geni’s World Family Tree who have made their mark in history: Victoria Woodhull (1838-1927) Image: Wikimedia Commons A leader of the women’s suffrage movement, Victoria Woodhull became the first woman to run for President of the United States in 1872. She was a candidate for the Equal… Read the full story

This year’s Oscars was one for the history books. Best Supporting Actor winner Mahershala Ali made Academy Award history last night by becoming the first Muslim actor to win an Oscar. Viola Davis, the first African American actress to receive three Oscar nominations, finally won her first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. With her win, she has become the first African American to achieve the “Triple Crown of Acting,” winning an Emmy, a Tony and an Oscar. Full of… Read the full story

Some of the best stories come from our own families. Often these lasting memories are passed down through generations either through storytelling or in personal journals or diaries. Today take a look back at the wedding stories in your family tree. You may even want to look for their wedding announcements in old newspapers, which sometimes include a story or description of the happy couple’s special day. Below are a few interesting wedding stories we found in old newspapers:… Read the full story

Do you remember writing letters to Santa Claus? What did you ask for? Every year, children all around the world take a moment to ask Santa for gifts for being good during the year. The Mountainair Independent, December 21, 1916 / MyHeritage SuperSearch Have you ever wondered what your ancestors may have asked for 100 years ago? Newspapers often printed children’s letters to Santa. Common gift requests included dolls, firecrackers, candy, and fruits, particularly apples and… Read the full story

Looking for a great gift for the holidays? Whether you are looking for a gift for the family historian or genealogist in your circle of friends and family or just looking to share your love of family history with your relatives, here are some nifty gift ideas for this holiday season. For something nostalgic…   Poster of your family tree A family tree poster is an excellent gift to to give to your family. You can… Read the full story

As we get ready to enjoy Thanksgiving with family, we are reminded of the many traditions that come with the holiday. From the huge family feast of turkey and stuffing to football and even the annual Thanksgiving Day parade, traditions help make the holiday we spend with family special. But there’s an old American tradition that many may not be aware of from a time when Thanksgiving looked a little different than today. Image: Library of… Read the full story

Today we celebrate Veterans Day in recognition of the men and women who have served in the armed forces. In honor of the holiday, here’s a look at a few famous veterans in Geni’s World Family Tree: 1. Buster Keaton Buster Keaton’s WWI draft card / NARA Remembered as one of the funniest comedians of the Silent Film Era, Buster Keaton served in the United States Army in France with the 40th Infantry Division during World War I…. Read the full story

It’s Movember again, an annual event where men grow out their mustaches during the month of November to raise awareness for men’s health. When looking through old family photos, it’s likely you’ve come across some mustachioed ancestors. Mustache styles have changed over time, so your ancestor’s facial hair may even be a clue to help you date your photo. In honor of Movember, here’s a fun look at some epic mustaches of the past. Image: Australian National… Read the full story

Genealogy can often bring about a good chuckle. Funny names, amusing newspaper articles, unusual census entries can often lead to some amusing discoveries. We’ve previously shared some funny and unusual names found in Geni’s World Family Tree. Now here are a few more funny names to add to the collection of names. Check out the funny names below: 1. Captain Preserved Fish 2. Cookie Baker 3. Happy Card 4. Houston Texas Whitecotton 5. Olive Pitt 6. Ima Hogg 7…. Read the full story

Today marks the birthday of author and illustrator Beatrix Potter. Many people grow up reading her beloved stories featuring the mischievous Peter Rabbit. Helen Beatrix Potter was born on July 28, 1866 in Kensington, London, England. She first published The Tale of Peter Rabbit in 1902 and found instant success. Since the book’s initial publication, it has become one of the best selling books of all time. Today readers around the world continue to enjoy her story and iconic… Read the full story