Host Scott Fisher returns with this commercial free special RootsTech edition of Extreme Genes. This recent RootsTech conference in Salt Lake City will forever be remembered as being the one at which Generative AI made its debut. And what a debut it was and is! Fisher visits with FamilySearch CEO Steve Rockwood, AmericanAncestor’s David Allen Lambert, and African American Program Manager for FamilySearch Thom Reed about the impact of this remarkable new technology, how it works, and how you can put it to work for you right now!

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin by taking a deep breath over the crazy two part guest interview has in line for the show. A pair of eighth cousins… also eighth cousins to Fisher… who have exhumed the remains of their name line immigrant ancestor, Tjerck Claessen DeWitt, who died in 1700 in Kingston, New York, and his wife and two children. David then shares stories about the DNA Reunion Project, which seeks to reunite aging Holocaust survivors who were separated following World War II; The birthday celebration of “Papa Jake,” a World War II “dam buster,” who has been a hero to the British and a Tik Tok star!; The story of further conflict at the site of the former Pilgrim colony at Plymouth, Massachusetts where descendants of 17th century natives are angry. David will explain; And if you’re a Scottish researcher, David has some good news for you! Then, in two parts, Fisher visits with Gage and Justin DeWitt… distant cousins to each other, and to Fisher… who have literally dug up the immigrant ancestor, Tjerck Claessen DeWitt of Kingston, New York. Hear all about the project which took place this past summer, and what they are hoping to accomplish. It’s a genie-journey on steroids! David then returns for another round of Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

There are various types of DNA tests, but the Y-DNA test serves one particular purpose. Here’s why you might want to “Y.”

It’s a great thing to find an old book with loads of information. But just how trustworthy are these “sources?”

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin with the story of a Canadian man who learned from a newspaper birth listing from the early 1950s, and DNA, that he had been switched at birth. Then, one of the oddest stories of the year… a married couple is freaking out because they learned that they share ancestors eight generations back! Then, a cannon ball has shown up at a beach in Rhode Island. You won’t believe where the finder is keeping it. At Colonial Williamsburgh, a dig has revealed a remarkable new find at a spot that David has walked over countless times. And finally, Europe’s oldest publication has been dated at over 2,300 years old. Next, in two parts, Fisher visits with Dr. Nick Barratt, best known in the UK for his hosting and research on four seasons of “Who Do You Think You Are?” In his own research, Nick has discovered that his paternal grandmother’s brother was a spy for the Soviet Union leading up to World War II! Hear how he discovered this shocker, how it has impacted him and his immediate family, and how it has changed his understanding of how he presents information he provides to others. Then, David returns for another couple of rounds of Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Public on line trees can reveal great information. They can also lure you into a trap.

It happens all the time. One record says one thing, and another says something else. Here’s how to sort things out.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. As the long running weekly broadcast show comes to an end, the guys begin Family Histoire News with talk of the Boston Tea Party 250th anniversary celebration this weekend. Then, David reveals his role in setting the record straight on the last survivors of the USS Oklahoma at Pearl Harbor. Ever wonder how large the largest family tree in the Library of Congress might be? Wonder no more! Then, the guys give a brief update on the 23andMe data breach. Next, Fisher shares one his most interesting interviews from earlier this year. It’s with Dr. David Duffy who has discovered that DNA can be detected and connected to individuals even when taken out of the air, or from footprints on a sandy beach! What might this mean for future police work? Then, Your DNA Guide, Diahan Southard, and genealogical thriller author, Nathan Dylan Goodwin,  join the show to talk about their planned genealogical murder mystery on RootsTech eve in Salt Lake City. David then returns for another Ask Us Anything question. This one is on the use of aliases in the Revolutionary War. Fisher and David then sign off on the final segment of the weekly broadcast series, with a huge thank you to so many who have contributed to the success of Extreme Genes through the years. Stayed tuned for future, periodic Extreme Genes podcasts!

We all love to show off family photos and documents, but it puts them at risk. Here’s a better way.

Tracking down keepsakes of ancestors isn’t always easy. But sometimes there are mementoes just below your feet!

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David begins Family Histoire News with an update on the damage done in the attack of a homeless man on historic cemeteries in Boston. Then, the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party is coming. David talks about the rapidly approaching celebration. We’ve gotten accustomed to hearing about people discovering they were switched at birth through DNA, but wait til you hear this one woman’s story! It has more twists and turns than we’ve ever heard. Can the extinct Dodo bird become “unextinctified?” (Thank you George W. Bush!) One company thinks so. David will explain. In segment two, Fisher shares his 2021 interview with the late Jack Holder. Jack passed this year at 101 years old, but his story will live forever. Hear him describe how he could see the smiling face of a Japanese pilot while he was being strafed at Pearl Harbor! Then, Gage DeWitt returns to the show to talk about his new interest… creating tin type photographs. Not many people do it and for good reason. The chemicals are dangerous. Gage and his girl friend, Molly McNeal, talk about this risky hobby they hope to turn into a little business, and how they have recreated the 19th century process. Fisher and David then return for Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Yes, we’re all future dead people. Doesn’t it make sense to make plans for what will happen to your family heirlooms?

It’s true… DNA testing can be confusing. Here’s what you should consider in choosing a good match in a DNA testing company.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with guest host David Allen Lambert from the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin by exchanging stories about discoveries they each made this past week. David then shares the horrible word about a homeless man in Boston who destroyed an array of historic headstones, including that of Paul Revere, this past week. Then, cursive writing is back in schools! Hear what state just made it law. In Georgia, some interesting wills have been found of slave owners who left money for some of their enslaved for a specific purpose. Hear what it is. And, we have a new age record for skydiving. What til you hear this one! Then, Fisher has an important announcement concerning Extreme Genes. Next,  Crista Cowan of Ancestry.com comes on to talk about how Ancestry is trying to encourage collective work on family trees. And, no, you don’t need a paid account to be part of it. Then, in a follow up to a previous episode, JoAnne Jessee talks about her initial find of letters from the pandemic of the late 1910s, and how she tracked down the descendants of the other correspondent to exchange letters back into the family lines. It’s a fascinating story we can all learn from. David then returns for more of Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Fisher shares a key clue in many photographs that many people overlook. But it might be all you need to help you identify the subject of the photo.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. Fisher and David talk about the eclipse, and one in particular that occurred during the Revolutionary War that military leaders used to rally the troops. David then shares the remarkable story of the discovery of a uniform of a World War II vet and how it found its way into the hands of the vet’s granddaughter. Then, another World War II story has had another chapter written. The ship involved in one of America’s great naval disasters has been located. David then talks about the upcoming conference of the Federation of Genealogical Societies in Pittsburgh and shares a blogger spotlight on Robin Lacey’s spadeandthe grave.wordpress.com, where Robin talks about digging up a graveyard of ancestors. Then Fisher begins his two part visit with his first cousin, Joann (Fisher) Schmidt, of Dutchess County, New York. When Fisher and Joann began collaborating on their shared family history back in the 1980s, Joann also looked into her mother’s side. There, she discovered a horrible family secret. Her grandfather’s family had been decimated in a disaster on a steamboat in 1904 in which ten family members were killed. It is called the General Slocum disaster, and it took place in New York City. The tragedy marked the greatest single loss of life in New York City history prior to 9/11. In this two part interview, Joann shares her story of how she learned the details of her grandfather’s greatest trial, and how he endured the aftermath. Then, Tom Perry checks in from the road as he continues his Preservation Tour, scanning genies’ pictures for free at sites around the country. Where is he now and where will he be next? He will tell you. Tom then answers another listener question concerning the best way to be sure your material will still be around years from now. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

There are definitely techniques for preserving paper documents and records that you can trust will extend the life of your important documents.

Happy Thanksgiving! Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. Both Fish and Dave describe recent discoveries they made and how they found them. Then, David talks about how a stash of letters, written in the 1750s from France and never unsealed (they were captured by the British) are being opened and digitized! Then, there’s more now on the painting discovered in France a few years ago. It had been hanging in the kitchen of a 90-year-old woman and was headed to the garbage can. It has now been sold for $25 million dollars and has been deemed a “national treasure.” Also, a marvelous museum of African American History has been opened in Charleston, South Carolina. David has more. Next, Fisher talks with Christopher Child of NEHGS and editor of the Mayflower Descendant. Chris takes us through his recent study of the first found family of Catholic descendants of the Mayflower and the amazing journey it led him on. Then, it being Native American History Month, Michelle Chubenko of sponsor Legacy Tree Genealogists talks about her background and a surprising DNA discovery of a match in a very unexpected place. Then, David returns for Ask Us Anything over two segments. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

If you’ve ever wondered why you don’t get everything you think you should from a search of a digitized newspaper site, Fisher has some ideas that may open up a whole lot more.

Marking pictures is essential for future generations, but using the right pens and markers will assure the identifications last without damaging your images.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org.  Fisher lauds David for his successful efforts to get an 1837 census of Boston digitized after years of prodding. David then talks about a massive project revolving around Fort Ticonderoga and the many soldiers and civilians who came through there in the 18th century. Another coin hoard has been found…and it’s massive! The guys explain the wheres and whys on this amazing discovery overseas. David shares a summary of an article in “The Conversation” that claims that two thirds of genealogists are distressed by finds they make. Fisher then shares a new find he made in a very local newspaper database in New Jersey. He reminds us that there are still places to look when the big sites fail to reveal what you’re looking for. Next, Fisher visits with Jennifer Truelove, a volunteer for FindAGrave. Jennifer wanders cemeteries in New York City to photograph tombstones for genies everywhere. She shares her motivation, her experiences, and unusual stories from her service on our behalf. Then, Nat Taylor, Editor of The American Genealogist, comes on to talk about a huge international conference that will be held in the US next year that you can be a part of if you act quickly. It combines genealogy and heraldry. Nat explains some of the history of heraldry and what it means. David then returns for another round of Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Fisher talks about the risk of taking on line trees at face value and why copying isn’t researching.

Lots of great records are not on line, and won’t be anytime soon. Fisher talks about a Catholic record type you might want to look for.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David shares his recent family reunion experience. Then, he talks about the living children of Civil War soldiers who are still around. Hear who they are and who their father’s were. Having trouble reading old handwriting? You can soon take a course on it! David will explain. Also hear about the passing of another Pearl Harbor survivor, and a library book that finally got returned… 93 years later… and more! Next, Fisher visits with A. C. “Carl” Ward in two parts. In part one, Carl tells the story of what happened to him as a boy while exploring his grandparents’ farmhouse in North Carolina. It involves secret staircases an attic and a sea chest full of Civil War letters and journals! In part two, Carl talks about how his discovery changed the course of his life, finally leading to his publishing of a book about what the letters told. Carl will explain how he wrote his historic novel. Then, David returns for Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Fisher talks about school districts who created some unique records to help plan for buildings, teachers, and enrollment

Websites aside, it’s still a great idea to visit ancestral cemeteries.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David begins Family Histoire News talking about his recent experience as a first time indexer for the National Archives for Revolutionary War pensions. Find out how you can do the same. Then, there’s a new cemetery website that has a completely different take on how to do it. David explains. The Montpelier Foundation is creating a memorial for the enslaved and is holding a fundraiser for it. Get the details. Then, not many digs turn up 19th century ships. Under a road! But it has happened in Florida. David will tell you more. Next, drawing from the vast archives of Extreme Genes, Fisher shares two segments that fit the Halloween “Spooky Season.” The first guest is Hank Jones, long time author of books on “serendipity” in family history research. You won’t believe some of the stories Hank has uncovered… and experienced… in our world. (Or is it our world and theirs?!) Then Sue Wynne, a New Jersey listener, shares her story about the ancestor that was buried, dug up four years later, found to be in great shape, and viewed by family and friends again! David then returns for Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Tips for Geneies Who Are New to DNA Websites

What’s in an occupation?

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. Family Histoire News begins with the story of a contest winner. He’s the young guy who figured out how to translate dozens of tightly rolled scrolls burned in the Mount Vesuvius explosion in 79 AD. David will have more. Then, for families who have missing people in Florida, a special day is coming to help you find closure… and it involves DNA. You’re not going to like what David has to suggest concerning the diets of our ancestors. Then again, it was pretty healthy! Hear about this ancient staple. In Scotland, there’s been another haul of ancient coins. And there’s a real back story to this find! Visiting the US Capitol anytime soon? You can now take photos of the founding documents as long as you don’t use flash. Also, the National Archives is searching for indexers to help with the pension records of the Revolutionary War. And they want every word transcribed. Fisher then notes the passing of two employees of our friends at MyHeritage.com in Israel. Both young men, age 23, were murdered on October 7th at the NOVA concert. We send our love and condolences to our friends.   Ian James of FamilySearch then joins the show to talk about how FamilySearch is using Artificial Intelligence, and how it is gradually replacing the old human indexing system. But, hey, volunteers… don’t stop yet! They still need you as Ian will explain.   Fisher is then joined by Maureen Taylor, the Photo Detective. The two talk about holiday gifts of photo albums. There are a lot of ways to do them… and there’s still plenty of time… as Maureen explains.   David then returns for Ask Us Anything.   That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Creating a Genealogy “Research Log”

When it’s time to hire a professional

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin with some encouraging news from our friends at MyHeritage.com, based in Israel. Then, David shares the story of a recent discovery, prior to the war, of an ancient burial in Israel. 23andMe has made some very concerning news as hackers have accessed their site to obtain information on roughly one million DNA testers of Ashkenazi Jewish descent. The hacker’s intentions are not known. In Norway, a woman lost an earring, and in the search for it found something much more interesting. Hear what it was. For some people, it has been a long time since hearing the voice of a parent. Hear what one man recently discovered that gave him back those voices… from 1946! Then, hear about what Conde Naste Traveler magazine has to say about the most haunted places in the US. Next, Fisher visits with Julie Hawkins Ennis of Maryland. Julie learned in recent years of her family connections to the so-called “GU-272,” the 272 people, identified so far, who had been enslaved at Georgetown University and then sold to buyers in Louisiana in 1838. The sale of these people bailed GU out of financial troubles. The story, which broke in 2016, has led to massive research to identify all the principals in the affair, as well as as many descendants as can be found. Recently, Julie played a key role in the organization of the first reunion of these descendants. Then, Julianne Mangin talks with Fisher about her finds in a mental institution in Connecticut. She knew about her grandmother… but not all the others! Hear about Julianne’s journey to learn of her family’s trials and particularly the impact they had on her mother. David then returns for another round of Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Have you ever considered “going wide” instead of “going deep?”

Are you taking full advantage DNA Test Results?

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin by talking about the recent update on Ancestry’s ethnicity report. Then, a family tree on MyHeritage has provided a rescue line to Norway for a family in Ukraine. Catch the details. A pair of ticket stubs from the night President Lincoln was shot have been auctioned off. Wait til you hear what they went for! An adoptee from South Korea recently received an email that has changed her life. Find out what happened. Meanwhile, another adoptee from Vietnam had a Covid dream about a brother he knew nothing about… and guess what?! And finally, a mummified man in Pennsylvania is finally being buried after nearly 130 years and his name has now been found. Next, in two parts, Dr. Blaine Bettinger, the Genetic Genealogist, talks with Fisher about unlinked family clusters among our DNA matches and then what is happening with genealogy and artificial intelligence. David then returns for two more questions on Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

What is and what isn’t a genealogical “source?”

Google Search Tricks

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin with Fisher describing his recent eBay score… an invitation to a New York City firemen’s “hop” in 1860, sponsored by his great grandfather’s volunteer fire company. It also notes the name of his great grandfather’s brother who was also a member of the company and on the dance committee. David then describes his strange journey to the specific place he was born. In Family Histoire news, a UK man is spearheading an effort to identify all the soldiers who served in The Great War… aka World War I… in his village. Then, hear about the recent efforts to recover a sunken boat tied to Benedict Arnold… back when he was playing for our team! And, why are Victorians the official haunted houses of Halloween? David explains. In Segment Two, Fisher chats with Dr. Tricia Peone. Dr. Peone is using Congregational Church records from centuries ago to reveal “hidden history” in New England. Next, Carolyn Tolman visits from sponsor Legacy Tree Genealogists. Carolyn had a brick wall in her family research dating back to the days when her great grandmother was the family historian. And Carolyn has finally broken it. Hear the story and learn about the different tools she used to find it. David then returns for Ask Us Anything answering your questions. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Coats of Arms and Family Crests. What Are the Differences?

Who knows the old folks in your pictures, as well as their stories, better than old folks?!  Fisher talks about how to maximize your visits to senior relatives.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin with David talking about a treasure trove of new information that kept him up til 1 am! Speaking of treasure, David then talks about visiting a museum for the pirate ship, Whydah. Next, big news about RootsTech 2024! Then, a Virgin Galactic rocket has taken the remains of two ancient men into space. David explains. How would you like to be eight years old and find an artifact that dates back a thousand years or more? It’s happened in Sweden! In segment two, Fisher visits with NEHGS intern Kim Taylor, talking from her native Scotland. Kim is a rookie genie and has made a remarkable find about a relative in her line who got a little too angry one night. Hear about her find of an attempted arsonist. In segment three, New York Biological and Genealogical Society President Josh Taylor brings us up to date on what is happening in New York City AND New York State records. Then, David returns for Ask Us Anything, answering your questions. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Directories and Maps Can Sometimes Tell Stories as Plainly as a Personal History

Journal keeping is a simple, old fashioned, and effective way to document your life’s adventures. And what a treasure it will be for your descendants.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. They begin Family Histoire News with the story of a dog that served on both sides of the Revolutionary War! David explains. Then, how would you like to have access to over 59,000 dissertations on countless subjects? Dave will tell you where to find them. Who knew that pants were so controversial in Roman times? David will tell you how pants went from banned to required! In Israel, those caves that brought us the Dead Sea Scrolls have now given us more ancient treasures. Hear what they are. In Egypt, 19th century graffiti, where Europeans left their mark on ancient edifices, is being researched to learn who those people were. And finally, DNA work on 1,100 skulls is tying these dead people to their descendants. Hear who is doing the work. Next, over two segments, Fisher visits with Matamba Austin of Frisco, Texas. Matamba was born and raised in New York City. He also saw the world in travels with his mother, a worker at the United Nations. Hear how a dream and a revelation from his mother changed his life and sent him on a decades long journey to identify his freedom-fighter father in Africa. Then, David returns for more of Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Want your kids to find history a little more interesting? Try sharing family stories about how your ancestors were connected to historic figures and events.

Over many years anyone, like Fisher, can accumulate quite an Ancestral Museum. But without proper planning, where it goes after you might be to the dump!

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. Family Histoire News begins with the story of a pair of adopted siblings who learned something remarkable about each other. Then, DNA has come through again in another cold case. One hundred eleven years since its sinking, Titanic continues to make news. David has the latest. Another ship wreck has been found, this time in the Great Lakes. David explains. Next, Amelia Earhart continues to fascinate, and a new clue concerning her disappearance is being investigated.   Fisher visits with “The Photo Angel,” Kate Kelley. A few years ago, Kate started investigating old photos found in antique stores that identify the person in the image.  She would then research them, track down descendants of the ancestor, and pass the photo along. She’s done this with thousands of pictures sent all over the world!   Then, Elizabeth Murray Vargas of sponsor Legacy Tree Genealogists comes on to talk about the difficult challenge of researching Cuban ancestry.   In Segments 4 and 5, David returns for Ask Us Anything.   That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Many families have long running oral traditions. But just how accurate are they?

We all have family secrets. And if you’re concerned about how to handle those secrets in a history, Fisher has some thoughts.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin with the story of a Canadian man who learned from a newspaper birth listing from the early 1950s, and DNA, that he had been switched at birth. Then, one of the oddest stories of the year… a married couple is freaking out because they learned that they share ancestors eight generations back! Then, a cannon ball has shown up at a beach in Rhode Island. You won’t believe where the finder is keeping it. At Colonial Williamsburgh, a dig has revealed a remarkable new find at a spot that David has walked over countless times. And finally, Europe’s oldest publication has been dated at over 2,300 years old. Next, in two parts, Fisher visits with Dr. Nick Barratt, best known in the UK for his hosting and research on four seasons of “Who Do You Think You Are?” In his own research, Nick has discovered that his paternal grandmother’s brother was a spy for the Soviet Union leading up to World War II! Hear how he discovered this shocker, how it has impacted him and his immediate family, and how it has changed his understanding of how he presents information he provides to others. Then, David returns for another couple of rounds of Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Over 40 years before photography became a thing, a printing process paved the way for the publication of numerous images, some of which may help tell your family story.

Your old home movies may be a treasure trove of photographs you didn’t even know you had. Here’s how to get to them!

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The boys begin with conversation about Fisher’s recent three week European vacation and some of the history he saw. In Family Histoire News, a pair of Canadians have learned through DNA they were switched at birth. Hear more about their challenges with this. In England, TV host Nick Barratt (of Who Do You Think You Are? fame) has learned a horrifying family secret. In Romania… a metal detectorist has done it again! Hear what’s been found this time. In Colonial Williamsburgh, thanks to RATS (!) remarkable historic objects and papers have been found. Catch the details. And finally, a 94-year-old was on hand for a birthday… her mother’s! Mom is now 114! Dave will explain.   Then, also from NEHGS, VP of Research & Library Services, Lindsay Fulton, talks about a huge new initiative to identify the names of the some 10 million individuals who were enslaved before and after the Revolutionary War, up until 1865. See more at 10MillionNames.org.   Next, Brandt Gibson of sponsor Legacy Tree Genealogists talks about the sneaky ways DNA can deceive you (even though it “never lies).   David then returns for another round of Ask Us Anything.   That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Have you ever been told that you are a cousin one or more times removed? What that means is simpler than you may think.

Have you been hesitant to write your own history? Everyone has a story to tell! Don’t deprive your descendants of the lessons and events of your life.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org.  David begins by sharing his diagnosis of “Gen-Somnia.” (We might ALL have it!) In Family Histoire News… there is now only one surviving crewman of the USS Arizona following the passing of Ken Potts of Provo, Utah at age 102. Lou Conter of Northern California, a friend of the show, is 101. He is the last survivor. David next has news of the underwater discovery of a Japanese transport ship that was sunk in World War 2 transporting over 1,000 POWs. Then, a recent cruise miraculously brought together an American woman and an Irishman who learned they were cousins. And she had thought that the last of her Irish kin had died! Hear the details. What’s with all those stone walls in Vermont and elsewhere? David shares material from a recent story on them. Finally, several Revolutionary War soldiers who had been killed in the Battle of Camden have been reburied. Next, Fisher catches up with Curt Witcher, Genealogy Center Manager of the Allen County Public Library, the largest in the Midwest. Curt shares his thoughts on family history’s silver lining during the pandemic. So much has changed in our world since early 2020. Curt then talks about how the Allen County Library is approaching adult education these days, as well as the latest on the remarkable Internet Archive. Then, from NEHGS, Melanie McComb shares some valuable information on researching your World War 2 soldier. Yes, most of the personnel records were burned in 1973, but all is not lost! Let Melanie tell you about the “Morning Reports.” David then returns for Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Are you considering writing an ancestral history, but feel their life story is “spotty?” Here is how historical context can help you fill in the gaps.

Most people have records, photos, or heirlooms in their homes. But other relatives almost certainly do as well. And often the things they have are different than what you’ve had passed down. Perhaps it’s time for an inventory of all the Family Archive “Branch Offices!”

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin with David’s recent amazing discovery while visiting the National Archives. In Family Histoire News, David tells the story of a pre-photographic era artist from Virginia whose silhouettes from 1803 to 1812 have been digitized. Then, a treasure trove of Neanderthal tools and remnants has been discovered. David has details. Next, one of the more bizarre stories you’ll hear anytime soon is about a giant meatball that contains DNA from the Wooly Mammoth and other extinct creatures. President Biden is learning about his ancestry in Ireland. And a kitchen renovation in England has revealed some insane 17th century artwork! Next, Fisher visits with Jewish researcher Kathryne Thorne from sponsor Legacy Tree Genealogists. Kathryne will explain why your Russian Jewish ancestry may not be so Russian after all. She also explains the challenges of Eastern European Jewish research. Fisher then talks with author Anne Hansen about her book “Buried Secrets- Looking for Frank and Ida.” These were Anne’s grandparents who apparently had no past! Hear about Anne’s research process and how she writes in a fascinating genre called “Creative Non-Fiction.” David then returns for another round of Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Imagine a library that stores billions of webpages from sites that no longer exist, and digitized texts of millions of books and other assets. It’s not in Greece, and it costs you nothing to visit.

There’s a time for collecting and a time for distributing. While you’re still here, it’s time you figure out how that’s going to happen. Fisher shares some thoughts on protecting your life’s family history work.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org.  The guys begin Family Histoire News with an incredible new discovery about the family of Leonard da Vinci. David has details. Then, it’s a new web project tracking the movement of the enslaved of South Carolina. SoldDownRiver.com is doing great work in identifying those who were enslaved and sold out of their families. A new organization is coming together to recognize descendants of those with ties to the Boston Tea Party. David explains. Canadians are rejoicing in anticipation of the release of the 1931 Canadian census coming out in June. And the New York Times has written about the “DNA of a Donkey!” It has been learned that our earliest form of transportation goes back 5,000 years! Finally, we sadly announce the passing of Pearl Harbor survivor, Jack Holder, who recently passed at the age of 101. Hear Fisher’s 2021 interview with Jack next week. Then, well known blogger and researcher, Sunny Morton, is back to talk about her comparison study of newspaper sites that she presented at RootsTech. There are differences! Next, Fisher visits with author Judy Goodman Ikels whose book “Death in Wartime China: A Daughter’s Discovery” talks about what she learned about the father she never knew, whose heroism in World War II is still remembered in China. David then returns for another round of Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Genealogy and family history, believe it or not, are actually defined very differently. Hear why the two terms are not the same.

Wondering why you can’t always find articles you believe should be there in a digitized newspaper? Here are some tricks for squeezing it all out of digitized newspapers!

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. Fisher begins discussing his recent 3D printing project, by which he recreated the 1856 New York City volunteer firemen’s badge, number 1475, lost by his great grandfather. Andrew Fisher ran an ad in the New York Daily Herald on March 19 of that year seeking its return. Fisher explains the process and the cost. David then sends out 104th birthday greetings to the last surviving pilot of the Battle of Britain. Hear his story. Then, a new theory is out there on the true identity of Jack the Ripper! Could they have it right this time? Another previously unidentified victim of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor has been laid to rest. David will tell you his story. Meanwhile, in Canada, researchers are combing through remains of a cholera cemetery that has burials from the 1830s and the 1850s. And finally, an ancient Iranian language, dating from between 200 BC and 700 AD has been translated. Hear how it was done. Then, Leeanne Hay, author of “NPE- A Story Guide For Unexpected DNA Discoveries,” talks about her own shocking find and how her book has been made to assist those whose DNA test results were not what they were expecting. David then rejoins Fisher for a couple more questions on Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

If you’ve ever dug into Swedish ancestry, you know the issue. Tons of people have the same name and live in the same places. Well, Swedish Church records can at least help a little in sorting out which Hans Olsen might be yours. Fisher explains.

Two key census record sets were destroyed in Ireland in 1922, but some of that information was preserved in another way. Fisher explains why your ancestors’ data from those census records may still be available.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin Family Histoire News with word of the identification of the remains of a World War II soldier who died in Italy. It has taken 79 years. David shares details. Then, “Ava” is back in the news. She is the Bronze Age Scottish woman whose face has now been brought back to life! Hear what was done. The Times-Union of Brooklyn has an article about how New York’s state government still hasn’t escaped the onslaught of genealogical record requests from during the pandemic. Find out how far behind they are. In Oregon, it has been learned that people were living there some 18,000 years ago… as were North American camels. Honest! And finally, there has been quite the discovery in Israel having to do with something Egyptian. Hear what it’s about. Next, from sponsor Legacy Tree Genealogists, Melanie Torres joins the show and talks about German research. No! Most records were not destroyed in the war! Hear also how to track those Germans who didn’t live in Germany. The show continues with another Melanie… Melanie McComb… from NEHGS. Melanie has been called to jury duty and shares how we can find out some important information on our ancestors by using jury lists. David then returns for Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Within the United States, it was not uncommon for churches to give a “letter of transfer” to a member of their congregation who is moving to a new location. But sometimes they came with immigrants from across the ocean. What can this mean to you? Fisher explains.

Obituaries often reveal connections to the Free Masons. If you have an ancestor that belonged to this organization, his membership application may provide great information on him. Fisher has more.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys open the show talking about the first ten years of Extreme Genes. David then reveals more good news for Irish researchers. Next, in Family Histoire News, Stanford University has developed a new DNA analysis technique for African-American research. Then, a Kentucky cornfield has yielded some 700 gold Civil War era coins, and they’re still coming out the ground! David has more. The last slave ship, the Clotilda, is back in the news again. David shares details. And finally, this week marks the 50th anniversary of the fire in St. Louis that destroyed over 750 million records of 20th century US Army and Air Force service people. Fisher and David talk about the impact and how many of the records are being reconstructed.   Next, Your DNA Guide, Diahan Southard, joins the show to discuss the history of genetic genealogy over the last quarter century. She was there at the beginning. Diahan talks about how she got started, and in the second segment discusses what is still to come. (Hint: It’s very cool!)   David then returns for two more questions with Fisher on Ask Us Anything.   That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Slave research is hard enough, and this little nugget, unfortunately, might make it harder. Not all slave names come from the most recent slaveholder. Fisher shares some other possibilities.

The settling of the west wasn’t much unlike the settling of colonial America a century or two earlier. And as people came, more and more lines were drawn. Fisher shares just a few so you know what to look for as you consider your research strategy.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David shares one of his great finds from his recent trip to Scotland. Then, in Family Histoire News, he begins with a story out of Spain about a half-millenium old find behind a wall in house! Hear what it is. Next, up in an attic, some pictures and film have been recovered, never before seen, of the Polish Warsaw Ghetto Uprising of 1943. David has details. In Uruguay, a large bronze eagle with the Nazi swastika has been recovered from the wreck of a Nazi ship. Find out what the government is planning to do with it. David then talks about a fascinating story out recently about a man enslaved by George Washington. But he didn’t stay enslaved forever. David will explain what happened to Harry Washington. Then, another ghost vessel has appeared along the coast of England. Catch the details. Then, in two segments, Fisher visits with Dennis Culliton of Connecticut. David is a teacher, and founder of a program called the Witness Stones Project. The “stones” are actually cube shaped markers that are placed in front of the one-time homes or work areas of some of Connecticut’s early slaves. Dennis will explain how the project began, how his junior high students are involved, and how the efforts have progressed. David then returns for another round of Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

War, population growth and shifting can all contribute to boundary changes. And boundary changes mean that, even if your ancestors stayed in the same place, their records could be hiding in many places.

Fisher had given up on finding the parents of an elusive ancestor when he took one last step before closing the book on the case. And it made all the difference in the world!

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England History Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys open the show talking about a woman who was being eulogized who started knocking from inside her coffin! Catch the details. Then, hoping to bring his family closer together, you won’t believe what this one man did. He should probably be arrested. Talk about “Archive in the Attic,” we’ve got another winner! And it’s amazing the roof didn’t collapse! Ellis Island has come out with a report that likely explains why many of us can’t find our peoples’ immigration records from the late 1800s. In Germany, personal belongings of some Holocaust victims are finding their way back to their families. David explains. Then, in London another multi-millennia discovery has been made. Find out what it was. Next, Fisher begins his two-part visit with Michael Henderson of Atlanta, Georgia. As an African-American Creole from New Orleans, Michael took an early interest in his family history, taking his lines back to numerous Revolutionary soldiers and branches to several Europeans countries. Wait til you hear about the two century old document concerning his ancestor he found and was able to hold. In the second segment with Michael Henderson, he talks about the experience of becoming Georgia’s first African-American member of the Sons of the American Revolution. In Ask Us Anything, Fisher and David answer a follow up question to last week’s truly spooky episode, with serendipity stories of their own from the genie trail.

Females ancestors are sometimes difficult to find.  Fisher shares a few thoughts on other ways to look for them.

Struggling to figure out where your ancestor’s Social Security records went? They might not have been there at all because things were different before 1951!

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David opens Family Histoire News with the story of some tattered bonds found in an attic in Louisiana. Wait til you hear what they’re going to bring to the finder, despite their wretched condition after Hurricane Katrina! Then, big news for Irish researchers. Hear what David has to say. Then, hear why Cubans both on the island and off of it are looking for dual citizenship… and for two very different reasons. Roanoke Island is back in the news again for archaeological finds that may reveal more about the earliest European settlers and the local natives. David has details. And, Smithsonian Magazine online has written about a minstrel show manuscript that has been discovered, and it dates back to the 15th century! Next, in two segments, Fisher visits with Gage DeWitt of Louisiana, Justin DeWitt of Kentucky, and Perry DeWitt of New York State. They are all distant cousins to each other, and to Fisher. All descend from Tjerck Claessen DeWitt who died in 1701 in Kingston, New York. Last summer, these guys exhumed the remains of Tjerck, his wife Barbara, daughter Taatje, and son Andries for study. (Listen back to Episode 445.) But then… things started happening that NO ONE can explain. Hear their stories and what has been the unexpected result of their dig! Then, David returns for Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Ever notice familiar repeating family names in a single family group? It could be the parents were following a classic pattern. And that pattern can tell you some very important truths about the previous generation.

Back in 1752, England enacted a law that changed our calendars forever. But did that law ever make a genealogist’s life complicated!

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David is reporting from Scotland! In Family Histoire News, David explains how a well known influencer submitted a DNA sample and learned she had an identical twin. Only it wasn’t! Hear how this happened. Then, a project headed by a school teacher in Connecticut has resulted in the marking of homes and other places where the enslaved lived, mostly in colonial times. Next, hear how recently found 4,000 year old DNA is impacting our understanding of various plagues. Finally, check out Buzz Feed and their list of 26 family secrets of all types. Next, Fisher visits with Stu Richards, an author and expert in coal mining disasters. So many families have been impacted by the losses of loved ones in these horrible accidents. Wait til you hear the numbers! Stu talks about causes, employee battles with coal companies and so much more. Then, Adrienne Abiodun of sponsor Legacy Tree Genealogists is back. She talks about Juneteenth and the impact of DNA on African-American research. David then returns for Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Ancestors love to play tricks on us as we trace them down… sometimes by disappearing from where we think they should be. Fisher explains where you might want to look next.

Fisher worked to break open one ancestral line for fifteen years. It wasn’t until he was closing the book on the case by creating a timeline that he saw the answer!

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys open with a few news items from the National Genealogical Society. In Family Histoire News, David reports on a study that showed how rents were once paid in England using eels! Then, Burial Hill in Plymouth, Massachusetts is the site of an interesting new project that may allow you to touch the tombstone of your early New England ancestor. The 1931 Canadian Census is out! David shares how it is being indexed. Then, imagine a man who was in both the Civil War and World War I. It actually happened! David will tell you all about him. Dual citizenship can help you travel. Hear what countries you can obtain it from. Finally, the UK has an issue with China over sunken war ships. Find out what it is. Next, Fisher visits with Dr. David Duffy of the Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience and the University of Florida. In studying sea turtles, Dr. Duffy and his team discovered that high quality turtle DNA can be found in the sand on beaches. They then decided to see if the same held true for humans, testing footprints of volunteers. Indeed it did! And then there’s the matter of human DNA being left in a closed room in the air. Dr. Duffy describes the research, police interest, and ethical questions they’re dealing with. Next, Melissa Barker, “The Archive Lady,” is back from Houston County, Tennessee. Melissa talks about the silver lining of the pandemic for archives, and some of her recent acquisitions including one that’s hard to believe. David then is back for Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Just the way not every record is digitized, many records are digitized but not indexed!  Can’t find what you’re looking for? It’s time to check those massive unindexed records!

Those Tricky Immigration Records

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin with the story of how old Roman roads throughout Europe can now be digitally tracked through omnesviae.org. Dave has the story. Then, the last “witch” executed in the Salem Witch Trials has been officially exonerated. Hear who it is and why her status has been adjusted after over 300 years. Utah’s and Arizona’s Lake Powell is going through a challenging water level drop. But a historical benefit is being seen. Find out what it is. Oldest man? Oldest woman? Yes, we keep track of those, but Guinness has now named the world’s oldest dog! Dave will tell you how old this frisky pooch is, along with some other great stories. Next, in two parts, Fisher visits with Nadia Rupniak. Nadia never thought her late father accomplished much in his life, but as the result of discovering an old letter, she learned otherwise. Hear about the family history adventure she was launched into after going through her mother’s effects in England 14 years ago. David then returns for more of Ask Us Anything, answering your questions. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Historic Time Lines and What They Can Reveal

The Potential Benefit of Swapping Brick Walls

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David begins by talking about a unique experience he had with some well hidden documents at an archive. In Family Histoire News, the first story is perhaps the saddest we’ve ever had. It involves a grandfather’s trunk and a hand grenade. Then, a metal detectorist in Italy has made a remarkable find and flew all the way to Boston on a special mission concerning it. Next… the Connecticut House of Reps has passed a bill to exonerate all 17th century accused Connecticut “witches.” It still has to go through the Senate. An 1875 shipwreck off the coast of Washington state is getting a good looking over. David describes what was aboard and what the researchers are looking for. Lastly… Russia has finally agreed to share a scan of some ancient stolen documents related to Spain that is in their possession. David explains. Next, Sunny Morton, author of “How To Find Your Family History In US Church Records,” returns to the show. For months she has been working on “The Case of the Missing Nun.” Hear the details, what’s she’s discovered, and how she did it. Then, Dr. David Wood from Brigham Young University discusses their recent study connecting family history research with reduced anxiety and a better sense of well being. He’ll explain the conclusions and methodology they used. David then returns for another round of “Ask Us Anything.” That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

“Dit Names”… What the Heck Are Those?

Marriage Bonds and What They Can Reveal

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org.  In Family Histoire News, David updates us on the long-running War of 1812 Pension digitization project. Then, hear about how authorities finally figured out what happened to the man who, when he was 16, murdered his parents in 1958 and later escaped from prison. The story involves DNA… and has a twist! The guys then talk about a World War 2 vet who just started having nightmares from his experiences… at age 99!  Smithsonian is carrying an interesting story about steamboat racing in the 19th century. The guys explain. Then, David talks about a strange place that is (essentially) named Hill Hill Hill Hill. He’ll tell you where it is and why it is called that.   Next, Crista Cowan joins the show from Ancestry.com. Crista and Fisher talk about artificial intelligence, how she’s using it, the possibilities she envisions, and (surprise!) the fact you’ve likely already been using it.   Ryan Rockwood then joins the show. He is a Project Manager for sponsor Legacy Tree Genealogists, specializing in Asian research. Hear Ryan’s remarkable story of a Japanese man that settled in Texas over a hundred years ago that tied all his studies together back in college, and how he researched him.   David then returns for Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

What’s Going to Happen to Your Records and Heirlooms When You’re Gone?

Can’t Find Your Key Record on Line? Try the Old-Fashioned Way

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin with a big reveal from Fisher about a photo he has sought for 38 years. Next, the guys talk about a DNA result the brought about the breakup of an engaged couple… and not because they are related. Then… anyone want to try to do what the genetic genealogists do in crime fighting? One organization did. Hear who and what they were trying to show. Fisher and David then talk bad news/ good news surrounding the burning of a courthouse in Tennessee.  Next, it’s the story of a woman who is graduating from Georgetown University whose ancestry is well connected to her educational journey. Find out why. David then shines his Blogger Spotlight on Claire Santry of IrishGenealogyNews.com. Claire is passionate in her work and shares a lot of information to help the Irish genealogical researcher. Fisher then visits with Amy Johnson Crow, a nationally known genealogist, about why we should all have hope that the next generation really will want your papers, photo collections, and stories. It’s an encouraging conversation! Then, Tammy and Kyle Mullen join Fisher to talk about the project that fell into their laps concerning their New York town’s World War I soldiers. It’s the type of project anyone could take on for their town and on any subject. Find out what they’ve done. Fisher wraps up the show with another Ask Us Anything conversation (in two parts), this time on DNA. Paul Woodbury, DNA specialist with Legacy Tree Genealogists, handles the queries. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Got an Ancestor Who Served? Look to Military Records as a Source for Incredible Family Stories.

Got DNA Skills? Become A Search Angel for Others!

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys open Family Histoire News with word that the last survivor of the Hindenburg disaster (1937) has died. Hear the details. Then, it turns out that a world famous movie star is actually related to the person he’s portraying! Find out who it is. That search for a missing cemetery on a Florida high school campus is complete. And the findings will astound you!  DNA has revealed the unexpected when it comes to illegitimacies from the Middle Ages. Find out what’s been learned. Next, Fisher visits with a California artist named Morgan Weistling. His father, Howard, was also an artist… a fledgling one when he was a POW in World War II. Morgan was most familiar with his Dad’s stories of creating a camp comic strip to give his comrades something to distract them through the harsh conditions. And now those original strips have been found and returned to Morgan and the family. Hear Howard’s incredible story and the miracle of the find and return of these precious family heirlooms in two parts. Finally, David Allen Lambert wraps things up with another couple of rounds of Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show.

Tracing Forward Can Yield Family History Gold!

Once you’ve gone from the land of the researcher to the land of the researched, you no longer control what happens to your heirlooms and research records. Here’s what you can do now!

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org.  David begins by sharing his diagnosis of “Gen-Somnia.” (We might ALL have it!) In Family Histoire News… there is now only one surviving crewman of the USS Arizona following the passing of Ken Potts of Provo, Utah at age 102. Lou Conter of Northern California, a friend of the show, is 101. He is the last survivor. David next has news of the underwater discovery of a Japanese transport ship that was sunk in World War 2 transporting over 1,000 POWs. Then, a recent cruise miraculously brought together an American woman and an Irishman who learned they were cousins. And she had thought that the last of her Irish kin had died! Hear the details. What’s with all those stone walls in Vermont and elsewhere? David shares material from a recent story on them. Finally, several Revolutionary War soldiers who had been killed in the Battle of Camden have been reburied. Next, Fisher catches up with Curt Witcher, Genealogy Center Manager of the Allen County Public Library, the largest in the Midwest. Curt shares his thoughts on family history’s silver lining during the pandemic. So much has changed in our world since early 2020. Curt then talks about how the Allen County Library is approaching adult education these days, as well as the latest on the remarkable Internet Archive. Then, from NEHGS, Melanie McComb shares some valuable information on researching your World War 2 soldier. Yes, most of the personnel records were burned in 1973, but all is not lost! Let Melanie tell you about the “Morning Reports.” David then returns for Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Have you become reliant on online sites for your key records? If so, you’re missing out on the thrill of the hunt the old-fashioned way!

Who deserves to have their history recorded more than our veterans? Fisher shares some great places for finding military records and often the stories that can be uncovered through them.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David opens with the story of the closing of his local church and what he did to commemorate it. Then, in Family Histoire News, an old scoreboard has been found. REAL old! It dates back 1,000 years! Hear where it is from. Then, some 390,000 women signed a petition for world peace a century ago. Now, this document is heading back to Wales, where it came from. David has more. Then, exciting news for a Michigan family. They had a girl. Hear what makes this one so extra special. A doctor is celebrating his 100th birthday… and is still practicing! Hear more about this special man. And, another masterpiece has been found in someone’s home in France. You won’t believe what it sold for. The first guest up this week is Kelly Thomas of the Historic Burying Ground Initiative of Boston. These are the burial sites of such people as John Hancock and Paul Revere. Kelly explains how the sites are maintained, and, aside from the four in downtown Boston, how many others she oversees. And not one of them is a church yard. She will explain why. Next, Don Milne returns to the show from Stories Behind the Stars, the organization seeking to create 500 word stories for every killed-in-action soldier from World War II. Hear where they are in the project, and what their latest focus is. Then, Tami Mize joins the show to talk about her site ConferenceKeeper.org. Tami started this site in 2016 so you and I can find out where to learn more about family history research. It tracks conferences, online meetings, lectures… you name it. And best of all… it’s free! Then, David returns for Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Adoptees in particular, but many others as well, are looking for answers. If your skilled in the DNA world, you might want to consider helping these folks as a “search angel.”

Want to find rare family photos, family Bibles, and who knows what else? Fisher suggests that you try tracing forward!

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin with David’s recent amazing discovery while visiting the National Archives. In Family Histoire News, David tells the story of a pre-photographic era artist from Virginia whose silhouettes from 1803 to 1812 have been digitized. Then, a treasure trove of Neanderthal tools and remnants has been discovered. David has details. Next, one of the more bizarre stories you’ll hear anytime soon is about a giant meatball that contains DNA from the Wooly Mammoth and other extinct creatures. President Biden is learning about his ancestry in Ireland. And a kitchen renovation in England has revealed some insane 17th century artwork! Next, Fisher visits with Jewish researcher Katheryne Thorne from sponsor Legacy Tree Genealogists. Katheryne will explain why your Russian Jewish ancestry may not be so Russian after all. She also explains the challenges of Eastern European Jewish research. Fisher then talks with author Anne Hansen about her book “Buried Secrets- Looking for Frank and Ida.” These were Anne’s grandparents who apparently had no past! Hear about Anne’s research process and how she writes in a fascinating genre called “Creative Non-Fiction.” David then returns for another round of Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Believe it or not, Fisher HATED history as a kid. How he came to love it can work for your child or grandchild, too.

Fisher shares a simple strategy for growing your ancestral photo archive.

In this Classic Rewind from 2019 host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org.  The guys open Family Histoire News with major news about GEDMatch.com. It has been acquired by a company out of California. Hear what we know so far.  Then, there’s news that Ireland is working on reconstructing the archives that burned in 1922. Find out how they’re going about accomplishing this immense task! Then a discovery at the site of a Civil War camp sheds fascinating light on how soldiers prepared to have their likenesses taken. It may surprise you! Then another place is asking the people to decide whether or not to open adoption records. Find out where, and what the strategy is. Next, hear about a woman in her 90s who was adopted who recently learned she has siblings. LOTS of siblings! Find out how it all was discovered and just how much family she has! Fisher then visits with Daphne Palmer Geanacopoulos, author of the book called “The Pirate Next Door: The Untold Story of Eighteenth Century Pirates’ Wives, Families, and Communities.” She explains how pirates were not really anything like the way they are portrayed in movies and lore… and some didn’t even have a say in becoming a pirate! Hear Daphne explain. Ray Weiss then visits with Fisher. Hear this Maryland man explain how he has been researching his seafaring ancestors for decades and how he continues to travel to all the places they went, even out-of-the-way little islands! Melanie McComb from NEHGS then takes on Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Continuing his conversation on family photo archives, Fisher gives a quick overview on what you have to do to keep them safe.

OK, you’re the one in your family with all the family pictures. Now what? The first thing you have to do has nothing to do with technology.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert from the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David is on a research trip in Washington DC and has a report from the National Archives about War of 1812 records. Hear what the latest is. Then, David talks about working with a woman he learns is a direct descendant of Paul Revere! Next, CeCe Moore is opening a new site for people wishing to contribute their DNA to the cause of solving cold cases. Also in DNA-land, clumps of hair of Beethoven, kept by fans, have been analyzed. Find out what researchers learned about the musical genius. Finally, David has learned something creepy has happened just down the road from his house. He’ll tell you all about it. Next, Fisher visits with Christy Fillerup, a researcher with sponsors Legacy Tree Genealogists. Christy recently solved a client’s case after nearly seven years after a Y-DNA match they’d been waiting for showed up. Christy explains how it was solved. Then, professional genealogist and blogger, Gena Philibert-Ortega talks about something few, if any, of us have ever seen. But our ancestors knew it well. It was called the “common cup.” What was it and why isn’t it around anymore? Gena explains. Then, David returns for two more questions on Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Fisher talks about the “luck” he has enjoyed through the years in genealogy, and how it really isn’t as much by chance as you would think.

Marriage Bonds and What They Can Reveal

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys open with David’s report of his remarkable discovery from 1780, folded between the pages of an old newspaper. Then, hear about two half sisters, born during World War II, who have just connected through DNA. Then, German records of British POWs from the war are now available. David has details. Next, a burial site in London is being moved to make way for a railway station, and the historic items being discovered are now on display. Finally, hear about how the first person ever admitted through Ellis Island now has a play based on her life. In Segment Two, Fisher shares his 2021 interview with World War II vet, Jack Holder, who has just passed at 101 years old. Jack talks about how the very first bomb dropped in the war landed less than a football field away, and his close call with a strafing Japanese pilot. Then, Lindsay Fulton of NEHGS comes on to talk about the recognition of the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party and how a new society is being created around descendants of those with some connection. David then returns for Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

What’s Going to Happen to Your Records and Heirlooms When You’re Gone?

Can’t Find Your Key Record on Line? Try the Old-Fashioned Way

Ancestors love to play tricks on us as we trace them down… sometimes by disappearing from where we think they should be. Fisher explains where you might want to look next.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org.  The guys begin Family Histoire News with an incredible new discovery about the family of Leonard da Vinci. David has details. Then, it’s a new web project tracking the movement of the enslaved of South Carolina. SoldDownRiver.com is doing great work in identifying those who were enslaved and sold out of their families. A new organization is coming together to recognize descendants of those with ties to the Boston Tea Party. David explains. Canadians are rejoicing in anticipation of the release of the 1931 Canadian census coming out in June. And the New York Times has written about the “DNA of a Donkey!” It has been learned that our earliest form of transportation goes back 5,000 years! Finally, we sadly announce the passing of Pearl Harbor survivor, Jack Holder, who recently passed at the age of 101. Hear Fisher’s 2021 interview with Jack next week. Then, well known blogger and researcher, Sunny Morton, is back to talk about her comparison study of newspaper sites that she presented at RootsTech. There are differences! Next, Fisher visits with author Judy Goodman Ikels whose book “Death in Wartime China: A Daughter’s Discovery” talks about what she learned about the father she never knew, whose heroism in World War II is still remembered in China. David then returns for another round of Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Got an Ancestor Who Served? Look to Military Records as a Source for Incredible Family Stories

Just the way not every record is digitized, many records are digitized but not indexed!  Can’t find what you’re looking for? It’s time to check those massive unindexed records!

Got DNA Skills? Become A Search Angel for Others!

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys first talk about the joy of being back at a live RootsTech conference. Fisher describes the horror of something American Idol legend, Jordin Sparks, said to him at the conference. In Family Histoire News, David describes the strange tale of a man who suspected his wife of cheating because the baby didn’t look like him. That was not the case! David explains. Then, an Arizona Goodwill store recently sold a piece of furniture that contained a hidden compartment that stored genealogical gold. Catch the result of that discovery. Next, who knew that in the 17th century Germans punished gossips and drunks by forcing them to wear what amounts to “shaming” masks. Finally, a new archaeological find reveals that humans have been riding horses for some 5,000 years. David reveals how they figured this out. Next, Lord of the Rings actor Sean Astin held a press conference at RootsTech, talking about his family stories and his daughter’s very active research efforts. (Note: Audio was difficult at this event and had to be captured through a speaker!) In segment number three, from RootsTech, Legal Genealogist Judy Russell joins the show talking about copyright changes, 19th century divorce laws, and an action item for all of us right now! Next, from RootsTech, genealogical blogger Amy Archibald describes how she miraculously obtained a photo album of her ancestors. How could this be?! Finally One Name Project manager, Paul Howes, describes how his research turned up a man who loved love, and marriage! Catch his remarkable discovery. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Tracing Forward Can Yield Family History Gold

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with guest host David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David begins with a little history of Father’s Day, and how it started with the love of one woman for her dad. Dave then mentions meeting a man who actually saw Babe Ruth play when he was a boy. (Not many of those folks are around anymore!)  DNA is helping the military and what they’re learning about some of those WW2 guys whose remains were sent home is disturbing. Next, hear about two women who discovered that they were sisters… and then went into business together! Then, find out how a man lived some 70 years with non-stop hiccups! Fisher then, in two parts, visits with The DNA Detective, CeCe Moore. Recently, Netflix released a documentary about a fertility doctor in Indianapolis who has now been shown through DNA to have fathered 94 children! And there are likely many, many more. And this doctor is far from the only one. The documentary says 44 other doctors are known to have used their own samples in their practices, all revealed through commercial DNA testing kits. CeCe has a unique insight into this scandal as she has identified children of unscrupulous fertility doctors long before the problem became well known to the public. Hear why this practice is largely an action for which these men cannot be prosecuted, what DNA has revealed, CeCe’s theory as to why this is happening, and what needs to happen to stop it. Then, David returns to join Fisher for Ask Us Anything. The guys talk about coffin plates (what?!) and the challenges of talking to an aged relative about a child given up by her mother. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. DNA occupies much of the show, so David begins with another DNA discovery that is rocking the worlds of two families… and it’s not the usual fare. Then, in 1872, a virus, that didn’t affect humans, shut down many of the major US cities. Catch what happened. The historic Old North Church which signaled Paul Revere on his famous ride is having an inspection of a most unusual type. Hear what it is. Did you ever think a flush toilet could be 2,400 years old? Apparently so! The guys have the details. And finally, there’s a party house in Rome that has been determined to have gone back almost as far as the toilet! David will fill you in. Next, over two segments, Your DNA Guide, Diahan Southard, joins Fisher to talk about DNA research “process.” What are the steps that can ultimately lead you to success? Diahan will take you through them. Then, Diahan talks about courses she’ll be teaching at RootsTech, and her thoughts on the upcoming Salt Lake City megaconference. David then returns for Ask Us Anything, answering your questions. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin with swapping stories from their explorations of the past week. Fisher made a great find in an unusual way, and David ran into a cousin at a lecture whose head he caused to explode (not quite literally… but close!) with what he had to tell her. In Family Histoire News, David notes the appearance of Fred Miller on 60 Minutes recently, who bought a house, only to learn it had once been owned by the man who had been the slaveholder of Fred’s ancestors. Then, an organization in New York is finding grave stones of Jewish service members whose graves are marked with Christian markers and is replacing them with Star of David markers at no charge to the family. (This sometimes occurred when the cemeteries only had Christian markers in supply.) Fisher then visits with Jenny Ashcraft of sponsor Newspapers.com. Jenny and Fisher both talk about stories they have found in newspapers, and share a few tips for finding more. Next, Karen Batchelor joins the show. A long time “friend of the program,” Karen shares a story from her enslaved ancestry which has been memorialized by her artist brother-in-law, Ron Fortier, in a series of amazing paintings. Hear Ron explain the emotional impact the story has had on him which inspired his efforts. Then, David returns for Ask Us Anything, answering your questions. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys cover a lot of ground this week on Family Histoire News.  Up first… a man who recently bought a photo of Queen Consort Camilla’s great great grandmother and gifted it to her. He has since received a letter back! Hear what she had to say. Then, a massive collection of letters from Chicago in the 19th century is heading to eBay. David explains. Next, a box full of photos of a family murdered during the Holocaust has been returned to surviving descendants. Catch how it happened. Then, AI is now about to translate handwritten letters. Written in Japanese! Dave has particulars. A rookie metal detectorist has uncovered a gem that will likely change his life. Hear about the genuine treasure he has dug up in England. Finally, New England Quaker records…. thousands of them… are being digitized. Find out who’s doing it and when you may be able to see them. Next, Fisher interviews Katie Chrichton from sponsor Legacy Tree Genealogists. Katie talks about the often underused Mortality Schedules. What are they? What can they tell you? Where can you find them? Katie will share all of that, along with some great stories. Fisher then chats with Dustin Axe of the New England Historic Genealogical Society. Dustin is a Youth Genealogy Curriculum Coordinator and, through NEHGS, is making their course for kids available for FREE to schools, organizations, and home schooling parents everywhere. David then returns for Ask Us Anything, answering your questions. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. Fisher reveals David’s latest honor as a historian. Then, David shares his excitement over a gift he is receiving… a Bible gifted to a World War I soldier by a minister that caught a bullet that saved the man’s life. David has much more to say about it. Fisher next talks about a unique document he located tied to a relative jailed for forgery. FTDNA.com has revealed interesting news about the common male haplogroup R1B1. If you are part of it, listen to what David has to tell you. Next up… a shout out to the Boston Fire Department which just celebrated 345 years as America’s oldest paid department. In Rhode Island, a little girl has made headlines for her attempt to take the remains of carrots and cookies and get a DNA profile of Santa Claus! And the authorities were happy to share with her what they found. You’ll love this! On Finding Your Roots, it was an emotional episode for “Spy Kids” star Danny Trejo. David explains why. In segments two and three, Fisher visits with Sarah Jake and Josh Hutchinson, hosts of the podcast “Thou Shalt No Suffer, The Witch Trial Podcast.” The two talk about the new things that are still being learned about Salem in 1692, researching your witches or accusers, and their efforts at an exoneration bill for the accused and hanged witches of Connecticut. David then returns for another round of Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys devote the entire first segment to a new artificial intelligence tool that is making headlines, ChatGPT. Fisher test drove it for family history possibilities and shares what he learned… with a combination of excitement, concern, and fascination. You’ll want to hear this. Then, over two segments, Jennifer Mendelsohn and Adina Newman, two Jewish focused genealogists, talk about the challenges of researching Jewish heritage, and the new project they’ve opened up with the Center for Jewish History in New York City… the DNA Reunion Project. This new initiative aims to reunite Holocaust survivors and their children with family members long since separated by the Holocaust. It’s a remarkable and emotional conversation. David then returns as he and Fisher tackle two new questions in Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin by talking about David’s recent gift from a relative of an 80-year-old multi-page letter that talks about his wife’s 2x great grandmother who took her first airplane ride at age 100 in 1938. Then, in Family Histoire News, a sunken barge has been found in Michigan that was once Al Capone’s floating speakeasy. David has details. Then, it’s another amazing DNA project involving Viking skeletons from 1676 in Norway. Hear what’s been found. David then shares the incredible story of a Viking woman who visited both America and Rome! And finally, an American institution is headed to the scrapheap. You might not have known it was even still in existence! David will tell you about it. Then, Fisher visits with Sabin Streeter, Producer of the PBS series "Finding Your Roots." Sabin talks about this season's guests, the impact of the show on past celebrity guests, and how maybe YOU could be a guest next season! Next, Jen Allen from FamilySearch International talks about the upcoming RootsTech. It's finally going to be live again, along with all the online assets developed during the two pandemic shut down years. David then rejoins Fisher for a pair of listener questions on Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin by taking a deep breath over the crazy two part guest interview has in line for the show. A pair of eighth cousins… also eighth cousins to Fisher… who have exhumed the remains of their name line immigrant ancestor, Tjerck Claessen DeWitt, who died in 1700 in Kingston, New York, and his wife and two children. David then shares stories about the DNA Reunion Project, which seeks to reunite aging Holocaust survivors who were separated following World War II; The birthday celebration of “Papa Jake,” a World War II “dam buster,” who has been a hero to the British and a Tik Tok star!; The story of further conflict at the site of the former Pilgrim colony at Plymouth, Massachusetts where descendants of 17th century natives are angry. David will explain; And if you’re a Scottish researcher, David has some good news for you! Then, in two parts, Fisher visits with Gage and Justin DeWitt… distant cousins to each other, and to Fisher… who have literally dug up the immigrant ancestor, Tjerck Claessen DeWitt of Kingston, New York. Hear all about the project which took place this past summer, and what they are hoping to accomplish. It’s a genie-journey on steroids! David then returns for another round of Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys talk about holiday break projects they undertook, and a super remarkable find of Fisher’s that will lead to next week’s show. David then shares a fun formula for determining your “Royal” name. (Perfect for parties!) He then talks about a pair of twin sisters, each adopted out separately, who recently found one another after 36 years and wound up on a TV game show together! Catch the details. Then, a 500-year-old family tree has been discovered in China. David has more. Next, imagine learning that your housekeeper is also your cousin. It has happened, thanks to DNA! In the first interview of the year, Fisher visits with Kristen Winger from sponsor Legacy Tree Genealogists. Kristen recently revisited an old family story with “fresh eyes” and even more experience to uncover a remarkable story of reunion, long before DNA. Next, old friend of the show Maureen Taylor, the Photo Detective, comes on. The two talk about how, while it’s difficult to know who will get original photos, it shouldn’t be difficult to share the images themselves. Maureen talks about creating ancestral (even pet!) photo albums, and some of the best places to do it. David then returns for more of your listener questions on Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin with the story of how old Roman roads throughout Europe can now be digitally tracked through omnesviae.org. Dave has the story. Then, the last “witch” executed in the Salem Witch Trials has been officially exonerated. Hear who it is and why her status has been adjusted after over 300 years. Utah’s and Arizona’s Lake Powell is going through a challenging water level drop. But a historical benefit is being seen. Find out what it is. Oldest man? Oldest woman? Yes, we keep track of those, but Guinness has now named the world’s oldest dog! Dave will tell you how old this frisky pooch is, along with some other great stories. Next, in two parts, Fisher visits with Nadia Rupniak. Nadia never thought her late father accomplished much in his life, but as the result of discovering an old letter, she learned otherwise. Hear about the family history adventure she was launched into after going through her mother’s effects in England 14 years ago. David then returns for more of Ask Us Anything, answering your questions. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David begins by talking about a remarkable find he recently made in New Hampshire, providing amazing details about his ancestors who were from there. The guys then speak about a frightening story that talks about how enemy states could turn your raw DNA results to custom make poison with which to target your family. Then, National Geographic has a great story about how we went from being hunters and gatherers to monument builders. The New Yorker has a great story about “The Secret Art of Family Photos.” And, some Medal of Honor winners of the past may be losing their high honors. Find out why. Next, in two parts, Fisher visits with Adrienne Abiodun, a DNA specialist with sponsor Legacy Tree Genealogists. Adrienne recently returned from a family history vacation to Nigeria, as the father of her two children is Nigerian. But before leaving, Adrienne learned of a Nigerian connection in her own line. This led to an incredible experience in Africa with a DNA kit. Then, Adrienne talks about DNA testing and lineage societies… where they stand today. David then returns for two more questions on Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org.  The guys begin comparing notes on collecting 19th century family photos. Then, in Family Histoire News, word is now out that YOU can be featured in the upcoming year on Finding Your Roots on PBS with friend-of-the-show Dr. Henry Louis Gates. Hear more about it. Next, a new census is indexed and out for Scotland! David has details. In Utah, DNA experts are now involved in identifying the remains of victims of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.  David then talks about a World War II Pearl Harbor survivor who had a marvelous experience on the 81st anniversary of the Japanese attack on December 7. Some Navejo code talkers are now getting their due. David explains. And finally, an article talks about the benefits of recording your ancestors’ and relatives’ well known quotes. Then, YourDNAGuide, Diahan Southard joins the conversation talking with Fisher about her new PBS special “Your DNA Secrets Revealed.” Diahan, much to her surprise, was selected to host the show. She explains how she was “discovered,” where the show was filmed, and a little about the surprises that will be revealed, and her own enthusiasm for encouraging people to pursue their family’s history. Next, Trina Galauner from sponsor Legacy Tree Genealogists visits with Fisher talking about researching Polish ancestry. Eastern Europe has always been a challenge, but Trina has some great tips to help you along and reveals some websites that may give you some very specific answers. David Allen Lambert then rejoins Fisher for another round of Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David begins by talking about the advancement of technology that allowed him to take data from 40 CD-Roms and store it on one thumb drive! Fisher then reveals his latest find… an odd one… the same photo taken in 1901, but from a different angle at the same moment. In Family Histoire News, David shares the great story of a 1971 kidnap victim, stolen as a baby, who now has been reunited with her family through a DNA test. Then, a project in Fredericksburg is helping tie together African-American families through oral history and DNA. David was salivating at the next story… a son has shared with the world his father’s collection from the 1930s of baseball magazines and autographs. Some of the best to ever play the game granted autographs that were preserved in these magazines which the family will keep as an heirloom. Fisher then visits with Gena Philibert-Ortega who recently blogged on newspaper research for Genealogy Bank. She and Fisher kick around all kinds of ways to find hidden stories in digitized newspapers. Well known genie researcher/ lecturer Sunny Morton then joins the show to talk about a newspaper discovery she made that has somewhat tainted a family hero. Hear the story and how she found evidence. David then returns for another round of Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!  

Once you’ve gone from the land of the researcher to the land of the researched, you no longer control what happens to your heirlooms and research records. Here’s what you can do now!

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin the show with a couple of amazing discoveries they each made in the past week. For Fisher, it was the secret marriage of his uncle in 1927, ten months before the couple publicly married, with no one any the wiser! For David, it was the employment records of his great grandfather in England which led him to the ancestor’s date of departure for North America. The two have a few other juicy details. David then reveals that many family history icons are moving to a new social media platform called Mastedon. Next, hear some good news for another great search source… WorldCat.org. They’re now funneling many family history sources, such as libraries and research centers, into their one searchable database. Did you ever think that the way we cook today may have been through methods passed down by our Neanderthal ancestors? One study says YES! And finally, DNA is showing the stress our grandparents and great grandparents experienced during the Depression. Those born between 1929 and 1939 show evidence of their parents’ stress in their cells today. David explains. Next, Fisher begins his two part interview with Professor Jim Kimble of Seton Hall University in New Jersey. Jim spent five years analyzing the iconic “We Can Do It!” World War 2 poster, whose flexing factory working woman has traditionally been called “Rosie the Riveter.” Jim will tell you two things about the poster, that we all thought we knew, that are wrong! Then hear how Jim was able, after incredible effort, to identify the woman whose face we all know, and disprove the identity of another woman who was long believed to have been the model. David then returns for Ask Us Anything, answering your questions. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Have you become reliant on online sites for your key records? If so, you’re missing out on the thrill of the hunt the old-fashioned way!

Who deserves to have their history recorded more than our veterans? Fisher shares some great places for finding military records and often the stories that can be uncovered through them.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin with news about DNA expert and friend-of-the-show, Diahan Southard, who has landed a hosting role on a new PBS series on DNA and secrets! Fisher and David then talk about some fun recent finds before moving on to “Family Histoire News.” First up… America’s oldest person just celebrated another birthday with her 90-YEAR-OLD daughter on hand! Hear all about it. Then, archaeologists have uncovered the remains of 14 combatants from a Revolutionary battle site in South Carolina. David has more details. Then, AI is now pairing living people who were part of the Holocaust with historic photos they didn’t know existed. And finally, a new database has been created of Japanese-Americans held in camps during World War II. It is remarkable how many names are in it! The guys will tell you. Then, Fisher visits with author Phyllis Biffle Elmore. Her new book is called “Quilt of Souls: A Memoir.” Phyllis talks about the quilts her older family members taught her to make, and their significance during the time of slavery. It’s a fascinating story of tradition, culture, creativity, and intrigue! Next, Fisher talks with a Slovakian native who made her own escape… to Canada…in the days of Communism, as well as her daughter. Both are featured on (sponsor) BYUtv’s How I Got Here. Hear all they have to say about their remarkable experience. David then returns for more of Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Adoptees in particular, but many others as well, are looking for answers. If your skilled in the DNA world, you might want to consider helping these folks as a “search angel.”

Want to find rare family photos, family Bibles, and who knows what else? Fisher suggests that you try tracing forward!

At this time of year we’re thinking Thanksgiving and the early colonial ancestors, so we’ve chosen this classic rewind from 2019, which features guest Robert Charles Anderson of the Great Migration Project. Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin their “Family Histoire News” with the story of a family that has been in the same unique business for 400 years! Hear what they make and how many generations this covers. Then, it’s DNA again that reveals some unexpected ancestry in an entire people in Latin America. The guys will tell you what has been confirmed. Germany is now sharing more and more records from that country’s most shameful times… World War II and the Holocaust. One family has taken advantage of these records to learn many of the specifics of their family members’ final days. Then, David talks about an Irish woman who found a 19th century photo album on eBay. As a passionate researcher of such pieces, even she was shocked to learn who was portrayed in it. David’s Blogger Spotlight this week shines on MissingRoots.com, managed by Michael Lee Stills. Michael has been tackling Amy Johnson Crowe’s “52 Ancestors In 52 Weeks Challenge.” Next, Fisher visits with Robert Charles Anderson, the man behind thirty years of the “Great Migration” Project.  In two parts, Robert talks to Fisher about the Project as well as his new book, Puritan Pedigrees: The Deep Roots of the Great Migration to New England. The book explains why so many of America’s New England ancestors took the risky voyage across the ocean to settle here. Then, Tom Perry is back with a great suggestion for a family history Valentines Day gift. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Believe it or not, Fisher HATED history as a kid. How he came to love it can work for your child or grandchild, too.

Fisher shares a simple strategy for growing your ancestral photo archive.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David begins with the touching story of a 90-year-old woman whose service recalls her Jewish schoolmates who died in the Holocaust. Hear what she’s doing. Then, a man who was raised in Australia has learned that shocking truth about his origins. Hear how he sadly just missed coming to know his birth mother who sought him out throughout her life. Next… ever hear of a “link boy?” Neither had David or Fisher. They’ll fill you in on who they were and what they did. Not many people would admit this, but King Charles III has… he shares blood with an ancestor known for liking blood. Who hear it is. Then find out about how DNA is helping trace the ancient migration of South Americans. In Segment 2, Daphne Geanacopoulos has a fascination with pirates and their families. In this episode she talks with Fisher about her new book on Sarah Kidd, the wife of Capt. William Kidd.   Next, Fisher visits with Michelle Chubenko from sponsors Legacy Tree Genealogists about Native American History Month. Michelle has some Cherokee background and is well versed on researching Native American ancestry and the requirements of citizenship in various tribes. Then, David returns for another round of “Ask Us Anything.” That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Continuing his conversation on family photo archives, Fisher gives a quick overview on what you have to do to keep them safe.

OK, you’re the one in your family with all the family pictures. Now what? The first thing you have to do has nothing to do with technology.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. Family Histoire News begins with a fab news concerning one of the Fab Four… Ringo Starr. Hear how the remarriage of a great grandmother likely changed pop history! Then, over 100 people are each inheriting $60,000 from a man they never met and likely never even heard of. Catch the story. Next, a Canadian woman who lost her Swedish-born mother decades ago is reconnecting with her through a stash of her mother’s letters shared with her by a relative in Sweden. Now, the daughter is learning Swedish! In Scandinavia, some more Viking graves have been found… but two of them are remarkable for what was found with them. Finally, hear why the “Black Death” may be causing you health problems today! In Segment 2, Fisher talks with Scott Norrick of Chicago. Scott’s research has led him to a New England ancestor suspected of playing a key role in British history, but his altered identity still presents challenges. Then, hear Long Island, NY resident Andrew Malekoff talk about what he learned about his father and his activities as a teenager in the 1930s. It was an eyebrow raiser for Andrew and it will be for you too! David then returns for two more of your questions on Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Fisher talks about the “luck” he has enjoyed through the years in genealogy, and how it really isn’t as much by chance as you would think.

Fisher explains what lineage societies are and why you might want to join one.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. Fisher talks with David about David’s recent honor, and his bizarre trek across a bridge. David opens Family Histoire News with another tale from our “lost and found” department. Then, who knew that recipes could be found on gravestones? One influencer found out and has been cooking up those recipes! If you think slavery wasn’t that long ago, consider the next story. A SON of a slave who had him late in life has died in his 90s. He remembered his father talking about life on the plantation pre-emancipation. David then has the story of a girl happily raised by kidnappers. She has now reconnected with her birth family. Finally, a gentleman who was the subject of a movie for his role in the theft of an iconic piece of royal history has died. David tells the tale. Next, Fisher catches up with Nathan Dylan Goodwin, the well known London Based genealogical mystery crime novelist. Nathan’s latest effort, The Sawtooth Slayer is out. (And Fisher actually makes a fictitious appearance in it!) Nathan talks about the book, how he does what he does, and how you can get his latest thriller. Then, Nathan talks about plans he’s made with YourDNAGuide, Diahan Southard, for the night before the opening of RootsTech, on March 1, 2023 in Salt Lake City. They’ll be putting on a Murder Mystery event! Nathan shares where you can sign up. Then, BYUtv Producer Erik Christensen joins the show to talk about BYUtv’s latest effort, sure to be a hit with family historians. It’s called “How I Got Here,” which features family pairs, father or mother and son or daughter, who travel to the parent’s homeland and learn about life before emigration. David then returns for two questions on Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

As more and more secrets are exposed by DNA tests, are we prepared to discover that our ancestors were simply human?

Fisher explains the significance of “gateway ancestors” and how you can find out if you have any on your family tree.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. First up in Family Histoire News is the story of how genealogy is now a major part of plans for Russians to escape Putin’s military draft. Find out why and what the citizens are looking for. Then… an English Castle in Texas? It sure looks like it! And a couple there has bought it with intensions to restore it. Catch the details. Next, an old mine shaft has coughed up a pair of 1880s era Levi jeans! Hear what they’ve been valued at. Connecticut is now following the path of Massachusetts in seeking to exonerate 17th century accused witches. Find out how you can be part of the effort. Finally, David has another “spooky season” story! Next, Fisher visits with Kristine Bartley of Des Moines, Iowa. Kristine’s initial project of getting grave stones for numerous 19th century babies buried at Woodland Cemetery has branched out, and now Woodland has gone high tech! Find out what Kristine has done and what might be done at a cemetery near you. Crista Cowan from sponsor Ancestry.com then talks with Fisher about their new DNA Beta program, which allows you to categorize your DNA matches by paternal and maternal lines, without having to test your parents. Crista talks about the science behind it, what may come next, and why you might not see this amazing new feature quite yet. David then returns for another two rounds of Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

With all the scams happening in the world today, it’s not always so easy to connect with a “new” cousin. Fisher has some thoughts.

New techniques are revealing the good and the bad in our DNA test results. Are you prepared for the unexpected?

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with guest host David Allen Lambert of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin Family Histoire News with info on a new BETA feature over at Ancestry DNA that allows you to separate your matches by paternal and maternal sides. And you don’t have to test your parents to determine which are which! Then David has good news for Irish adoptees. Next, the man who cracked the genome of Neanderthals for medical research has received the Nobel Prize for medicine. Find out more about it. In Canada, police in Edmonton have controversially released a suspect photo, created by that suspect’s own DNA! They are catching a lot of flack for it. In Spooky Season news, Dan Aykroyd has shared that it was his own grandfather’s interest in the paranormal that led to Ghostbusters! The guys have more details. Then, in two segments, Fisher visits with Photo Detective Maureen Taylor talking about the potential life span of digitized photos, and how to ensure the longevity of your photo files. Then, Maureen shares the history of 19th century post-mortem photos as well as the fake ghost pictures that rocked the world in those times. David then returns for a couple more questions on Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

There are bucket lists and then there are genealogy bucket lists. Are you prioritizing what you want to get done before joining the land of the researched?

Ireland will be adding a time capsule feature to their 2021 census, to be revealed in 100 years. Sounds like a great idea… but do we really need it?

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin Family Histoire News with the story of an only child who has grown up to be not so lonely. You’ll want to hear this one! Then, the bodies being found at the receding Lake Mead are being identified… in some cases, with your help. David has details. Then hear about the ship that tried to help the Titanic, but ran into a major problem itself just a few years later. Next, just like we all do, a man received a strange email he thought must be a scam. As it turns out, it changed his life and his identity. Dave explains. Have you heard about the college student who found a fascinating bit of history at a flea market… and has cashed in? You’ll be jealous. David then tells us about a new overseas discovery as old as the pyramids! And finally, our Spooky Season ditty for this week. Next, Fisher visits with Kevin Desmond. He’s an ordinary person with an extraordinary find. It started with a story of a club that his late Dad belonged to and told him about. That story has taken Kevin deep down the rabbit hole and is now being developed into a book. Find out how each new detail has led to another. Then, Jessica Taylor, Founder and President of our sponsors at Legacy Tree Genealogists, talks about Family History Month and shares thoughts with Fisher on how you can hook your kids and grandkids into the stories of their distant past. David then returns for questions about Eagle Scout Projects in history and about the witch prosecutions and executions in Salem and beyond. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Fisher explains that sometimes you have to pioneer your own discovery technique to mine the most out of records you find.

Was your ancestor a homesteader? If so, you may have record treasures waiting for you.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist for the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David begins with an antique horror story involving a batch of 19th century photographs he bought in Maine. Wait til you hear what the seller did with them! Fisher then describes the rabbit hole he went down this past week that led to some unexpected discoveries. David then reveals a new site that may be a goldmine for genealogists… Case.law/search. This site gives them names of people found in thousands of court records going back centuries. Have fun with it! He next talks about the late Queen Elizabeth II’s known family line and how far back it goes. Finally, the guys share a story for the “spooky month” about a popular 19th century doll…”Frozen Charlotte.” In segments two and three, Fisher visits with another NEHGS genealogist, Chris Child. With the recent loss of Queen Elizabeth II, the guys talk about researching royal ancestors, as well as gateway ancestors, those early arrivals to America with known and proven royal lines. Should you have one on your tree, you’ll know your line extends back a long way! David then returns for a pair of questions on Ask Us Anything, one concerning improving photos, and the other on researching and developing a very basic fact about an ancestor. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Fisher explains that not all stories are spelled out for you. They often assemble themselves through records you collect over time.

Some newbies to genealogy aren’t so sure about the pace of this pursuit. Fisher has some advice for them.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society. The guys first talk about Fisher’s exploration of the backwoods neighborhood he grew up in and how it was in 1867! David then tells Fisher about house that’s being sold for the first time in centuries! Hear when the last time was this American home was for sale. Next, an ancient writing system has been cracked. Hear when it was in use and where. Captain Cook’s alleged ship, resting in the ocean off Rhode Island, is being destroyed. Find out what is happening. “The USA and the Holocaust” by Ken Burns is making noise on PBS. David shares his thoughts on the show. Finally, New York has passed a law requiring art galleries to post a sign revealing a specific origin. David tells you what that origin was. Next, Fisher visits with longtime friend Dan Debenham, host of BYU-TV's Relative Race. The show is beginning its tenth season. Dan talks about the current season and then explains his heart wrenching diagnosis. Then, Sons of the American Revolution (S.A.R) Librarian, Cheri Daniels, comes on the show to talk about the research assets available to all (not just S.A.R. members!), including 55,000 volumes of genealogies, family histories, and location histories. David then rejoins the show for Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Most families have stories about loved ones that aren’t particularly flattering. But should you share it in a history?

Sure, maybe you don’t want to tell everything, but if you don’t write your own story who will? And how will they tell it?

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys first acknowledge the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, certainly a most distant cousin to many Americans with British ancestry. David then shares several macabre stories. Hear about the 17 ancient bodies found in an 800-year-old well in England and what has now been learned about them. Then, who knew that ice cream in the 19th century could kill you? David explains why. Next, a construction project in Maine has revealed another occupied leftover coffin from a cemetery that was moved in the 1930s. David has more on this. Another killed-in-action sailor from Pearl Harbor has been identified and buried at Arlington Cemetery. (Thank you DNA!) Then, catch the story of the 375-year-old shipwreck in a river in Germany… found with its cargo intact! Fisher then visits with Jane Blasio, author of the book “Taken At Birth,” her own story. Jane learned at age six that she was actually purchased from a doctor by her adoptive parents. Later she discovered that the doctor likely told her birth mother that she had died. Jane shares her many years journey to learn the truth. Then, Sarah Gutmann of sponsor Legacy Tree Genealogists returns to talk about some amazing new documents and databases that are available out of Italy. David then rejoins Fisher for a couple of listener questions on Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

The genealogy world calls it “serendipity.” You might just call it “weird!”

We all love finding new dates and places, but digging up a new story is a much greater accomplishment.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin talking about the coming International Conference on Jewish Genealogy. (Want to speak there in Philly next August? Their Call for Proposals is open through November 19!) David then shares the story about how the grandson of a couple who were lost in the Holocaust recently was presented with an important item that once belonged to his grandparents. Next, David talks about an important new database released by the New England Historic Genealogical Society. Might your ancestors names be in it?  The British Library has just released a remarkable collection of almost 18,000 maps tied to King George III! Black history Marine biologists have been recovering artifacts from 19th century slave ships and airplanes flown by the Tuskegee Airmen. Hear more about their project. Next, Fisher visits with Dr. Scott Woodward for two segments talking DNA and Neanderthals and how that may affect our response to Covid 19. Then David Lambert returns for Ask Us Anything, as we take your questions. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Community celebrations such as the 4th of July is a great time to share family history with your kids.

Lots of kids find no joy in learning history. But when family is tied into it, things can change!

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin Family Histoire News with the story of the National Archives release of a remarkable database… Confederate Slave Payrolls. David explains the significance. Then, a new dig is underway at the Outer Banks to learn more about the 1585 settlement at Roanoke… the Lost Colony. In Utah, a young woman who found her birth father through DNA a few years ago had a remarkable wedding. Find out what made it so special for her and her two Dads. Did you ever know that a tombstone could be used to make fudge? Apparently so! David shares this bizarre story. Finally, there’s been another remarkable find that was totally unexpected. It involves an ocean cleanup by some divers off the coast of Spain. Wait til you hear what they came upon! In the next segment, Fisher chats with Massachusetts resident Robin LaCroix. Several years ago, Robin interviewed her mother and aunts for family stories. What she learned has led her to a true hometown adventure following in the footsteps of her very friendly grandfather! Then, Steve Gruber of Elkhart, Indiana talks about the mysterious lockbox that once belonged to his grandfather. Discovered under the floor at his grandfather’s one time place of business, its contents has led Steve to research and create a remarkable documentary on his family’s efforts to rescue Jews who were under the control of the Nazis. David then returns for Ask Us Anything, answering questions on military ranks that no longer exist and state censuses in New York and New Jersey. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

When starting your genealogical journey, it’s tough to skip a link in the chain. You have to begin with what you know.

If you haven’t at digitized newspapers in a while you might be missing out on some “new” old material!

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. Fisher begins the conversation revealing coming changes to the Extreme Genes website and some coming new video courses. Fisher then talks about researching Civil War figures he’s reading about to see who he and his wife Julie might be related to. In the process he learned a remarkable thing about Lincoln assassin John Wilkes Booth. Wait until you hear this! Then David talks about a fascinating story about how people kept cool back in the 19th century. (They were pretty creative back then!) Next, Fisher visits with author Lori Erickson. Lori discovered family history research after losing several family members and describes her journey in her new book “Soul of the Family Tree: Ancestors, Stories, and the Spirits We Inherit.” Then, Professor Christopher Magra of the University of Tennessee talks about British “Press Gangs” and how their virtual kidnapping of young men to man their Navy contributed to the breakout of the Revolutionary War. David then returns for two questions on “Ask Us Anything.” That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Family history information can come in many forms, and some of them may be surprising!

Modern on-line family research tends to deter us from reaching out to our relatives, but it’s still as good an idea today as it was years ago.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin with Fisher’s recent experience that CANNOT be explained! Catch what happened. Then, David shares good news for adoptees in Connecticut. Then, in neighboring Rhode Island a host of new records have been shared online by the state. Hear what you can now find! Who knew that there was still more to explore and excavate at Plymouth Colony. Find out about the latest dig. An underwater explorer has done great work in bringing closure to families who lost loved ones in World War 2 in several sunken submarines. Hear what he has done. Finally, a Massachusetts man has quite a new chapter in his personal history. He was literally swallowed by a whale and lived to tell about it! Next, Fisher visits with Father Columba Stewart, a Benedictine monk who has traveled the world on a mission to preserve the historic writings of mankind in places subject to war and natural disasters. Wait til you hear some of the things he has endured in his quest! Then, Jacqueline Tritsche from our sponsors at Legacy Tree Genealogists talks about forensic genealogy, working to connect estates with descendants. At the back end, David returns for Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Let’s face it, a Wiki model tree has many benefits. But when someone “corrects” your entries and improperly merges individuals, the tangled mess can be tough to straighten out. Here’s where to go and what to do.

There are various types of DNA tests, but the Y-DNA test serves one particular purpose. Here’s why you might want to “Y.”

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. Fisher begins with a shout out to the project team at WikiTree on the WikiTree Challenge they just completed on Fisher’s tree. He’ll explain. Then, Fisher talks about posting his discovery concerning the roots of a woman given up for adoption from a Utah maternity house in 1907. Hear about the adoptive family’s reaction.  David then tells about an accidental discovery in Egypt as well as a great new database on FamilySearch.org concerning a certain record set in Australia. Also, David tells of a recent burial of a man killed almost 80 years ago at Pearl Harbor. Then, how does an Italian Instagram influencer get to be a princess? Catch the details! Fisher then visits with Leora Krygier of Los Angeles. Leora discovered a simple postcard from World War 2 at an antique store. And its content took her on an adventure around the world! Paul Woodbury of sponsor Legacy Tree Genealogists visits next to talk about the Centimorgan Estimator Tool on DNA Painter. It’s a little advanced, but still fascinating for the average genetic genealogist. Then Fisher and David team up again for Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

It’s a great thing to find an old book with loads of information. But just how trustworthy are these “sources?”

Public on line trees can reveal great information. They can also lure you into a trap.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David shares a story he just learned that shows how close he came to never existing! Then the guys open up Family Histoire News with the story of an adopted woman whose DNA results led her to the identity of her biological father. The question is… will she find him first or will the FBI? Hear the details of this one! Then, we have a new “Oldest Person in America!” Find out who she is and how old. Next, it’s a lost and found for Viking remains. One museum had them, then lost them, and now they’re found again. Find out the details. The guys then talk about a cemetery for free persons of color that has been acquired in Richmond. Catch the rest of the story. Finally… the story of the alphabet may now be complete. Hear how the final piece of the puzzle may have been found. Next, Fisher begins a two part visit with Nick DeVaux of St. Lucia. Nick’s father was a World War 2 pilot for England and left his son his pilot’s log book. A few years back, Nick had an idea to use that book to collect history by having history makers from the war sign the wartime heirloom. Hear the story of how it began, what he will ultimately do with the book, and some of the stories of the people who have signed it. David then returns for questions about researching ancestral businesses and why some ancestors don’t appear in immigrant passenger lists. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

It happens all the time. One record says one thing, and another says something else. Here’s how to sort things out.

We all love to show off family photos and documents, but it puts them at risk. Here’s a better way.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David begins by talking about a remarkable find he recently made in New Hampshire, providing amazing details about his ancestors who were from there. The guys then speak about a frightening story that talks about how enemy states could turn your raw DNA results to custom make poison with which to target your family. Then, National Geographic has a great story about how we went from being hunters and gatherers to monument builders. The New Yorker has a great story about “The Secret Art of Family Photos.” And, some Medal of Honor winners of the past may be losing their high honors. Find out why. Next, in two parts, Fisher visits with Adrienne Abiodun, a DNA specialist with sponsor Legacy Tree Genealogists. Adrienne recently returned from a family history vacation to Nigeria, as the father of her two children is Nigerian. But before leaving, Adrienne learned of a Nigerian connection in her own line. This led to an incredible experience in Africa with a DNA kit. Then, Adrienne talks about DNA testing and lineage societies… where they stand today. David then returns for two more questions on Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Tracking down keepsakes of ancestors isn’t always easy. But sometimes there are mementoes just below your feet!

Yes, we’re all future dead people. Doesn’t it make sense to make plans for what will happen to your family heirlooms?

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. This week, the show begins its 10th year! Thanks so much to all of you who have made this possible! David begins by sharing what he learned about a cemetery he was about to explore. Then, in Family Histoire News, David reveals a new NEHGS database from the War of 1812. It could be a game changer for researchers! Next, a 19 year old has assembled a massive collection of World War II material including uniforms, ephemera, metals, and other treasures. Where is this museum? In his basement! David will tell you more. Connecticut witches are now getting attention after exoneration of witches in other states. Hear about this spellbinding project. Did you know that sliced bread was once illegal? (Honest!) David explains why, when, and where. Next, Fisher visits with Sarah Dery, Head Researcher at NEHGS and AmericanAncestors. Sarah took on a passion project to better educate herself on African American research. Hoping to simply write a blog about the ancestors of new Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, her findings have blown up! Hear all about it from Sarah. In Segment 3, Fisher visits with Terri O’Connell, a Chicago woman, who has long known about a kidnapping that took place in her family in the late 19th century. Wouldn’t you know that with DNA… what happened to that kidnapped child is now an open book! David then returns for another couple of questions on Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

It’s true… DNA testing can be confusing. Here’s what you should consider in choosing a good match in a DNA testing company.

Sometimes it’s tough to know what to do with photographs where you don’t know who the subject is. Fisher shares some thoughts that might help.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with guest host David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org.  Fisher and David talk about Fisher’s recent use of two New York City databases, one of which neither had ever heard of before. David then explains how it was discovered that in the Declaration of Independence, technology revealed how Thomas Jefferson changed the word “Subjects” to “Citizens.” Next, hear about the discovery of a secret cave in Pennsylvania with remarkable ties back to the Revolution. Also, the last of the “Band of Brothers” has died. David has details. Next, Fisher visits with Paul Woodbury, lead DNA specialist for sponsor Legacy Tree Genealogists. Paul shares his “tips and tricks for DNA matches.” If you struggle to know who a key match is, who, perhaps, doesn’t share a family tree, you’ll want to hear this. Then, Bill Griffeth, well known retired TV financial reporter returns to the show. Bill learned ten years ago that his father was not his birth father. The shocking find let to his book “Stranger in My Genes.” Bill has now followed that up with a new book… “Strangers No More.” Hear how Bill’s journey has gone since that shocking day in 2012. Then, David returns for more of Ask Us Anything, answering your questions. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Fisher shares a key clue in many photographs that many people overlook. But it might be all you need to help you identify the subject of the photo.

Who knows the old folks in your pictures, as well as their stories, better than old folks?!  Fisher talks about how to maximize your visits to senior relatives.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with guest host David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David begins by talking about his newly found link to an accused witch of the late 1600s. Then, a top secret map used in the invasion of Normandy in World War 2 has been made public after a family donates it. Hear the story behind this remarkable document. Speaking of WW2, we have just lost our last Medal of Honor winner from the war. David has details. Then, Roman ruins have remarkably been unearthed in two different countries. Hear all about it. Next, in two parts, Fisher visits with Jonathan Hill, a Civil War researcher from NEHGS. Jonathan came upon a published story from the War Between the States that so captured his interest that he decided to make a documentary out of it. You’ll want to hear all about “The Compact.” David then returns for two rounds of Ask Us Anything, answering listener questions. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

There are definitely techniques for preserving paper documents and records that you can trust will extend the life of your important documents.

If you’ve ever wondered why you don’t get everything you think you should from a search of a digitized newspaper site, Fisher has some ideas that may open up a whole lot more.

Fisher opens this Classic Rewind from 2016 with Family Histoire News talking about the upcoming season of Genealogy Roadshow. He discloses which cities the Roadshow team will visit this year. He then talks about the amazing discovery of the remains of a Roman villa underneath a barn in England. Here how it was discovered and what is happening to the site now. Fisher then shares the sad tale of the 1838 sale of over 230 African slaves by Jesuit priests in Washington DC. Here why they were sold, and which well known university exists today because its debts were paid by the sale. Also hear about why major efforts are being made to find their descendants.   In segment two, Fisher visits with actor Sam Roukin who plays Captain John Graves Simcoe in the AMC series “TURN: Washington’s Spies.” Sam talks about his development of this despicable character, based on a real historic figure. Sam also talks about his immersion in the history of the Revolution.   In segment three, Fisher continues his conversation with Sam Roukin. Sam talks about what responsibility he feels to the real man and how he squares the character he portrays with the man who did some very good things after the Revolution. Sam also reveals that, despite being very British and portraying a brutal British officer in the Revolution, he is likely to do something in the not so distant future that will please many Americans.   Tom Perry then returns, the Preservation Authority, to talk about some special programs he is analyzing for personal use in editing video and digitized home movies. Some of the things these programs can do could only have been done in Hollywood just a few years ago!  

Marking pictures is essential for future generations, but using the right pens and markers will assure the identifications last without damaging your images.

Fisher talks about the risk of taking on line trees at face value and why copying isn’t researching.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with guest host David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David begins with a little history of Father’s Day, and how it started with the love of one woman for her dad. Dave then mentions meeting a man who actually saw Babe Ruth play when he was a boy. (Not many of those folks are around anymore!)  DNA is helping the military and what they’re learning about some of those WW2 guys whose remains were sent home is disturbing. Next, hear about two women who discovered that they were sisters… and then went into business together! Then, find out how a man lived some 70 years with non-stop hiccups! Fisher then, in two parts, visits with The DNA Detective, CeCe Moore. Recently, Netflix released a documentary about a fertility doctor in Indianapolis who has now been shown through DNA to have fathered 94 children! And there are likely many, many more. And this doctor is far from the only one. The documentary says 44 other doctors are known to have used their own samples in their practices, all revealed through commercial DNA testing kits. CeCe has a unique insight into this scandal as she has identified children of unscrupulous fertility doctors long before the problem became well known to the public. Hear why this practice is largely an action for which these men cannot be prosecuted, what DNA has revealed, CeCe’s theory as to why this is happening, and what needs to happen to stop it. Then, David returns to join Fisher for Ask Us Anything. The guys talk about coffin plates (what?!) and the challenges of talking to an aged relative about a child given up by her mother. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Lots of great records are not on line, and won’t be anytime soon. Fisher talks about a Catholic record type you might want to look for.

Fisher talks about school districts who created some unique records to help plan for buildings, teachers, and enrollment. Hear what’s on these censuses and where to find them.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. Military expert David reveals he never heard about the subject of his first story in Family Histoire News. We bet you haven’t either. Then, you might be surprised that “mullet” hair styles have an ancient history. David will explain. The guys then talk ancestral pocket watches. Next, here about an escape destination for escapees from slavery, largely in the 18th century. It’s in Florida, where excavation is facing a major complication. Finally, a news story out of Iraq provides a tourist warning. David explains. Fisher then visits with Crista Cowan from sponsor Ancestry. Crista reveals Ancestry’s newest databases. She then talks about a new movie called “A Dream Delivered- The Lost Letters of Hawkins Wilson.” The film is based on the real letters of the formerly enslaved man, Hawkins Wilson, who wrote to the Freedmen’s Bureau following the Civil War, hoping to reunite with his family. For him, it never happened. But 150 years later, his dream has come true for his descendants, and those of his siblings. Hear about it, then watch it! Next, Fisher talks “floral genealogy” with Barbara Holloway Smith, a horticulturalist with Clemson Extension in South Carolina. Barbara, a passionate genealogist, has tracked down plants… planted by her ancestors… and plants and maintains them in a garden of her own… some going back to her great great grandparents! David then returns for another round of Ask Us Anything, answering your questions. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Websites aside, it’s still a great idea to visit ancestral cemeteries. Fisher explains why and why Spring is the best time to do it.

Tips for Geneies Who Are New to DNA Websites

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin with another family history acquisition by David. Then, in Family Histoire News, catch the story of a 101-year-old World War 2 pilot who has just be reunited with his fighter plane! Then, the ladies of the 6-Triple 8 from WW2 are being recognized by Congress… there are five survivors! Ever hear of someone finding plants in the abandoned gardens of their ancestors and growing them in their own dirt? You have now! Hear the details. Historic Jamestown is getting some protection to keep it from being washed away. Find out what is happening and why. And finally, Ireland, 100 years after the disastrous fire of 1922, is bring some of those lost records back to the world. David explains. Fisher then visits with (sponsor) Legacy Tree Genealogists Founder and President Jessica Taylor. The research giant is now celebrating its 18th anniversary. Jessica talks about the early days of the company and how they managed actual papers, plus some meaningful experiences that have come from working with various clients. (Legacy Tree is also offering a special anniversary rate, now through June 21st.) Then, well known genealogist Sunny Morton joins Fisher talking her award winning book “How To Find Your Family History In US Church Records,” and how she used some of those records herself to learn about a special family tie. David then returns for another pair of listener questions on Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

What’s in an occupation?

Creating a Genealogy “Research Log”

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin with the story of how old Roman roads throughout Europe can now be digitally tracked through omnesviae.org. Dave has the story. Then, the last “witch” executed in the Salem Witch Trials has been officially exonerated. Hear who it is and why her status has been adjusted after over 300 years. Utah’s and Arizona’s Lake Powell is going through a challenging water level drop. But a historical benefit is being seen. Find out what it is. Oldest man? Oldest woman? Yes, we keep track of those, but Guinness has now named the world’s oldest dog! Dave will tell you how old this frisky pooch is, along with some other great stories. Next, in two parts, Fisher visits with Nadia Rupniak. Nadia never thought her late father accomplished much in his life, but as the result of discovering an old letter, she learned otherwise. Hear about the family history adventure she was launched into after going through her mother’s effects in England 14 years ago. David then returns for more of Ask Us Anything, answering your questions. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

When it’s time to hire a professional

Have you ever considered “going wide” instead of “going deep?”

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org.  Fisher shares a remarkable experience he had in the process of donating a book he wrote to the Family History Library in Salt Lake City. David starts Family Histoire News with the story of an incredible 2,000 year old find at an antique store. Hear the history of this remarkable object. Then the dog tag of an American soldier, found in a lake in England, has been returned to the family. Catch the details. Then, hear the story of a 98-year-old woman who has just met the 80-year-old daughter she gave up for adoption during World War II. Next, the oldest survivor of Pearl Harbor has just celebrated another birthday. Find out how old he is! Then, one woman is thought to be the oldest person to ever live. Catch how old she is thought to be! (Do you believe it? Fisher doesn’t!) Next Fisher visits with Dead Fred founder Joe Bott. Joe explains how the site works to reunite ancestral photos with descendants, how he started the site, and where that name came from! Then, Photo Detective Maureen Taylor talks to Fisher about new facial recognition sites for your photos. How do they work? What do they do? How much do they cost? Maureen explains. Then, David returns for two more listener questions on Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Are you taking full advantage DNA Test Results?

What is and what isn’t a genealogical “source?”

Originally aired in 2017 Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist for the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David is on the road in Louisville, Kentucky. The guys start by discussing Fisher’s bizarre find of an 1807 church record where all of his ancestors and their relatives seem to be marked with a cross! David then begins Family Histoire News with the story of a woman whose 122-year-old house is getting some very unique treatment from the government of St. Louis. Next, it’s the story of a 99-year-old Dutch woman who just checked something off her bucket list that most of us would never think of. Find out why. Then, a Santa Barbara couple planned their wedding and then learned something very unique… concerning them… about this ancient venue. Next, Fisher begins his two-part visit with Michael Henderson of Atlanta, Georgia. As an African-American Creole from New Orleans, Michael took an early interest in his family history, taking his lines back to numerous Revolutionary soldiers and branches to several Europeans countries. Wait til you hear about the two century old document concerning his ancestor he found and was able to hold. In the second segment with Michael Henderson, he talks about the experience of becoming Georgia’s first African-American member of the Sons of the American Revolution. It’s a terrific wrap up to Black History Month! Then, it’s Tom Perry from TMCPlace.com, back to talk preservation. Tom answers a question about what to do if you have pictures that are stuck together. Yes, they are salvageable! Hear what Tom has to say.

Google Search Tricks

Coats of Arms and Family Crests. What Are The Differences?

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. Fisher talks about discovering some never-before-seen pictures and David talks about an article on the subject. Then David shares one of his favorite YouTube channels for self-education about Irish research. A 6,000-year-old cemetery in Normandy has received a new analysis with a remarkable find. Hear what’s been learned. Then, it’s new technology that tells modern day researchers what ancient smells were present back at research sites in the day. David then talks about the size of ancestral brains. Wait til you hear what scientists have learned! Then David asks for birthday cards for a Pearl Harbor vet who turns 98 on June 2. Send them to Horace Hamilton, PO Box 1281 Caldwell, TX 77836. Next, Fisher visits with Crista Cowan from sponsor Ancestry. She’s got big news about the 1950 Census indexing project. It’s done! Find out how they did it so fast! Crista then shares news about the Ancestry DNA app and new available databases on Ancestry. Michelle Carroll of sponsor Legacy Tree Genealogists talks about her experiences learning about her Cherokee ancestry. That was, until a DNA test showed that her grandfather wasn’t her biological grandfather. Still, it didn’t steal her knowledge of Cherokee research. She shares some tips on how to tie into your Cherokee ancestors. David then returns for two more questions on Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Directories and Maps Can Sometimes Tell  Stories as Plainly as a Personal History

Journal keeping is a simple, old fashioned, and effective way to document your life’s adventures. And what a treasure it will be for your descendants.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin with the story of the find of a hidden basement in a West Coast house. Then, a jawbone found on a Lake Michigan beach some time ago has been identified through the DNA Doe Project. In Israel, a man has discovered that his house stands on a remarkable piece of history. The guys will explain. Guinness has declared a Brazilian man the record holder for working for the same company for the longest period. Hear how long he has worked for the same organization! Also, the new “oldest person in the world” has been named. Find out how old she is. And finally, a remarkable ring has been found in the waters of the Thames. David will tell you all about it. Next, Fisher visits with JoAnne Jessee… an ordinary person with an extraordinary find. JoAnne felt the urge to track down information on a great aunt that died young during the 1918 flu pandemic. Find out where it led her and the remarkable exchange coming up between two families. (Originally aired in 2021.) Fisher then visits with Ryan Rockwood from sponsor Legacy Tree Genealogists. Ryan talks about the remarkable family history record system the Japanese have had in place for some 150 years! David then returns for Ask Us Anything as he and Fisher take on questions about an old photo and wooden grave markers. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Want your kids to find history a little more interesting? Try sharing family stories about how your ancestors were connected to historic figures and events.

Over many years anyone, like Fisher, can accumulate quite an Ancestral Museum. But without proper planning, where it goes after you might be to the dump!

Fisher and David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org, open the show.  They anticipate reviewing Roots Tech, the largest family history conference in the world, that is taking place over the weekend in Salt Lake City, Utah.  David then talks about a remarkable discovery of remains under a bus station in Harlem, New York!  Just whose remains have been discovered and what is their history in New York?  David will tell you.  David then talks about another discovery in Yorkshire, England involving Roman gladiators.  He’ll share the incredible numbers and what has been learned from these recently found remains.  Black History Month is in full swing, too, and David shares a special database related to African-American ancestral information from NEHGS.  Fisher then fills in David on a unique app he found that allows any face to be placed over yours in photos or videos.  You can even put your ancestor’s face over yours and then tell that person’s story!  Hear what that app is.  David also shares news about an exciting new audio app coming from MyHeritage.com. Fisher then visits, for two segments, with Nancy Douglas, a handwriting analyst with WriteMeaning.com.  Nancy explains the various regions of handwriting and what they mean in learning about someone’s personality, and how she got started in this field.  In the second segment, Nancy then reveals information on several of Fisher’s ancestors based solely on their handwriting samples.  Then Tom Perry talks preservation, and how to know about the formats of your current media, and how you can convert them for long term preservation. It’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Many families have long running oral traditions. But just how accurate are they?

We all have family secrets. And if you’re concerned about how to handle those secrets in a history, Fisher has some thoughts.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. Fisher opens talking about a friend’s “beginners’ luck” in finding a 1933 photo of his Dad on eBay, his first time searching for family material there. The guys then talk about Ancestry DNA’s latest breakthrough, separating the ethnicity you have received from each individual parent. Sponsor Ancestry has also updated the most recently completed indexed states and territories from the 1950 census. David then talks about the insane price that a Revolutionary War medal recently fetched at auction. Then, a documentary about Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys is being filmed in Cape Cod. David will fill you in. Next, in two parts, Fisher visits with Scott Rayl, a volunteer for Stories Behind The Stars, an organization that seeks photos and stories on all 400,000 plus Americans killed in World War II. Scott recently tracked down a photo of a Nebraska man who is buried in a European cemetery, completing the collection from that state. He explains how he did it and other things he does for the organization. Then, David rejoins Fisher for Ask Us Anything, talking DNA matching and coats of arms. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Over 40 years before photography became a thing, a printing process paved the way for the publication of numerous images, some of which may help tell your family story.

Your old home movies may be a treasure trove of photographs you didn’t even know you had. Here’s how to get to them!

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David shares how he discovered a new cousin he didn’t know existed, and contacted her, with the help of the newly released 1950 US Census. He explains how it all worked out. Fisher then talks about the latest states and territories whose 1950 Census indexing has been completed and can be found on (sponsor) Ancestry. Fisher then talks about a great breakthrough by Ancestry in being able to separate ethnicity information to reveal the ethnicity you receive from each of your two parents. And it can be done without testing your parents! David then shares the touching news of a pair of Holocaust survivors, both 97 years old, who have been reunited eight decades after their nightmare. And finally… any idea who brought us all chewing gum? You won’t believe it! David explains. Next, over two parts, Fisher visits with Janet Hovorka of FamilyChartmasters.com. Janet talks about the many ways family stories can be told using artisticly laid out charts. And they’re not just limited to pedigrees anymore. Janet will tell you all that can so easily be accomplished now and how the business has changed over the last fifteen years, and some of the fascinating stories she has portrayed in her charts. David then returns for another pair of questions on Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Have you ever been told that you are a cousin one or more times removed? What that means is simpler than you may think.

Have you been hesitant to write your own history? Everyone has a story to tell! Don’t deprive your descendants of the lessons and events of your life.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin by talking about their own experiences with the newly released 1950 US Census. David then shares a bizarre story about a photo found in an old box that led to a century old story of murder! Then, DNA is again coming through showing the migration of Europeans invaders some 1,500 years ago. Plus, really large (ten feet tall!) stone jars have been found in a jungle! Hear what has been learned about them. Next, Fisher visits with Craig Foster of FamilySearch.org. In this segment (originally aired in 2016), Craig talks about little known courting and marriage traditions from the U.K. Little known AND unbelievable! Then, Crista Cowan from sponsor Ancestry.com comes on to update us on Ancestry’s efforts to index the 1950 US Census that was just released. Already three states are 100% finished! David then returns for a pair of questions on Ask Us Anything. One has to do with an old letter that revealed information about a whaling ancestor. The other writer may have found a birth father in the 1950 census and wants to know about connecting. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Are you considering writing an ancestral history, but feel their life story is “spotty?” Here is how historical context can help you fill in the gaps.

Most people have records, photos, or heirlooms in their homes. But other relatives almost certainly do as well. And often the things they have are different than what you’ve had passed down. Perhaps it’s time for an inventory of all the Family Archive “Branch Offices!”

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with guest host David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin the show talking about the recent release of the 1950 Census and how to use it in these days before the indexing is done. Then, David shares the origins of the UK’s passion for fish and chips. You might be surprised where the tradition came from. Next, a whaling ship, dating back almost 190 years, has been found. Catch the details. Work on Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris has resulted in a fascinating find. Hear what it is. Also, an ancient discovery in Israel is causing some talk… and perhaps a curse! David has details. And finally… it sounds like a joke… Why did the Vikings leave Greenland? Hear the conclusion after a recent study. Fisher then visits with Susan Guttman from sponsor Legacy Tree Genealogists. Susan helps people apply for dual citizenship in Italy and Ireland. She explains the advantages for qualified people, and the big disadvantage for another country. Susan talks about how to apply and what exactly makes you qualified. Next, it’s a classic segment from 2015 as Fisher visits with Leann Walker Young, daughter of the late Chicago Cubs coach “Rube” Walker. Leann explains how she searched for years to find a recording of the voice of her Dad, who passed when she was just three years old. It’s a great story! David then returns for two segments of Ask Us Anything as the guys talk about the Internet Archive and planning for family history road trips. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Imagine a library that stores billions of webpages from sites that no longer exist, and digitized texts of millions of books and other assets. It’s not in Greece, and it costs you nothing to visit.

There’s a time for collecting and a time for distributing. While you’re still here, it’s time you figure out how that’s going to happen. Fisher shares some thoughts on protecting your life’s family history work.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin with a countdown to the release of the 1950 census on April 1. Then, it’s a marvelous find for a family who lost a pilot uncle in World War II. Hear what was found and what has come home to the family. The guys will then tell you about another World War II unit that is receiving a Congressional Gold Medal. Dorchester Heights in Boston is the site of a statue commemorating Washington’s troops’ success in forcing the British out of town in 1776. David will tell you about it, and “Evacuation Day,” recently celebrated. The guys wrap up with an incredible letter written by a formerly enslaved man to his long time enslaver. You will love it! Next, Fisher visits with Joshua Taylor, President of the New York Genealogical and Biographical Society in New York. In the first segment, the guys talk about the recent release of millions of images of vital records… birth, death, and marriage records… for free on the “DORIS” website. In a second segment, Fisher and Josh discuss other new assets coming online in New York research covering both city and state. David then returns for Ask Us Anything, as the guys answer your family history research questions. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Genealogy and family history, believe it or not, are actually defined very differently. Hear why the two terms are not the same.

Wondering why you can’t always find articles you believe should be there in a digitized newspaper? Here are some tricks for squeezing it all out of digitized newspapers!

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin by talking about the recent article in the Financial Times of London (subscription required) in which Fisher is quoted talking about the coming release of the 1950 US Census. Others from the genealogical community were also interviewed for the piece. Then, David talks about a Minnesota woman who recently won a Swedish reality show. You’ll love the prize she won! David then talks about a remarkable article just out on human life expectancy and how much it has changed. (Imagine a time when there were NO grandparents!) Then, explorer Ernest Shackleton’s legendary ship, Endurance, has been found! Catch the details. Next… it’s another week with another find behind a wall! And of course that was just the beginning of the story. And finally, Fisher shares great news for New York City researchers. The Department of Records & Information Services has just released a free database of over nine million digitized images of original birth, death and marriage records covering up to 1949. There are still four million to go and the search engine needs some work, but it’s up and running! Next, Fisher visits, over two segments, with Diahan Southard, Your DNA Guide, who tackles the question “Is DNA just another tool?” You may already know the answer, but many others don’t. Diahan will explain, and will talk about the strategies to help you use DNA to break through your brick walls. David then returns for a pair of questions on Ask Us Anything. The first has to do with the heir to a hoarder! The second talks about the find of an ancestor on a passenger list and what those names around his ancestor’s may do for further research. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

If you’ve ever dug into Swedish ancestry, you know the issue. Tons of people have the same name and live in the same places. Well, Swedish Church records can at least help a little in sorting out which Hans Olsen might be yours. Fisher explains.

Two key census record sets were destroyed in Ireland in 1922, but some of that information was preserved in another way. Fisher explains why your ancestors’ data from those census records may still be available.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. Fisher opens Family Histoire News with news of what Americans consider the most annoying accent in America. (David will not like this!) Then, David talks about the solving of some really old cold cases… from 1947 and 1964, one of them by a 20 year old genealogist! He also talks about how science has given us the face of a woman who lived 4,000 years ago! Then, a Grand Army of the Republic Museum in Philadelphia found a creative way to keep the doors open. Hear what they did. Then, if you have Royal lines, you may very well have a Ukrainian ancestor. David explains. Fisher then visits with a product manager from FamilySearch International, Ian James, who explains their new volunteer program, “Get Involved.” With new artificial intelligence, FamilySearch can create indexes for handwritten records faster than ever before. But those results need to be double checked. Ian will tell you how you can help. Then, CeCe Moore, the DNA Detective, is back. People are now beginning to recognize that CeCe has solved more cold cases than anyone in history… and the math makes sense. Hear what CeCe has to say about it, and how many cases she and her team have cracked in just four years! David then returns for Ask Us Anything, answering your questions. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Within the United States, it was not uncommon for churches to give a “letter of transfer” to a member of their congregation who is moving to a new location. But sometimes they came with immigrants from across the ocean. What can this mean to you? Fisher explains.

Obituaries often reveal connections to the Free Masons. If you have an ancestor that belonged to this organization, his membership application may provide great information on him. Fisher has more.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historical Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys open with talk about RootsTech, which opened Thursday March 3, and ends Saturday March 5 (although the videos of the courses continue on for a year, accessible for free!). David has recorded three different courses for the virtual conference. Then, David shares a story about the discovery of a dozen Revolutionary War cannons found in a river in Georgia. Catch the details. Speaking of multiples, the guys then talk about a pair of identical twin women who married a pair of identical twin men. The boys born to these couples just a few months apart look like siblings. There’s a reason for that… the guys explain. Then Fisher shares his latest find… a video on YouTube from 1969 of a television show he attended with his mother and brother. It’s hard to believe what Fisher noticed in this 52 year old recording. Fisher next visits with author Peter Boni who has written a book called “Uprooted.” When Peter’s mother was hospitalized back in the 1990s, she confessed something to Peter that not only changed his identity, but changed the course of his life, which he has shared in the book. Then, Crista Cowan from sponsor Ancestry joins the show to share the announcements from the company made at RootsTech. They will change how we tell stories and digitize photo albums. Hear the exciting news she has to share. Then, David and Fisher field questions from listeners on pressed plants in family Bibles and a boxer in one man’s ancestry. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Slave research is hard enough, and this little nugget, unfortunately, might make it harder. Not all slave names come from the most recent slaveholder. Fisher shares some other possibilities.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. Fisher begins by talking about his recent visit to Las Vegas to see the display of recovered Titanic artifacts at the Luxor Hotel. He also just found an English ancestor who was shipped to America for crimes in 1673. David talks about upcoming lectures at RootsTech and the Indiana Historical Society. In Family Histoire News, David shares a 1922 prediction about what life would be like in 2022. You won’t believe how dead on it was! Then, a Washington Post article is asking “if you could go back in time, when would you like to live?” Next, a genetic marker has been identified that can indicate descent from the Bruce family of Scotland. In segments 2 and 3, Fisher plays back an interview from December of 2014 with Col. Gail Halvorsen. Col. Halversen, better known as the “Berlin Candy Bomber,” passed away on February 16, at age 101. In this two part visit, Col. Halversen explains how the whole effort to share candy from the air with German children began. Then, David returns for Ask Us Anything. The guys tackle questions on the upcoming 1950 census and letters from soldiers in Civil War units. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David begins by talking about a 1954 letterman’s jacket that is now back with the family of the original owner. He has also joined a new lineage society. Fisher has made a new discovery about his ancestors’ schooling in New York City in the 1840s. In Family Histoire News, David talks about how we got the “72 year rule” on census releases. The answer might surprise you. Then, something as old as Stonehenge has been dug up in England. Hear all about it! Then, it was quite the day when Amelia Earhart lost her leather headgear in the 1920s. And it’s going to be quite a day for the family that got it as it is now up for auction. Catch the latest price on it! Next, Fisher visits with sponsor Legacy Tree Genealogists  CEO and founder, Jessica Dailey Taylor. They are joined by Geoff Gentilini, President of the Archival Researchers Association. They talk about Jessica’s efforts to make some noise about reopening the National Archives Research Rooms that have now been closed for two years, and how you can help! Veterans seeking military records for benefits, families seeking information to identify birth parents, genealogists, film makers, and historians are all struggling to do what they need to do without access. Hear what you can do to help! In Segment 3, Crista Cowan from sponsor Ancestry.com talks with Fisher about their new handwriting recognition technology that will be indexing the 1950 US Census when it is released on April 1. Volunteers working with partner FamilySearch.org will then review the results and make corrections. Crista will add more to how this remarkable project will work. She then fills us in on newly released databases on Ancestry, and an exciting new source out of England that will provide images of people and places dating back to 1547. David then returns for another round of Ask Us Anything answering your questions, including one on a tattered scrapbook and an unexpected DNA test result. That’s all this week on ExtremeGenes, America’s Family History Show!

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys talk about Fisher’s recent effort to digitally restore some tattered family Bible pages and the result was astonishing. Then, FamilySearch has announced plans to work with Ancestry.com in the indexing of the 1950 Census when it comes out on April 1. And the big news is that Ancestry will be using special handwriting reading computer technology! Then World War II’s American “Ghost Army” is to receive the Congressional Gold Medal for their service that is said to have saved 30,000 American lives. Hear their story. Next, the oldest pub in Great Britain is shutting its doors due to Covid. It only goes back 1,229 years! David shares the details. In segment two, Fisher talks with Sunny Morton, long time contributing editor at Family Tree Magazine, about her new book “Story of My Life- A Workbook For Preserving Your Legacy.” Sunny shares some great tips and thoughts on how to go about writing your own history, including how to deal with those “messy” stories. Andrew Parker, Director of Marketing for RootsTech, then joins the show talking about the upcoming mega-conference that last year attracted over a million participants from around the world. It’s all free, and Andrew will tell you what you can look forward to. Then, David returns for Ask Us Anything as he and Fisher tackle questions on an old pair of pilot’s lapel “wings,” and lighthouse keepers. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin by talking about a remarkable string of luck in their own research. Hear how Fisher discovered his late father-in-law’s unique place in the historical record. David kicks off Family Histoire News with a story about how modern genomics is rewriting history. Then, law enforcement in Tennessee is seeking public financial support to solve a four decade old cold case. Fisher notes that in Idaho, a grant has been awarded to a law enforcement agency there to cover DNA analysis on a cold case. He also points to a group of wealthy businessmen in Utah called the “Honorary Colonels” who financially support law enforcement in such matters. David then shares the story of Daniel Smith. He’s one of America’s last living children of a slave! Then, a man in eastern Europe has stumbled upon a 3,000 year old sword. Next, Fisher shares one of his favorite “visits from the vault.” Actor, singer, and renowned genealogist Hank Jones talks about his collection of stories of strange things that have happened when doing genealogy and family history work. Then, Fort Worth genie Sharon Manson discusses her journey that helped her learn why her parents would tell her never to ask about her paternal grandmother! Finally, David returns for Ask Us Anything, discussing Revolutionary soldier lineage societies (there are more than you think) and Canadian emigration to the United States. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David begins with an interesting find he just made concerning the property his family has lived on for generations. It came from a census substitute from 1871. He’ll explain. Fisher then talks about a recently acquired century old photo of his uncle and a boyhood friend, and the crazy story that goes along with it! Then, how did birth certificates come to be? David will explain. A 4,000 year old board game has been unearthed… sadly, without directions. David has the particulars. Maureen Taylor, the Photo Detective, hops on with Fisher to talk about how to help your photos survive those 1970s era “sticky” photo albums. Fisher has already suffered a loss to one of these monstrosities. Catch Maureen’s tips. She’ll also share a discovery she recently made concerning family photos and an early 20th century scam. Also, hear about a great contest that Maureen and several other female heavyweights in genealogy are offering. Enter at YourDNA Guide.com/valentine.https://www.yourdnaguide.com/valentine Paul Woodbury of sponsor Legacy Tree Genealogists visits next to talk about the Centimorgan Estimator Tool on DNA Painter. It’s a little advanced, but still fascinating for the average genetic genealogist. David then returns for more of your questions on Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David kicks things off talking about how he has identified, through DNA, the source of Native American ancestry on his wife’s side of the family. Fisher then shares the joy of finding a hoard of new newspaper stories on an ancestor, and receiving TWO Priority Mail packs from cousins on both sides of the family on the same day. They passed along old family Bible pages, photos, and other family gems. In Family Histoire News, David tells us about a letter that was just a little behind schedule in delivering. Like 76 years! Then he tells us about a formerly enslaved man who may have been the prototype for the Lone Ranger. Next, Fisher visits with Jen Sansbury from sponsor Legacy Tree Genealogists. Jen pulled off quite a breakthrough on behalf a client using DNA as well as her knowledge of records and customs in several countries. Then, Sarah Hermans talks with Fisher about a quilt she inherited. Stitched together in 1903, there are well over 200 names on it. She has now come out with a book that will be of great interest for people in the area of Dutchess County, New York as she has researched all the names, even creating trees showing how all these people tie together. It’s a great example of turning something like this into an awesome local resource. David then returns to help Fisher with Ask Us Anything! That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org.  David first talks about his significant finds in the newly released 1921 England and Wales Census. He needed to use a little trick to find his ancestor, but he did! He’ll explain what this trick is and how you might use it. Then, the guys talk about the complicated story of the removal of a statue of a Confederate leader with his own remains beneath it. What til you hear exactly where this man’s final resting ground is! Then, it’s an odd story about a man’s DNA test that shows he has no past!  How can this be? You’ll find out! Next, it’s the season for suing over DNA test results, and one organization in Utah has double trouble. Fisher then visits with Gary Clark, author of the newly released Grand Army of the Republic and Union Veteran Research. Gary talks about the founding of the organization, what their aims were, and what records they left. Next, Fisher catches up with Crista Cowan over at sponsor Ancestry.com. Crista talks new newspaper databases, genie education opportunities in the New Year and more! Then, David returns for Ask Us Anything, as the guys tackle a pair of listener questions. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. They begin with a look at some of the more unusual Victorian era New Year traditions. Then, a century old postcard stamp has broken a long standing paternity question. Next, Ireland is making public remarkable land and rent records that will fill in many gaps for researchers. David will explain. A New York Times story on a 1938 home movie showing a Polish Jewish community in 1938, just before the Nazi occupation, is garnering a lot of attention. Plus, the last American slave ship, the Clotilda, is back in the news and a pair of time capsules have been located in the base of the Robert E. Lee statue that was taken down last year. Our first guest of the new year is Jen Baldwin of Find My Past. Her company has released the 1921 English and Wales census, complete with images and fully indexed. She’ll explain the significance of this important record set, and what you might expect to find in it! Then, Mindy Silva, coordinator for the WikiTree Challenge comes on to talk about a new approach to the Challenge for this year. There will be fewer of them this year, but they will feature a slew of celebrities! You might be able to help these notables learn about their ancestry. Then, Fisher and David go back to work answering your questions on Ask Us Anything! That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. Family Histoire News begins with word of another major acquisition for (sponsor) Ancestry.com. This may be a big one for you if you have French ancestry. Hear all about it. Then, the Salem Witch Trials have been revisited by some middle schoolers who want to make a change in history. Catch what they’re up to! Meanwhile, another “archive in the attic” has been located… and it’s a big one! Hundreds of pages of documents of the enslaved that go back to the 1600s. And they were almost thrown out! Neanderthals are making news again with another discovery. Were they the first to have a local grocery store? David explains. And finally… by next year, we may well have a database of millions of graves in England covering 19,000 Anglican churchyards. Get the particulars. Next, Diahan Southard, Your DNA Guide, talks about endogamy in DNA. What really defines it and how do you deal with it should you run across it? Diahan has some helpful thoughts. Then, she talks about mitochondrial DNA, that test that follows the female direct line. How is that test best used? Diahan explains. Then, it’s the Photo Detective Maureen Taylor. Maureen is part of a small organization called the Family History Metadata Working Group. Their interest is to get major databases and companies to standardize how metadata tied to photos is transferred to any and all sites when you upload your photos. (Who wants to add all that info more than once?!) Hear how you can help. Then David returns as he and Fisher tackle listener questions on the War of 1812 and a haul of old family postcards on Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys talk about the odd places being designated as dog parks… historic cemeteries. David then has an update on the state of the Titanic. Next, who knew that fruit could survive 2,400 years… in a basket!  Fisher then begins his two part visit with Parabon’s CeCe Moore. He begins by asking about surprises leading CeCe to reveal a DNA surprise that only recently emerged in her own family! It even involves a crime. CeCe then talks about her weekend work, tracing “Jane and John Does” using DNA, work she finds much easier than her criminal work. David then returns for another couple of questions on Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show! (This episode previously aired on the weekend of August 21-22, 2021.)

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin this last show of 2021 with a heartwarming story. Adopted siblings have found each other using DNA and are spending their first Christmas season together in over 50 years. Then, David talks about 68 Acadian families who were in Maine in 1790, but were passed over by the census taker. Those families have now been reconstructed through other records and published in a new book. Next, hear about the remarkable flight of a photo from the disastrous tornados in Kentucky to a window in Indiana, and BACK to its owner! Also hear about new finds including children playing with old human bones that led to a historic discovery and a billionaire turning in his ill gotten bounty from the black market. Next, Fisher visits with Barbara Clements from Lombard, Illinois. Barbara’s family had a longstanding family legend about their Native American ancestry.  She has learned now how that story came to be and the “why” behind it. Then, Crista Cowan from sponsor Ancestry.com comes on to talk about changes coming to the super-site and new assets coming our way soon! David then returns for two more listener questions on Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

The settling of the west wasn’t much unlike the settling of colonial America a century or two earlier. And as people came, more and more lines were drawn. Fisher shares just a few so you know what to look for as you consider your research strategy.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin with a reminder that you can now sign up for RootsTech Connect 2022 at RootsTech.org. Then David opens Family Histoire News talking about the new way authorities in Australia are using DNA to solve crimes. It could be a game changer! Speaking of DNA, who ever heard of a getting DNA off a murder weapon that was a conch shell?! It has happened! The Band of Brothers, portrayed in the HBO series, has lost its final officer at age 99. Hear who it is. Then, another kid has made another remarkable discovery with a metal detector! Catch what this 13 year old girl has found. And speaking of historic finds… King Richard III is making news again with this one. Find out what someone else has found! And if you thought Herman Melville’s Moby Dick lacked true history, wait til you hear about this most recent discovery. Next, Jack Holder, a survivor of Pearl Harbor who narrowly escaped death, talks about his experience of being missed by the first bomb of World War II by the length of a football field, and then being strafed by a Japanese fighter pilot. While that was just the beginning of the war, it was also just the beginning of Jack’s part in history. And by the way, he turns 100 years old today! (December 13.) This segment originally aired back in March of this year. Then, from sponsors Legacy Tree Genealogists, Kate Eakman joins us again to talk about her favorite type of research… military. She’ll talk about researching your World War II ancestors. David returns for Ask Us Anything, talking about surprise finds he has made when researching the lines of celebrities, and then the guys talk about collecting documents and autographs of ancestors. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

War, population growth and shifting can all contribute to boundary changes. And boundary changes mean that, even if your ancestors stayed in the same place, their records could be hiding in many places.

Fisher had given up on finding the parents of an elusive ancestor when he took one last step before closing the book on the case. And it made all the difference in the world!

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin by talking about Fisher’s latest find that took a family ancestor from a Social Security card to a top security World War II Munitions plant. He explains the trail. Not to be outdone, David shares his find of a slew of pictures of ancestral gravestones that he was unable capture due to conditions on a visit to this Canadian cemetery several years ago. David then shares the news of the passing of what may have been the oldest living person ever!  Then, if you ever thought about exploring your Irish ancestors in their home country, wait until you hear the job opening available right now in Ireland! Next, Jim Ericson from FamilySearch.org visits to talk about the soon-to-be-released 1950 US Census. He’ll explain when you can see the images, when indexing is likely to be completed, and how you may be able to help in the effort. Jim also talks about the remarkable handwriting interpreting computer indexing effort happening right now in Central and South America. Maureen Taylor, the Photo Detective, then hops on to visit with Fisher about holiday photos of the past and how they can enhance this year’s celebration. David then returns for Ask Us Anything, taking questions on the reliability of family trees as well as using ancestral signatures to illustrate a history. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Females ancestors are sometimes difficult to find.  Fisher shares a few thoughts on other ways to look for them.

Struggling to figure out where your ancestor’s Social Security records went? They might not have been there at all because things were different before 1951!

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin the show with a shout out to Friend Of The Show, DNA Super Sleuth, CeCe Moore, who recently was featured in the New Yorker! David then talks about the upcoming release of England’s 1921 Census. FindMyPast will have it. Hear why this release is so special. Then, a Louisiana woman has set the world record for the 100 yard dash… for a 105-year-old! Find out more. DNA has finally resolved the identity of an unidentified hitchhiker killed in a car crash in Alabama in 1961. Catch this remarkable story. Then, in Italy, mummified children from the 16th to early 20th centuries are being studied. David will explain this bizarre story. Then, Fisher visits with Nathan Dylan Goodwin, author of a series of genealogical crime mysteries. Nathan has a new book out called The Foundlings. He teases us with the plot and explains how he began this unique career and how he puts these stories together. Crista Cowan from sponsor Ancestry.com then drops in to talk about all kinds of things happening there, including the completion of the indexing of Virginia probate records, BIG news for Mexico research, as well as DNA test kits! David returns for a couple of segments as he and Fisher tackle a pair of questions on Ask Us Anything. One concerns the care of a 19th century document, and the other some confusion from an entry in the 1900 census. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Ever notice familiar repeating family names in a single family group? It could be the parents were following a classic pattern. And that pattern can tell you some very important truths about the previous generation.

Back in 1752, England enacted a law that changed our calendars forever. But did that law ever make a genealogist’s life complicated!

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin with some Thanksgiving thanks for the 400th episode of the show! Fisher then thanks FamilySearch.org for featuring him on the FamilySearch.org blog section. David then shares some stories he picked up on his recent visit to Utah, including a woman with a bizarre tale about Extreme Genes as she listened to it in Florida. In her shower. Then, in Family Histoire News, David talks about some relicts that were recently found in Utah tied to the Chinese workers who played a large role in the construction of the Trans-Continental Railroad. In the east, the Washington Post reports that the Wampanoags are not looking forward to the recognition of the 400th anniversary of the first Thanksgiving. Hear why. Then, the BBC has come up with a great story about the general populace and their likely ties to royalty. Next, Fisher visits with Wendell Affield, the author of a series of books on his family history called the Chickenhouse Chronicles. They’ve been created with a large assist from 200 years worth of family history records found in his mother’s chicken house in Minnesota! Catch his remarkable story. The conversation then turns to genealogical societies. Shannon Combs Bennett has been researching the history of these organizations and has learned about the timeline, and attitudes within and toward these groups over the years. She even has a count of how many have existed and still exist in the United States. David then returns for Ask Us Anything, including a question of foster children’s inheritance rights, and FBI records. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family Show!

Ancestors love to play tricks on us as we trace them down… sometimes by disappearing from where we think they should be. Fisher explains where you might want to look next.

Fisher worked to break open one ancestral line for fifteen years. It wasn’t until he was closing the book on the case by creating a timeline that he saw the answer!

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David begins by sharing news that he has been featured in an article about his witch ancestor in London’s Guardian newspaper. In Family Histoire News, an Englishman has learned he descends from some Bidens. Those Bidens! Now he wants an invitation to the White House! Then, another metal detectorist in the UK has made quite a find… in his own backyard. Catch what he discovered. Then, another member of the famous Von Trapp family has passed away. David next talks about a unique type of DNA analysis that has proven the descendancy of the great grandson of Sitting Bull. And finally… a World War I ammunition shell has been found to be loaded… with many things other than powder and weaponry. Find out what was in it! Next, Paul Woodbury of Legacy Tree Genealogists visits with Fisher for two segments. The first talks about mitochondrial DNA. What can you use it for in your research? And what might be expecting too much? Paul explains. In part two, Paul Woodbury discusses “confirmation bias.” Are you guilty of confirming your researching by an incorrect analysis? Paul explains what NOT to do as you begin your genetic genealogy. Then, David returns for two rounds of Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Just the way not every record is digitized, many records are digitized but not indexed!  Can’t find what you’re looking for? It’s time to check those massive unindexed records!

Those Tricky Immigration Records

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England History Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin with Fisher talking about his research breakthrough after 39 years! He’ll explain the key to breaking the brick wall. David then reveals the happy news that the Family History Library in Salt Lake City is expanding their hours. Hear what the new hours will be. Then, a story is out about a man who met a psychic who delivered a message from his late father. David then tells about HIS experience with a psychic. (Yes, he’s freaked out!) DNA is again bringing closure to a family… this time to the victim of a notorious serial killer. You’ll know the name. No one would have ever imagined where the earliest evidence of tobacco usage has been found… on a bombing range in a western state. David will share the details. Fisher then visits with Marion Burk Wood. Marion has written a book, “Planning A Future For Your Family’s Past.” It’s an important topic for everyone. Marion has some great thoughts on how to get your genealogical collection in order for after you’re… well… done! Then the Tie Die Genealogist, Dan Ford, joins the show to share his “ordinary person with an extraordinary find” story. It reads like a mystery novel, but it’s all true! A definite Halloween leftover! Then, David rejoins Fisher for a pair of questions on Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Historic Time Lines and What They Can Reveal

The Potential Benefit of Swapping Brick Walls

In this classic rewind from 2017, host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys were preparing for RootsTech in Salt Lake City, Utah. David talks about a new record set by Queen Elizabeth II… and what a record it is! David then talks about a recent visitor he entertained who was certain of a very unique heritage. Wait until you hear what it is! David also shares a heart rending story about the remarkable way two cousins reconnected after nearly 80 years, and the place in history they share. And a celebration is on in one American city recognizing the anniversary of America’s oldest subway system. With it being Halloween weekend you’ll appreciate our two guest interviews this week. The first is with Professor Emerson Baker of Salem State University. Professor Baker is part of a committee that was able to confirm the precise location of the site of execution of the Salem “witches.”  He talks about the methods and clues they used to confirm what once was known only through tradition. Then, catch Fisher’s visit with “Jersey Girl” Sue Wynne, a passionate genie, who learned that her fourth great grandmother was buried twice AND viewed twice… over several years! What’s the story behind this incredible discovery? You’ll want to hear it. Tom Perry of TMCPlace.com then joins the show to talk preservation, answering listener questions. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!  

“Dit Names”… What the Heck Are Those?

Marriage Bonds and What They Can Reveal

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys open Family Histoire News with the uplifting, yet sad story, of a man who finally found his birth father just days before his own death. Then, another amazing find has come out of Israel. Wait til you hear this one! David then shares the story of a man who has recreated Roman recipes from the 4th century. And one of these recipes would seem very familiar to us. Strange to think, but a reference to the land mass now known as North America has been found in a document in Italy that pre-dates Columbus by 150 years! David explains. And finally a pair of yard sale items in England have turned out to be extremely rare historic artifacts. Wait til you hear what the sale price and what the items were! Next, Melanie McComb joins the show from the New England Historic Genealogical Society. Melanie was the recent beneficiary of the WikiTree Challenge, where researchers around the world looked at her family tree and went to work extending it, correcting it, and finding stories. And did they ever find a story! Melanie will share it. This is one great example of crowd sourcing. Fisher and Melanie then talk about the various ways crowd sourcing can benefit your research. Then, New Mexico listener Louise Gennetti Roach shares her crowd sourcing tale with a group of people in a small village in Italy. Her efforts have taken her lines back many centuries, with DNA confirming the accuracy of her name line. Louise’s benefactors in Italy also made a remarkable eBay discovery related to Louise’s family! David next returns for two questions on Ask Us Anything. The first has to do with ancestral medical records, while the second concerns researching your house and property. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

What’s Going to Happen to Your Records and Heirlooms When You’re Gone?

Can’t Find Your Key Record on Line? Try the Old-Fashioned Way.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin with Fisher’s strange tale of finding a DNA match to his wife’s family… a man who, along with his brother, murdered his grandmother and her boyfriend in the late 1980s when they were teens. Yes, this guy is doing family history now! Then David opens Family Histoire News talking about the 150th anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire, and how the O’Leary descendants are still dealing with the misdirected blame on their ancestor, Elizabeth, and her cow. Next, a rare piece of 19th century “hair art” is again being displayed. It features hair from Abraham Lincoln, his Vice President and others from his Cabinet. Hear all about it. Finally, imagine finding hidden steps below your rented place that leads to an entire network of underground rooms! It has happened. David has the details with speculation as to what the purpose of this complex once was over a century ago. In segment two, Fisher talks with Helena Bouchez of Ohio. Helena struggled for twenty years to break through her Belgian “brick wall,” only to have it smashed by others in just 45 minutes! Hear how it was done and how far back it has taken her. Helena also talks about the near murder-suicide in her family from 1916 and how what took place that night entirely changed the trajectory of her family members’ lives. Here’s the link to the site of her Belgian heroes! Next, Fisher chats with Kate Eakman of sponsor Legacy Tree Genealogists about a bizarre genealogical puzzle where two women appear to be rolled up into one. As her client was not inclined to use DNA to help with the problem, Kate was left to sort through the very few clues she was given to come up with the answer and break down a strange brick wall. Then David returns with Fisher for Ask Us Anything answering questions about researching an ancestral circus performer and tracking down the living for reunions. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Got an Ancestor Who Served? Look to Military Records as a Source for Incredible Family Stories.

Got DNA Skills? Become A Search Angel for Others!

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin by talking about the National Archives and their fun way they are celebrating American Archives Month. Then, a toilet has been found! So what? Well, it’s 2,700 years old and likely used by Biblical kings! There’s an opportunity for you to help in a project indexing and transcribing letters that were sent to Teddy Roosevelt. David will tell you where to sign up. Great Britain is looking for relatives of war dead as they prepare for reburials and grave marker dedications. Then, it’s a cave that, 40,000 years ago, was apparently home to Neanderthals. (Like the Flintstones… with more hair!) Hear what was found inside. Next, in two parts, Fisher shares his 2019 interview with Connecticut resident Jenny Hawran who was shocked to find out she was only a half sibling to her brother. She describes how the discovery was made, the emotional turmoil, the confrontation with her mother, and what she has had to do to manage her previously unknown family identity. Jenny also offers advice on how to help others who make similar discoveries. David then returns for Ask Us Anything as the guys tackle questions on war medals and an odd place name. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!  

Tracing Forward Can Yield Family History Gold

Once you’ve gone from the land of the researcher to the land of the researched, you no longer control what happens to your heirlooms and research records. Here’s what you can do now!

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin Family Histoire News with the story of the National Archives release of a remarkable database… Confederate Slave Payrolls. David explains the significance. Then, a new dig is underway at the Outer Banks to learn more about the 1585 settlement at Roanoke… the Lost Colony. In Utah, a young woman who found her birth father through DNA a few years ago had a remarkable wedding. Find out what made it so special for her and her two Dads. Did you ever know that a tombstone could be used to make fudge? Apparently so! David shares this bizarre story. Finally, there’s been another remarkable find that was totally unexpected. It involves an ocean cleanup by some divers off the coast of Spain. Wait til you hear what they came upon! In the next segment, Fisher chats with Massachusetts resident Robin LaCroix. Several years ago, Robin interviewed her mother and aunts for family stories. What she learned has led her to a true hometown adventure following in the footsteps of her very friendly grandfather! Then, Steve Gruber of Elkhart, Indiana talks about the mysterious lockbox that once belonged to his grandfather. Discovered under the floor at his grandfather’s one time place of business, its contents has led Steve to research and create a remarkable documentary on his family’s efforts to rescue Jews who were under the control of the Nazis. David then returns for Ask Us Anything, answering questions on military ranks that no longer exist and state censuses in New York and New Jersey. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Have you become reliant on online sites for your key records? If so, you’re missing out on the thrill of the hunt the old-fashioned way!

Who deserves to have their history recorded more than our veterans? Fisher shares some great places for finding military records and often the stories that can be uncovered through them.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin with kudos to FamilySearch on their historic announcement (with plenty more on it coming in Segment 2). Fisher talks to David about his latest research project… tracking a suspect in a cold case murder. David then reviews some of the finds the WikiTree Challenge people made on his own tree last week. There were some fascinating discoveries, as usual. Next, hear about the oldest “art” probably ever found… made by children. In a cave. A LONGGGG time ago! Then it’s a happy birthday greeting to America’s oldest living World War II vet. You won’t believe how old he is! In Segment 2, David Rencher, Director of the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah, comes on to talk about the remarkable milestone FamilySearch.org just achieved… the digitization of some 2.4 million rolls of microfilm that were accumulated over 80 years! They haven’t all been published just yet, but this collection covers BILLIONS of name listings. David also explains the Library’s reactivated look up service, and on line consultations. The rerouting of resources due to the pandemic has brought about remarkable upgrades! Then, Fisher visits with Bob Taylor, the originator and Director of Development for The Family History Guide website, TheFHGuide.com. This site can train you, for free, on how to use any of the major sites including FamilySearch.org, Ancestry.com, MyHeritage.com, and FindMyPast.com. Bob explains how it all works. Then David Lambert rejoins Fisher for a pair of questions on Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Adoptees in particular, but many others as well, are looking for answers. If your skilled in the DNA world, you might want to consider helping these folks as a “search angel.”

Want to find rare family photos, family Bibles, and who knows what else? Fisher suggests that you try tracing forward!

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David begins with the story of his recent family history oriented trip. The guys then give a 100th birthday shout out to “friend of the show” Lou Conter, one of the last two survivors of the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor. David then reveals a major name that will soon be featured on the BBC version of Who Do You Think You Are. Next, have you ever wondered what you should keep among all those old family papers and trinkets? There’s a new list out there that might help. Hear where you can find it. Then, scientists are talking about bringing back Wooly Mammoths! Why would they do this other than (maybe) they can? There’s a very practical reason that could affect all of us. A Bronze Age log coffin has been found in the strangest of places, complete with original cargo! Hear more about it. And finally, a first time metal detectorist has made a remarkable find in Denmark. David has the details. In the next segment, Fisher visits with Civil War re-enactor Calvin Osborne. Calvin has been part of an African American reenacting group for 28 years and recently made a mind blowing family history discovery that ties into his hobby. Hear his story in his own words. Then, Adrienne Abiodun, a researcher with sponsor Legacy Tree Genealogists talks about lineage societies and how to join them. Fisher reviews some of the more unusual groups available for you to join. David then rejoins Fisher for two helpings of Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Believe it or not, Fisher HATED history as a kid. How he came to love it can work for your child or grandchild, too.

Fisher shares a simple strategy for growing your ancestral photo archive.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org.  David begins with a plug for his upcoming appearance in the WikiTree Challenge, where WikiTree researchers will go to town to try to find new breakthroughs for David. Family Histoire News begins with the identification of another Pearl Harbor victim from the USS Oklahoma through DNA. Hear the family’s reaction. Then, St. James Gardens in London, the site of thousands of old burials, is getting a database. Hear what has prompted the effort. Next, could DNA tests have changed peoples’ perceptions of their ethnicity? The 2020 census definitely suggests this is so. Catch the remarkable statistics. A lost human lineage has been found due to the discovery of an 18-year-old woman who lived over 7,200 years ago. David explains. And finally… who gets a golden tongue in death? Naturally, it’s Egyptian. Find out what it meant. Next, Fisher visits with Heather Maio Smith of Storyfile.com, a company that any family historian will want to know about. Heather has appeared on 60 Minutes for her artificial intelligence software that allows people to interview Holocaust survivors by speaking to their hologram recordings. Now this technology is allowing anyone to do a similar thing from their home computer or phone. You will now be able to record your stories for your descendants to literally ask you about decades from now! You can try it for free at Storyfile.com/live. Then, Fisher visits with Glen Ringuette, an adoptee who found his birth parents and then later learned about the remarkable (and chilling) past of his birth father. You never know what you’re gonna get! David returns for two segments of Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Continuing his conversation on family photo archives, Fisher gives a quick overview on what you have to do to keep them safe.

OK, you’re the one in your family with all the family pictures. Now what? The first thing you have to do has nothing to do with technology.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. Family Histoire News begins with word of another major acquisition for (sponsor) Ancestry.com. This may be a big one for you if you have French ancestry. Hear all about it. Then, the Salem Witch Trials have been revisited by some middle schoolers who want to make a change in history. Catch what they’re up to! Meanwhile, another “archive in the attic” has been located… and it’s a big one! Hundreds of pages of documents of the enslaved that go back to the 1600s. And they were almost thrown out! Neanderthals are making news again with another discovery. Were they the first to have a local grocery store? David explains. And finally… by next year, we may well have a database of millions of graves in England covering 19,000 Anglican churchyards. Get the particulars. Next, Diahan Southard, Your DNA Guide, talks about endogamy in DNA. What really defines it and how do you deal with it should you run across it? Diahan has some helpful thoughts. Then, she talks about mitochondrial DNA, that test that follows the female direct line. How is that test best used? Diahan explains. Then, it’s the Photo Detective Maureen Taylor. Maureen is part of a small organization called the Family History Metadata Working Group. Their interest is to get major databases and companies to standardize how metadata tied to photos is transferred to any and all sites when you upload your photos. (Who wants to add all that info more than once?!) Hear how you can help. Then David returns as he and Fisher tackle listener questions on the War of 1812 and a haul of old family postcards on Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Fisher talks about the “luck” he has enjoyed through the years in genealogy, and how it really isn’t as much by chance as you would think.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. Fisher begins with a listener story of how he found a key genealogical puzzle piece on eBay after hearing about the strategy on the show. Fisher also announces the full searchability of all past and present episodes of Extreme Genes on the new ExtremeGenes.com website. David then notes his upcoming appearance on the WikiTree Challenge! Who knows what the WikiTree researchers will discover for David next month. Then, a marriage certificate from 1875 has been discovered in a thrift shop and the people there have done something very special with it. David then talks about how another Pearl Harbor victim’s remains have been identified through DNA nearly eighty years later. And finally, hear about the remarkably preserved remains found in Pompeii. David will tell you what researchers know about this person. Next, Fisher chats with Sarah Yeoman of Portland, Oregon. Sarah has started the new company The Family Cookbook, which allows you to connect to your ancestors through family recipes. Each cookbook she makes Is unique. Crista Cowan then joins us from sponsor Ancestry.com to talk about the highly significant new database release that dropped this past week. It’s the records of the Freedmen’s Bureau Bank and the Freedmen’s Bureau Marriages. These incredibly important records for African-American research are now available for free at Ancestry. Crista explains what might be found in them. Then, David is back for more listener questions on Ask Us Anything! That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys talk about the odd places being designated as dog parks… historic cemeteries. David then has an update on the state of the Titanic. Next, who knew that fruit could survive 2,400 years… in a basket! Fisher then begins his two part visit with Parabon’s CeCe Moore. He begins by asking about surprises leading CeCe to reveal a DNA surprise that only recently emerged in her own family! It even involves a crime. CeCe then talks about her weekend work, tracing “Jane and John Does” using DNA, work she finds much easier than her criminal work. David then returns for another couple of questions on Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David opens congratulating Fisher on his new ExtremeGenes.com website and course offerings. The guys then dive into an amazing collection of 1860s era handwritten genealogies currently on eBay. They were created in response to an author’s request and were later used to create a book on descendants of the Hart and Andrews families. They are a great example of what might be found on your family! Next, Fisher visits with Anthony Redgrave of the DNA Doe Project. Anthony and his team were able to identify murder victim… one that was found in a cave and dates back to 1916! Hear how they got the job done! Then Fisher chats with Robert Cushing of Legacy Tree Genealogists. A Georgia native, Robert talks about the records of the South which are forever lost, as well as others that survived the Civil War that can help you in your Southern research. There’s often more out there than you think! Then, David returns for more of your questions on Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Host Scott Fisher opens this Classic Rewind show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David begins by losing his head over a story about Marie Antoinette’s mirror. It’s a mirror, mirror on a wall in England, but until recently no one knew its origins. David shares some details. Then, a teen in Britain has made a fascinating find on a British mountainside that impacted a family in Australia. Hear what he discovered. Next, there’s been another astounding discovery in England… a massive Anglo-Saxon grave site going back 4,000 years. Find out about the objects found there. Then, Smithsonian has shared a remarkable story about a female spy who started out cracking mobster codes in the 1930s, and eventually broke open a Nazi ring in South America a decade later. Catch the story of Elizabeth Smith Freedman. And finally, Megan Smolenyak has published some of her findings on the origins of new President Joe Biden. Are you related? Next, Fisher visits with Loretto Thompson. A few years back Loretto learned about a treasure trove of letters from her father to the family during his time serving in World War II. He died when Loretto was only four years old, and the letters have led her on a remarkable journey… even by genie standards! Then, Dr. Henry Louis Gates is back to talk about the next episode of Finding Your Roots on PBS. David returns for the final segment as the guys answer another question on Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Fisher explains what lineage societies are and why you might want to join one.

As more and more secrets are exposed by DNA tests, are we prepared to discover that our ancestors were simply human?

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David begins the conversation talking about his recent membership in a society that honors his War of 1812 ancestor. Then, David tells the tale of the rescue of hundreds of glass negatives that were headed to the dumpster in the Boston area. Some date back to the 1860s!  Next, it’s one thing to have your crime discovered through the DNA of your cousins… it’s entirely another when you post your OWN DNA and are found! David has the story of this knucklehead criminal. It seems that every major initiative results in some new advancement, such as with the space program in the 1960s. David shares the advancements caused by World War II… and they are significant. And finally, hear about the latest Viking treasure hoard, where it was found, and the time it has been dated to. Next, Fisher chats with Brandt Gibson from sponsor Legacy Tree Genealogists. As a long time DNA researcher, Brandt has some remarkable stories that have emerged from his client research. You’ll want to catch these! Then, Jonny Perl, creator of DNAPainter.com joins Fisher from London talking about the origins of the unique site and the most popular tools that have been added to it since the beginning that can help you break open your lines. David then returns for a pair of questions on Ask Us Anything. One has to do with writing a family history, and the other with why someone’s grandmother would be working on a census for the government during the Depression. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Fisher explains the significance of “gateway ancestors” and how you can find out if you have any on your family tree.

With all the scams happening in the world today, it’s not always so easy to connect with a “new” cousin. Fisher has some thoughts.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. Fisher begins the conversation revealing coming changes to the Extreme Genes website and some coming new video courses. Fisher then talks about researching Civil War figures he’s reading about to see who he and his wife Julie might be related to. In the process he learned a remarkable thing about Lincoln assassin John Wilkes Booth. Wait until you hear this! Then David talks about a fascinating story about how people kept cool back in the 19th century. (They were pretty creative back then!) Next, Fisher visits with author Lori Erickson. Lori discovered family history research after losing several family members and describes her journey in her new book “Soul of the Family Tree: Ancestors, Stories, and the Spirits We Inherit.” Then, Professor Christopher Magra of the University of Tennessee talks about British “Press Gangs” and how their virtual kidnapping of young men to man their Navy contributed to the breakout of the Revolutionary War. David then returns for two questions on “Ask Us Anything.” That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

New techniques are revealing the good and the bad in our DNA test results. Are you prepared for the unexpected?

There are bucket lists and then there are genealogy bucket lists. Are you prioritizing what you want to get done before joining the land of the researched?

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin Family Histoire News with news about the 2022 RootsTech conference. Then, Fisher shares word of a landmark achieved by WikiTree research team with this year’s WikiTree Challenge. David then shares a DNA breakthrough story that COULD NOT have a better ending. For anybody. Ever. David then has a story of a remarkable archaeological discovery. Plus, who knew the Brits were kidnapping Americans to make the sailors before the Revolution? Hear what that led to! Next, in two parts, Fisher visits with Jilayne Davidson of Calgary, Alberta. Jilayne never knew her father, a man, she was told, who was indigenous and from Oklahoma. Wanting to know about her indigenous side Jilayne began a journey that recently solved a mystery for two families who knew nothing of each other. One family knew what happened before 1958 and the other knew what happened after. And now, both families know the whole story. Then, David returns for another round of Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Ireland will be adding a time capsule feature to their 2021 census, to be revealed in 100 years. Sounds like a great idea… but do we really need it?

Fisher explains that sometimes you have to pioneer your own discovery technique to mine the most out of records you find.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show. (David Allen Lambert is off this week.)  In Family Histoire News, an Irish woman who accurately predicted an Atlantic storm, resulting in a key postponement of D-Day, has been honored by the US House of Representatives. Hear more of her story. Then, descendants of Betsy Ross, who legend says stitched the first American flag, have made a tremendous gift to a Philadelphia museum. Hear what you can now see.  Next, some Senators of both parties are actually working together! They are trying to preserve Revolutionary War battle sites and connect them with a trail. Catch where this proposed project is intended to come together. Of course we all know Lizzy Borden is believed to have knocked off her parents in 1892. Now the house she allegedly did it in has been purchased. Find out what the new owners plan to do with it. Leonardo DaVinci’s known living relative count has increased seven fold! Find out about the new study that, of course, involves Y-DNA. Next, Sunny Morton visits the show again. This time she tells us about her recent adventure following in the footsteps of her ancestors. Hear where she went, why, and what she learned. Crista Cowan from (sponsors) Ancestry.com has some great news in the third segment. The Ancestry app has been redesigned! Crista will tell you about all the wowy features, plus fill you in on Ancestry’s most recently released databases. Fisher then handles two questions on Ask Us Anything, one concerning “reverse genealogy,” and the other on midwife birthing books. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Was your ancestor a homesteader? If so, you may have record treasures waiting for you.

Fisher explains that not all stories are spelled out for you. They often assemble themselves through records you collect over time.

Fisher opens this classic rewind from 2016 with Family Histoire News talking about the amazing discovery of the remains of a Roman villa underneath a barn in England. Hear how it was discovered and what is happening to the site now. Fisher then shares the sad tale of the 1838 sale of over 230 enslaved Africans by Jesuit priests in Washington DC. Here why they were sold, and which well known university exists today because its debts were paid by the sale. Also hear about why major efforts are being made to find their descendants. In segment two, Fisher visits with actor Samuel Roukin who plays Captain John Graves Simcoe in the (now NETFLIX) series “TURN: Washington’s Spies” who talks about his development of this despicable character based on a real historic figure. Sam also talks about his immersion in the history of the Revolution. In segment three, Fisher continues his conversation with Samuel Roukin. Sam talks about what responsibility he feels to the real man and how he squares the character he portrays with the man who did some very good things after the Revolution. Sam also reveals that, despite being very British and portraying a brutal British officer in the Revolution, he is likely to do something in the not so distant future that will please many Americans. Tom Perry then returns, the Preservation Authority, to talk about some special programs he is analyzing for personal use in editing video and digitized home movies. The great programs he talks about have since been upgraded several time. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Some newbies to genealogy aren’t so sure about the pace of this pursuit. Fisher has some advice for them.

Most families have stories about loved ones that aren’t particularly flattering. But should you share it in a history?

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys open the show with word of a senior center in the Midwest that is home to SIX centenarians! Hear where it is. DNA has revealed the IDs of three brothers killed at Pearl Harbor in 1941. Catch their story. Then, a man working in his garden made a remarkable find that has impacted another family. Hear all about it. Next, a thousand year old discovery in Israel has a lot of people clucking. Find out why!  Finally, a new discovery places Native Americans in a whole new era. Catch how far back this discovery puts them. Next, in two segments, Jennifer Mendelsohn talks about her transition into a professional genealogist and her remarkable work using DNA to connect family members separated during the Holocaust. David then returns for Ask Us Anything for two listener questions. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Sure, maybe you don’t want to tell everything, but if you don’t write your own story who will? And how will they tell it?

The genealogy world calls it “serendipity.” You might just call it “weird!”

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin with Fisher’s recent experience that CANNOT be explained! Catch what happened. Then, David shares good news for adoptees in Connecticut. Then, in neighboring Rhode Island a host of new records have been shared online by the state. Hear what you can now find! Who knew that there was still more to explore and excavate at Plymouth Colony. Find out about the latest dig. An underwater explorer has done great work in bringing closure to families who lost loved ones in World War 2 in several sunken submarines. Hear what he has done. Finally, a Massachusetts man has quite a new chapter in his personal history. He was literally swallowed by a whale and lived to tell about it! Next, Fisher visits with Father Columba Stewart, a Benedictine monk who has traveled the world on a mission to preserve the historic writings of mankind in places subject to war and natural disasters. Wait til you hear some of the things he has endured in his quest! Then, Jacqueline Tritsche from our sponsors at Legacy Tree Genealogists talks about forensic genealogy, working to connect estates with descendants. At the back end, David returns for Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

We all love finding new dates and places, but digging up a new story is a much greater accomplishment.

Community celebrations such as the 4th of July is a great time to share family history with your kids.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org.  David begins with great news that NEHGS is now open! In Family Histoire News, David shares a story of how DNA is linking some of the families victimized by the Holocaust. DNA has also revealed another pair of women who were switched at birth. They are not happy about it and are suing the hospital. Catch the details. MyHeritage.com has found another celebrity genealogy connection. This time it’s within the cast of Friends! Hear who it is. Then, a remarkable set of documents are being returned to the Bunker Hill Monument in Massachusetts. It’s a set of guest books from the Civil War years signed by many known and unknown people. Might you have an ancestor in the books? Next, Fisher welcomes renowned CNBC anchor Bill Griffeth to the show. Bill will take you through the day when he received an email from his cousin that informed him that the only man he had ever known as his father was genetically not his father!  A short time later, Bill had to go before the cameras on national television as if nothing was different that day. Bill also talks about his love of genealogy for many years prior and how this information caused him tremendous emotional trials for a time, and what he did to overcome them. In our second segment with Bill Griffeth, the anchor talks about other people’s stories that he has learned of since going public with his very personal struggle. Bill speaks of how this has affected his relationship with his 98-year-old mother and how she feels about his public revelation. Then, in the final two segments, Fisher and David answer your questions on “Ask Us Anything!” That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Lots of kids find no joy in learning history. But when family is tied into it, things can change!

When starting your genealogical journey, it’s tough to skip a link in the chain. You have to begin with what you know.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David opens “Family Histoire News” with a birthday salute to a 103-year-old, the oldest living survivor of Pearl Harbor. Then Ancestry.com provided the DNA information for the family of a man killed at Pearl Harbor to bring his remains home. Catch the story. Then, DNA has become a staple in recent years in cold case investigations. Now two states have created new laws concerning the practice. Hear who they are. Then, MyHeritage.com has done it again! Their latest photo app repairs the tears and scratches in your old photos! Fisher then visits with Liz Vizza, President of the Friends of the Public Garden in Boston. Liz’s organization is part of the effort to restore the decaying statue that celebrates Massachusetts’ famed 54th Infantry of Civil War fame, portrayed in the movie “Glory.” With a rededication on the schedule for this fall, Liz has need of genealogists’ assistance. Find out what is needed and how you can help. Next, Laura DeSpain of WikiTree joins the conversation. She recently headed up the “WikiTree Challenge” where members researched Fisher’s lines, seeking previously unknown information. And that they did! Hear about the challenge and what may be waiting for you at WikiTree. David then returns for Ask Us Anything questions on ethnicity numbers within your DNA results and on name changes and adoptions. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

If you haven’t at digitized newspapers in a while you might be missing out on some “new” old material!

Family history information can come in many forms, and some of them may be surprising!

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin Family Histoire News with word on the release of a massive military database being put out by FamilySearch.org. Hear what it is. Then, Ancestry has bought up a company overseas with huge numbers of British military records. A new society has been created to recognize African ancestors who were present in British Colonial America. David will share more about the new group and how you might join it. A lot of people help salvage ancient records, but David has the story of an American monk who has gone above and beyond to salvage records around the world. Finally, happy 100th birthday to “Cheese-It!” It’s a classic snack that generations of ancestors have enjoyed. Next, Don Milne of Stories Behind The Stars joins Fisher for an update on his project to write biographies for every American service person killed in World War 2. One state has already completed all of theirs! Hear who it is and what you can do to help where you are. Then, Crista Cowan joins the show from sponsor Ancestry.com to discuss your free access to Fold3.com through the Memorial Day Weekend to mine the stories of your military ancestors. Crista will then share an update on newly released Ancestry databases. David then rejoins Fisher for Ask Us Anything. First up… a question on jewelry heirlooms. Then, a DNA match seems to be a… um… mistake? (Not so fast!)  That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Modern on-line family research tends to deter us from reaching out to our relatives, but it’s still as good an idea today as it was years ago.

Let’s face it, a Wiki model tree has many benefits. But when someone “corrects” your entries and improperly merges individuals, the tangled mess can be tough to straighten out. Here’s where to go and what to do.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. Fisher begins with a shout out to the project team at WikiTree on the WikiTree Challenge they just completed on Fisher’s tree. He’ll explain. Then, Fisher talks about posting his discovery concerning the roots of a woman given up for adoption from a Utah maternity house in 1907. Hear about the adoptive family’s reaction.  David then tells about an accidental discovery in Egypt as well as a great new database on FamilySearch.org concerning a certain record set in Australia. Also, David tells of a recent burial of a man killed almost 80 years ago at Pearl Harbor. Then, how does an Italian Instagram influencer get to be a princess? Catch the details! Fisher then visits with Leora Krygier of Los Angeles. Leora discovered a simple postcard from World War 2 at an antique store. And its content took her on an adventure around the world! Paul Woodbury of sponsor Legacy Tree Genealogists visits next to talk about the Centimorgan Estimator Tool on DNA Painter. It’s a little advanced, but still fascinating for the average genetic genealogist. Then Fisher and David team up again for Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

There are various types of DNA tests, but the Y-DNA test serves one particular purpose. Here’s why you might want to “Y.”

It’s a great thing to find an old book with loads of information. But just how trustworthy are these “sources?”

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org.  The guys open with “David’s Find of the Week” involving a document signed by John Hancock! In Family Histoire News the number nine is almost a theme. NINE babies have been born to a woman in Mali in a single birth, and they’re all doing fine! Then nine sets of Neanderthal remains have been found in a cave near Rome. Catch the story behind the discovery. Next, it’s the 20th anniversary of the completion of the human genome. How much has that impacted our genie world?! Speaking of which, using DNA, two brothers who died at Pearl Harbor on the Oklahoma have been identified. And finally a “stilt village” has been found 14 feet underwater at Lake Lucerne, Switzerland. Hear how that changes their history… instantly! Fisher then has the honor of interviewing his second Pearl Harbor survivor this year. Jack Holder has written a book called Fear, Adrenaline, and Excitement about his survival at Pearl Harbor as the first Japanese bomb in the attack exploded only 300 feet from where he was standing. Then, Jack was at Midway on the search plane that first reported the positions of the Japanese carriers. He is living history at 99! Fisher then visits with another ordinary person with an extraordinary find. Catch the story of the ancestors of Cynthia Hallen who found themselves in a horrific fire on the same night as the Great Chicago Fire. David then returns for a pair of questions on Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Public on line trees can reveal great information. They can also lure you into a trap.

It happens all the time. One record says one thing, and another says something else. Here’s how to sort things out.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David shares a story he just learned that shows how close he came to never existing! Then the guys open up Family Histoire News with the story of an adopted woman whose DNA results led her to the identity of her biological father. The question is… will she find him first or will the FBI? Hear the details of this one! Then, we have a new “Oldest Person in America!” Find out who she is and how old. Next, it’s a lost and found for Viking remains. One museum had them, then lost them, and now they’re found again. Find out the details. The guys then talk about a cemetery for free persons of color that has been acquired in Richmond. Catch the rest of the story. Finally… the story of the alphabet may now be complete. Hear how the final piece of the puzzle may have been found. Next, Fisher begins a two part visit with Nick DeVaux of St. Lucia. Nick’s father was a World War 2 pilot for England and left his son his pilot’s log book. A few years back, Nick had an idea to use that book to collect history by having history makers from the war sign the wartime heirloom. Hear the story of how it began, what he will ultimately do with the book, and some of the stories of the people who have signed it. David then returns for questions about researching ancestral businesses and why some ancestors don’t appear in immigrant passenger lists. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

We all love to show off family photos and documents, but it puts them at risk. Here’s a better way.

Tracking down keepsakes of ancestors isn’t always easy. But sometimes there are mementoes just below your feet!

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin Family Histoire News with our new American population count from the 2020 census! (Now, to see the details we only have to wait another 71 years!) Then, the oldest Pearl Harbor survivor has passed. Hear who he was and how old he was. Next, there has been another passing of note. Peter Warner, 90, the man who rescued six shipwrecked boys from Tonga on a tiny island in 1966 has died. The guys will give you the details. Sadly, a genie trying to clean up and digitally share some gravestones has instead damaged them. Badly. Catch the story. The guys then discuss a story about how historians who research too deeply into violent or otherwise traumatic stories can be traumatized themselves from it. And to wrap up the segment, a person digging a garden in England has come up five bodies in what appears to be a “plague pit.” Hear all about it. Fisher then visits with Katherine Andrew, a young genealogist who took our eBay Challenge and is celebrating an incredible find! In segment three, long time “friend of the show,” Janet Hovorka, now with the Association of Professional Genealogists, talks with Fisher about how one can become a professional genealogist. David then returns for Ask Us Anything as the guys take on a pair of questions. One has to do with pedigree collapse, and the other with preservation of children’s papers. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Yes, we’re all future dead people. Doesn’t it make sense to make plans for what will happen to your family heirlooms?

It’s true… DNA testing can be confusing. Here’s what you should consider in choosing a good match in a DNA testing company.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin by talking about the recent passing of America’s oldest person. And you won’t believe how many descendants she has left! Then, it’s a happy birthday greeting to one of the last two survivors of the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor. Hear who he is. Then, an Illinois man has made a fascinating discovery under his home dating to the 1840s! It’s quite a find! Next, it’s a Civil War discovery in South Carolina that is more than unique. Find out what was found in a 19th century house. Finally, a man in Seattle picked up a photo album at a yard sale and historians are going nuts! Next, Fisher visits with Mary Kathryn Kozy and Cara Jones of FamilySearch.org. Mary Kathryn and Cara are deep in the weeds in something FamilySearch calls the War of 1812 Project. You might find an unexpected link to your ancestor on FamilySearch involving this project. Hear what it’s all about. Then, genealogist Sunny Morton shares her thoughts on discovering ancestral stories. Sunny’s got a great story of her own! Then, Fisher and David take on a pair of listener questions on Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Sometimes it’s tough to know what to do with photographs where you don’t know who the subject is. Fisher shares some thoughts that might help.

Fisher shares a key clue in many photographs that many people overlook. But it might be all you need to help you identify the subject of the photo.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David begins with a personal discovery involving a pin on a photograph of a relative and another amazing eBay find! Then, the guys discuss the late Prince Philip and his blood relationship to Queen Elizabeth through Queen Victoria. Then, Queen Victoria makes the news again as a family has discovered a family heirloom with her name on it from the early 20th century. Fisher then visits with metal detectorist Jim Bailey about his discovery of Arabian coins in New England and his research on them which is rewriting the last chapter of the history of the “King of Pirates.” Jim first broke the story on Extreme Genes three years ago, but now the story is blowing up internationally! And it involves one of Fisher’s direct ancestors. Crista Cowan from our sponsor at Ancestry.com then comes on to talk about Ancestry’s new Community Impact Program for preserving at-risk history. Hear what they’re doing with some half million students. Crista then talks about new databases and a sharpening of a key DNA tool. Also, good things are coming to the Ancestry messenger feature. Find out what it is. David Lambert then returns for a pair of questions on Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Who knows the old folks in your pictures, as well as their stories, better than old folks?!  Fisher talks about how to maximize your visits to senior relatives.

There are definitely techniques for preserving paper documents and records that you can trust will extend the life of your important documents.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin with news of a second wave of photo animation with Deep Nostalgia from MyHeritage.com. Catch the review. Then, David talks about the discovery of the deepest sunken ship from World War 2. And it has a personal impact. Next, hear the story of the journey of a World War 2 pilot’s log. It’s a fascinating story. Pirate talk dominates the next portion of the segment with a tale from Port Royal, and word that Fisher’s ancestor pirate, William Downs, is part of a pirate story that has just gone international. Fisher then visits with Kimberly Morgan, a researcher with Finding Your Roots on PBS. Kimberly had a shocking experience that led to research that has shaped her life. Don’t miss this one! Shelbie Drake of Legacy Tree Genealogists then talks about her genie-journey, including finding an 109-year-old great aunt who took a DNA test! Robert Warren of Alaska checks in to reveal his discovery of an ancestral item on eBay. Have you taken the eBay Challenge yet? Then, David returns for Ask Us Anything, taking one of your questions. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

If you’ve ever wondered why you don’t get everything you think you should from a search of a digitized newspaper site, Fisher has some ideas that may open up a whole lot more.

Marking pictures is essential for future generations, but using the right pens and markers will assure the identifications last without damaging your images.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The two begin with David talking about his find the night before of a family history item he bought on eBay! Hear what it is, what he paid for it, and how he found it. Then, some improvements have come to Ancestry.com’s DNA home page. Find out what has been upgraded. Next, could Neanderthals really have used toothpicks? David explains. Then, it’s an FBI sting operation that rescued a document that’s pretty important to the state of North Carolina. Hear what it is, how long it was missing and how it was returned. Finally, who knew that among jobs occupied by women in the early 20th century one involved standing atop a high tower? David will fill you in. Next, Fisher catches up with Bonnie Wade Mucia of the Mayflower Society. Bonnie talks about the “Silver Book Project,” it’s history, where it’s been, and now, where it’s going. It’s good news whether or not you descend from the Mayflower. Fisher then shares one of his Favorite Fifty interviews. This one comes from 2019 when he sat down with actress Patricia Heaton after her RootsTech keynote address. Then, it’s Ask Us Anything as Fisher and David tackle questions on World War I records and locating ancestors’ homes. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Fisher talks about the risk of taking on line trees at face value and why copying isn’t researching.

Lots of great records are not on line, and won’t be anytime soon. Fisher talks about a Catholic record type you might want to look for.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin with a 100th birthday tribute to a World War II vet who received a very 2021 appropriate gift. Hear what it was. Then, there’s trouble in Greensboro, North Carolina, where a parcel of land, said to be the final resting spot for twelve Revolutionary War soldiers, may soon be developed. Find out what may be built there. Next, Maryland archaeologists have made a remarkable find dating back to the beginning of their colonial days. Finally, Fisher and David talk about a great article outlining all the remarkable historical finds discovered underneath parking lots! From kings to World War II bunkers… it’s an amazing list! Next, Fisher visits with British author Nathan Dylan Goodwin. Nathan is the creator of the genealogical thriller genre, as well as its master. And for the first time, Nathan’s new book is centered in the United States. Hear more about it and how to get your copy. Fisher then visits with Daniel Horowitz, Genealogical Expert with MyHeritage.com. Daniel explains (in understandable terms!) how the new “Deep Nostalgia” tool works to animate your old photographs. Then, it’s Ask Us Anything with Fisher and David. The guys take on questions about a found World War I British medal as well as dealing with ancestral letters. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Fisher talks about school districts who created some unique records to help plan for buildings, teachers, and enrollment. Hear what’s on these censuses and where to find them.

Websites aside, it’s still a great idea to visit ancestral cemeteries. Fisher explains why and why Spring is the best time to do it.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org.  The guys start off challenging listeners to get on eBay NOW and see all the family history material available for small money. They mention original 19th century hometown newspapers, family Bibles, letters, postcards, family and historic documents, and personal items. Perhaps you won’t find something right away, but you’ll be amazed what all is there! David then brings up the new record haul at MyHeritage.com… millions of Lithuanian/Jewish records. Then, it’s a librarian in Tampa whose father, as a boy, was pictured on ad labels of orange crates. This family connection has caused this librarian to collect orange crate ads of all types. What family connection might you wish to collect? Finally, new fragments of the Dead Sea Scrolls have been found. Hear what is known so far. Next up, Gina Philabert Ortega talks Women’s History Month and shares her tips on researching female ancestors. They can be tricky with all those name changes. She’ll also have some sources unique to women to share with you. Maggie Stevenson from our sponsor Legacy Tree Genealogists then talks ancestors and pets AND wild animals! How did these critters factor into your family history? Maggie has some thoughts on sources and what they can mean to your stories as you put them together. David returns for the next two segments for Ask Us Anything. First, the guys tackle a question about sources by which you can learn what battles your Civil War ancestor may have fought in. Then, what to do with ancestors or relatives who have been in the movies. It’s a perfect question for Fisher who has two such people in his family, including his mother. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History show!

Tips for Geneies Who Are New to DNA Websites

What’s in an occupation?

Host Scott Fisher opens a loaded show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historical & Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys open Family Histoire News with news of a pair of twins who were adopted out. They attended school together and have known each other for decades. Enter DNA! Then, Ancestry.com is reindexing their US Probate Records Index. Hear what this may mean to you. DNA has again stepped in solve a nearly 40-year-old Colorado double murder case. And the suspect is still around. Then, a collector in England is looking to find descendants of people pictured in some 400 wedding pictures. Plus, hear where you might be able to find letters written by your relatives during all the wars in America’s history. Fisher next interviews David Rencher, director of the Family History Library in Salt Lake City. David fills us in on the monumental success of RootsTech Connect and how the numbers continue to grow. He also talks about new services the Library is offering or will be offering that will make it more of a global genealogical source. Then, the Archive Lady, Melissa Barker, visits with Fisher about some of the latest contributions to her archive in Tennessee. Melissa explains what you might find in your ancestral archives and offers some important tips for making the most of your visits there. Next, Crista Cowan of Ancestry.com, (an Extreme Genes sponsor) talks about a new partnership with The Home Edit ladies, and how spring cleaning can apply to family history. Crista then reviews some of the latest updates to existing Ancestry databases as well as what’s new. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Creating a Genealogy “Research Log”

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin by talking about the remarkable, free new tool being offered by MyHeritage.com that animates your ancestral pictures! David then talks about a cousin discovery he made at RootTech Connect that’s opened a whole new line of research for him. And speaking of RootsTech Connect, FamilySearch.org has a new computer assisted indexing system for your handwritten documents. You’ll want to hear about this. Next, there’s been another awesome archaeological find… this time in Pompeii. Then, David relays an amazingly funny 19th century probate record. (It seems somebody’s priorities were just a bit off!) In segment two, hear the first of two of “Fisher’s Favorite 50” interviews. Fisher visits with two Wisconsin women who have come to call themselves “The Driveway Sisters.” One moved in a year the interview and shares a driveway with the other. But they didn’t know they were sisters! Hear the odd way they learned the truth about their close relationship. Then, Terri O’Connell of Chicago tells the story of the kidnapping of an infant relative in the 1890s. It’s a tale that’s been told in the family for well over a century. But now, thanks to DNA, she and her family know what became of the kidnapped baby! David then returns for another round of Ask Us Anything, answering your listener questions. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

When it’s time to hire a professional

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin chatting about the RootsTech Connect, the conference that will go on (in recorded fashion) for a year, and a couple of discoveries they each made in the past week involving flags! Then, David shares the recent discovery of an original copy of the Salem, Massachusetts 1810 census. You’ll soon have access to check on your witch descendants! Next, the question arises “Did Roman era male Brits wear their hair in a mullet?” David describes a recent discovery that suggests that was the case. Well, last week it was an Egyptian brewery that was found. This time around, it seems a Viking drinking hall has been discovered! Finally, a company of Irish fortune finders has been established to connect descendants with UK estates that no one has yet claimed. In the second segment, Fisher visits with David Zucker, the man behind countless comedy films, including Airplane! Naked Gun and many others. David is a passionate genie and has written a book on his family history called “Before The Invention Of Smiling.” David gives some background and explains what he hopes readers will take from his first family history book. Fisher then follows up with Debra Yates. She too is an amateur genie who felt her ancestor’s story was too significant to keep from the public. Her book, Woman of Many Names, addresses the history of her ancestor who was known as Nancy Ward, among other things. Nancy was a Cherokee and a friend to Daniel Boone and George Washington. Hear Debra describe Nancy’s remarkable life. Then, Sabin Streeter, show runner and director for Finding Your Roots on PBS talks about the latest episode before the fundraising break in March. It features Clint Black and Rosanne Cash with some surprising discoveries. David then returns with Fisher to answer a tombstone question from a listener on Ask Us Anything.

Have you ever considered “going wide” instead of “going deep?”

Are you taking full advantage DNA Test Results?

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin with David’s serendipitous experience in touring his wife’s grandmother’s former home. David then talks about Black History Month assets available now from AmericanAncestors. A pop up DNA center has been established in Australia to help families of missing people. FamilySearch’s numbers from 2020 are off the chart. Hear what we all did there last year! Finally, David shares the story of how 3,000-year-old bones of a woman buried in Crete have revealed her occupation. Next, Fisher visits with JoAnne Jessee… an ordinary person with an extraordinary find. JoAnne felt the urge to track down information on a great aunt that died young during the 1918 flu pandemic. Find out where it led her and the remarkable exchange coming up between two families. Then, genealogist Melanie McComb, from AmericanAncestors.org and NEHGS talks about financial records of ancestors that can help you on your journey. It’s from a lecture she does called “Follow the Money!” Next, Dr. Henry Louis Gates is out this week, so producer/director Sabin Streeter fills in to share the latest on the next episode of Finding Your Roots on PBS! Then, David returns for Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

What is and what isn’t a genealogical “source?”

Google Search Tricks

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David begins Family Histoire News with new information on the pirate ship Whydah, discovered some years ago in the waters of Massachusetts. Could this story tie you to this ship? Find out. Then, it’s another attic archive discovery that we can all only dream of. Hear what was found and how. Here’s a strange one. Was Stonehenge moved? One researcher says yes! And you won’t believe from where it may have come! The oldest-ever-found brewery has been dug up in Egypt. Hear some of the details. And finally, an indigenous fort in Alaska has been found. Find out about its history. Next, Carolyn Tolman of Legacy Tree Genealogists joins Fisher to talk about towns known as “Gretna Greens.” Hear the history of the name, what it means, and how knowing about such places near where your ancestors lived might help your research. Brandon Beckstead of FamilySearch is next up on the show. Brandon fills us in on this year’s edition of RootsTech, called “RootsTech Connect,” an all-virtual version of the world’s largest genealogical conference. And there are some fabulous features! Then, Crista Cowan of Ancestry.com visits with Fisher in two segments discussing Ancestry’s offerings at RootsTech Connect as well as new releases now available at Ancestry. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Coats of Arms and Family Crests. What Are The Differences?

Directories and Maps Can Sometimes Tell Stories as Plainly as a Personal History

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin Family Histoire News with the story of the history eating fast in America. Then, it’s a great article on where your family history materials will go after you’re gone. Another victim of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor has been identified through DNA and has been buried with family 80 years later. Hear who he was. Next, a woman has passed at 115 years old who had more to say about Warren Harding than Donald Trump! Catch her story. Hold the presses! It seems we may have one more person living who was born in the 19th century. Catch what David has to say about this 124-year-old man. And finally, a family Bible has been found in an old house and returned to descendants of those named in the Bible. And you won’t believe what family that is! Next, Fisher catches up with Lou Conter, one of the two remaining survivors of the Pearl Harbor attack on the USS Arizona. Lou has written his life story that is now available. He explains how he survived the explosion of the ship, and what he did after 1941, and after World War II. Lou is now 99-years-old. Then, Dr. Joe Price of Brigham Young University talks with Fisher about his latest project. It involves artificial intelligence to read handwriting on death certificates, searching digitized newspapers and research of census records to find what strategies really worked in the 1918 pandemic. Dr. Henry Louis Gates is back to tell us about his newest episode of Finding Your Roots on PBS. The ancestral stories he shares this week are jaw dropping! David then returns for another listener question on Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Journal keeping is a simple, old fashioned, and effective way to document your life’s adventures. And what a treasure it will be for your descendants.

Want your kids to find history a little more interesting? Try sharing family stories about how your ancestors were connected to historic figures and events.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David begins by losing his head over a story about Marie Antoinette’s mirror. It’s a mirror, mirror on a wall in England, but until recently no one knew its origins. David shares some details. Then, a teen in Britain has made a fascinating find on a British mountainside that impacted a family in Australia. Hear what he discovered. Next, there’s been another astounding discovery in England… a massive Anglo-Saxon grave site going back 4,000 years. Find out about the objects found there. Then, Smithsonian has shared a remarkable story about a female spy who started out cracking mobster codes in the 1930s, and eventually broke open a Nazi ring in South America a decade later. Catch the story of Elizabeth Smith Freedman. And finally, Megan Smolenyak has published some of her findings on the origins of new President Joe Biden. Are you related? Next, Fisher visits with Loretto Thompson. A few years back Loretto learned about a treasure trove of letters from her father to the family during his time serving in World War II. He died when Loretto was only four years old, and the letters have led her on a remarkable journey… even by genie standards! Then, Dr. Henry Louis Gates is back to talk about the next episode of Finding Your Roots on PBS. David returns for the final segment as the guys answer another question on Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Over many years anyone, like Fisher, can accumulate quite an Ancestral Museum. But without proper planning, where it goes after you might be to the dump!

Many families have long running oral traditions. But just how accurate are they?

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David shares his remarkable find in reverse genealogy, pulling forward from his War of 1812 ancestor to family ties to the “X-Men” franchise! Then, hear about the shoes people are finding behind walls in Canada and why they’re there. David also talks about the dead cats behind walls in Scotland he learned about years ago. What was that all about?! He’ll tell you. Then, it’s another major archaeological find in Egypt. The guys wrap up the segment, in the wake of the recent inauguration, talking presidents, particularly David’s connection to one of the greats. Fisher then visits with well known researcher, speaker, and blogger Sunny Morton. Sunny has written a great article for Family Tree Magazine on how to plan out your research year, based largely on weather, holidays, and traditions. There’s no doubt an idea or two waiting for you. Next, Russell Shorto, a renowned author talks about his new book coming out on February 2nd that discusses the history of the Mafia in small town America. His grandfather was part of the illegal activities that proliferated from coast to coast. Dr. Henry Louis Gates returns to fill us in on the next episode of Finding Your Roots on PBS. Season Seven is underway with some fascinating celebrity guests and discoveries. David then returns to wrap up the show with Ask Us Anything. He answers a question about sources for railroad workers. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

We all have family secrets. And if you’re concerned about how to handle those secrets in a history, Fisher has some thoughts.

Over 40 years before photography became a thing, a printing process paved the way for the publication of numerous images, some of which may help tell your family story.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin Family Histoire News with the eyebrow raising story that the last Civil War widow has died! Catch the details on the show, plus the fact that her husband, who died in 1939, was already a great great grandfather. David suggests it is possible that this widow was a step FIFTH great grandmother at the time of her death! Fisher and David then talk about sharing DNA from their own fifth great grandparents who were born in the 1600s with other DNA testers. Next David notes a story about how women in Texas who couldn’t start their own business without their husband’s permission until 1968. Finally, a researcher has located a 97-year-old former World War II pilot who saved her father’s life through his skills in ditching a plane. Next, Fisher begins a two part visit with Jim Puppe of Fargo, North Dakota. Jim travelled some 113,000 miles over 14 years collecting stories from seniors in every town, village and city in his state which he has published in a single book. Dr. Henry Louis Gates returns to the show to talk about his newest episode of Finding Your Roots on PBS, featuring actress Glenn Close and director Jim Waters. Then David is back for an Ask Us Anything question about chromosome mapping. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Your old home movies may be a treasure trove of photographs you didn’t even know you had. Here’s how to get to them!

Have you ever been told that you are a cousin one or more times removed? What that means is simpler than you may think.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin with a salute to the late Brian Sykes, a noted DNA research pioneer who passed last month. Then, the discovery of King Richard III under a parking lot in England eight years ago has now led to a DNA test that is causing some to question the legitimacy of the current Royals! Speaking of DNA, Fisher and David next speak of the claim from the science community that sleepwalking may be an ancient response gone wrong that essentially kept people awake with “one eye open” for their own safety. We have a couple of items in our “Lost and Found” department this week. First, it’s a metal detectorist in England who found a World War I medal in his back yard. He eventually returned it to the original recipient’s grandson. Then, it was the find of a teen’s “secret diaries” in an old house in Toronto that were also returned. Finally, aside from genealogy, there’s been another area experiencing a boon in the past year. Find out what it is. Then, Fisher visits with Daryle Williams, co-principal investigator with Enslaved.org, a new website that is bringing together multiple databases on enslaved and enslavers from all over the world and all periods of time. Daryle shares a fascinating story about one enslaved man in Brazil and how the database revealed it. Next, Rachel Derenthal from Legacy Tree Genealogists talks about the tragic fire that claimed the 1890 Census and the politics that followed. Rachel explains alternative methods to gathering information from that time period. Dr. Henry Louis Gates visits with Fisher again to talk about the latest episode in a new season of Finding Your Roots on PBS. Finally, David returns for an interesting question from a listener about a relative who was an early player for the NFL. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Have you been hesitant to write your own history? Everyone has a story to tell! Don’t deprive your descendants of the lessons and events of your life.

Are you considering writing an ancestral history, but feel their life story is “spotty?” Here is how historical context can help you fill in the gaps.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David shares his plans for a family trip and a visit he plans to make to a place he’s been before. Hear what he has in mind. David then shares the news that the Mayflower 2 is back at Plymouth after several years of repairs and maintenance. Then, the pandemic has led to the discovery of all kinds of historic and family items in a manor house in England. Find out what was discovered. In Scotland, a metal detecting investigator has stumbled upon a remarkable find dating back to the bronze age! Find out what he found and what is happening at the site now. And finally, a woman is celebrating what is thought to be her 116th birthday as the oldest person in America. You won’t believe how many descendants she has! Fisher then visits with Marissa Gardner from Legacy Tree Genealogists. Marissa talks about passenger lists, immigration and emigration records, as well as some myths about Ellis Island. In the third segment, it’s another “ordinary person with an extraordinary find.” Hear Long Island, NY resident Andrew Malekoff talk about what he learned about his father and his activities as a teenager in the 1930s. It was an eyebrow raiser for Andrew and it will be for you too! Then David returns for two more of your questions on Ask Us Anything! That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Most people have records, photos, or heirlooms in their homes. But other relatives almost certainly do as well. And often the things they have are different than what you’ve had passed down. Perhaps it’s time for an inventory of all the Family Archive “Branch Offices!”

Imagine a library that stores billions of webpages from sites that no longer exist, and digitized texts of millions of books and other assets. It’s not in Greece, and it costs you nothing to visit.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. Fisher begins by talking about a method he figured out to date a photo of his great great grandfather. David begins Family Histoire News talking about several aspects of life we can take from the pandemic of 1918-1920. First is the story of unique recipes of the time, including one including ‘possum! Then the guys discuss the unique circumstances surrounding voting in the 1918 midterm election. David then talks about a family that is benefitting from a diary kept by their ancestor during the Spanish Flu outbreak. Fisher then begins his two part visit with Heather Maio Smith who is a key player with the USC Shoah Foundation. Heather was recently featured on 60 Minutes. Heather talks about her pet project of the past several years, interviewing Holocaust survivors and then using technology so they can seem to be having a conversation with you. Ask the question, they will answer! In part two of the conversation, Heather talks about how any of us will soon be able to use similar technology so that descendants generations from now can ask us questions about our lives and have us answer them! Then Melanie McComb from NEHGS visits to help us out with Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show! 

There’s a time for collecting and a time for distributing. While you’re still here, it’s time you figure out how that’s going to happen. Fisher shares some thoughts on protecting your life’s family history work.

Genealogy and family history, believe it or not, are actually defined very differently. Hear why the two terms are not the same.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org.  The guys begin with discussion of an ancestral discovery David made this past week… one he could have had years ago had he paid attention to a communication sent to him in 2012! Then Fisher and David talk about a man who was given up as a foundling 83 years ago. Thanks to a genetic genealogist who wanted to help, he now knows who his birth parents were. Next, Smithsonian is running a great article on another pandemic Christmas… the Christmas of 1918. Genetic genealogy has again proven its worth in identifying a “Jane Doe” murder victim from 2000. Hear some of the details. Next, it’s nice to hear of a man who has decided to help lower income people learn about their past. Hear who and why this man is backing this ambitious project. Finally, in Wethersfield, Connecticut, a recent dig has revealed artifacts that may change Connecticut history books. Then, Libby Copeland joins Fisher for a two part visit discussing four landmark events in DNA that all occurred in the past year, and where we might be going from here. She is the author behind The Lost Family, How DNA Testing Is Upending Who We Are. David comes back next for another round of Ask Us Anything. The guys begin with a question about ancestral signatures and their use in genealogy, as well as how to handle family scandals when writing up a family history. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Wondering why you can’t always find articles you believe should be there in a digitized newspaper? Here are some tricks for squeezing it all out of digitized newspapers!

If you’ve ever dug into Swedish ancestry, you know the issue. Tons of people have the same name and live in the same places. Well, Swedish Church records can at least help a little in sorting out which Hans Olsen might be yours. Fisher explains.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys open the show talking about their discoveries this past week. Then, David plows into Family Histoire News starting with a little talk about the 79th anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor, and an online message from one of the survivors. Then, genetic genealogy for solving cold cases has now spread to Canada. Hear about how one of their first cases was solved by a genie who was just doing his thing. Sweden has made another great find concerning those Vikings whose remnants keep popping up everywhere! Then, it’s a new site that’s devoted to memorializing the millions of people enslaved over the first several centuries of European settlement. Learn more about Enslaved.org. Next, Fisher visits with David Gervais. The North Carolina man was the beneficiary of the kindness of a group of people who had a mystery on their hands, a 70-year-old military uniform without a name tag. Hear how David and his family were able to get his grandfather’s uniform, complete with ribbons from two world wars, back in the family.   Then, Jim Beidler of Legacy Tree Genealogists talks about holiday traditions that could help you start family history conversations or even point to your heritage. Jim also delves into a pair of eyebrow raising traditions from other countries.   David Lambert then returns for a pair of questions on Ask Us Anything. The first concerns what to do with your records and heirlooms and how to plan for their future, while the second considers the subject of “gateway ancestors.” That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Two key census record sets were destroyed in Ireland in 1922, but some of that information was preserved in another way. Fisher explains why your ancestors’ data from those census records may still be available.

Within the United States, it was not uncommon for churches to give a “letter of transfer” to a member of their congregation who is moving to a new location. But sometimes they came with immigrants from across the ocean. What can this mean to you? Fisher explains.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin by talking about a remarkable string of luck in their own research. Hear how Fisher discovered his late father-in-law’s unique place in the historical record. David kicks off Family Histoire News with a story about how modern genomics is rewriting history. Then, law enforcement in Tennessee is seeking public financial support to solve a four decade old cold case. Fisher notes that in Idaho, a grant has been awarded to a law enforcement agency there to cover DNA analysis on a cold case. He also points to a group of wealthy businessmen in Utah called the “Honorary Colonels” who financially support law enforcement in such matters. David then shares the story of Daniel Smith. He’s one of America’s last living children of a slave! Then, a man in eastern Europe has stumbled upon a 3,000 old sword. Next, Fisher shares one of his favorite “visits from the vault.” Actor, singer, and renowned genealogist Hank Jones talks about his collection of stories of strange things that have happened when doing genealogy and family history work. Then, Fort Worth genie Sharon Manson discusses her journey that helped her learn why her parents would tell her never to ask about her paternal grandmother! Finally, David returns for Ask Us Anything, discussing Revolutionary soldier lineage societies (there are more than you think) and Canadian emigration to the United States. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Obituaries often reveal connections to the Free Masons. If you have an ancestor that belonged to this organization, his membership application may provide great information on him. Fisher has more.

Slave research is hard enough, and this little nugget, unfortunately, might make it harder. Not all slave names come from the most recent slaveholder. Fisher shares some other possibilities.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin by talking about a shockingly low price on a whole genome sequencing test from Dante Labs. Neither Fisher nor David has ever done such a test before. David then begins Family Histoire News with news of a Maryland county that’s using a grant to support genetic genealogy in their police work. Hear who it is. Then, the Irish Times has been writing about how the ancestors of several presidents, including incoming President-Elect Biden, had Irish ancestors who all left the Emerald Isle in the same short period of time. Find out when and which presidents came from these people. Then, David talks about a military family that has received a remarkable, and very personal, long lost heirloom. Then, the one and only CeCe Moore joins the show. CeCe brings us up to date on what’s happening in her world and explains why she feels that her work solving cold cases is exonerating more people than it is finding guilty people. Next, Ron Fox, the photo expert from Salt Lake City shares some thoughts on finding photos that can enhance your family history stories. He also shares a remarkable experience providing an important photograph to Dick Van Dyke! Hear about Van Dyke’s reaction to the image. David then rejoins the show for Ask Us Anything as the guys tackle questions about inoculation records and ancestor criminals. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

The settling of the west wasn’t much unlike the settling of colonial America a century or two earlier. And as people came, more and more lines were drawn. Fisher shares just a few so you know what to look for as you consider your research strategy.

War, population growth and shifting can all contribute to boundary changes. And boundary changes mean that, even if your ancestors stayed in the same place, their records could be hiding in many places.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David’s been up late a lot recently working his DNA matches while Fisher has been going through some items retrieved from an old family Bible. They talk about their experiences. Family Histoire News begins with word that RootsTech now has four fascinating keynote speakers lined up for this coming year’s virtual conference, RootsTechConnect.  Then, a German man has learned that his family business was obtained by his grandfather, a Nazi, who virtually stole it from a Jewish family. Hear what this grandson has done. Ground Penetrating Radar has brought about another awesome discovery in Norway. Hear what it is. Next, History is running a fascinating article on the family of Lincoln’s assassin, John Wilkes Booth. It’s filled with eyebrow raisers. Then, David reveals a site for some amazing Civil War data. Might you have an ancestor in there? Next, Fisher visits with Lisa Murphy of Orem, Utah, an “Ordinary Person With An Extraordinary Find.” Lisa’s grandfather was a family enigma. He died without ever telling anyone exactly where he was from, and very little about the family itself. But along comes DNA and well… you know the rest. Hear the story Lisa and her family has learned about her long deceased grandfather’s origins. Then, Fisher talks new archive discoveries with “The Archive Lady,” Melissa Barker of Houston County, Tennessee.  Melissa is always digging up inspiring items in her archive to encourage people to get back to where many family treasures may be waiting. Hear what she’s found this time. David then returns for “Ask Us Anything.” The guys discuss Revolutionary War pensions and coats of arms. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Fisher had given up on finding the parents of an elusive ancestor when he took one last step before closing the book on the case. And it made all the difference in the world!

Female ancestors are sometimes difficult to find.  Fisher shares a few thoughts on other ways to look for them.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin with a salute to our veterans on this Veterans Day week. David then tells the story of the oldest living American vet. Hear who he is, his ridiculous age, and where and when he served. Next, a possible survivor camp for the early settlers of Roanoke may have been located. Catch the evidence for this intriguing site. Then, a man who obtained ten century old letters from an abandoned post office has gone to work to deliver them to living descendants. Plus, Psychology Today writes about why Americans are obsessed with family history… as if we need an explanation! Fisher then visits with Crista Cowan from Ancestry.com, one of our show sponsors. Crista talks about how Ancestry.com is going to help us all through our socially distanced Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday, with free access to stories about your ancestors. Hear how it’s done and how you can get to the information!  Crista Cowan, Ancestry's corporate genealogist, has worked at Ancestry since 2004. You can find Crista as The Barefoot Genealogist, hosting videos on Ancestry's social channels YouTube, Facebook and Instagram. Tom Kelly from Shelton, Connecticut joins us next. Tom received a Christmas gift a while back that gave him an odd ethnicity result. With the help of Legacy Tree Genealogists (also one of our sponsors) he learned the truth about his parentage. But the full story might well have been missed because of an unusual DNA match. Paul Woodbury, DNA specialist at Legacy Tree, picks up Tom’s story and talks about the match that could easily have led to the wrong conclusion. Paul explains why it didn’t. Then, David returns for Ask Us Anything. The guys first deal with a question about 19th century “dead mail,” and then another about military commissions. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Struggling to figure out where your ancestor’s Social Security records went? They might not have been there at all because things were different before 1951!

Ever notice familiar repeating family names in a single family group? It could be the parents were following a classic pattern. And that pattern can tell you some very important truths about the previous generation.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org.  The guys begin with the story of an adjustment that was made on the headstone of Susan B. Anthony just in time for election day. Hear what it was and why it was done.  Then, a Virginia State Senator has made a sad discovery on his own property, again involving headstones. Find out what it was. Then, the British are looking for descendants of three World War I casualties and another from World War II. Might you be one, or know of one? Next, the London Metropolitan Archives have begun a new database of Londoners of African, Caribbean, Asian and Indigenous descent. Learn more about it. And finally, what a family feud! And recently, the sale of a dinosaur skeleton made it even worse. You’ll want to hear this one! Next, in a classic rewind interview with Legal Genealogist Judy Russell from 2019, Fisher and Judy discuss copyright, fair use, ethics, and much more in two parts. If you are preparing to write a history on your family this is must-hear radio! Then David Lambert returns for a pair of questions on Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Back in 1752, England enacted a law that changed our calendars forever. But did that law ever make a genealogist’s life complicated!

Ancestors love to play tricks on us as we trace them down… sometimes by disappearing from where we think they should be. Fisher explains where you might want to look next.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin talking about the coming International Conference on Jewish Genealogy. (Want to speak there in Philly next August? Their Call for Proposals is open through November 19!) David then shares the story about how the grandson of a couple who were lost in the Holocaust recently was presented with an important item that once belonged to his grandparents. Next, David talks about an important new database released by the New England Historic Genealogical Society. Might your ancestors names be in it?  The British Library has just released a remarkable collection of almost 18,000 maps tied to King George III! Black history Marine biologists have been recovering artifacts from 19th century slave ships and airplanes flown by the Tuskegee Airmen. Hear more about their project. Next, Fisher visits with Dr. Scott Woodward on our shared blood with Neanderthals and what that means in our fight with Covid-19. Then David Lambert returns for Ask Us Anything, as we take your questions. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Fisher worked to break open one ancestral line for fifteen years. It wasn’t until he was closing the book on the case by creating a timeline that he saw the answer!

Just the way not every record is digitized, many records are digitized but not indexed!  Can’t find what you’re looking for? It’s time to check those massive unindexed records!

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.com. Fisher talks about his latest heirloom acquisition… an 1851 Bible with a special family inscription. The guys then pass 100th birthday greetings on to an American flying legend. David shares a story of a recent wedding that featured a surprise for his bride she will never forget.  (And it involved her late grandmother!) “Pepper’s Ghost” is “reappearing” in London. Hear what it is and how it got started.  Finally, the guys touch on the story of how and when controversial Columbus Day got its real start in our country. Next, Fisher visits with slavery expert Kenyatta Berry. The two talk about the formerly enslaved individuals, including Frederick Douglass, who sailed to Britain in the late 1840s to reveal to the public there the horrors of slavery, and to create international pressure on the US to end it. They also talk about some successful escapes, and the challenges of even making the attempt. Todd Godfrey, the VP of Global Content for Ancestry.com, joins the show next to talk about their huge new database release, the Newspapers.com Marriage Index. Created by artificial intelligence, it’s the latest use of this advanced technology to bring us some very valuable records. David then rejoins Fisher to talk about collecting heirlooms and the use of eBay in your quest. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Fisher’s Top Tips #220r - Those Tricky Immigration Records

Fisher’s Top Tips #219r - Historic Time Lines and What They Can Reveal

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. Fisher opens the dialog talking about how he is using genetic genealogy to help a friend identify a parent of his grandfather. They need to narrow down from TWELVE children! David then shares news of the passing of the grandson of our tenth president, John Tyler! Yes… grandson! (Don’t worry, there is still another one living!) David then shares news that if you have an unusually high amount of DNA from Neanderthals, you might be at greater risk for harsh symptoms from Covid-19. A new study is out explaining how the human family is likely more closely related to each other than most realize. Of course, this has everything to do with what is called “pedigree collapse.” Hear the guys map this out. And finally, MyHeritage has another great photo tool available for you. Find out what it is. Next, Fisher catches up with Dr. Henry Louis Gates, host of the PBS series Finding Your Roots. New episodes have resumed and Dr. Gates fills us in on what is soon to come on the show. Then, D. Joshua Taylor, President of the New York Genealogical and Biographical Society joins Fisher to discuss the efforts of those tied to the New York Municipal Archives to license public records! These are records we, generally, paid to create, and taxes pay to maintain. Since they belong to us, “the people,” this licensing could become a costly problem, not only in New York, but elsewhere as well. David then returns for a pair of questions on Ask Us Anything. The first has to do with Civil War pension records, while the second has to do with alternatives to birth certificates. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Fisher’s Top Tips #218r - The Potential Benefit of Swapping Brick Walls

Fisher’s Top Tips #217r - “Dit Names”… What the Heck Are Those?

Tune in to hear an important interview with Josh Taylor on a time sensitive matter concerning records.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin with news that RootsTech Connect 2021 is bringing in some 1,500 registrants a day! It’s going to be a massive on line event. (And it’s free!) Next, Fisher and David share thoughts on the Abraham Lincoln death picture that is making the rounds. A couple of World War II items were recently found and returned to their families. Hear what the items were, where and how they were found, and who the lucky families were. Then, a missing elevator has been found! Along with a missing early 20th century telephone switchboard! All at a hotel in Florida. Catch the details. Fisher then visits with Paul Woodbury, lead DNA specialist at Legacy Tree Genealogists. Paul shares an interesting technique he uses to rank your most important DNA matches across web sites, in some cases allowing for the varying algorithms the DNA companies use. Next, Brooke Ganz from Reclaim the Records explains the group’s latest victory. After a four year law suit, some important public records in Missouri are actually now freely available… to the public. Imagine that! Hear what they are and how you can access them. Fisher then welcomes David back for a pair of questions on Ask Us Anything. This time they concern undertaker records and preserving old Bibles. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Fisher’s Top Tips #216r - Marriage Bonds and What They Can Reveal

Fisher’s Top Tips #215r - What’s Going to Happen to Your Records and Heirlooms When You’re Gone?

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin Family Histoire News with a host of interesting information. First, FamilyTreeDNA has joined Ancestry.com in updating their ethnicity estimates. Fold3 has released a new collection of amazing military materials from Phan Rang Air Base in Vietnam. Plus, the oldest Roman body armor ever found has been dug up in Germany. It dates back to 9 AD! David then explains a recent court ruling that will allow a dive on the Titanic to recover some very important equipment. Hear what it is. Next, a log from a slave ship from 1796 reveals the horrors of the slave trade as an officer kept a detailed day-to-day account of life on the vessel.  Find out where you can catch the highlights. Then, imagine having up to 600 half siblings around the world. There is such a family! Hear how this came to be. Next, Fisher visits with Don LeClair from NEHGS. Don explains the near completion of an important Mayflower project three years in the making involving a partnership with two other important genealogical organizations. Researching your possible Mayflower ties has never been easier as we recognize the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the ship. Melanie McComb, another researcher with NEHGS then visits with Fisher about railroad records. So many families have railroad workers in their lines. Find out what you can learn about them and where. Then, David returns for Ask Us Anything as the guys answer a pair of questions about ship embarkations and fundamental genetic genealogy. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show.

Fisher’s Top Tips #214r - Can’t Find Your Key Record on Line? Try the Old-Fashioned Way.

Fisher’s Top Tips #213r - Got an Ancestor Who Served? Look to Military Records as a Source for Incredible Family Stories.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin with news of a great new database from the Library of Congress that allows you to search the captions in newspaper photos to find pictures tied to your family or area of interest. Then the Russian State Public History Library has now made public a huge number of genealogical documents, largely covering the Soviet Union era. Next, the USS Constitution, America’s oldest commissioned ship, now has a database to help us learn about the crew of the ship in the War of 1812.  Then, Places of Pride, an Australian site, has now made available online their national registration of every war memorial in the country. Might your ancestor’s name be on one? Renowed genetic genealogist CeCe Moore returns to the show to talk about many things. She and Fisher begin with a discussion of a legal request by the grandson of President Warren G. Harding to have his remains exhumed so their DNA might be compared. It’s a strange case with many ramifications. CeCe then talks about her television show and the latest in the use of genetic genealogy in identifying suspects in cold cases and violent crimes. David then returns for Ask Us Anything as he and Fisher tackle questions about old license plates and related databases and Crown Land records in Nova Scotia. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Fisher’s Top Tips #212r - Got DNA Skills? Become A Search Angel for Others!

Tracing Forward Can Yield Family History Gold

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys open with talk about Ancestry.com’s latest adjustment in ethnicity estimates. Have you checked yours recently? Next, famed historian Doris Kearns Goodwin says her childhood interest in one sports team contributed to and enhanced her career choice.  Then, an island in New York likely contains the remains of over a million people, and New York doesn’t much like to talk about it. Hear which island and where it is. Next, Fisher visits with McKenna Cooper from Legacy Tree Genealogists. McKenna talks about how genealogists deal with the ever present problem of conflicting records. Then, Arkansas resident Kelsey Dunn talks about taking some of what he learned from Extreme Genes and making an exciting breakthrough into the origins of his grandmother in France. David then returns for Ask Us Anything as the guys take on questions about a high school ring and researching a late father’s early career. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Once you’ve gone from the land of the researcher to the land of the researched, you no longer control what happens to your heirlooms and research records. Here’s what you can do now!

Have you become reliant on online sites for your key records? If so, you’re missing out on the thrill of the hunt the old-fashioned way!

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys open the show talking with Fisher’s latest communications with high school friends of his much older brother, who died when Fisher was eight. In Family Histoire News, the guys talk about two people, in two stories, one Australian, one Canadian, who recent learned some shocking things about themselves with the help of DNA. (The DNA stories keep on coming!) David also talks about the huge increase in prices that will soon be in effect for obtaining citizenship records of ancestors. And finally, what a discovery in Israel! It dates back to 700 B.C.  Hear what archaeologists have discovered. Next, Fisher begins his two part interview with Steve Rockwood, CEO of FamilySearch International. In the first segment, Steve explains the opportunity he sees in the pandemic for taking RootsTech global, virtual, and continuous for three days. Plus, this presentation feast will be free! RootsTech Connect in February of 2021 will be like none other! Hear Steve explain this pioneering effort. Then, Steve talks about how the pandemic has impacted FamilySearch. To hear Steve tell it, many things learned during this challenging time will become permanent features of the website. Then, David Lambert returns for Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Who deserves to have their history recorded more than our veterans? Fisher shares some great places for finding military records and often the stories that can be uncovered through them.

Adoptees in particular, but many others as well, are looking for answers. If your skilled in the DNA world, you might want to consider helping these folks as a “search angel.”

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin by talking about an awesome gift given to Fisher… a musket ball from the site of the Great Swamp Fight of 1675 during the King Philip’s (Native) War. Two of his direct ancestors were killed there, and another wounded. Then, they share the news that RootsTech for 2021 is full steam ahead virtual. You can now sign up for free! Next, two women recently met to research the same old southern plantation. One was a descendant of the slave holder, the other a descendant of the slave. Hear their story. A 1,000 year old Christian cemetery has been found in Poland. David shares the details of one strange burial in the cemetery. Finally, the guys talk about a story concerning DNA and crime. Things are not always going well with the police CODIS system. Next, Fisher visits with Emma Smreker, a French teacher in Oklahoma with a fascinating fascination… old books and what may have been left in them. Hear what she finds and what she does with items! Fisher then checks in with Don Mounts, Vice President of a brand new organization called  the Archival Researchers Association. They have one main goal… access to the National Archives which is largely shut down due to the pandemic. Hear what the group’s specific plans are and how you may be able to help. David then rejoins the show for Ask Us Anything as the guys tackle a question about oral traditions and another about a state that has had two counties with the same name! That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Want to find rare family photos, family Bibles, and who knows what else? Fisher suggests that you try tracing forward!

Believe it or not, Fisher HATED history as a kid. How he came to love it can work for your child or grandchild, too.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys open talking about some fascinating finds in Fisher’s family this week. David then shares a great story about a man in Toronto who stumbled upon a World War I era Bible. Hear what he did with it. Then, a school teacher has an interesting hobby involving used books and what she finds in them. Find out what she does next. Next, archaeology has uncovered an unlikely Viking site. (You won’t believe where it is!) Finally, hear about the man with a rich criminal record who set himself up for arrest for decades old crimes by taking a DNA test to check out his ethnicity! Then, Fisher begins his two part visit with Kitty Cooper. Kitty is a DNA specialist and talks about why she thinks Ancestry’s new feature, showing the longest DNA segments among your matches, is a good one. Kitty then shares her greatest personal find with Ask The Experts, and how she solved the mystery. David then returns for two questions in Ask Us Anything. The first involves researching the history of a house. The second concerns a listener’s problem searching old newspapers. Hear what the guys suggest she should do. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Fisher shares a simple strategy for growing your ancestral photo archive.

Continuing his conversation on family photo archives, Fisher gives a quick overview on what you have to do to keep them safe.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David shares his plans for a family trip and a visit he plans to make to a place he’s been before. Hear what he has in mind. David then shares the news that the Mayflower 2 is back at Plymouth after several years of repairs and maintenance. Then, the pandemic has led to the discovery of all kinds of historic and family items in a manor house in England. Find out what was discovered. In Scotland, a metal detecting investigator has stumbled upon a remarkable find dating back to the bronze age! Find out what he found and what is happening at the site now. And finally, a woman is celebrating what is thought to be her 116th birthday as the oldest person in America. You won’t believe how many descendants she has! Fisher then visits with Marissa Gardner from Legacy Tree Genealogists. Marissa talks about passenger lists, immigration and emigration records, as well as some myths about Ellis Island. In the third segment, it’s another “ordinary person with an extraordinary find.” Hear Long Island, NY resident Andrew Malekoff talk about what he learned about his father and his activities as a teenager in the 1930s. It was an eyebrow raiser for Andrew and it will be for you too! Then David returns for two more of your questions on Ask Us Anything! That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

OK, you’re the one in your family with all the family pictures. Now what? The first thing you have to do has nothing to do with technology.

Fisher talks about the “luck” he has enjoyed through the years in genealogy, and how it really isn’t as much by chance as you would think.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys open with news of the sale of 75 percent of Ancestry.com. Hear who the company is going to. The guys then share that MyHeritage.com is allowing non-subscribers to use two of their top apps for free until September 10th. Find out which features you can take advantage of. Then, it’s a story of Irish girls being shipped out of Ireland during the Potato Famine to Australia. But some may have come to America, too. Now a new source names these girls. Might one have been your ancestor? Next, the DNA Doe Project is back on the job. Hear what they’re tackling now. And finally, it’s a Y-DNA study that covers 700 years and a historic document. Find out what it’s all about. Next, Daniel Swalm, a Minnesota man learned that his grandmother, who was born in the US, died in the US, and never left the US, had lost her citizenship. And not for anything she had ever done except for one thing that most people do. Hear what Daniel did with this information and how the story got new life. Then, Dr. Sarah South of the new AncestryHealth explains the new branding of this DNA arm of Ancestry.com, and how a new technique for detecting potential medical issues is a game changer. David Lambert then returns for Ask Us Anything. The guys first field a question about a DNA match that doesn’t make sense to the listener. Then, David answers a question in which he reveals Civil War records you might not have known existed. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Fisher explains what lineage societies are and why you might want to join one.

As more and more secrets are exposed by DNA tests, are we prepared to discover that our ancestors were simply human?

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David begins by explaining a case of serendipity from which he was the recent beneficiary. Hear what happened! David then shares a great project opportunity for all of us… transcribing anti-slavery manuscripts at the Boston Public Library. It’s something you can do from home! A tribe in California has regained possession of some of their ancestral land. Hear about the tribe and how it came to pass. Then, a 52-year-old cold case has been solved by an amateur genealogist. He had the needed clue to identify a Jane Doe murder victim from 1968! David then talks about a photographer who has taken photos of descendants of famous ancestors in the look of their ancestors’ times. The results are remarkable. Fisher then visits with Dr. Blaine Bettinger about Ancestry.com’s recent announcement that they are raising the threshold for a “match” from six centimorgans to eight. How can we best preserve the six to seven centimorgan matches we already have and how might this change affect our genetic genealogy research? Dr. Bettinger has some thoughts. Fisher and Blaine Bettinger then talk about Keepsake DNA, the new lab that just opened in Salt Lake City that allows genealogists to submit old envelopes, false teeth, hats, glasses and countless other items that may lead to DNA profiles of ancestors long since dead. How useful might these profiles from long ago be in breaking through brick walls? Dr. Bettinger explains his hopeful forecast. David then returns for Ask Us Anything. The guys begin by answering a question about cattle marks and family history. Then, what is the story with British censuses? How come the US has already released its 1940 census and Britain has only released through 1911? When might we get another census from across the pond? David explains the reasons and issues, and what is to come. Eventually. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Fisher explains the significance of “gateway ancestors” and how you can find out if you have any on your family tree.

With all the scams happening in the world today, it’s not always so easy to connect with a “new” cousin. Fisher has some thoughts.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org.  The guys open with the latest news on the GEDMatch security breach. Then, Delaware is removing a public whipping post, largely used to punish African-Americans for petty crimes. Hear where it’s going. Next, it’s another son finding another car that once belonged to his father. Only this time it’s a unique car and it’s over in England. Catch the details. A woman who qualifies as a “Rosie the Riveter” from World War II is back serving her country again. Find out what this amazing woman is doing. Fisher next updates everyone on the latest with Ancestry and their raising of the limit for a match from 6 centiMorgans to 8. Fisher then follows up his visit from last week with Karra Porter, co-founder of Keepsake DNA. Today she reveals to Fisher whether any of his four ancestral envelopes that he supplied had sufficient DNA from which kits might soon be created. Be there for his “big reveal!” Melanie McComb, longtime friend of the show from NEHGS, then shares her knowledge of researching family who served in the clergy. You might be surprised at how much information can be found on these relatives and how much information on their family might be a part of it. David Lambert then returns for a pair of questions on Ask Us Anything. We cover a lot of ground this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

New techniques are revealing the good and the bad in our DNA test results. Are you prepared for the unexpected?

There are bucket lists and then there are genealogy bucket lists. Are you prioritizing what you want to get done before joining the land of the researched?

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin Family Histoire News with the story of GEDMatch being hacked. At the time of recording, it was only believed that the entire database had been opted in for police work. Now it appears the site was fully exposed for three hours on Sunday, July 19th. David then shares the heartwarming story of a British World War II vet, a centenarian, who raised some $40 million dollars to battle Covid-19. And his Queen has recognized him. Then, Mental Floss has come up with 14 slang terms from the colonial era. They sure sound strange today! David then passes along important advice from libraries around the country… don’t microwave your books! Hear what this is all about. The guys wrap up the segment with a fascinating story from Smithsonian concerning Apollo 13, the near disastrous mission, as well as the movie. Fisher then begins his two part visit with Karra Porter, one of the founders of a new DNA lab, Keepsake DNA, devoted to genetic genealogy. Keepsake DNA can analyze DNA from old hats, earrings, dentures, hearing aids… among many other heirlooms…. and envelopes. In fact, Fisher is playing guinea pig, providing four envelopes for analysis. Hear what Karra has to say about what her new endeavor. David then returns for your questions on Ask On Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Ireland will be adding a time capsule feature to their 2021 census, to be revealed in 100 years. Sounds like a great idea… but do we really need it?

Fisher explains that sometimes you have to pioneer your own discovery technique to mine the most out of records you find.

Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org.  The guys open “Family Histoire News” with the story of a a woman who discovered a missing cemetery! (These things happen.) Hear the story. Next David reveals recent talk about Jeanne Calment, the French woman who has long been lauded as the oldest person ever to live at 122. But wait. Not so fast! Then a woman born in 1920 has just celebrated her 25th birthday. Those things happen when you’re born on February 29th! Hear her take on her special day. New research is now telling us the age at which we will be happiest. Find out how much longer you need to deal with the “misery” of life. Then, the first genetic genealogy DNA case is coming to a head. Word is the Golden State Killer will plead guilty to avoid the death penalty. David then talks about a unique site… FamilyScrybe.com. It’s about how you can create your own free family history web site. Fisher then visits backstage at RootsTech with David Hume Kennerly, one of the great historic photographers of our time, going back to the 1960s. David talks about his experiences as well as thoughts on how to get the most out of your family history pictures. Next, Paul Woodbury, DNA specialist at LegacyTree.com, visits with Fisher from the Legacy Tree RootsTech booth about dealing with the distant matches and putting them to work for you. David then returns as the guys talk about their highlights at RootsTech. The Mayflower 400 played a role, as did a new DNA lab that might be a game changer for many of us. Then, it is Ask Us Anything as the guys talk about the St. Louis archive fire of 1973, and what still might be worth going after. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Was your ancestor a homesteader? If so, you may have record treasures waiting for you

Fisher explains that not all stories are spelled out for you. They often assemble themselves through records you collect over time.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. In “Family Histoire News,” David begins with a story highlighted in the Smithsonian and linked to at ExtremeGenes.com. It’s about the World War II “Race To Be Ace” that often cost American lives. Then, a national archive has opened. Unfortunately, it’s not ours. Find out whose it is and how it may benefit you. A Texas man and his son recently made a trip to Arkansas where they marked the grave of a man who died some two hundred years ago. Find out what these two learned about him. Why don’t people smile in 19th century photos? David shares several of the reasons. And finally, David passes on a story posted by Dick Eastman who has shared a reason why some genies cannot locate their Confederate families after the Civil War. You won’t believe where some of them went. Next, Fisher visits with Don Milne of Bountiful, Utah. Don got caught up a few years ago in a project to create obituaries of a few of the 400,000 Americans killed in World War II. But his followers wouldn’t let him stop. And now many more are jumping in to create obituaries of ALL of those who died. Hear about the project and how you can help! Then, Fisher visits with Zoe Krainik, a passionate genie, who finds time for her pursuit after her day with her young children is done. A short time back she went “cousin fishing” and brought in a big one… from Italy! Hear about her great connection and how she made it. Then David returns for a pair of great listener questions on Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Some newbies to genealogy aren’t so sure about the pace of this pursuit. Fisher has some advice for them.

Most families have stories about loved ones that aren’t particularly flattering. But should you share it in a history?

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org.  The guys begin with the story of an Ohio genealogy center offering curb side genealogy services during the pandemic! Hear what they’re up to.  Next, a man has tracked down an old Dodge Challenger and bought it. What’s the significance? It was once the pride and joy of his late father! Catch the details. Then, you won’t believe where seven Confederate soldiers are buried. Learn the stories behind this strange situation. At old Stonehenge, researchers have discovered something new about the ancient site. Find out what they found out. David then shines his blogger spotlight on Jane Howe’s site, AllThoseBefore.org.uk. Wait til you here the story of one of her ancestors that she posted on her blog. Next, Fisher is joined by Paul Woodbury, a DNA specialist at Legacy Tree Genealogists. He’ll talk about something no one ever expected to happen… scientists pulling DNA from rootless hair! (And they said it never could be done.) Paul also explains why some DNA tests don’t work out the first time. Here’s what you need to avoid if you’re about to submit your spit. Maureen Taylor, the Photo Detective, then visits with Fisher about MyHeritage’s new “enhancement” tool. It’s raising eyebrows around the world. Find out why. David Allen Lambert then returns to for Ask Us Anything, answering questions concerning researching your Revolutionary ancestors. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Sure, maybe you don’t want to tell everything, but if you don’t write your own story who will? And how will they tell it?

The genealogy world calls it “serendipity.” You might just call it “weird!”

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org.  The guys open Family Histoire News with major news about GEDMatch.com. It has been acquired by a company out of California. Hear what we know so far.  Then, there’s news that Ireland is working on reconstructing the archives that burned in 1922. Find out how they’re going about accomplishing this immense task! Then a discovery at the site of a Civil War camp sheds fascinating light on how soldiers prepared to have their likenesses taken. It may surprise you! Then another place is asking the people to decide whether or not to open adoption records. Find out where, and what the strategy is. Next, hear about a woman in her 90s who was adopted who recently learned she has siblings. LOTS of siblings! Find out how it all was discovered and just how much family she has! Fisher then visits with Daphne Palmer Geanacopoulos, author of the book called “The Pirate Next Door: The Untold Story of Eighteenth Century Pirates’ Wives, Families, and Communities.” She explains how pirates were not really anything like the way they are portrayed in movies and lore… and some didn’t even have a say in becoming a pirate! Hear Daphne explain. Ray Weiss then visits with Fisher. Hear this Maryland man explain how he has been researching his seafaring ancestors for decades and how he continues to travel to all the places they went, even out-of-the-way little islands! CeCe Moore drops in again to give us the inside scoop on the final episode of her ABC series The Genetic Detective for this season. Melanie McComb from NEHGS then takes on Ask Us Anything. Melanie answers a question about finding records of an ancestor who helped enforce Prohibition. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

We all love finding new dates and places, but digging up a new story is a much greater accomplishment.

Community celebrations such as the 4th of July is a great time to share family history with your kids.

Host Scott Fisher opens Extreme Genes’ 300 episode with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org.  The guys begin Family Histoire News with the latest on America’s oldest living World War II vet. Hear the story of Laurence Brooks. Then, a Purple Heart awarded posthumously to an airman who died in the Battle of the Bulge has found its way back to the family. The guys then talk about a genie who spends his time making clients rich through his research. Catch the details. Next, it’s a letter to Dear Abby complaining about a passionate genie mother. Is she, perhaps, too passionate? David’s Blogger Spotlight this week shines on RootsTech.org/blog where Elizabeth Miller shares Ten Reasons To Attend RootsTech. Next, Fisher chats with Chris Child, Senior Genealogist of the Newbury Street Press and Editor of the Mayflower Descendant. Chris talks about his recent finds concerning Mayflower descendants through Y and mitochondrial DNA tests. He explains how one new find has given Mayflower ancestry to John Wayne and Winston Churchill! Then Fisher visits with Heather Ruth Pack, a Utah resident. Heather tells her story about a relative who was with her great grandfather when he died in the 1940s, and what he said eventually led her to his long-missing parents. It’s another ordinary person with an extraordinary find. CeCe Moore comes on next to talk about the latest episode of her ABC-TV series, The Genetic Detective. Fisher and David then tackle “Ask Us Anything.” One question concerns the 1950 census. Another deals with colonial military records. Hear what the guys have to say. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Lots of kids find no joy in learning history. But when family is tied into it, things can change!

When starting your genealogical journey, it’s tough to skip a link in the chain. You have to begin with what you know.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin with the story of the passing of the last recipient of a pension from the Civil War! Hear how this 90-year-old woman qualified. Then, George Washington feared a pandemic during the Revolution. Find out what he did for his troops to keep them healthy and ultimately win the war! David then talks about a great article from History that notes all the presidents… as in ALL the presidents… who have worked from home. That’s the White House and elsewhere. Drive In movies just celebrated an anniversary. You may be surprised when and where they started. 2020 is the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower arrival in North America. Hear how the pandemic is changing plans for the commemoration. Next, Fisher chats it up with Gretchen Jorgensen, a genetic genealogist with Legacy Tree Genealogists. Gretchen explains the significance of Y-DNA testing and how it differs from the “Big Y.” David Rencher, Director of the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, visits with Fisher about what’s been going on with the Library staff during the pandemic and how we will all benefit from it. He also talks about big changes coming to the Library itself. (You may need a map next time you visit!) CeCe Moore returns to explain what we can expect in the next episode of The Genetic Detective Tuesday night on ABC. It’s another incredible story line. Finally, David Lambert returns for another round of Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

If you haven’t at digitized newspapers in a while you might be missing out on some “new” old material!

Family history information can come in many forms, and some of them may be surprising!

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with Your DNA Guide Diahan Southard filling in for David Allen Lambert. Diahan talks about the newfound benefits with the latest edition of Dr. Blaine Bettinger’s Shared cM Project. Next, Fisher and Diahan talk about a great new article on Civil War female spies. Things apparently haven’t changed much in the last hundred years as Fisher shares a story about a California mayor who got in big trouble for not wearing a mask during the Spanish Flu pandemic. Next, Fisher visits with Beverly Hewett. Ten years ago she learned from her beloved Dad that he was not her biological father. She turned to DNA five years ago, and just this past week her bio-father was identified. She explains what she learned along the way to final achieve “the big reveal.” Then, Fisher catches up with Melissa Barker, “The Archive Lady” of Houston County, Tennessee. Melissa’s been a busy archivist during the pandemic. She tells us about some great things are awaiting us when we get to the back end of the lockdown at archives everywhere. CeCe Moore, star of the ABC-TV Series “The Genetic Detective” then talks about the next episode of her show. She calls the featured case her “favorite” because it results in the exoneration of a convicted killer, and the identification of the real killer. Diahan Southard then returns for Ask Us Anything. Naturally, it’s a question about DNA. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David begins by talking about his experience with the first virtual family history conference he’s ever been a part of. Is this the wave of the future? David has also immersed himself in the new History series “Grant,” about our 18th president. In Family Histoire News, someone tried to recycle a Civil War cannonball!  It did not go well. Hear the details. Another cold case has been solved in Cincinnati because someone wanted to learn about their ethnicity. Then, since we’re all craving eating at restaurants again, David discusses an article about when the first restaurants came into being. You will be shocked at when that happened! Fisher next visits with Amy Johnson Crow, a noted genealogist and podcaster from Ohio. Amy and Fisher talk family stories, and exchange a series of them, illustrating that stories is what makes family history fun and interesting. Then, a Michigan woman, Linda Williams Bowie, chats with Fisher about the unusual fact that her African-American family has identified the original African in their line dating back over 300 years. Hear this fascinating account and the history of the subsequent generations. CeCe Moore then returns to the show to talk about the next episode in her new ABC Series “The Genetic Detective.” It airs Tuesday nights at 10pm ET and PT, 9pm CT and MT. CeCe’s program is a boon to educating America on the process of genetic genealogy. David Lambert returns for Ask Us Anything, fielding a question about touring ancestral homes. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin by talking about Fisher’s latest heirloom acquisition. It’s an Irish shillelagh, often called a “walking stick,” that was brought back to New York from a trip to Ireland by Fisher’s great great uncle, David Fisher. Fisher explains how he obtained this fascinating family piece. Then, David talks about a remarkable collection of World War I photographs that we can all now access for free. He will tell you where to look! David then shares the story of where the original “Getty Images” are stored and what it takes to get into that physical archive! (It’s unbelievable!) Do you descend from an accused “witch” of Scotland? You may be able to find out now that a very old book has been digitized and placed on line. David gives further details. In Rome, a sink hole has revealed a piece of history that dates back to 25BC. (Maybe your ancestor’s were familiar with it.) David explains. In China, a 32-year-old adoptee has been reunited with his birth parents from whom he was kidnapped thirty years ago! Catch the heart tugging details. Fisher next catches up with the renowned genealogist, Kenyatta Berry, author of the “Family Tree Tool Kit.” Through the pandemic, Kenyatta has a lot going on. It begins with a new project… a book profiling five African-American individuals who played important roles in major events in American history. Then, to add to genie education, she outlines in the book how she was able to document and research each figure. And that’s just the beginning of everything Kenyatta is working on! Then, Jim Beidler of Legacy Tree Genealogists visits with Fisher about a unique record set from Germany. And these records go back centuries in very specific places! If you are working your German ancestry (as Fisher is) you’ll want to know about these records, where to find them, and what Jim himself has learned about his ancestors through them.  David then returns to the show for another pair of listener questions in our “Ask Us Anything” segment. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. Fisher begins by talking about a new, really old, heirloom he is about to receive. Find out what it is and where it’s coming from. Then, David shares the story about a woman who discovered a hidden panel in a bedroom in her house. What was found behind it turned into quite a family history adventure. Then, it’s been 75 years since V-E Day, celebrating the defeat of Nazi Germany. The guys discuss the impact World War II continues to have on the world. David then talks about a discovery he recently made. When ancestors had headaches they undertook, er, an unusual method to deal with it. Hear what David learned! Next, genetic genealogist CeCe Moore returns to the show to visit with Fisher for two segments. She will tell you all about her new ABC-TV series, The Genetic Detective. The show debuts on Tuesday, May 26th. (At the time this interview was recorded it was set for May 19th. The date for the debut is now May 26th.)  CeCe explains the format and how the show came about and why she chose to do it. In the second segment, CeCe talks about the matches now available to her through GEDMatch and FamilyTreeDNA. And she has a request for you as well! Hear what it is. Fisher then visits with Dr. Eurie Hong, the head of Ancestry DNA. Dr. Hong’s team is now undergoing a Covid-19 study to help scientists around the world to battle the pandemic. She’ll explain how you can be part of this important work. Then, David returns for Ask Us Anything. In this episode, a teenager has a question about both Fisher’s and David’s ancestors. Hear what they have to say. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org.  The guys open the show with news that the National Genealogical Society conference for 2020 is going virtual. Hear when it is and how you can be a part of it. Then, a “social distancing happy hour” has resulted in a couple of families getting to know each other and learning that they’re related… and not that far back… in Norway!  Next, it’s amazing how close America came to losing baseball great Babe Ruth in the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918. Hear the story of how close he came, and how close America came to never having seen the later “Sultan of Swat.” Another cold case has been solved and it never gets old. Find out about the latest crime breakthrough using DNA. Next, Photo Detective Maureen Taylor talks about creating a “pandemic archive” or “coronavirus photo album.” We’re each having our own experiences in this mess. Maureen has some great thoughts on what to photograph and how to put it all together for the benefit of future generations. Then, Chris Desmond from Memory Web and Robert Friedman from Permanent continue the photo theme. Visiting with Fisher, they explain the new group they are a part of that will hopefully result in the creation of standards so that metadata… all the information about a photo such as who, where, when, what, etc…. stays with the picture as it is shared from platform to platform. Without the metadata you lose all context about a picture. It’s an important project that we can all play a role in. Next, David Allen Lambert returns to join Fisher for Ask Us Anything.  The guys tackle a question on an odd DNA result as well as another on pension records from the Spanish American War. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Modern on line family research tends to deter us from reaching out to our relatives, but it’s still as good an idea today as it was years ago.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. Fisher begins by talking about a method he figured out to date a photo of his great great grandfather. David begins Family Histoire News talking about several aspects of life we can take from the pandemic of 1918-1920. First is the story of unique recipes of the time, including one including ‘possum! Then the guys discuss the unique circumstances surrounding voting in the 1918 midterm election. David then talks about a family that is benefitting from a diary kept by their ancestor during the Spanish Flu outbreak. Fisher then begins his two part visit with Heather Maio Smith who is a key player with the USC Shoah Foundation. Heather was recently featured on 60 Minutes. Heather talks about her pet project of the past several years, interviewing Holocaust survivors and then using technology so they can seem to be having a conversation with you. Ask the question, they will answer! In part two of the conversation, Heather talks about how any of us will soon be able to use similar technology so that descendants generations from now can ask us questions about our lives and have us answer them! Then Melanie McComb from NEHGS visits to help us out with Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show! 

Let’s face it, a Wiki model tree has many benefits. But when someone “corrects” your entries and improperly merges individuals, the tangled mess can be tough to straighten out. Here’s where to go and what to do.

There are various types of DNA tests, but the Y-DNA test serves one particular purpose. Here’s why you might want to “Y.”

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David begins by talking about his recent experience of visiting Lexington Green and Concord Bridge on the 245th anniversary of the beginning of the Revolutionary War, while wearing a mask for another historic event. David also made a fascinating family photo find on Facebook featuring David as a child! He’ll explain. Then the guys talk about two half sisters who only recently found each other. Now they’re stuck together on a lonnnng visit, in quarantine!  A French soldier, killed in World War I, was memorialized by his parents who sealed off his bedroom with brick. That brick has now come down and its remarkable what is in that room! The guys will go through some of the items. Then, Fisher and David talk about a recent study that has determined the likely cause of death for the crew members of the Civil War submarine, the Hunley. Next, Fisher begins his two part visit with the Legal Genealogist, Judy Russell. First, Judy shares the history of legal quarantine. It goes back much further than you might suspect! In the second half, Fisher and Judy discuss the exciting prospects for 2020 concerning material from 1924 that has come out of copyright and into the public domain. Next, David returns for another couple of great listener questions on Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

It’s a great thing to find an old book with loads of information. But just how trustworthy are these “sources?”

Public on line trees can reveal great information. They can also lure you into a trap.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and American Ancestors.org.  Fisher and David talk about little projects they are doing during the lockdown. David then shares news about the latest cold case crime solved using DNA. He then shares a story about a document that was said to be found in the 1930s in an old family Bible, allegedly tied to the Salem Witch Trials. Then… was Ponce de Leon truly the European “discoverer” of Florida?  A new analysis says “no!” David then talks about a fascinating project he has undertaken at home… the transcription of a non-digitized census record of Native Americans. You can now see the results. Find out where. Next Fisher visits with Ginevra Morse, the Director of Education and Online Programs for AmericanAncestors. Ginevra talks about all the free online genealogy lectures that you can benefit from … for free!...  and how to find them from American Ancestors. Then Dr. Henry Louis Gates from the PBS series “Finding Your Roots” visits with Fisher again. But this time on two other projects he’s involved in concerning African American history. Both are something that can particularly benefit your children. On Ask Us Anything, it’s a unique DNA match question that is causing confusion… a common match between a mother and a step father. Hear what the guys have to say about it. Then David takes on a question about prison records and mental health institution records. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

It happens all the time. One record says one thing, and another says something else. Here’s how to sort things out.

We all love to show off family photos and documents, but it puts them at risk. Here’s a better way.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin with the story of the oldest living COVID-19 survivor. Coronavirus isn’t the only thing he’s gotten through!  Then, a great grandfather who’s nearly 90 is going to be a father again in July! Hear who this man is and more of the remarkable family dynamics. Then, Smithsonian has a great article on ExtremeGenes.com about ordinary items that go way back, and some unique stories surrounding them… like why forks were not avoided for years on end. The World War I Museum in Kansas City is struggling like many organizations through the lockdown, but they’ve come up with a unique way to keep their employees busy… and employed. Then, the guys fill you in on live FamilySearch sessions the site is providing during the lockdown. David has the schedule. Next, of two segments, Fisher visits with Rachel Popma of Legacy Tree Genealogists. Rachel talks about the FAN Club Principal and how many use it to break open brick walls and find the origins of ancestors. It’ll make sense to you when you hear it and how Rachel used it in one of her own cases. David then returns for Ask Us Anything. The guys answer questions about how to determine who a DNA match is when the match doesn’t post a tree or respond to a message as well as where a missing Civil War pension file might be found. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Tracking down keepsakes of ancestors isn’t always easy. But sometimes there are mementoes just below your feet!

Yes, we’re all future dead people. Doesn’t it make sense to make plans for what will happen to your family heirlooms?

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys open Family Histoire News with word of the passing of a woman in England, Hulda Churchill, who was nearly 109, from coronavirus. She had survived the Spanish flu as a young girl, but her sister died in that pandemic a century ago! But another centenarian has survived. Hear his story. Next, it has been determined who the last surviving victim of the transatlantic slave trade was. Learn her story and when she passed. Then, the story is being shared about how the diary of Anne Frank was heavily edited… by her own father. Learn more about it and what his motivation was. David then gives a shout out to a 13-year-old who has latched on to Extreme Genes!  The guys then chat about museums that are now taking out ancient items and materials for DNA testing, and what they’re learning from it.  Next, bones found under a rock in Ireland have led to a new conclusion about the origin of at least some of the Irish. Hear the story! Next, Fisher visits with Dr. Blaine Bettinger talking all things DNA, including his thoughts on new tools and his latest edition of his Shared CentiMorgan Project. You’ll also find out whether it’s a good idea to send in DNA samples during the current lockdown. Finally, David returns for Ask Us Anything, answering your questions. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

It’s true… DNA testing can be confusing. Here’s what you should consider in choosing a good match in a DNA testing company.

Sometimes it’s tough to know what to do with photographs where you don’t know who the subject is. Fisher shares some thoughts that might help.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist for the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. This is the first episode fully recorded and edited from Fisher’s home studio in isolation. Fish talks about his recent illness that took away his voice for a time. (NOT believed to be coronavirus.) David then makes a fascinating observation about the time we’re now living in. Fisher and David then compare the genealogically worthless 2020 census to what was asked in 1920. In Family Histoire News, David shares the news about a fabulous heirloom in an old Bible recently picked up by a collector. Hear what it is and what the new owner has done with it. David reports we have lost another Pearl Harbor survivor. At 98, he had quite a job on December 7, 1941. Find out about his story. An old family graveyard has been uncovered in Maryland. Hear how it was found and what plans are in place for the site. Finally, spell check has led to one genie uncovering a very sad family tale from early last century. Next, Fisher begins the first of a two part visit Karra Porter, one of the founders of a new lab for DNA analysis. The lab was scheduled to open in April as you’ll hear in the segment, but this was recorded before the social isolation began. It will be delayed. Kara explains how we’ll soon be able to possibly obtain ancestral DNA from old hairbrushes, envelopes, hats, jewelry, glasses… all kinds of heirlooms. She will explain some of the concerns and how Keepsake DNA plans to address them, and also how we can help her determine the percentages of success for certain items and specific time periods. The potential is beyond exciting! David Lambert then returns for a couple of questions on Ask Us Anything. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Fisher shares a key clue in many photographs that many people overlook. But it might be all you need to help you identify the subject of the photo.

Who knows the old folks in your pictures, as well as their stories, better than old folks?!  Fisher talks about how to maximize your visits to senior relatives.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. Both of the guys have had great family history experiences in recent days. Fisher’s involved finding a rare photo, and David’s had to do with a special house. Hear what happened. In Family Histoire News, the Federation of Genealogical Societies and the National Genealogical Society have made a joint announcement. You’ll want to hear this one. Then the guys talk about a great Civil War story that is being added on to in recent weeks. Catch how it started, and what has happened concerning it most recently. Then Fisher and David talk about the US Board of Geographical Names. It’s a federal bureau (very small) that gets to decide what places get their names changed and what to! Find out about one place that recently lost its name and why. Then, Kimberly Nagy joins Fisher to talk about her passion… lineage societies. She belongs to roughly SIXTY different groups. She has tips for finding the organization that’s right for you and how to go about gaining membership. Bonnie Wade Mucia, a South Carolina resident, then talks to Fisher about a tip she learned from Extreme Genes and how she turned it into family history gold on eBay! Find out what she found and how she found it. David Lambert then returns for Ask Us Anything. David talks about identifying locations of ancestral homes, and how you might be able to tour them. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

There are definitely techniques for preserving paper documents and records that you can trust will extend the life of your important documents.

If you’ve ever wondered why you don’t get everything you think you should from a search of a digitized newspaper site, Fisher has some ideas that may open up a whole lot more.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys open the show with “Family Histoire News.” First up: great news that the University of North Carolina has begun a project to digitize thousands of slave deeds and bills of sale. It will be a boon to slave researchers.  Then, an Irishman who fought for the United States in World War I and was killed in France will finally get a tombstone in Chicago. Hear the details behind this man’s amazing journey. A family in Wisconsin was shocked to learn that their kinsman, who was killed in a plane crash in World War II on the grounds of “Downton Abbey,” Highclere Castle, will soon be honored at the site in England. And finally, a remarkable ancient building has been uncovered in Cologne, Germany. Wait til you hear what was once housed there! David then recognizes blogger Lara Diamond. Lara’s site, LarasGenealogy.blogspot.com, which she calls Lara’s Jewnealogy, features Lara’s insight into her Jewish background. Next, Fisher visits with perhaps the only genetic counselor who specializes in people who get unexpected results in their DNA testing. As the first in her field, Brianne Kirkpatrick shares some of her insight into the challenges many people face when they learn something from DNA they had never imagined. Then, Melissa Barker, The Archive Lady from Houston County, Tennessee is back to share some of her latest stories of acquisition, and a remarkable event from a century ago that drew her into a fascinating research project. Learn from Melissa what family items your local archives may hold. Finally, Fisher visits with Tom Perry, the Preservation Authority from TMCPlace.com. Believe it or not, when it comes to the holidays time is almost up! There are deadlines you’re going to need to hit to be certain your family home movies and videos can be digitized on time. Tom will get specific with you. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Marking pictures is essential for future generations, but using the right pens and markers will assure the identifications last without damaging your images.

Fisher talks about the risk of taking on line trees at face value and why copying isn’t researching.

Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org.  The guys open “Family Histoire News” with the story of a a woman who discovered a missing cemetery! (These things happen.) Hear the story. Next David reveals recent talk about Jeanne Calment, the French woman who has long been lauded as the oldest person ever to live at 122. But wait. Not so fast! Then a woman born in 1920 has just celebrated her 25th birthday. Those things happen when you’re born on February 29th! Hear her take on her special day. New research is now telling us the age at which we will be happiest. Find out how much longer you need to deal with the “misery” of life. Then, the first genetic genealogy DNA case is coming to a head. Word is the Golden State Killer will plead guilty to avoid the death penalty. David then talks about a unique site… FamilyScrybe.com. It’s about how you can create your own free family history web site. Fisher then visits backstage at RootsTech with David Hume Kennerly, one of the great historic photographers of our time, going back to the 1960s. David talks about his experiences as well as thoughts on how to get the most out of your family history pictures. Next, Paul Woodbury, DNA specialist at LegacyTree.com, visits with Fisher from the Legacy Tree RootsTech booth about dealing with the distant matches and putting them to work for you. David then returns as the guys talk about their highlights at RootsTech. The Mayflower 400 played a role, as did a new DNA lab that might be a game changer for many of us. Then, it is Ask Us Anything as the guys talk about the St. Louis archive fire of 1973, and what still might be worth going after. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Lots of great records are not on line, and won’t be anytime soon. Fisher talks about a Catholic record type you might want to look for.

Fisher talks about school districts who created some unique records to help plan for buildings, teachers, and enrollment. Hear what’s on these censuses and where to find them.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin with Fisher prodding David on his recent appearance in the pages of Woman’s Day! David explains. David then shares that Extreme Genes has received something of a clerical blessing. Next the guys share the sorrowful news of the passing of genealogist Johni Cerny. Johni was the chief genealogist for Dr. Henry Louis Gates’ PBS program Finding Your Roots, whose crew is mourning her loss. (Dr. Gates talks about her later in this show.) David then talks about the outstanding piece recently shared on Fox News about the oldest crimes that have been solved over the last two years using genetic genealogy. He then notes that a Canadian police force is now turning to the method. The last Negro League ballplayer to have played at the time of Jackie Robinson has passed. Hear who he was and just how old he was! Fisher then visits with Ron Arons, best known as a speaker on the subject of “black sheep” ancestors. Ron talks about a very useful technique for coming to understand more about the details in your ancestors’ lives. He calls it “Mind Mapping.” Find out how it works. Next, Ryan Woods, COO of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org  comes on to talk with Fisher about how the Governor of Massachusetts is seeking legislation to limit access to vital records. It’s a concept that, if spread around the country, could truly impact family history research. Hear Ryan’s take on the situation. Dr. Henry Louis Gates visits with Fisher in the fourth segment, telling us a little about the late Johni Cerny, as well as the celebrities he hosts on this week’s episode of Finding Your Roots on PBS. David Allen Lambert then returns for Ask Us Anything, tackling another listener question. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Websites aside, it’s still a great idea to visit ancestral cemeteries. Fisher explains why and why Spring is the best time to do it.

If you’re just beginning to share your family tree on public sites, here are a few standards for how you should record your ancestor’s data.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org.  The guys open with bad news from Plymouth, Massachusetts, where, in this year of Mayflower commemoration, someone or some group has sprayed some historic sites with spray paint. Hear the details. David then talks about a pair of great finds he recently made on an ancestor in a digitized newspaper site. The guys next talk about a recent follow up story from the Smithsonian about how an extremely rare piece of Thomas Jefferson 1800 campaign memorabilia was found by two boys in 1958. More recently, an eleven-year-old in Virginia, walking along a river, thought he found a gun shaped rock. Guess what?! David then shines his blogger spotlight on three bloggers out of eastern Europe. Fisher next visits with Colin Colbourne, Chief Historian of Project Recover. The non-profit recently announced that they have located three American World War II bombers in a lagoon in the Pacific. Hear about how the group did it and what happens next. Then, Photo Detective Maureen Taylor joins the show to talk about MyHeritage.com’s recent colorization feature.  Maureen and Fisher compare observations and share with you thoughts on how it may improve in the future… automatically! Dr. Henry Louis Gates then visits with Fisher about his latest episode of Finding Your Roots on PBS. This week, Dr. Gates talks about his guests who all are at least partly of Italian descent. But for at least two of them, there’s a little surprise waiting in their DNA! David Allen Lambert rejoins Fisher to wrap up the show with another round of Ask Us Anything. The guys tackle a listener question about altered ages and birthdates in various records. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

What’s in an occupation? The answer is often similar to that of the question “What’s in a name?”

Genealogy research demands a lot of notes. Why would you want to add to them with a “research log?” Fisher explains.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin the show talking about a remarkable new tool from MyHeritage.com which allows you colorize your old photos! Everyone is having a blast with it as it works well for most photos.  Fisher and David talk about some of the emotion they felt seeing their old photos in a whole new way. David then announces his appearance on the History Channel on February 19th talking about Black Patriots for Black History Month. The show is hosted by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.  Next, an African-American cemetery from the colonial era is getting the DNA treatment. A company in Texas hopes to identify descendants of those interred in the cemetery in New Hampshire. The guys then talk about the recent find of underground Nazi bunkers near the beaches of Normandy. Hear what was in them.  David is excited that NEHGS has received a collection of Roosevelt family papers from the family of Theodore Roosevelt. Hear what the collection contains. David’s blogger spotlight shines on Carl Benedict McCarthy of New York City. Find his blog at ofaplace.com. Next, Fisher visits with Diahan Southard, Your DNA Guide, who has written a book to help you strategize on meeting your DNA research goals. It is called “Your DNA Guide, The Book.” It is in presale right now at YourDNAGuide.com and you’ll be able to get your signed copy at RootsTech! Diahan explains how various DNA research goals require different strategies. She will share a couple. Then, Fisher visits with Memory Web co-founder Chris Desmond who talks about some strategies for organizing, digitizing and sharing your family photo collection. He also explains how the Memory Web app simplifies organization like no one else can. Sabin Streeter is in this week from PBS, filling in for Dr. Henry Louis Gates, talking about the latest episode of Finding Your Roots.  Sabin shares some remarkable stories from the show, one that is particularly fascinating concerning the origins of an ancestor of Tonight Show drummer Questlove. Then, David Allen Lambert returns for another Ask Us Anything listener question. This one has to do with the War of 1812. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes- America’s Family History Show!

When your most “expert” friends can’t help you solve your genealogical problem, may it’s time to hire a professional.

Have you ever considered “going wide” instead of “going deep?” No, we’re not talking football here. But it is a genealogical technique that can earn you a lot of research yardage.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. They begin Family Histoire News with a story you probably never heard of in your family… exploding pants! They were a real thing in the 1930s. Hear where and why. Then, the guys will tell you about America’s oldest driver. You won’t believe his age and life story. Then, World War II continues in London. Hear why. Next it’s the story of the London Loo! It’s really old and there is a lot stuff from a LONG time ago being found in it. David then spotlights VLOGGER Jarrett Ross. His blog is all video at youtube.com/geneavlogger.   Fisher then visits with Greg Luce and Annette O’Connell, advocates for adoptees rights. New York has just opened original birth records to adoptees born there. Find out what this means to adoptees there and elsewhere, potentially, in the United States. If you are an adoptee born in New York, Annette will tell you how you can obtain your original birth certificate.   Fisher then chats with Jessica Howe of Legacy Tree Genealogists. Jessica shares how to use migration patterns to help learn the origins of your ancestors. Jessica has a great story she discovered in her own lines using this technique. Dr. Henry Louis Gates next brings you up to date on the latest episode of Finding Your Roots on PBS. The latest celebrity discoveries will amaze you!   David Allen Lambert then rejoins the show for Ask Us Anything, as the guys tackle a question about firemen records. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

DNA test results can give you a whole lot more than ethnicity numbers. Are you taking full advantage of all they have to offer?

What is and what isn’t a genealogical “source?” Fisher explains why it’s important to know the difference.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, the Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org.  The guys talk about a new download record on the podcast side of the show… over 63,000 for January. Thank you genies! David then shares some historic anniversaries from the past two weeks, including the liberation of Auschwitz in 1945, the start of Prohibition in 1920 and the commemoration of the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the Mayflower. Plus Arlington Cemetery is getting a reprieve on its space problems. Hear what has happened. Speaking of cemeteries, a grave yard in Tennessee is in trouble for reusing a casket! Get the details. Another lost African-American cemetery has been found in Florida. This time its under an office building. David then talks about a DNA study you might play a role in concerning Scotland and the Shetland Islands. Next, Fisher visits with Dr. Henry Louis Gates from the PBS show Finding Your Roots. Dr. Gates talks about the most recent episode and gets into an important discussion with Fisher about what genealogy can do to teach people about themselves. It’s a remarkable conversation by an icon in our field. Then, if you’re wondering what’s happening at RootsTech 2020, Tyler Stahle and Jen Allen from familysearch.org take a few minutes to go through the highlights. It’s going to be a great conference! David Allen Lambert then returns for Ask Us Anything. David and Fisher tackle a question about a dispute over an ancestral couple and where they’re buried and how to resolve it. Also, a genie wants to know about finding an account of a family story he has heard since his youth. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Searching Google is a great way to find family history. Here are a few tricks for improving your searches.

Have you ever considered ordering your family Coat of Arms or Crest from one of those on line companies? Here is what they are and why you might want to think again about buying.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys cover a lot of ground beginning with news of the 2020 Census. It is underway! Then, an aircraft carrier is going to be named for a decorated World War II hero… the first African-American to be so honored. Hear who he is. Next, an Indiana state employee is retiring. But you won’t believe how old he is! The guys will then horrify you with news about a woman’s cremains and what her son has done with them. Finally, the Netherlands are beginning to market themselves in a whole new way and don’t want you to call them the old way any longer. Find out the whats and whys. Next, Fisher visits with genealogist Sunny Morton. Sunny has some great tips on how to add detail to your family stories. She gives an example of one in her own family and what she was able to add to it and how. Curtis Rogers, founder of GEDMatch.com then joins the show to talk about the recent sale of the helpful third party DNA site. He explains the reasoning and what he expects will be the benefits to all of us. Dr. Henry Louis Gates from the PBS program Finding Your Roots returns to share with Fisher and you stories from the latest episode of the iconic show. Then, at the back end of the show David returns for Ask Us Anything answering a question about school records. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Directories and maps are great genealogical tools that can work together to reveal all kinds of family history detail.

Journal keeping is a simple, old fashioned and effective way to document your life’s adventures. And what a treasure it will be for your descendants.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin with a birthday shout out to the oldest person in the world. And you won’t believe how old she is! Then, the people who run Stonehenge are looking for a certain type of photo that you may have taken there. David had an experience there that he’ll tell you about. Next it is good news out of Charleston where the African American Museum is finally underway.  DNA has done it again… brought closure to a family who lost a son in Korea in 1951. But it took a genealogist to put the pieces together. Hear the story. David’s Blogger Spotlight this week shines on Christine Lee Howard at ChristineLeeHoward.com.  David reports she does an outstanding blog. Fisher’s first guest this week is Anthony Redgrave of the DNA Doe Project. As a team leader, he and his group recently were able to identify a murder victim. What shocked them was that the murder took place in 1916! Hear how they did it, and the story of the man whose remains were found in Idaho years ago. Then, Christy Fillerup of Legacy Tree Genealogists fills us in on England’s invaluable Quarter Sessions Records. These go back some 750 years! Christy will explain what you may find on your ancestors in them and she will also tell you about the breakthrough she achieved with one from the 19th century. Dr. Henry Louis Gates returns to the show this week talking about this week’s episode of Finding Your Roots on PBS! Queen Latifah is just one of the star’s who learns about her past. And, as Dr. Gates explains, what a past! Melanie McComb from NEHGS then helps Fisher wrap up the show with another question for Ask Us Anything! That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Want your kids to find history a little more interesting? Try sharing family stories about how your ancestors were connected to historic figures and events.

Over many years anyone, like Fisher, can accumulate quite an Ancestral Museum. But without proper planning, where it goes after you might be to the dump!

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin with a quick discussion on whether or not 2020 actually marks the beginning of a new decade, or the end of the old one. Then, they note that creative material from 1924 has now gone into public domain, out of copyright. The first news of the new year has to do with a pair of twins born thirty minutes apart in different days, months, years, and decades! Hear the details. The DNA Doe Project has done it again, identifying a murder victim who was killed in 1916! Hear the basis and then get ready for next week when Fisher visits with the DNA Doe team leader who oversaw their research. Finally, the guys talk about the sad news that a cemetery containing body of people who were enslaved has been located under a country club golf course in Florida. David then gives a shout out to blogger Wendy Callahan at ourprairienest.com. Fisher’s first guest of the new year and new decade is Gena Philibert Ortega. Gena specializes in solving the challenges of researching  your female ancestors. Gena explains the history of women’s fight for the vote in America and Britain and tells you where you might find voting records of your female ancestors… some even before 1920! Then, Fisher visits with the iconic Dr. Henry Louis Gates. Dr. Gates is welcoming Season 6 of Finding Your Roots on PBS. He shares who the celebrity guests will be this season, and some of the stories his team uncovered while putting these episodes together. Dr. Gates will be getting a little surprise himself later this season. He reveals a little of what it will be about. (Dr. Gates will be joining Fisher throughout the Finding Your Roots season for insight on each new episode!) Next, David Allen Lambert is back to take your questions on Ask Us Anything.  That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Many families have long running oral traditions. But just how accurate are they?

We all have family secrets. And if you’re concerned about how to handle those secrets in a history, Fisher has some thoughts.

It’s a “Classic Rewind” episode!  Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org.  They exchange tales of recent finds.  Fisher talks about his discovery that he has a connection to the Major Deegan for whom the “Major Deegan Expressway” is named.  David talks about learning that the adoption of his wife’s great great grandmother. As it turns out, she wasn’t French-Canadian? she was Irish!  David then talks about how Wisconsin Indian burial grounds are in jeopardy.  Hear what lawmakers in that state have in mind for these historic grounds. Next, David shares the news of an exciting new digitization project. David then gives you a great tip on how to find mug shots of your “black sheep” ancestors.  Fisher then shares his 2014 interview with Heather Leathergood who was SOLD at birth by an unscrupulous woman who claimed to be a doctor. Heather talks about what she learned about her origins, what she was worth (!), her journey to find birth family, and her long sought after breakthrough which resulted in the connection with two half-brothers!  You’ll want to hear this one!  Next, Martha Noland Bergstrom of Independence, Missouri talks about her research which tied her into the tragic shooting in the mid-1800s. The story involves a posse, a robber, and a little girl. Here how Martha learned of her connection and what she has done to memorialize the victim.  Finally, Fisher visits with Tom Perry, the Preservation Authority from TMCPlace.com about a photograph brought to him during this year’s “Roots Tech” conference. As he explains, he “wanted it bad!” What was so unique about the photo and what arrangement was reached? Listen to the podcast and find out!  That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Over 40 years before photography became a thing, a printing process paved the way for the publication of numerous images, some of which may help tell your family story.

Your old home movies may be a treasure trove of photographs you didn’t even know you had. Here’s how to get to them!

Fisher opens this week's show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org.  David begins by sharing great news from FamilySearch.org. The Freedmen's Bureau records have been completely digitized and presented to the African-American Museum.  David has the details. Next, the alleged "Canal Killer" of the 1990s in the Phoenix area has been caught thanks to the help of a California genie. You'll be amazed by the details. Then, cremation ain't what it used to be! Learn about a company that's doing more with ashes than just spreading them around. David then shares his Tip of the Week, and another NEHGS Guest Member Database. Fisher opens the next segment with a West Virginia woman who was determined to find her Slovenian ancestry. Nancy Moore went with a Slovenian genealogy group to her ancestral home armed with an ancestor's address. She and a translator knocked on the door and learned? Well, you'll want to hear it all from Nancy. Then Fisher visits with Bernice Bennett, host of a podcast on research in the National Archives. (blogtalkradio.com/bernicebennett)  Bernice shares her insight on preparing for your trip to the Archives and what you might expect to find there. She also talks about her latest genealogical "passion project." The techniques she uses are something we can all learn from. Tom Perry, the Preservation Authority, returns to talk about what appears to be the introduction of Virtual Reality to family history! How will it work? Tom explains.  In Tom's second segment, he reminds us the rules of copyright when it comes to reproducing commercial disks. Can it be done, legally? No. And Yes! Tom will explain. That's all this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show.  

Have you ever been told that you are a cousin one or more times removed? What that means is simpler than you may think.

Have you been hesitant to write your own history? Everyone has a story to tell! Don’t deprive your descendants of the lessons and events of your life.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin “Family Histoire News” with the tale of a family fruitcake that has outlasted multiple generations! Then, there’s a problem with DNA and it has to do with a blood donation a man received years ago. And now that DNA is showing up in this man’s DNA test results!  Then, it’s back to the attic for another remarkable family find. This time, evidence of a bootlegger operation dating back to Prohibition.  Next, it’s skeletons under a house in Connecticut. Hear the history these remains speak to from the 18th century. Krispy Kreme has learned something about the past of their founders that has shocked them into action. Hear the story and who they are now helping as a result. Next, Fisher visits with Debra Renard from Legacy Tree Genealogists. Debra is an DNA specialist and goes through the significance of finding DNA matches who share your X chromosome. Why might this be helpful in your research? Debra explains. Then, Fisher chats with Janisue Rigel and Davena Liepman, founders of a brand spanking new lineage society. It was thought up over a lunch in the spring and already has over 900 members nationwide! Why? Because it celebrates ancestors (and descent from them) who were American farmers. Find out what the National Society, Descendants of American Farmers is about and how you can become a part of it. In Ask Us Anything, Fisher and David field questions about databases of silent film actors and actresses and how you can go about determining the real relationship of a DNA match to you. (Sometimes your shared DNA can mean multiple relationships.) That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Are you considering writing an ancestral history, but feel their life story is “spotty?” Here is how historical context can help you fill in the gaps.

Most people have records, photos, or heirlooms in their homes. But other relatives almost certainly do as well. And often the things they have are different than what you’ve had passed down. Perhaps it’s time for an inventory of all the Family Archive “Branch Offices!”

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org.  The guys open Family Histoire News with major news about GEDMatch.com. It has been acquired by a company out of California. Hear what we know so far.  Then, there’s news that Ireland is working on reconstructing the archives that burned in 1922. Find out how they’re going about accomplishing this immense task! Then a discovery at the site of a Civil War camp sheds fascinating light on how soldiers prepared to have their likenesses taken. It may surprise you! Then another place is asking the people to decide whether or not to open adoption records. Find out where, and what the strategy is. Next, hear about a woman in her 90s who was adopted who recently learned she has siblings. LOTS of siblings! Find out how it all was discovered and just how much family she has! Fisher then visits with Daphne Palmer Geanacopoulos, author of the book called “The Pirate Next Door: The Untold Story of Eighteenth Century Pirates’ Wives, Families, and Communities.” She explains how pirates were not really anything like the way they are portrayed in movies and lore… and some didn’t even have a say in becoming a pirate! Hear Daphne explain. Ray Weiss then visits with Fisher. Hear this Maryland man explain how he has been researching his seafaring ancestors for decades and how he continues to travel to all the places they went, even out-of-the-way little islands! Melanie McComb from NEHGS then takes on Ask Us Anything. Melanie explains where you can obtain your World War II Naval ancestors’ records.  She then answers another question about ancestors who helped enforce Prohibition. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Imagine a library that stores billions of webpages from sites that no longer exist, and digitized texts of millions of books and other assets. It’s not in Greece, and it costs you nothing to visit.

There’s a time for collecting and a time for distributing. While you’re still here, it’s time you figure out how that’s going to happen. Fisher shares some thoughts on protecting your life’s family history work.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David starts out Family Histoire News talking about a Canadian World War II soldier whose grave is looked after by those he fought to liberate. Next, a note has been found. A college in New Jersey has found a message in a bottle from 1907 hidden behind a brick wall that was recently torn down. It’s a fascinating find, and now the search is on for descendants of the authors.  David then reports that the last carver of Mount Rushmore has passed away. Catch his story. Meanwhile, one of the ladies who was inspiration for the film “A League Of Their Own,” is celebrating her 101st birthday.  Then, hear about the day the United States standardized time across the country. It hasn’t always been the way it is now! Fisher then shares his 2016 interview with USS Arizona survivor Lou Conter. Lou was a sailor stationed at Pearl Harbor 78 years ago when the Japanese attack came. Lou describes the morning, the arrival of the attack, and how he survived. Lou is now 97 years old. Then, Ken Alford visits with Fisher about how to obtain records of your World War II ancestor. Some records, unfortunately, were lost in a massive archive fire in the 1970s. Ken will give you some thoughts for other places to look for “replacement” records. David rejoins the show for “Ask Us Anything.” In the first part, the guys talk about how to create an “ancestral coin book.” It’s a big hit with Fisher’s grandchildren and it began with comment from David’s daughter. The second question has to do with original records of the Salem witch trials. Yes. They are out there! If you had an ancestor involved, you’ll be interested in what David has to tell you. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Genealogy and family history, believe it or not, are actually defined very differently. Hear why the two terms are not the same.

Wondering why you can’t always find articles you believe should be there in a digitized newspaper? Here are some tricks for squeezing it all out of digitized newspapers!

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org.  Fisher and David open the show talking about a brand new lineage society that almost everyone can belong to. Hear what it is and how you can be a part of it. The guys then talk about sharing earliest memories, as in FIRST memories, when visiting over the holidays. And it was a shocker to Fisher when David shared his. Find out why. David then shares another holiday memory making idea. Then the guys talk about an interesting project happening now in Ireland. The Irish are researching families from another particular country. Hear which country and why. Then, hear the story of a man who was researching a particular institution and made a remarkable family history find. Next, renowned DNA specialist Kitty Cooper visits with Fisher and registers her complaint with PBS. The network recently aired a show about genetic genealogy. She points out a factual error made on the show as well as an absurd point that she feels will frighten people away from DNA testing for no good reason. Find out what it is. Then, Dan Debenham, host of BYUtv’s Relative Race visits with Fisher about the just completed season of the show. It was perhaps the most emotional season ever. Dan also has an announcement about a follow up to the show fans will want to know about. Rich Venezia takes the back end of the show discussing with Fisher an urgent concern. The federal government is considering raising the cost of obtaining certain immigration records to over $600! Hear what you can do to help block the proposal with the deadline for comment only days away. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

If you’ve ever dug into Swedish ancestry, you know the issue. Tons of people have the same name and live in the same places. Well, Swedish Church records can at least help a little in sorting out which Hans Olsen might be yours. Fisher explains.

Two key census record sets were destroyed in Ireland in 1922, but some of that information was preserved in another way. Fisher explains why your ancestors’ data from those census records may still be available.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys open Family Histoire News with word that the last survivor of the Hindenburg disaster (1937) has died. Hear the details. Then, it turns out that a world famous movie star is actually related to the person he’s portraying! Find out who it is. That search for a missing cemetery on a Florida high school campus is complete. And the findings will astound you!  DNA has revealed the unexpected when it comes to illegitimacies from the Middle Ages. Find out what’s been learned. Next, Fisher visits with a California artist named Morgan Weistling. His father, Howard, was also an artist… a fledgling one when he was a POW in World War II. Morgan was most familiar with his Dad’s stories of creating a camp comic strip to give his comrades something to distract them through the harsh conditions. And now those original strips have been found and returned to Morgan and the family. Hear Howard’s incredible story and the miracle of the find and return of these precious family heirlooms in two parts. Then, Raymond from Team Red on BYUtv’s Relative Race comes on to talk about the experience that has changed his life and removed a significant emotional roadblock. It’s a moving recap of what he learned about his origins. Finally, David Allen Lambert wraps things up with another round of Ask Us Anything. In keeping with the coming holiday, David answers a Pilgrim question. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show.

Within the United States, it was not uncommon for churches to give a “letter of transfer” to a member of their congregation who is moving to a new location. But sometimes they came with immigrants from across the ocean. What can this mean to you? Fisher explains.

Obituaries often reveal connections to the Free Masons. If you have an ancestor that belonged to this organization, his membership application may provide great information on him. Fisher has more.

Host Scott Fisher opens up the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys first pay tribute to affiliate WRKO in Boston that recently raised some $230,000 for veterans on Veterans Day. David then tells of the recent passing of what may be the last Massachusetts vet of one particular major World War II engagement. Hear how old he was and what he was a part of. Next, the guys talk about a man who always thought his birth parents were long deceased in a foreign land, and how his spit showed him he had bad information.  An incredible piece of family history has come back to one family some 75 years after it was created in the harshest of circumstances. Fisher has the details. Next, a Japanese ghost town has been located deep in a Canadian forest. The guys explain why it was there. David then talks about the “gift” of Ground Penetrating Radar that is now searching a high school football field. And you won’t believe why! Fisher next visits with Paul Woodbury, a DNA specialist with Legacy Tree Genealogists. In two segments, Paul amazes as he explains all the steps involved to take a DNA kit “From Spit To Screen!” Team Green, DeShae and Chris, from BYUtv’s Relative Race then talk about their journey so far on a very emotional Season 6. DeShae believes (and she’s probably right!) that she has had something happen on the show that has never happened before. Then, it’s another “Ask Us Anything” segment with Fisher and David. They answer an important question about a listener’s recent haul of family history documents. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Slave research is hard enough, and this little nugget, unfortunately, might make it harder. Not all slave names come from the most recent slaveholder. Fisher shares some other possibilities.

The settling of the west wasn’t much unlike the settling of colonial America a century or two earlier. And as people came, more and more lines were drawn. Fisher shares just a few so you know what to look for as you consider your research strategy.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org.  Fresh back from RootsTech London, David fills us in on the experience and fresh announcements from the Big Three at the conference.  In Family Histoire News, David talks about a recent article that expresses concerns about GEDMatch and how foreign powers might use it to their advantage. Then, it’s word of the passing of the oldest surviving Iwo Jima survivor. Hear who he was and how old he was. Next, Vancouver, Canada has a space problem. For the dead, that is. But they have a solution! Wait until you hear what it is. Fisher then begins his two part visit with Andrew Carroll, the man behind the Million Letters Campaign. Andrew started this in the 1990s and the collection is now up to over 130,000 letters of military people writing home from the front in every war since the Revolution to modern times. Andrew explains how it started and shares content from a couple of his favorite letters. Fisher even has a letter with content that surprises Andrew. David Lambert returns to wrap up the show with Ask Us Anything. David answers a question from an English listener about DNA results from Ohio. David’s possible solution to the curious result may surprise you. Then, David talks about prison records of relatives and ancestors. Where can you find them and what can they reveal? That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

War, population growth and shifting can all contribute to boundary changes. And boundary changes mean that, even if your ancestors stayed in the same place, their records could be hiding in many places.

Fisher had given up on finding the parents of an elusive ancestor when he took one last step before closing the book on the case. And it made all the difference in the world!

Host Scott Fisher opens the show on his own this week as David Allen Lambert is in post-RootsTech London. He will return next week. In Family Histoire News, Fisher talks about the Million Letters Project. It’s a project that began decades ago with a few letters home from various wars dating back to the Revolution and coming forward all the way to 9/11. Hear how many letters are in the collection now, the organization behind it, and where they’re being housed. Next, if you liked Halloween, you’d love sleeping in a truly haunted castle. Fisher points you to a list of the top ten haunted castles, and shares details on number one. Then, Masonic Temples are being abandoned and often burn at a rate higher than other buildings. Hear the reason behind this strange fact and why your ancestor’s gathering place may not be around today… or at least not much longer! Fisher then visits with Amy Johnson Crow, well known blogger, lecturer and genealogist. Amy recently had to join her sisters in moving their very senior parents out of the home they’ve lived in for decades. This forced a number of decisions concerning heirlooms, what to keep and dealing with the emotions of the process. Amy lends some great advice for managing parental moves, cleanouts, or even decluttering in your own life. Melanie McComb from NEHGS then joins the show talking about the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. Yes, it was the cause of the burning of another courthouse, meaning countless priceless records were lost. Melanie will tell you what was destroyed, and what records survived as well as how to find alternatives for the documents of your ancestors that no longer exist. Fisher’s grandfather was in the earthquake and he shares a little of his story. Then, Nancy Desmond, co-founder of MemoryWeb, fields questions on how to best manage (at a reasonable price) the digitization of negatives and slides, as well as a slew of old photos. It’s a lot of information! That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Females ancestors are sometimes difficult to find.  Fisher shares a few thoughts on other ways to look for them.

Struggling to figure out where your ancestor’s Social Security records went? They might not have been there at all because things were different before 1951!

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. Fisher and David begin the show talking about a pair of sisters that learned that they were only half sisters. And one of them has a half brother that the other doesn’t have! Hear what that was all about. Then, a unique mapping project has found its way on line, identifying the location of some 2,700 furniture makers in London over nearly 300 years. What could that lead to next? David has some thoughts. The remains of a World War I soldier has been found, and even thought his identity hasn’t been determined, he has received his due honors. Halloween is now bringing about some historical/ancestral costumes you may be interested in hearing about. David will fill you in.  Then, the guys talk about Ancestry’s next big thing… Ancestry Health. Hear what the genealogy behemoth is up to now! Finally, in Egypt an incredible find has been made involving very well intact mummies dating back 3,000 years. Fisher next visits with Brianne Kirkpatrick, founder of WatershedDNA.com. Brianne is a genetic counselor, the only known person in the country who specializes in people who get unexpected DNA results. Brianne has advice for people emotionally impacted by such finds, as well as for parents who fear their secret will one day be discovered by their child doing a DNA test. Hear her important advice. Then Fisher chats with McKenna Cooper of LegacyTree.com. McKenna shares some free European websites that can help you in your journey, including one in Scotland and another in Eastern Europe. Finally, Melanie McComb, genealogist with NEHGS handles Ask Us Anything and a listener question about passport applications and similar documents. They can be really valuable finds! That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Ever notice familiar repeating family names in a single family group? It could be the parents were following a classic pattern. And that pattern can tell you some very important truths about the previous generation.

Back in 1752, England enacted a law that changed our calendars forever. But did that law ever make a genealogist’s life complicated!

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. They begin their conversation with Fisher talking about his latest breakthrough after 35 years of searching. Hear what solved the long time mystery. In Family Histoire News, the guys first talk about how DNA from cord blood has shown up in a DNA test result. The surprising connection could have major consequences, especially when it comes to crime solving. Next, DNA testing may be called upon to determine if some bones from a Pacific island may have belonged to Amelia Earhart. Then, the guys talk about Ancestry’s next big thing… Ancestry Health. Hear what the genealogy behemoth is up to now! David’s Blogger Spotlight this week shines on Amy Carpenter. Check out her MusingsOfAYoungGenealogist.weebly.com. Next, Fisher visits with Kevin D. Miller, author of a new historic novel, Heart Of Steel, which is based on the stories Kevin found that his grandfather never told him. Several years ago Kevin learned that the family name wasn’t actually Miller. And the reason it was changed was because of a murder, a family scandal, and an astounding escape from an orphanage. Kevin explains what he learned and how he found all the family information. Team Black from BYUtv’s Relative Race then joins the show. Fisher visits with J.D. and his wife, Jenn, a Utah couple. J.D. just experienced something life changing in last week’s episode. Hear their take on the entire experience. Finally, David Allen Lambert returns for Ask Us Anything as the guys answer a listener question about Civil War pensions. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Ancestors love to play tricks on us as we trace them down… sometimes by disappearing from where we think they should be. Fisher explains where you might want to look next.

Fisher worked to break open one ancestral line for fifteen years. It wasn’t until he was closing the book on the case by creating a timeline that he saw the answer!

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. Fisher notes another family history “score” on eBay, and David begins Family Histoire News with the story of autumn… why American’s call it “fall.” Then, it’s the remarkable tale of a hitchhiker who was carrying an ancient book that no one knew existed. Hear how it wound up back where it belonged and why it is so significant. Then, DNA has solved a news making story that happened during World War II.  DNA has also raised some eyebrows in the case of a boy who disappeared in a Louisiana bayou in 1912. Next, Fisher visits with Dr. Henry Louis Gates, host of the hit PBS series, Finding Your Roots. Dr. Gates explains the history of the show and how it has evolved. Then in a second segment, Dr. Gates talks about a program he developed to get Jr. High kids into genealogy. Then, Anitra and Paul from BYUtv’s Relative Race, join the show. “Team Blue” talks about the experience as well as the emotional moments they’ve already felt through Episode 3. At the back end of the show, David returns for another Ask Us Anything segment. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes- America’s Family History Show.

Just the way not every record is digitized, many records are digitized but not indexed!  Can’t find what you’re looking for? It’s time to check those massive unindexed records!

Immigration records really can be tricky, especially when you’re looking for someone with a common name, or just trying to learn where they came from. Fisher has a simple technique that could really help you out!

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin with a crazy tale Fisher unearthed in his recent research that forced a marriage date to be pushed up! David starts “Family Histoire News” with the story about a man whose DNA led him to discover he was, in fact, an African prince. Catch the details. Then, a story was recently published about the history of grave robbers and Native American grave sites. David gives an overview. Then, no one ever expects a man to crawl out of a tomb, but it happened in South America. Hear the crazy details! Fisher then visits with Richard Weiss of the non-profit DNAAdoption.org. Richard and Fisher talk about the unique issues facing adoptees as well as those who have unexpected DNA test results. Richard explains how his organization helps these people and how you can support the group. At RootsTech, Fisher visited with actress Patricia Heaton, best known for her roles in “The Middle” and “Everybody Loves Raymond.” Patricia got the “big reveal” from FamilySearch following her keynote speech at the conference. She talks with Fisher about that family background, as well as the challenges of having more than 100 first cousins! Next, it’s Team Black from BYUtv’s Relative Race! The incredible first episode has already aired, and the twins Kaley and Kristen talk to Fisher about being part of the show and some of their experiences. Finally, Tom Perry from TMCPlace.com talks about things you can do to further protect your old magnetic recordings as your attic begins to heat up. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Fisher’s long been an advocate of creating ancestral timelines. But if you really want to know more about your people you need to make more than one timeline.

Genealogical “brick walls” can last a short time or a lifetime. But have you ever thought of exchanging a brick wall with a research friend? There could be benefits in it for both of you!

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin Family Histoire News with word that another casualty from Pearl Harbor has been identified through DNA and brought home to be buried with honors with his family.  Hear the details. Then, a new document has raised a question. Did George Washington fire the first shot of the French and Indian War? Hear how this new take on history was developed. Next, a flea market in Texas has yielded a photo album of 19th century pix that have now found their way back to the family. A story in the Washington Post talks about the joys of researching peoples’ own homes. It ties closely with family history. Hear some of the info you’ll find in the story linked to at ExtremeGenes.com. Then, hear the story of a scientist who is learning how to collect DNA from hair without the roots! He’s been collecting follicles from unknown crime victims and unknown killers. In the next segment, Fisher catches up with Dan Debenham, host of KBYU’s Relative Race. Season Six is underway and Dan will tell you what’s new for this go-round. Then, Steve Anderson joins Fisher for an update on his most bizarre family story. Steve first appeared on Extreme Genes back in 2015 when he revealed that DNA showed that his Dad, the head of a family of nine children, was not the bio-dad to any of them! Hear the latest, and hear about Steve’s new book A Broken Tree: How DNA Exposed a Family’s Secrets. Fisher and David then field a question on “Ask Us Anything,” talking about an interesting probate record called a “Petition for Administration.” Find out what family history gold these documents can reveal! That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

As if genealogy isn’t complicated enough, imagine what it’s like when you find ancestors with more than one surname? It happens more than you think, especially with French Canadian ancestors.

Recently, Fisher discovered something he hadn’t come upon before… a marriage bond for his name line immigrant ancestors in London.  What can marriage bonds tell you?  Here’s where to find out!

Host Scott Fisher opens Extreme Genes’ 300 episode with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org.  The guys begin Family Histoire News with the latest on America’s oldest living World War II vet. Hear the story of Laurence Brooks. Then, a Purple Heart awarded posthumously to an airman who died in the Battle of the Bulge has found its way back to the family. The guys then talk about a genie who spends his time making clients rich through his research. Catch the details. Next, it’s a letter to Dear Abby complaining about a passionate genie mother. Is she, perhaps, too passionate? David’s Blogger Spotlight this week shines on RootsTech.org/blog where Elizabeth Miller shares Ten Reasons To Attend RootsTech. Next, Fisher chats with Chris Child, Senior Genealogist of the Newbury Street Press and Editor of the Mayflower Descendant. Chris talks about his recent finds concerning Mayflower descendants through Y and mitochondrial DNA tests. He explains how one new find has given Mayflower ancestry to John Wayne and Winston Churchill! Then Fisher visits with Heather Ruth Pack, a Utah resident. Heather tells her story about a relative who was with her great grandfather when he died in the 1940s, and what he said eventually led her to his long-missing parents. It’s another ordinary person with an extraordinary find. Fisher and David then tackle “Ask Us Anything.” One question concerns the 1950 census. Another deals with colonial military records. Hear what the guys have to say. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!

Once you’ve gone from the land of the researcher to the land of the researched, you no longer control what happens to your heirlooms and research records. Here’s what you can do now!

Have you become reliant on online sites for your key records? If so, you’re missing out on the thrill of the hunt the old fashioned way!

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org.  The guys open Family Histoire News with the story of the discovery of a 3,200 year old sword! Hear how and where it was found. Then, a stash of 18th and early 19th century family letters have been donated to an archive in Connecticut. Hear which family benefits from this great gift. Then, the guys talk about an 1890 scare involving library books and disease. Learn what triggered the concern and how long it lasted. David then reveals the new genealogical television show that’s coming soon. Find out which network is carrying it and what it’s about. David’s blogger spotlight this week shines on Amie Tenant’s blog on FamilySearch.org about the 1930s WPA interviews of formerly enslaved African-Americans. Next, Fisher visits with Michael Seligman and Jessica Bendiger, hosts of Stitcher’s episodic podcast “Mob Queens.” Michael and Jessica have been using genealogical techniques to research the history of the wife of mob boss, Vito Genovese. The story is garnering a lot of attention (though parts of the story could be considered “adult” in nature). Then, Terri O’Connell of Chicago tells the story of the kidnapping of an infant relative in the 1890s. It’s a tale that’s been told in the family for well over a century. But now, thanks to DNA, she and her family now know what became of the kidnapped baby! In Ask Us Anything, we keep with the crime theme as Photo Detective Maureen Taylor answers a question about how you may be able to find your criminal relatives’ mug shots. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show.

Who deserves to have their history recorded more than our veterans? Fisher shares some great places for finding military records and often the stories that can be uncovered through them.

Adoptees in particular, but many others as well, are looking for answers. If your skilled in the DNA world, you might want to consider helping these folks as a “search angel.”