Extreme Genes

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!