Extreme Genes

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.