Extreme Genes

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

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.