Extreme Genes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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