Extreme Genes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tips for Geneies Who Are New to DNA Websites

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

What's in an occupation?

Creating a Genealogy "Research Log"

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

When it's time to hire a professional

Have you ever considered "going wide" instead of "going deep?"

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

Are you taking full advantage DNA Test Results?

What is and what isn't a genealogical "source?"

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

Google Search Tricks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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