Recent Blog Posts
Genealogy Roundup, April 17
In this week's Roundup: crimes against historical heritage in Spain, a dramatic rescue leads to a family reunion, and more.
Genealogy Roundup, April 10
In this week's Roundup: trench art from WWI, a review of the new book The Unclaimed, interesting branch of my family tree, and more!
7 Things You Didn’t Know about Hakeem Jeffries’ Roots
America’s highest ranking Democrat in the House of Representatives, Hakeem Jeffries, recently made his presence known with his inaugural address in this role, a poetic A to Z inventory of values that inspires or schools, depending on [...]
Genealogy Roundup, April 3
In this week's Roundup: a surprising fact about middle names, the quiet epidemic of dying alone, Easter traditions, and more!
Megan Smolenyak2
Megan Smolenyak2 is a real life history detective who loves to solve mysteries. You might have spotted Megan or her handiwork on Top Chef, Who Do You Think You Are?, Finding Your Roots, Faces of America, Good Morning America, the Today Show, The Early Show, CNN, PBS and NPR.
Her news-making discoveries include uncovering Michelle Obama’s family tree, revealing the true story of Annie Moore, the first immigrant through Ellis Island, and tracing Barack Obama’s roots to Moneygall, Ireland. Formerly Chief Family Historian for Ancestry.com, she also founded Unclaimed Persons.
Megan is the author of 6 books, including Hey, America, Your Roots Are Showing and Who Do You Think You Are? (companion to the TV series), and conducts forensic research for the Army, BIA, coroners, NCIS and the FBI.
Hey, America, Your Roots Are Showing!
Featured
Taylor Swift’s Formidable Female Forebears
When it comes to genealogy, I prefer fresh territory, which is why I usually avoid the mega-famous. If someone is universally renowned, it’s a given that hundreds, if not thousands, have already poked around the [...]
Solving the Mystery of Arne Pettersen, the Last to Leave Ellis Island
What became of Arne Pettersen, the last man to depart from Ellis Island?
6 Things You Didn’t Know about Hannah Waddingham’s Roots
It was all but inevitable that I would take a genealogical dive to learn more about the family that has given us Ms. Waddingham, and it didn’t disappoint.
Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Revolutionary Ancestors
In climbing the branches of Lin-Manuel Miranda's family tree, I found myself following the trail of an early nineteenth century, interracial love story, peppered by war and rebellion, all interwoven with a decades-long struggle to outrun slavery that began in Virginia and ultimately unfolded under a handful of flags even though most of it occurred in one place – Nacogdoches.