Greetings Fellow Family History Sleuths,

Hope y'all are keeping warm! I've got my typical grab basket of genealogical topics for you this month, starting with DNA surprises. SO many genetic genealogy surprises! You'll also find a fun interview I did with the Lifeslices podcast, a profile of a man (very much alive) whose father had been enslaved, the retirement of Archivist David S. Ferriero, a pair of WWII tales (one about dog tags and the other about a letter - both popping up out of the blue), a 97-year-old releasing a new album, and so much more.

Here's hoping a few items in the mix call to you!

Lifeslices: Genealogical Adventurer

I first encountered Steve Fisher when he interviewed me for an article in CostCo's magazine, so was delighted when he reached out to invite me to be on his new podcast. And while I love chatting with fellow genealogists, it's always intriguing to speak with non-genealogical hosts as the interview is more likely to go in unexpected directions! See what you think!

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Genealogy Roundup, February 16

Photo Credit: guayacan_verde under Creative Commons license

‘DNA Doesn’t Lie. People Lie.’ After discovering six adopted brothers and sisters, these siblings believe their story is more than a sprawling family secret – Another genetic genealogy reunion tale. Quite the ride for these siblings. 🧬

Danish pop star Zindy feels the love from long lost Vietnam War veteran father – DNA leads to a happy reunion!

At 88, he is a historical rarity — the living son of a slave – Slavery is not as distant as many think.

Chuckles for the Day: New Ancestry.com Feature Warns Users When They Might Want To Stop Sticking Noses Where They Don’t Belong – 😂😂😂

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Genealogy Roundup, February 9

Photo Credit: National Archives

The U.S. census's 72-year confidentiality rule has a strange history – This doesn't exactly clear the 72-year restriction up, but still interesting!

Did the First Americans Arrive via Land Bridge? This Geneticist Says No. – Another book for the pile!

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Genealogy Roundup, February 2

Photo Credit: Cathy McCray under Creative Commons license

Woman buys family home that has housed six generations – Keeping it in the family! 🏠

Her Hidden Genius by Marie Benedict – A chance to learn more about Rosalind Franklin 🧬

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Genealogy Roundup, January 26

Photo Credit: Cindy Shebley under Creative Commons license

USPS just delivered a letter from an American soldier in Germany. It was 76 years late. – More of this kind of thing, please.

Down Under: The Miltons – Hey, y'all, George G Morgan of The Genealogy Guys reached out to me recently to see if I could share a video he and Drew Smith did with me (as part of RootsTelevision for those of you who remember). Last year, I did a lot of physical and digital decluttering, so could actually get my hands on it! It was in Flash, so had to be converted, so it's not as crisp as I would like, but it's a touching, bittersweet story about a pair of tombstones in Tampa. I hope you'll consider watching. 🙏

Retirement of Archivist David S. Ferriero – Heaven knows he’s earned his retirement. Quite the legacy, especially given the challenges he’s had to deal with that no other in his role has encountered.

Former child prodigy pianist to release album marking 97th birthday – This is the kind of story I love. ☺️🎹

Woman Slammed for Dumping Boyfriend After Finding Out He's a Distant Cousin – I guess many people still don't realize how common this is.

Surviving family of Raleigh veteran reunited with WWII dog tags after nearly 80 years – Another orphan heirloom reunion and reminder that there are plenty of nice people out there!

Herriman family saved from house fire by off-duty firefighter, his wife—turns out they're all related – That thing where unknown cousins save your house and maybe your life

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