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Honoring Our Ancestors
June 21, 2023

www.megansmolenyak.com

Fellow Family History Sleuths,

There's been a lot happening in the genealogical world of late - so much, in fact, that I've decided to skip the feature article this month because there's already so much else here to digest. When you get a little down time, please consider grabbing a tall glass of ice tea and plopping yourself down somewhere comfortable to browse and explore this plethora of links and the varied news and tales they reveal.

Happy Sleuthing!

Megan

Hr

Genealogy Roundup, June 14


Photo Credit: James McNellis under Creative Commons license

DPAA begins multi-year “Hellship” Accounting Project – I've been getting a lot of these soldiers' cases over the last year or two, so I hope they're able to start making identifications soon. What these heroes endured was absolutely brutal.

A New Front in Reparations: Seeking the Return of Lost Family Land

Records Reveal Mario Changed Name From “Jumpman” at Ellis Island – Even when it’s a joke, it irritates me. 😏 Consider this your periodic reminder that names were NOT changed at Ellis Island!

We’re Taking Our Children’s Names: Honouring legacy in broken families – Interesting read. My first thought was that this would confuse future genealogists, but unless this couple has additional children of their own, the exact opposite is true. Descendants of the now 4-year-olds will have an easier time picking up their trail

With no next of kin, the dead tax county resources. How they end up in coroner offices. – This is one of the best series of articles I've seen on Unclaimed Persons since I began researching them back in 2005. Still helping Lackawanna, PA - the first county I ever worked with - with their cases. 5 in just the last week.

A New Book About Madonna and Other Hollywood Stars of Abruzzo Origins – Italy following in Ireland's footsteps ramping up its efforts to attract roots tourism.

Fort Polk is now Fort Johnson after US Army moves to honor World War I hero – Honored to have researched Sgt. Henry Johnson in preparation for his posthumous Medal of Honor Award and so very pleased that this base will be named after him.

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Hr

Genealogy Roundup, June 7

With Gloria and Emilio Estefan at the 2023 Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Awards! 🗽

A major group of family genealogists apologizes for past racism – Pleased that NGS is doing this and that it's garnering some attention. It's a step in the right direction.

Remains of Indiana soldier killed during World War II identified – This was a daunting case, sent to me as high priority last year, so I'm even more pleased than usual that this hero has been identified. Welcome home, Pfc. Leonard Elkins Adams. Honored to have researched your family.

Veterans Voices: PFC Mark Wilson to be buried in Arlington Cemetery 79 years after death in WWII – Welcome home, PFC Mark P. Wilson. Honored to have researched your family.

Reclaiming a North Carolina Plantation – Interesting article from an unexpected source.

Introducing Reimagine: Scan and Improve Photos – Has anyone checked out MyHeritage's Reimagine app? Looks as if it will be $50/year for full functionality.

Chrissy Teigen Started 'Spiraling' After Genealogy Test Mistakenly Said She Had an Identical Twin – For obvious reasons, celebs are always tested under fake names, but I never thought I'd see an outcome like this! 😳

One English Family Took Photos of Shipwrecks for More Than a Century – Love these tales of unexpected mini-archives from unexpected sources (in this case, photographs by 5 generations of one family), but rescue those negatives!

I never thought I cared about my family history, and then I went to Ireland – "it was a pile of rocks on an oceanside cliff that gave me the genealogical awakening I needed"

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Hr

Genealogy Roundup, May 31


Photo Credit: MitchellShapiroPhotography under Creative Commons license

Missing almost 80 years, remains of Ottawa-born WWII soldier to be laid to rest in Texas – Welcome home, Pvt. Myron Elton Williams. Honored to have researched your family.

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Hr

Genealogy Roundup, May 24


Photo Credit: Gordon Johnson under Creative Commons license

Experts Alarmed by Tech That Identifies Human DNA Floating in Air – When you're researching sea turtles, but get something more. 🧬

Airman Accounted For From World War II (Elliott, R.) – Welcome home, Staff Sgt. Robert Clarence Elliott. Honored to have researched your family.

Ireland’s oldest woman shares her secrets to enjoying life on her 109th birthday – Oh, to have her as a great-grandaunt! Be sure to click through and read about the 116 year-old in Spain who was born in San Francisco!

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Hr