When I recently delved into Taylor Swift’s roots, I made mention of a phenomenon I refer to as “shiny object ancestor.” And while it was just a passing remark, it resonated with a number of fellow genealogists who reached out to say that they knew exactly what I meant.

Whenever you research any family tree — your own or a complete stranger’s — there’s inevitably an ancestor (though it can also be a pair) who calls more loudly than the others. Anyone who’s experienced this will tell you that it’s almost as if they’re insisting on your attention.

This has happened to me countless times over my decades as a genealogist, so I decided to see if I could explain what it is that makes certain progenitors so irresistible. After a little mulling, I came up with a handful of factors that seem to be at play, and I’m curious whether others will agree.

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Culture Conversation with Megan Smolenyak – chatted with David Morrow of the National Genealogical Society on May 22nd. Stay Tuned for a link to the video once it's ready.

The Most Colorful Cemetery in Guatemala – I’ve been to Chichicastenango, Guatemala, but unfortunately not to this cemetery. 😒

The man who turned his dead father into a chatbot – Bit of a double-edge sword, eh? Part of me loves this and part of me fears for future genealogists who will have to sort out what’s real and what isn’t. Regardless, it’s interesting to learn about “death tech” and I only wish something like Settld had existed back when my sister and I handled our mother’s estate.

On the Prowl for Bruce Springsteen’s Irish Roots – Since Bruce Springsteen is back performing in Ireland, now seems a good time to re-share this. ☘️

National Archives and Ancestry team up to digitize millions of records – I know there will be mixed feelings about this in the genealogical community, but still, great news that these records will be more accessible! And NARA’s site is getting an overhaul as well!

Bodkin: The first thing Barack Obama said when I met him was “You know I’m Irish right?” – Looking forward to Bodkin & raising my hand to take credit for discovering Barack Obama’s Irish heritage! Tickled that he said this and that he and Michelle undertook this series in Ireland! ☘️

UK toddler has hearing restored in world first gene therapy trial – 16 minute surgery and she can hear! Amazing! #DNA

Postal worker finds WWII-era letters, drives 5 hours to deliver them

Ask the Experts with Megan Smolenyak Smolenyak – Hey, y’all, look who I’m going to be chatting with next month! Diahan Southard – Your DNA Guide

9 Things You Might Regret Tossing Out the Next Time You Tidy Up

Neighbours celebrate 100th birthdays – Oxford Neighbours celebrate 100th birthdays (and based on their brief bios, they have stories to tell!)

Airman Accounted for from WWII – Welcome home, Tech. Sgt. Kenneth John McKeeman. Honored to have researched your family.

Pacific castaways’ ‘HELP’ sign sparks US rescue mission – and an unexpected family reunion - When the guy who rescues you turns out to be your cousin

A man who stole ancestors’ baptismal and marriage certificates to falsify his genealogy and thus be promoted to Knight of Honor and Devotion in the Order of Malta has been sentenced to two years in prison by Spain’s Supreme Court - A lot going on here, but I’m glad he got caught and sentenced.