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Honoring Our Ancestors
July 31, 2024
www.megansmolenyak.com

Greetings Fellow Family History Sleuths,

If you're able to spare a few minutes from your Olympics viewing (can't get enough of the surfing in Tahiti!), you'll find a wide of array of genealogical fare in this issue, including my decision to put my own tombstone on FindaGrave, a fellow who used DNA testing to help gain Irish citizenship, a new-to-me enclave of Mexican-Hindus, and the story behind the dog tags used in M*A*S*H. There's also a fun chat I had with David Morrow and Matt Menashes of the National Genealogical Society about even more family history topics. How's that for variety?!

Until next time, keep on keeping cool!
Culture Conversation with the National Genealogical Society

Megan Smolenyak talks with David Morrow about everything from Presidents to the first Ellis Island immigrant to Top Chef and how a genealogist gets pulled into those orbits.

Click here to watch.
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Genealogical Roundup, July 24

The glowing eyes on Market Street represent the hidden history of Thomas Jefferson’s enslaved valet, Robert Hemmings – Fascinating intersection of art and genealogy

US academic believes he is the first person to gain Irish citizenship based on DNA test – Very cool!

Megan Smolenyak – Find a Grave Memorial – We’re alive, but I’m posting our tombstone before someone else does.
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Genealogical Roundup, July 17
Photo by Limor Zellermayer on Unsplash

Who Left a Baby at Our Doorstep? – OK, no baby was actually left on a doorstep, but you’ll still enjoy this intriguing genetic #genealogy tale. ðŸ§¬

‘Busting myths’ about family, sex and work – A little bit of myth-busting about our ancestors. #genealogy

The “Mexican-Hindus” of Rural California – Love learning about multicultural pockets I haven’t heard of before!
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Genealogical Roundup, July 10
Photo by danyl russo on Unsplash

Grave Site Maintenance Business Instruction Program – This comes by way of Dick Eastman who finds the quirkiest of genealogical content.

IAAM Center for Family History: “In Search of…Identifying An Enslaver” with Megan Smolenyak – I had completely forgotten about an interview I did on identifying an ancestor’s enslaver for the International African American Museum, but recently tripped across it. I sort of fire-hose the listener with ideas, but I hope some might find it useful! #genealogy
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Genealogical Roundup, July 3

Culture Conversation with Megan Smolenyak – David Morrow and Matt Menashes of the National Genealogical Society and I had a fun chat about all things genealogical including a deep dive on my experience with Top Chef!

Secret History of Alan Alda’s M*A*S*H Dog Tags – How I would have loved to have done this research!
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Join Megan on:
In Search of Our Ancestors offers an inspirational look at the rewards of family history!
Hey, America, Your Roots Are Showing makes a great gift for history and genealogy buffs!
Who Do You Think You Are? If you enjoyed my companion book to the TV series, please tell a friend!
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