Recent Blog Posts

Genealogy Roundup, November 20

In this week's roundup, a touching reunion story, the identification of a WWII hero, a grandson's heartfelt transformation of a shed into a tribute, the best countries for exploring your ancestry, and more.

Genealogy Roundup, November 13

In this week's roundup, a dark secret uncovered in a British orphanage, the identification of a fallen soldier, the reluctant craft of writing obituaries, Ellis Island's first and last immigrants, memory-preserving technology, and more.

Genealogy Roundup, October 30

In this week's Roundup: a fascinating sound effects archive, the return of a Baltimore church artifact just in time for its anniversary, a powerful genealogical truth-telling moment in a new book, 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!

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