Recent Blog Posts
Genealogy Roundup, December 18
In this week's roundup, a ceremony to honor the unclaimed of Los Angeles, and more.
Genealogy Roundup, December 11
In this week's roundup, my new book on Annie Moore's true story, divorce on the American Frontier, a perspective on vintage baby names, and more.
Genealogy Roundup, December 4
In this week's roundup, the resolution of an extraordinary Holocaust mystery, a new book announcement, and much more!
Genealogy Roundup, November 27
In this week's roundup, a scandalous 1920s trial, genetic genealogy and cold case investigations, Korean War draft registration cards, the ultimate genealogy gift guide, 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!
Featured
Genetic Genealogy’s First Decade: The Pioneering Days of 1999–2009
collecting DNA samples in Slovakia in 2004: AI-imagined (left) versus reality (right) Genetic genealogist Diahan Southard recently asked a number of people involved in this field over the last 25 years to write about their [...]
Taylor Swift’s Formidable Female Forebears
When it comes to genealogy, I prefer fresh territory, which is why I usually avoid the mega-famous. If someone is universally renowned, it’s a given that hundreds, if not thousands, have already poked around the [...]
Solving the Mystery of Arne Pettersen, the Last to Leave Ellis Island
What became of Arne Pettersen, the last man to depart from Ellis Island?
6 Things You Didn’t Know about Hannah Waddingham’s Roots
It was all but inevitable that I would take a genealogical dive to learn more about the family that has given us Ms. Waddingham, and it didn’t disappoint.