Books Archives - Megan Smolenyak

Genealogy Roundup, June 17

Megan Smolenyak — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 20:37:57 +0000

genealogical happiness is finding names you don’t recognize in a family-related cemetery plot

The Quest for Annie Moore of Ellis Island – Whoever MysteryPoodle is, I can’t thank you enough for your thoughtful and generous review of “Annie Moore of Ellis Island.” This is everything I had hoped for when I set out to share her story.

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Genealogy Roundup, April 29

Megan Smolenyak — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 16:38:39 +0000

I’ve always liked the number 222 for some reason, so thought I’d share this milestone. As of now, 222 of the soldiers I’ve had the privilege of researching have been identified and returned home.

Rob Mac travels back to the 1700s for Ancestry.com commercial – So here’s a partnership I didn’t see coming: Ancestry and Wrexham AFC.

The Quest for Annie Moore of Ellis Island – Kind words from Mags Gaulden for “The Quest for Annie Moore of Ellis Island.”

Photo by danyl russo on Unsplash

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Genealogy Roundup, April 22

Megan Smolenyak — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 22:45:04 +0000

7 Things You Didn’t Know about Prince’s Roots – Though I first wrote about this in 2013, it remains one of my popular pieces.

Searching for Sisters: A Guide to Researching Catholic Nuns in the United States – All genealogists with any Catholic heritage will want to swallow this book as soon as possible. In “Searching for Sisters,” Sunny McClellan Morton unlocks the key to the long-neglected treasure trove of records pertaining to sisters and nuns. You’ll learn how to find and request them, what to expect, and how to use what you’ve discovered to both tell their stories and push your family’s research forward. A handful of case studies walk you through the process and reveal the kind of gems that can be uncovered. Add it to your library today!

80 million people globally claim Irish ancestry – why the release of 1926 Irish census records is so momentous – Countdown!

Photo Credit: Public Domain

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Genealogy Roundup, March 4

Megan Smolenyak — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 22:39:24 +0000

The Quest for Annie Moore of Ellis Island – Since March is both Irish American Heritage Month and Women’s History Month, you won’t be surprised that I’d like to suggest that you consider snagging a copy of The Quest for Annie Moore of Ellis Island – either for yourself or perhaps a friend. Reviews have been kind, so I think you’ll enjoy it! (Shares appreciated!)

‘Meeting my dad was a D:Ream’ – pop star’s 50-year search for his birth father – If you’re one of those who believes non-physical traits are also passed on, you’ll enjoy this one.

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Genealogy Roundup, February 11

Megan Smolenyak — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 15:56:15 +0000

CT man connects Black families with long-lost history. ‘The work he does is truly a blessing’ – Just about everything I love about #genealogy can be found in this article. The world needs more people like John Mills!

How an unsolved 1971 homicide led to a surprise DNA connection – This happens a fair bit with my Army cases as well – when you almost accidentally reunite family members along the way.

Searching for Sisters: A Guide to Researching Catholic Nuns in the United States – If your family has ever included any nuns (or even if you happen to be Catholic), you’re going to want to snag this book ASAP for your sleuthing purposes!

Top photo: screenshot from John Mills Lecture at the Stanley-Whitman House in Farmington, CT

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Genealogy Roundup, February 4

Megan Smolenyak — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 12:39:29 +0000

Hawaii digitizes 64 volumes of state records, publishes online with free public search tool – If you have any heritage/relatives in Hawaii, you’re going to want to check this out. #genealogy

Photo by little plant on Unsplash

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Genealogy Roundup, December 17

Megan Smolenyak — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 01:17:54 +0000

Hadn’t looked at reviews for “The Quest for Annie Moore of Ellis Island“ for a while, and was delighted to read this! Thanks so much, Christina Ray Stanton! So glad you enjoyed it!

Airman Accounted For From World War II – Welcome home, Tech. Sgt. Donald Arthur Dorman. Honored to have researched your family. #hero #WWII

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Genealogy Roundup, December 10

Megan Smolenyak — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 01:10:59 +0000

If you could speak to your dead grandmother forever, would you?

The Hop-Picker Murders (The Forensic Genealogist Series) – Just pre-ordered for ebook delivery on Dec 20th!

Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash

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Genealogy Roundup, September 17

Megan Smolenyak — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 17:59:26 +0000

Soldier Accounted For From Korean War – Welcome home, PFC Vincent Angelo Vega. Honored to have researched your family (just this year!). #Hero #KoreanWar

Ancestry’s Irish unit fails to secure rights to millions of Scottish records – Scotland says nae to Ancestry. #genealogy

1923: The Mystery of Lot 212 and a Tour de France Obsession – Unusual book to recommend perhaps, but it certainly helps that I’ve been lured into the Tour de France world these last couple of years (lovely mash-up of sport and geography/history/culture). What the genealogist in me loves is the deep dive this author took to find out everything he could about a 2.5 minute bit of footage from 1923. Puts me in mind of my Annie Moore quest, though this was his COVID obsession. Also, there’s a surprising amount of historical context. I learned a lot about Europe in 1923.

‘It kinda made me laugh’: Mother of Brooklyn pre-schooler sees a big shift in baby names – Old names new again: “my old lady gang” & preschoolers with Ellis Island names

Photo by Joe Richmond on Unsplash

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Genealogy Roundup, September 3

Megan Smolenyak — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 22:32:37 +0000

A Flower Traveled In My Blood – If you’re curious about the early days of genetic and forensic #genealogy – and I mean the 1980s – then this is a must read. Also, if you’re not familiar with the brilliant accomplishments of Mary-Claire King, this is a great way to rectify that!

The Baby Died. Whose Fault Is It? – Twiblings, eh? Good luck, future genealogists.

10 Cemeteries to See Before (or After) You Die – Cool cemeteries to ponder over the holiday weekend and put on your to-visit list.

Taylor Swift’s Formidable Female Forebears – Seems a good time to share my research about Taylor Swift’s fascinating ancestors!

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