Greetings Fellow Family History Sleuths,

Well, lucky me! I got to meet Billie Jean King, one of my longtime idols, at Ellis Island last month! In this issue, you can read about her, an authentic Ellis Island ferry for sale, some peculiar graves, DNA news, and a couple of WWII and Korean War heroes soldiers finally coming home. You'll also find a reminder about In Search of Our Ancestors, my book of 101 tales of serendipity and kindness, because the holiday season is the perfect time for a little reading escape.

Happy Thanksgiving (and be sure to quiz your relatives about your ancestors and get them to dig out those old photos!)

In Search Of Our Ancestors

Reminding everyone that a .pdf version of my latest book – a feel-good collection of 101 tales of genealogical kindness and serendipity – is available from the good folks at Legacy Family Tree.

And if you prefer, it's also available in ebook format for your Kindle, Nook, etc. here.

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Seton Shields Genealogy Grants

Watch for information about the fourth-quarter grant recipient shortly. And then, I'll be considering applications for the first quarter of 2017, so here's a reminder to get yours in if you've been intending to. Submissions remain active candidates for six months from the date I receive them.

To apply for a Seton Shields grant, fill out and submit the form here. To see the types of cool projects I've had the opportunity to contribute to over the years, look here.

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Genealogy Round Up, November 16

The Book Rescuers – I love librarians.

Peggy Guggenheim's Grave – The only museum with its curator—and her pets—buried inside

Nearly 100 years later, World War I service cards for N.C. veterans released to the public – Good news for NC researchers

Family History Daily has helpful articles

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Genealogy Round Up, November 9

Inside the NSA’s For-Sale Spy Town – OK, after we buy that Ellis Island ferry, anyone in the market for a recently abandoned town in WV?

From the attics and shoeboxes of Virginia, a trove of historical gold – More of this, please.

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Genealogy Round Up, November 2

Photo Credit: Franklin Ruttan

The oldest existing Ellis Island ferry could be your quirky home for $1.25M – "If I were a rich man..."

Fallen WWII fighter pilot laid to rest in hometown cemetery – RIP, Lt. Barnes - and welcome home.

A soldier comes home – Lavern C. Ullmer, killed in Korean War, is coming home soon. I researched his family for the Army back in early 2008.

Family memorabilia rescued from stolen trailer

90 year old Grandmother finally solves the mystery of her adoption

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Genealogy Round Up, October 26

The Tiered Burial Grounds Carved into the Hillsides of Hong Kong

The Future of Death Could Be a Shiny Cemetery Beneath the Manhattan Bridge – Bye-bye, tombstones?

Family Tree DNA & Assassin's Creed The Movie – Whoa, Family Tree DNA! Teaming with Assassin's Creed Movie to bring us "the memories of your ancestor," eh? Well played!

DNA links Naperville woman to half-brother born 70 years ago – Am I the only one who read this headline to mean that the brother was 70 years older??

How To Battle Giants In Business - And Win – Wonder how LivingDNA will fare in the genetic genealogy world . . .

Photo Flash: Stage and Screen Icon F. Murray Abraham Honored on Ellis Island

Billie Jean King receives Ellis Island Family Heritage Award at The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation, Inc.

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Upcoming Events

After traveling around and speaking in 40 states and half a dozen countries, I decided to take a breather from the road to tend to some projects. That said, I'm sharing exceptions here. And by the way, you can see if I’ll be in your area any time by checking my Events Calendar.

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