August 28, 2024
www.megansmolenyak.com

Greetings Fellow Family History Sleuths,

Well, it seems I've been in a chatty mood lately! If you've got a bit of time to spare, I invite you to listen to the conversation I had with Your DNA Guide, Diahan Southard. We talked about genetic genealogy, of course, but so much more!

In addition to that, this month's issue has a typical (for me!) potpourri of topics including the prospect of tombstone tourism in India, Lin-Manuel Miranda's roots, 23andMe in the news, Tim Walz's Irish heritage, and ways to reboot your passion for genealogy if you find yours flagging. So please dive in and see what captures your attention.

Until next time, stay hydrated!

Ask the Experts with Your DNA Guide, Diahan Southard

If y’all are in the mood for a little genealogy chit-chat, please consider watching this conversation I had with Diahan Southard, Your DNA Guide. We had a lot of fun and I hope you will too!

Click here to watch.

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Genealogy Roundup, August 21

Photo by Oshin Khandelwal on Unsplash

Kerala cemeteries gold mines of untapped tourism potential – I’m a fan of cemeteries inviting the public in (Green-Wood in Brooklyn, NY being one of the best examples), but I hadn’t expected to see it in Kerala, India. Not a bad idea! Building relationships with the local community and far-flung descendants helps preserves the cemeteries, so it’s a win-win. 

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s ethnicity, confirmed – So strange when your research from years ago resurfaces, but for fans of Lin-Manuel Miranda who didn’t see this before. 

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Genealogy Roundup, August 14

Photo by Library of Congress on Unsplash

The forgotten South Asian boys in George Washington’s family – This is about a month old, but is another one of those fascinating bits of history you don’t really expect. We’re so much more interconnected than many realize. #genealogy

Irish roots of Kamala Harris’s running-mate Tim Walz – So Ireland has noticed that Tim Walz has Wexford roots! 

Tim Walz’s Irish Great-Great-Grandparents Were Just Like Him

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Genealogy Roundup, August 7

Photo by Bo Zhang on Unsplash

Nerds and geeks are taking over the Paris Olympics – The prominence of geeks at the Olympics is just one more reason I’m going to remember the summer of ‘24 fondly! P.S. Just want to point out that Stephen Nedoroscik (aka pommel horse guy) is Slovak American.

6 Things You Didn’t Know about Mark Kelly’s Roots – Countdown! Will Ireland get to claim another?

Woman wins her very own ‘Who Do You Think You Are?’ experience and discovers her great-grandfather was a Bristol war hero – This is something that FindMyPast did for a contest winner…a lovely experience for her!

Genetic testing firm 23andMe rejects CEO’s take-private offer – Anyone else nervous about 23andMe? 😬 #DNA

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Genealogy Roundup, July 31

Photo Credit: Herrick District Library under Creative Commons license

10 priceless ways to reboot your passion for genealogy – Some good ideas if you find yourself in a genealogical slump. Also, if you have Russian or Slavic roots in general, you really need to follow Vera Miller’s blog.

Oldest person in the U.S. turns 115 today: ‘She’s surprised us all’ – She’s 115, but somehow feels so of the moment. Her advice? “Speak your mind and don’t hold your tongue.”

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You can also find Megan on Authory and Huffington Post.

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