Greetings Fellow Family History Sleuths,

Those who read my special issue a couple of weeks back know that I'm excited to have produced my first new video in quite a while. It's about the unexpected story I found hiding in the branches of Pharrell Williams (any "Happy" or "The Voice" fans out there?), and how he wouldn't exist if it weren't for an ancestor's change of heart way back in 1832. If you've got a few minutes to spare, please take a look, and if you like it, I'd greatly appreciate it if you'd share it with others - especially any teachers you might know. I've been hearing from a few who want to use it in their classes, and I'd love to encourage that!

And as you'll see, I'm playing catch up on grants, but I'm up to July (and 175 so far)! If you know any worthy projects, please let folks know to apply here.

And finally, get ready for another round of genealogy on TV with the latest season of "Finding Your Roots" - part of what's turning into an annual 3-month season of celebrity roots on air when coupled with "Who Do You Think You Are?" Check your local PBS stations for dates and time!

The family history of Pharrell Williams

Well, I'm pretty excited because this is my first new video in several years. It's about an unexpected tale I found in the family history of Pharrell Williams. If you enjoy it, I'd greatly appreciate it if you'd share it with others!

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Who Wants to be a Millionaire?

OK, so this is pretty funny. The day after "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" included a question about my "Hey, America, Your Roots Are Showing" book, they had this question about my girl, Annie Moore. This time I managed to snag it on my DVR. The contestant won $100,000 after eventually answering correctly. And I thought that Cedric's reaction was amusing, as well.

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July 2014 Seton Shields Genealogy Grant

The ASK GRANNY program provides free genealogical session and materials to senior citizen groups. In 2011 they were awarded the "Outstanding Contribution to the Field of Genealogy" by the Georgia Genealogical Society. The Ask Granny authors have distributed free session materials to civic organizations, librarians, and genealogical societies in 48 states as well as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, and have held more than 50 seminars, helping more than 700 senior citizens in the process. The grant will allow them to supply free materials to still more ASK GRANNY students.

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June 2014 Seton Shields Genealogy Grant

Normally, I summarize applications when sharing grant awards, but I've decided to let this month's for the El Monte Cemetery Association in California speak for itself. I only hope that a few other cemeteries will take their lead and borrow a few of these ideas! So here goes...

"Savannah Memorial Park, a pioneer cemetery, recently received historical landmark, number 1046. We serve the genealogical and local community as the historical representation of the collective memories of the pioneers, veterans, infants and families who settled in the San Gabriel Valley during the early 1800s and continues to date. Savannah is open every day to descendants, visitors, students and scholars. We are making changes to the property that will make the cemetery a multi-cultural repository and community asset. Savannah hosts Memorial and Veterans Day ceremonies, "Retiring of the Colors" events and are part of Rosemead's 4th of July Parade. We are partners with the El Monte Historical Museum and Society, as the two cities have a shared and rich historical past. Savannah has self-guided tours made possible by placards next to more than 40 of our founding fathers (and mothers) so that individuals can learn about the people who settled in Rosemead and El Monte, CA. Girl and Boy Scout troops from our area come to help clean the cemetery, work on badges and on special occasions, Savannah hosts "Probing Days" where the kids can come and probe for sunken grave markers. In the near future the Boy Scouts and their fathers will be coming to raise all of our markers so that they are all level in regards to our drought-tolerant landscaping redesign (we are in a severe drought). We want the cemetery to reflect our city's pride, not a neglected dried up weed patch."

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Genealogy Round Up, September 8

Facebook reunites family after 60 years apart

Love this. The "sarge in charge" at the Iwo Jima flag-raising was Michael Strank, a Rusyn immigrant.

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Genealogy Round Up, September 1

TLC's "Who Do You Think You Are?" Reminds Us How Cool Libraries Are

With 1,000 Facebook shares, old trunk in Flint attic reunited with grateful family

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Genealogy Round Up, August 25

Have worked on all the shows mentioned and more. One thing slightly off, though. I believe that "Ancestors" on PBS was the first genealogy series in the US, though it wasn't celebrity-based. Worked on that one, too!

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Genealogy Round Up, August 18

Grandma's Experiences Leave a Mark on Your Genes

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Genealogy Round Up, August 11

What say ye to this quasi-WDYTYA version of storytelling for your own roots?

Groundbreaking research maps cultural history

Mysterious fathers on "Finding Your Roots"

Our Italian Anniversary Trip: He Went for the Soccer, I Went for Sicily. What We Got Was the Surprise of a Lifetime

Contents of WW1 Dundee posties' time capsule revealed

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Upcoming Events

After traveling around and speaking in 40 states and half a dozen countries since 2000, 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.

• October 18, 2014 - Central Jersey Genealogical Club - 20th Anniversary - "Hey America, Your Roots Are Showing"

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