Army base in Louisiana sheds Confederate name for a Black war hero – Pleased to have had a chance to speak about WWI hero, Henry Johnson.

Was just asked to share this in one of the genealogy groups I participate in and thought it was worth re-sharing here because somehow this frustrating myth never seems to go away!

Camryn and Milo Manheim to lead off premiere of new Jewish-themed genealogy TV series – Another genealogy TV series headed our way!

How to plan a genealogy trip to connect with your roots – Whoa, is this right? Ancestry’s (ProGenealogists) roots travel services start at $3,000/day?! Time for some of us to increase our rates, eh?

Top Photo Credit: Verne Becker under Creative Commons license

The post Genealogy Roundup, June 21 appeared first on Megan Smolenyak.

A New Front in Reparations: Seeking the Return of Lost Family Land

Records Reveal Mario Changed Name From “Jumpman” at Ellis Island – Even when it’s a joke, it irritates me. Consider this your periodic reminder that names were NOT changed at Ellis Island!

We’re Taking Our Children’s Names: Honouring legacy in broken families – Interesting read. My first thought was that this would confuse future genealogists, but unless this couple has additional children of their own, the exact opposite is true. Descendants of the now 4-year-olds will have an easier time picking up their trail

With no next of kin, the dead tax county resources. How they end up in coroner offices. – This is one of the best series of articles I’ve seen on Unclaimed Persons since I began researching them back in 2005. Still helping Lackawanna, PA – the first county I ever worked with – with their cases. 5 in just the last week.

A New Book About Madonna and Other Hollywood Stars of Abruzzo Origins – Italy following in Ireland’s footsteps ramping up its efforts to attract roots tourism.

Fort Polk is now Fort Johnson after US Army moves to honor World War I hero – Honored to have researched Sgt. Henry Johnson in preparation for his posthumous Medal of Honor Award and so very pleased that this base will be named after him.

Photo Credit: James McNellis under Creative Commons license

The post Genealogy Roundup, June 14 appeared first on Megan Smolenyak.

How to make masks that everyone will want to wear: National Geographic contacted engineers, physicists, psychologists, and fashion designers to find out the best tips for building better masks – check out what my niece has been up to!

Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga – If you’re looking for some mindless escapism and have Netflix, I suggest you give this a go. Those have any kind of attachment to Iceland will enjoy it even more.

Top Image Credit: Association of the United States Army

The post Genealogy Roundup, July 15 appeared first on Megan Smolenyak.

Memorial Service of Capt. Lawrence E. Dickson – I was privileged to research the case of CPT Lawrence E. Dickson, a Tuskegee airman who was killed in WWII. I also attended his moving memorial service last year and invite you to watch and share.

Correcting the Record of WWI Hero and Medal of Honor Recipient Sgt. Henry Johnson

Famous Genealogist Solves Her Own Family’s Mystery – You can see the original title in the URL. The editor likes me so took liberties.

9 years ago now. Lovely memory of meeting former President Obama in Ireland.

Photo Credit: Marines under Creative Commons license

The post Genealogy Roundup, May 27 appeared first on Megan Smolenyak.

Correcting the Record of WWI Hero and Medal of Honor Recipient Sgt. Henry Johnson

After almost 52 years, Calumet’s MIA soldier was never forgotten

Photo Credit: Jean-Philippe Rebuffet under Creative Commons license

The post Genealogy Roundup, May 30 appeared first on Megan Smolenyak.

Funeral Announcement For Soldier Missing From The Korean War (McDowell, W.) – This makes 8 in 2 weeks. I researched this soldier waaay back in 2006! RIP to Cpl. William C. McDowell of Arkansas who lost his life in Korea. Welcome home, Sir.

Tennessee soldier killed in North Korean camp identified and honored – More re: Cpl. Thomas H. Mullins of TN who gave his life in the Korean War.

The Amazing Women in Stephen Colbert’s Family Tree – As both Women’s History Month and Irish American Heritage Month wound down, I thought I’d share this about the family tree of Stephen Colbert.

War Numbers: Counting the Irish-born Dead in WWI – Got my geek on!

Commemorative Silver Coin-Shaped Medallion To Honor Sgt. Henry Johnson – Any artist friends or family members? Or maybe you’re one yourself? Here’s a contest to design a medallion to honor Henry Johnson, a WWI hero. I had the privilege of researching him for the Army in preparation for his long overdue award of the Medal of Honor by President Obama a couple of years ago. Please share with anyone you think might be interested. Thanks!

The Immigrant Ancestors Ann Coulter Wishes She Didn’t Have – Well, this is a surprise. Medium decided to feature my article about Ann Coulter’s immigrant roots. If you haven’t seen this before and happen to read and like it, I’d greatly appreciate it if you’d “clap” for it by clicking on the little pair of hands at the bottom left of the article on MEDIUM. Sorry to keep asking, but it helps with the visibility of my articles. In fact, it might be what helped them select this one to feature! Thanks so much!

Rick Steves’ European Easter: Easter Egg Traditions

People reveal the unusual items they’ve found after a loved one’s death

Photo Credit: megatick under Creative Commons license

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