Ancestral Findings

Explore the extraordinary journey of the USS Benevolence, a World War II hospital ship dedicated to repatriating American POWs from Japan. Discover its impactful role in Operation Magic Carpet; the challenges faced, and the enduring legacy of compassion and resilience it left on U.S. military policy and humanitarian efforts. Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/a-voyage-of-hope-and-healing...

Have you ever considered using Missing Persons notices in old newspapers to search for your missing ancestors? Their contemporary relatives did. When people moved and lost touch in the days before telephones and reliable mail, they turned to this to find their loved ones. Here's how you can do the same for your ancestors. Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/missing-persons-listings-in-old...

You want to take your research further but seem stuck at a brick wall on the line you're working on. It's a frustrating fact of genealogy that nearly any genealogist will encounter at some point and probably more than once. When you get to the point where you don't know where else to look for clues, you may be tempted to give up on that line, but don't do it just yet. There are likely clues in the...

Franklin Pierce's story is essential to understanding the complexities and challenges of pre-Civil War America. It highlights the nation's divisions, ambitions, and enduring quest for unity. Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/franklin-pierce-the-tragic-president  

Join me today as we explore the life and legacy of Millard Fillmore, the thirteenth President of the United States. Discover how this self-made man navigated the turbulent political landscape of the 1850s, enforced the controversial Compromise of 1850, and played a pivotal role in opening Japan to Western trade. Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/millard-fillmore-the-unlikely-president/...

Learn about Zachary Taylor, the soldier president who rose from a frontier upbringing to a distinguished military career. Discover the story of this resilient and no-nonsense leader. Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/zachary-taylor-the-soldier-president  

James K. Polk's story is a fascinating chapter in the broader narrative of the United States, reflecting the nation's ambitions, struggles, and enduring quest for growth and identity. Podcast notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/james-k-polk-the-expansionist-president  

Nestled in the mountains of West Virginia, just a four-hour drive from Washington, D.C., the Greenbrier offered a perfect blend of accessibility and seclusion. Its location deep in the mountains provided a scenic escape from the capital and added a layer of natural defense against potential nuclear fallout. The mountainous terrain, with its peaks and valleys, forms a natural barrier that could pot...

Discover the captivating tale of Zona Heaster Shue, whose mysterious death led to an extraordinary trial. This story weaves elements of love, betrayal, and a ghostly visitation, ultimately bringing a killer to justice. Podcast notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/the-haunting-trial-of-zona-heaster-shue  

Did you know Father's Day has roots in the early Middle Ages, just after the fall of the Roman Empire in Europe? Churches celebrated a version. But, it took until the 1970s for it to become a nationally recognized holiday in the United States. Here is the story of Father's Day. Podcast notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/the-history-of-fathers-day/  

Today, let's Explore the fascinating story of John Tyler, the unexpected president. From his early life in Virginia to his rise in politics, uncover the legacy of this influential figure. Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/john-tyler-the-accidental-president  

William Henry Harrison's story is a compelling chapter in the broader narrative of the United States, reflecting the nation's growing pains, frontier spirit, and the enduring quest for leadership and identity. Podcast notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/william-henry-harrison-the-brief-presidency-and-lasting-legacy  

Baton Rouge is the capital of Louisiana. It has a long history of human habitation and a rich and multi-layered European and African settlement history, making it unique among American state capitals. Here is what you need to know about the intriguing Baton Rouge. Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/the-state-capitals-louisiana/  

Oklahoma City is the capital of the state of Oklahoma. It was the home of Native American tribes and was originally set apart by the US government so Native Americans could live. The government opened it up to American settlement in 1889, and oil was discovered there in 1928. This is the intriguing story of Oklahoma City. Podast notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/the-state-capitals-oklahoma  

Salem is the capital of the state of Oregon. It has a history of human habitation going back hundreds of years. Europeans didn't show up there until fairly recently. When they did, Salem quickly became a large and important city and eventually the capital of Oregon. Here is what you need to know about Salem. Podcast notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/the-state-capitals-oregon  

Martin Van Buren's life and presidency offer a fascinating glimpse into a critical period of American history, marked by economic upheaval, political transformation, and the ongoing struggle to define the nation's identity. His contributions to the political landscape and his role in shaping the future of American democracy make him a significant figure in the annals of American history. Podcast n...

Learn about Andrew Jackson, a true American hero. His story is inspiring, from his tough childhood to his resilience and lasting impact on our nation. Podcast notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/andrew-jackson-the-peoples-president  

John Quincy Adams' story is one of dedication, resilience, and a profound sense of duty. His contributions to the early Republic and his unwavering commitment to justice and equality make him remarkable in American history. Podcast notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/john-quincy-adams-the-diplomat-president  

Providence is the capital of the state of Rhode Island. It is one of the oldest cities in the United States and was created as a haven for religious dissenters from the Puritans of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Since its founding, Providence has been an important city to the colonies and the country. Podcast notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/the-state-capitals-rhode-island  

Each individual month has certain genealogical projects to which it is best suited. You can focus on or incorporate these projects into your regular genealogy research. These are the top ten "must-do" genealogy projects for June. Each of these projects will add detail to your genealogy research, making it richer and more informative and giving you a better understanding of your ancestors. This wil...

You want your family tree to be as flawless as possible. In fact, you can never get too much advice on this subject. Here are some unusual tips for doing excellent genealogy work. Most of these are probably new to you, but they will help push your genealogy forward. Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/tips-building-flawless-family-tree  

Are you searching for the burial location of an ancestor and can't seem to find it? Here are three tried and true techniques for tracking it down.  Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/tricks-for-finding-the-unknown-burial-location-of-an-ancestor  

Remembering James Garfield's powerful Decoration Day address at Arlington National Cemetery and honoring the fallen Union soldiers who sacrificed for our country. Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/a-tribute-to-the-fallen-james-garfields-decoration-day-address  

Memorial Day is a significant day in American history, holding a special place in the hearts of many. Understanding its origins, traditions, and evolution can deepen our appreciation for this day of remembrance, honoring those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/memorial-day-honoring-sacrifice-and-remembrance  

Harrisburg is the capital of the state of Pennsylvania. Europeans first visited the area with the famous John Smith expedition in the early 1600s. The city has been important throughout American history for various reasons and occasions. Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/the-state-capitals-pennsylvania/