Ancestral Findings

Meningiomas are usually benign tumors of the lining of the brain and spinal cord. While they are typically asymptomatic, they can cause symptoms and be dangerous in certain cases. New DNA research is revealing a hereditary factor in about half of them. Here is what you need to know about getting your DNA tested… Show Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/meningioma-and-dna-heredity/ Listen to the W...

If you have Greek ancestry, you will want to understand more about your Greek surname. Greek surnames are unique and interesting things, unlike any other type of surname in Europe. Listen in to learn about your Greek ancestors by learning the origin and meanings of the surnames they chose… Show Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/the-origin-and-meaning-of-your-greek-surname/ Listen to the Weekly...

Have you ever considered looking into more than just vital records and other standard genealogical resources to find out more about your ancestors? Genealogical artifacts can provide information you will not find anywhere else. Here are three top genealogical artifacts, along with what you may find in them, and why you should be using them in your research. Show Notes: https://ancestralfindings.co...

Have you considered doing an autosomal DNA test to add to and improve the accuracy of your family tree? Have you ever heard of autosomal DNA? It is the most common type of publicly available DNA test nowadays and is quite affordable. Here is what you need to know about this valuable genealogical DNA test. Show Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/y-dna-and-mt-dna-and-how-they-can-help-you-trace-yo...

Using Y-DNA and mtDNA are two important ways you can add to your family tree and improve its accuracy. Both can be used to find missing relatives and to confirm biological relationships. Here is what you need to know about these two types of DNA, and how you can use them to make a much better family tree. Show Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/y-dna-and-mt-dna-and-how-they-can-help-you-trace-yo...

Do you know how to determine cousin relationships? It's easier than you may imagine. All you have to do is remember to count generations from the most recent set of cousins in your family tree that match up in the same generation and count the generations to you (or anyone else in your family tree). Here is how to do it. Show Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/cousin-relationships-the-easy-way L...

Family Bibles are some of the most unique and valuable genealogical resources available. If your immediate family doesn't have one, you might not understand just how important they can be to your research. Here is why they are such genealogical gems, and how to track one down that pertains to your family. Show Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/family-bibles   Listen to the Weekly Podcast: https...

If you are at a genealogical brick wall, consider looking for distant relatives to help you break through it. Who are distant relatives, and what information might they have to benefit your research? How do you find them and contact them? Here is what you need to know. Show Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/finding-distant-relatives   Listen via: https://ancestralfindings.com/itunes  https://an...

Interviewing older family members is a basic part of beginning genealogy research. If you have access to these relatives, interviewing them for their unique take on the past and the ancestors who lived in it is so important. You don't want those stories to be lost. However, some relatives may not want to talk, and some may go off-topic a lot in an interview. Here is how to get the best out of both...

Are your female ancestors a mystery? It's not uncommon. While you may know the first name of a female ancestor, finding their maiden name and birth family can sometimes be a challenge. Here are some tips to get you past this incredibly common genealogical issue, and find your female ancestors at last. Show Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/finding-the-true-identities-of-your-female-ancestors-ge...

He is a true unsung hero of the Civil War who was born into slavery, he gained his freedom with support from his former masters, became a businessman and leader of his community, married, had children, and was one of the first African-American soldiers killed in battle in the Civil War. His story of heroism was well-known for decades, but now largely forgotten. Tune in today to learn more about hi...

Finnish surnames are interesting. The Finnish language is unique, and the country itself has an intriguing and varied history that ties it closely to both Sweden and Russia. If you have a Finnish surname, or there is one in your family tree, tune in today to learn about the origin and meaning of Finnish surnames. Show Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/the-origin-and-meaning-of-finnish-surnames/...

He was an African-American Civil War soldier, politician, businessman, and humanitarian who rescued his family from slavery in one of the most daring escapes of the Civil War. A respected man of his time, he was a hero and a leader in many different ways, both in the war and after it. Tune in for this incredible story. Show Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/unsung-heroes-of-the-civil-war-robert...

If you are looking for something historic, educational, and just plain fun for the whole family, consider a day out at Marblehead Lighthouse State Park. This park is centered around the historic Marblehead Lighthouse, but there is so much more to do and see there. Here is what you need to know about the park, as well as its storied history. Show Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/marblehead-ligh...

This is an unsung hero of the Civil War because he was present for all of it, a leader in most of it, and commander of the whole Army of the Potomac for a brief part of it. Yet, his work and bravery are not well-remembered today. Join me today on the Ancestral Findings Podcast to learn more about his remarkable story. Show Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/john-parke-unsung-heroes-of-the-civil-...

If you have a Scandinavian surname or have one or more of them in your family tree, you will be interested in knowing the history of these surnames, as they tell an interesting part of the story of your ancestors. Join me today on the Ancestral Findings Podcast and I'll talk about the origins and meanings of the most common surnames in Norway, Denmark, and Sweden. Show Notes: https://ancestralfind...

Prickett's Fort State Park is a wonderful historical resource to the state of West Virginia. It not only shows how life was like for English settlers on the West Virginian frontier in the 1700s, but it also provides wonderful and ample opportunities for fun-filled outdoor family recreation and even cultural entertainment. Join me today on the Ancestral Findings Podcast and I'll give you what you n...

She is well-known as a conductor on the Underground Railroad, but not as well-known for her exemplary Civil War service as a nurse, scout, and spy for the Union. Join me today on the Ancestral Findings Podcast for her remarkable and amazing story. Show Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/harriet-tubman-unsung-heroes-of-the-civil-war/ Listen via: https://ancestralfindings.com/itunes     https://an...

Do you have Dutch surnames in your family tree, or is your own surname of Dutch origin? Join me today on the Ancestral Findings Podcast and I'll show you that knowing the meaning and origin of Dutch surnames can tell you more about your ancestors than you may imagine. Show Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/the-origin-and-meaning-of-your-dutch-surname Listen via: https://ancestralfindings.com/it...

She is one of the best-known country music entertainers of our time. However, she is much more than just a country music singer. From her humble beginnings, she has become a singer, songwriter, actress, and successful businessperson. Join me today on the Ancestral Findings Podcast as I share some facts about this incredible and inspirational woman. Show Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/dolly-p...

This fascinating person was an African-American, formerly enslaved by the Van Lew family in Virginia, who went on to be freed, and to work closely with the abolitionist daughter of that family as a spy for the Union in the Civil War. Join me today to learn more about this extraordinary story. Show Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/mary-elizabeth-bowser-unsung-heroes-of-the-civil-war/ Listen via...

Do you have a Polish surname in your family tree? If you do, you will almost certainly recognize it, as Polish surnames look unlike any other surnames in the world. Knowing their meaning can tell you much about your Medieval Polish ancestors. Join me today on the Ancestral Findings Podcast and I'll talk about Polish surnames. Show Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/your-polish-surname-and-its-me...

The Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site is a beautifully restored and maintained house museum dedicated to celebrating the 23rd US President. There is much to enjoy at this 1870's-era home. Join me today on the Ancestral Findings Podcast and I'll give you what you need to know about the history of the house, as well as the museum and what it offers. Show Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/benjam...

Russian surnames started being used relatively recently in history as was common in other parts of Europe. Join me today on the Ancestral Findings Podcast and I'll talk about the history of Russian surnames and their meanings. Show Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/russian-surnames-and-their-meanings   Listen via: https://ancestralfindings.com/itunes    https://ancestralfindings.com/youtube   W...

A number of women disguised themselves as men to serve in the American Revolution and the Civil War. However, few of them were well known to the public after the war. While her story was a popular one into the early twentieth century, it has been lost with time. It is time to bring it to light once more. Join me today on the Ancestral Findings Podcast as I share with you her remarkable story. Show...