Black Sheep Family History

What if family stories from one side of your family just didn't exist? In this episode of Black Sheep Family History, Janet Hall Werner interviews author John Mancini, whose deeply personal book Immigrant Secrets: The Search for My Grandparents unravels a hidden family mystery that spans generations. What began as a simple genealogical search became a years-long quest to uncover the truth about hi...

Fortune telling was a crime. When Carrie was arrested in 1922 for reading fortunes, she fought back, arguing that her "spiritual" practice was protected by the First Amendment. The case raised big questions: Could spirituality count as religion? Could fortune telling be free speech? In this episode of Black Sheep Family History, Janet interviews Kathy Astrom who tells the fascinating story of Nanc...

He wasn't licensed. He wasn't sober. And he was abusive to his four successive wives -- but oddly kind to small children and animals. In this Black Sheep Family History story featuring genealogist Lori Samuelson, discover the scandalous life of a so-called "doctor" whose "illegal operation" landed him in jail - and whose drunken violence and escapades left behind a notorious legacy. This is true c...

Step inside the hidden history of America's asylums. In this Educational Extra episode of Black Sheep Family History, we uncover how mental illness was understood and treated from the colonial era through the 20th century, and the records that were left behind. From overcrowded state hospitals to electroshock therapy and lobotomies, and the reforms that changed everything, this video explores the...

Genealogist Jennifer Dunn tells the interesting tale of Roscoe, married and then married again (without the benefit of death or divorce), served time for fraud, and was then involved in a murder case - and the lawyer at trial had the entire courtroom clapping! This is Episode #3 of Black Sheep Family History: Stories of our not-so-illustrious ancestors & how to find them, hosted by Janet Hall...

Join genealogist Janet Hall Werner, J.D. (via her avatar Jaine) as she talks about bootlegging in America, in addition to other aspects of Prohibition, like speakeasies, confiscation, rum runners, organized crime, and even NASCAR! This episode ties into our story episode "Bootlegging, Counterfeiting, Arson & a Poisoned Peanut Butter Sandwich," featuring genealogist Jill Nock on our channel Bla...

Genealogist Jill Nock shares the fascinating tale of her 2x-great uncle John Nichols and his wife Clara and twin sons Melwood & Elwood, who were involved in bootlegging, counterfeiting, arson & forgery during Prohibition. Ah yes, and there was that rat-poisoned peanut butter sandwich! Join host Janet Hall Werner for Episode #1 of her new series Black Sheep Family History: Stories of our no...