March 2013

On March 29, 1867, baseball player Cy Young was born in Gilmore, Ohio. During his 22-year career in baseball, Young pitched for five different teams. He established numerous pitching records, some of which have stood for a century. In 1937, he was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Are you a baseball fan? Check out Cy Young’s family tree and see how you’re related!     View Cy Young’s Geni Profile  

Today we remember writer Virginia Woolf, who passed away on March 28, 1941. She was born into a privileged English household in 1882. Considered one of the foremost modernists of the twentieth century, Woolf was a central figure in London literary society. Her most famous works include Mrs. Dalloway and Orlando. Although she was a remarkably gifted writer, Woolf battled bouts of deep depression. In 1941, she took her own life at the age of 59. Virginia… Read the full story

On March 27, 1883, Estonian poet Marie Under was born in Tallinn, Estonia. Considered one of the greatest Estonian poets of the 20th century, Under was nominated by the Estonian PEN club several times as a candidate for the Nobel Prize for literature. The daughter of a schoolteacher, Under learned to read at the age of 4 and began writing poems at the age of 14. In 1944, during the U.S.S.R.’s occupation of Estonia, Under… Read the full story

William S. Burroughs, Jr. was an American novelist who wrote three novels, two of which were published as Speed in 1970 and Kentucky Ham in 1973. Prakriti Junction, his third novel that he began in 1977 was never completed, although extracts from it were included in his third published work Cursed From Birth. He appears briefly in the 1983 documentary Burroughs, about his father, in which he discusses his childhood, his liver problems, and his relationship with his… Read the full story

We had an amazing time at RootsTech in Salt Lake City, Utah. Over 6,700 people came out to the conference, drawing an even larger crowd than last year. The first day was a whirlwind as the booth was crowded with people interested in learning more about MyHeritage and Geni. This was the first time we attended as a part of the MyHeritage family and we had an amazing team manning the booth. It was a… Read the full story

Today we remember poet Walt Whitman, who passed away on March 26, 1892 at the age of 72. One of the most influential poets in the American canon, Whitman was often called the “father of free verse.” Whitman worked various jobs throughout his life, including a career as a journalist, a teacher, a government clerk and he was even a volunteer nurse during the American Civil War. Walt Whitman is connected to over 68 million… Read the full story

On March 25, 1965, actress Sarah Jessica Parker was born in Nelsonville, Ohio. When featured on the first season of Who Do You Think You Are?, Parker discovered a family connection to the California Gold Rush. Her fourth great grandfather, John S. Hodge, headed off to California in 1850 in search of gold. Sarah Jessica Parker is connected to over 68 million people in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related?     View Sarah… Read the full story

We had a great first day at RootsTech and we wanted to share a few pictures from the day with you. Within minutes of the expo hall opening, we had swarms of people at the booth. It’s estimated that there are over 6,800 people registered – that’s over 2,000 people than last year! This year was especially exciting as it was the first time we attended RootsTech as a part of the MyHeritage family. Check… Read the full story

On March 23, 1775 one of the Founding Fathers of the United States of America Patrick Henry made his best known speech in the House of Burgesses in Richmond, Virginia during the American Revolutionary War. Henry argued in favor of mobilization for military action against the encroaching British military force when the House was undecided whether to mobilize or not. He ended his speech with the famous words: “Give me Liberty, or give me Death!” Patrick… Read the full story

On March 21, 1928 aviator Charles Lindbergh was presented with the Medal of Honor for the first solo trans-Atlantic flight. At the age of 25, Lindbergh flew solo non-stop from New York City to Paris, France from May 20-21, 1927. His non-stop flight instantaneously gained him world fame and won him the Orteig Prize. Check out Charles Lindbergh’s family tree and help connect him to over 68 million people on Geni!     View Charles Lindbergh’s… Read the full story

On March 20, 1727, English physicist and mathematician Isaac Newton died at the age of 84. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential scientists of all time and as a key figure in the scientific revolution. Newton’s book Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica formulated the laws of motion and universal gravitation. He built the first practical reflecting telescope and developed a theory of colour based on the observation that a prism decomposes white light into… Read the full story

We’re happy to present a guest post written by blogger Leslie Ann of Ancestors Live Here. Today she shares some interesting facts about the Idaho Territory and how you can honor your Idaho ancestors by sharing their memories in the Idaho Pioneers Project on Geni. It has been 150 years this March since Idaho Territory was created. President Lincoln signed the bill creating Idaho Territory March 4, 1863 from  Dakota Territory, Nebraska Territory, and Washington… Read the full story

On March 19, 1889, Manuel II of Portugal was born. The last King of Portugal, Manuel II ascended to the throne after the assassination of his father, King Carlos I of Portugal, and his older brother, Luis Felipe, Prince Royal of Portugal. His reign ended with the dissolution of the monarchy in the 1910 revolution, and he thusly lived the remainder of his life in exile. Manuel II of Portugal is connected to over 68… Read the full story

What are some interesting genealogy articles you’ve read lately? Check out a few we’ve found! The Genealogy Sphere Rail dig may have found London’s lost ‘Black Death’ graves (NBC News) – Archaeologists discover a lost burial ground in London The Stories That Bind Us (New York Times) – Creating a strong family narrative to reinforce your family relationships The puzzling probate (The Legal Genealogist blog) – Judy G. Russell works through a troublesome probate record… Read the full story

On March 18, 1837, Grover Cleveland was born in Caldwell, New Jersey. Did you know Cleveland is the only person to serve two non-consecutive Presidential terms? He was both the 22nd and the 24th President of the United States. Grover Cleveland is connected to over 68 million people in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related?     View Grover Cleveland’s Geni Profile  

On March 15, 1767, Andrew Jackson was born in Waxhaw, South Carolina. The 7th President of the United States, Jackson earned the nickname “Old Hickory” because of his toughness and agressive personality. As president, Jackson was known for his support of individual liberty and the creation of the Democratic Party. Although dubbed the “people’s president,” historians have criticize his support of slavery and his role in the forceful removal of Native Americans from their lands…. Read the full story

RootsTech 2013, one of the biggest genealogy events of the year, is just around the corner. Between March 21 – 23, the Geni team will be at the RootsTech 2013 conference in Salt Lake City, Utah. Unlike any other conference, RootsTech provides you with the unique opportunity to connect with industry experts and discover the latest tools and techniques for researching your family history. From genealogists to developers, RootsTech offers hands-on workshops, presentations and more… Read the full story

On March 14, 1820, Victor Emmanuel II, King of Italy, was born in Torino, Italy. King of Sardinia from 1849 to 1861, he became the first king of a united Italy since the 6th century and held the title until his death in 1878. The people gave him the epithet Padre della Patria, “Father of the Fatherland.” Victor Emmanuel II is connected to over 68 million people in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you… Read the full story

On March 13, 1862 Jane Delano, founder of the American Red Cross Nursing Service was born in Montour Falls, New York. She is a descendant of one of the first settlers to America, Philippe de la Noye (Delano) and 11th cousin with President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Jane was a leading pioneer of the modern nursing profession and almost single-handedly created American Red Cross Nursing when she united the work of the American Nurse Association, the… Read the full story

Buckminster “Bucky” Fuller was an American architect, systems theorist, author, designer, inventor, and futurist. He published more than 30 books, inventing and popularizing terms such as “Spaceship Earth”, ephemeralization, and synergetic. He developed numerous inventions, mainly architectural designs, including widely known geodesic dome. Carbon molecules known as fullerenes were later named by scientists for their resemblance to geodesic spheres. He was the second president of Mensa from 1974-1983. He was born Richard Buckminster Fuller on… Read the full story

Happy birthday Liza Minnelli! Today, the iconic singer and actress turns 67. She was born in 1946 in Los Angeles, California. The daughter of legendary actress Judy Garland and director Vincente Minnelli, Liza was destined for stardom. The multi-award winning performer will soon be seen reprising her role as Lucille Austero in the highly anticipated return of Arrested Development. Liza Minnelli is connected to over 68 million people on Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you… Read the full story

Read any good genealogy articles lately? Check out a few we’ve found below! The Genealogy Sphere Howard Stern digs up some family history (Nj.com) – Howard Stern discusses his family history One Piece of Paper is Not Proof (Genealogy Tip of the Day) – A great tip to remember! Celebrating Women’s History Month – Wedding Day Stories: A Tricky Elopement (Carolina Girl Genealogy blog) – Cheri Hudson Passey shares a great story about her great… Read the full story

On March 11, 1899, Frederick IX of Denmark was born. A highly popular monarch, Frederick IX reigned as the King of Denmark from 1947 to his death in 1972. During World War II, he encouraged Danish resistance against the Germans. Frederick IX and his wife Ingrid had three daughters and no sons. In 1953, the Act of Succession was passed, which allowed a female to inherit the throne if there were no male heirs. Upon… Read the full story

Today, the world celebrates International Women’s Day. Celebrated since the early 1900s, the holiday found its roots in the United States when 15,000 women marched through New York City protesting inequality and oppression in the workplace. In 1911, the first official international women’s day was celebrated across Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland as women banded together to demand women’s worker rights. Now the day is celebrated in over 100 different countries all around the world… Read the full story

On March 8, 1783, Hannah Van Buren, wife of the 8th United States President, Martin Van Buren was born in Kinderhook, New York. Did you know Hannah and Martin were first cousins once removed through his mother, Maria Van Buren? The couple had also been childhood sweethearts. Although she passed away in 1819, well before Martin Van Buren became President, she is still recognized as one of the American First Ladies. Hannah Van Buren is… Read the full story

On March 7, 1999, director Stanley Kubrick died at the age of 70. Regarded as one of the greatest filmmakers of all time, Kubrick was noted for his unique cinematography, hypnotic music scores and controversial themes. His perfectionism and mastery of cinema was often recognized with multiple awards and critical acclaim throughout his long and distinguished career. Check out Stanley Kubrick’s family tree and help connect him to over 68 million people on Geni!  … Read the full story

Today we remember author Ayn Rand, who passed away on March 6, 1982 at the age of 77. Rand was born and educated in Russia and moved to the United States in 1926 where she worked as a screenwriter. Known for the best-selling novels The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged, Rand also developed a philosophical system called Objectivism. Ayn Rand is not yet connected to the World Family Tree. Perhaps you can help expand her tree and… Read the full story

Sir Winston Churchill was a British politician, known for his leadership of the United Kingdom during World War II. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest wartime leaders of the 20th century. Churchill served as Prime Minister twice from 1940-1945 and 1951-1955. He was also an officer in the British Army, a historian, a writer, and an artist. He is the only British Prime Minister to have received the Nobel Prize in Literature… Read the full story

Today marks the 50th anniversary of the death of country music artist Patsy Cline. On this day in 1963, Cline died at the age of 30 in a plane crash. She is remembered as one of the most influential and acclaimed female vocalist of the 20th century. Ten years after her death, Cline became the first female solo artist to be inducted to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Patsy Cline is connected to over 68… Read the full story

What great finds have you been up to? In case you missed them, here are some interesting genealogy articles from the past week. The Genealogy Sphere ‘Genealogy is Like Crack’ (The Voice online) – Henry Louis Gates discusses the addictive nature of genealogy Researching Family History: Going the extra mile led to man receiving treasure trove of family genealogy information (Deseret News) – If you ever find family history documents or photos in the trash,… Read the full story

On March 4, 1394, Henry the Navigator was born in Porto, Portugal. An important figure in the early days of the Portuguese Empire and the Age of Discovery, Henry was responsible for the early development of European exploration and maritime trade with other continents. Henry the Navigator is connected to over 68 million people on Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related?     View Henry the Navigator’s Geni Profile  

On March 1, 1810, Frédéric Chopin was born. Although, like many cases in genealogy, conflicting records bring the date of his birth into question. His parish baptismal record gives his birthday as February 22, 1810, however, the date March 1 was stated by the composer and his family as his birthday. Regardless, today we remember the renowned child prodigy pianist and composer, whose music was highly influential. Many of his pieces remain popular today. Frédéric Chopin… Read the full story