Extreme Genes - America's Family History and Genealogy Radio Show & Podcast

Host Scott Fisher returns with this commercial free special RootsTech edition of Extreme Genes. This recent RootsTech conference in Salt Lake City will forever be remembered as being the one at which Generative AI made its debut. And what a debut it was and is! Fisher visits with FamilySearch CEO Steve Rockwood, AmericanAncestor's David Allen Lambert, and African American Program Manager for FamilySearch Thom Reed about the impact of this remarkable new technology, how it works, and how you can put it to work for you right now!

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin by taking a deep breath over the crazy two part guest interview has in line for the show. A pair of eighth cousins… also eighth cousins to Fisher… who have exhumed the remains of their name line immigrant ancestor, Tjerck Claessen DeWitt, who died in 1700 in Kingston, New York, and his wife and two children. David then shares stories about the DNA Reunion Project, which seeks to reunite aging Holocaust survivors who were separated following World War II; The birthday celebration of “Papa Jake,” a World War II “dam buster,” who has been a hero to the British and a Tik Tok star!; The story of further conflict at the site of the former Pilgrim colony at Plymouth, Massachusetts where descendants of 17th century natives are angry. David will explain; And if you're a Scottish researcher, David has some good news for you! Then, in two parts, Fisher visits with Gage and Justin DeWitt… distant cousins to each other, and to Fisher… who have literally dug up the immigrant ancestor, Tjerck Claessen DeWitt of Kingston, New York. Hear all about the project which took place this past summer, and what they are hoping to accomplish. It's a genie-journey on steroids! David then returns for another round of Ask Us Anything. That's all this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!

There are various types of DNA tests, but the Y-DNA test serves one particular purpose. Here's why you might want to “Y.”

It's a great thing to find an old book with loads of information. But just how trustworthy are these “sources?”

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin with the story of a Canadian man who learned from a newspaper birth listing from the early 1950s, and DNA, that he had been switched at birth. Then, one of the oddest stories of the year… a married couple is freaking out because they learned that they share ancestors eight generations back! Then, a cannon ball has shown up at a beach in Rhode Island. You won't believe where the finder is keeping it. At Colonial Williamsburgh, a dig has revealed a remarkable new find at a spot that David has walked over countless times. And finally, Europe's oldest publication has been dated at over 2,300 years old. Next, in two parts, Fisher visits with Dr. Nick Barratt, best known in the UK for his hosting and research on four seasons of “Who Do You Think You Are?” In his own research, Nick has discovered that his paternal grandmother's brother was a spy for the Soviet Union leading up to World War II! Hear how he discovered this shocker, how it has impacted him and his immediate family, and how it has changed his understanding of how he presents information he provides to others. Then, David returns for another couple of rounds of Ask Us Anything. That's all this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!

Public on line trees can reveal great information. They can also lure you into a trap.

It happens all the time. One record says one thing, and another says something else. Here's how to sort things out.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. As the long running weekly broadcast show comes to an end, the guys begin Family Histoire News with talk of the Boston Tea Party 250th anniversary celebration this weekend. Then, David reveals his role in setting the record straight on the last survivors of the USS Oklahoma at Pearl Harbor. Ever wonder how large the largest family tree in the Library of Congress might be? Wonder no more! Then, the guys give a brief update on the 23andMe data breach. Next, Fisher shares one his most interesting interviews from earlier this year. It's with Dr. David Duffy who has discovered that DNA can be detected and connected to individuals even when taken out of the air, or from footprints on a sandy beach! What might this mean for future police work? Then, Your DNA Guide, Diahan Southard, and genealogical thriller author, Nathan Dylan Goodwin,  join the show to talk about their planned genealogical murder mystery on RootsTech eve in Salt Lake City. David then returns for another Ask Us Anything question. This one is on the use of aliases in the Revolutionary War. Fisher and David then sign off on the final segment of the weekly broadcast series, with a huge thank you to so many who have contributed to the success of Extreme Genes through the years. Stayed tuned for future, periodic Extreme Genes podcasts!

We all love to show off family photos and documents, but it puts them at risk. Here's a better way.

Tracking down keepsakes of ancestors isn't always easy. But sometimes there are mementoes just below your feet!

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David begins Family Histoire News with an update on the damage done in the attack of a homeless man on historic cemeteries in Boston. Then, the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party is coming. David talks about the rapidly approaching celebration. We've gotten accustomed to hearing about people discovering they were switched at birth through DNA, but wait til you hear this one woman's story! It has more twists and turns than we've ever heard. Can the extinct Dodo bird become “unextinctified?” (Thank you George W. Bush!) One company thinks so. David will explain. In segment two, Fisher shares his 2021 interview with the late Jack Holder. Jack passed this year at 101 years old, but his story will live forever. Hear him describe how he could see the smiling face of a Japanese pilot while he was being strafed at Pearl Harbor! Then, Gage DeWitt returns to the show to talk about his new interest… creating tin type photographs. Not many people do it and for good reason. The chemicals are dangerous. Gage and his girl friend, Molly McNeal, talk about this risky hobby they hope to turn into a little business, and how they have recreated the 19th century process. Fisher and David then return for Ask Us Anything. That's all this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!

Yes, we're all future dead people. Doesn't it make sense to make plans for what will happen to your family heirlooms?

It's true… DNA testing can be confusing. Here's what you should consider in choosing a good match in a DNA testing company.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with guest host David Allen Lambert from the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin by exchanging stories about discoveries they each made this past week. David then shares the horrible word about a homeless man in Boston who destroyed an array of historic headstones, including that of Paul Revere, this past week. Then, cursive writing is back in schools! Hear what state just made it law. In Georgia, some interesting wills have been found of slave owners who left money for some of their enslaved for a specific purpose. Hear what it is. And, we have a new age record for skydiving. What til you hear this one! Then, Fisher has an important announcement concerning Extreme Genes. Next,  Crista Cowan of Ancestry.com comes on to talk about how Ancestry is trying to encourage collective work on family trees. And, no, you don't need a paid account to be part of it. Then, in a follow up to a previous episode, JoAnne Jessee talks about her initial find of letters from the pandemic of the late 1910s, and how she tracked down the descendants of the other correspondent to exchange letters back into the family lines. It's a fascinating story we can all learn from. David then returns for more of Ask Us Anything. That's all this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!

Fisher shares a key clue in many photographs that many people overlook. But it might be all you need to help you identify the subject of the photo.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. Fisher and David talk about the eclipse, and one in particular that occurred during the Revolutionary War that military leaders used to rally the troops. David then shares the remarkable story of the discovery of a uniform of a World War II vet and how it found its way into the hands of the vet's granddaughter. Then, another World War II story has had another chapter written. The ship involved in one of America's great naval disasters has been located. David then talks about the upcoming conference of the Federation of Genealogical Societies in Pittsburgh and shares a blogger spotlight on Robin Lacey's spadeandthe grave.wordpress.com, where Robin talks about digging up a graveyard of ancestors. Then Fisher begins his two part visit with his first cousin, Joann (Fisher) Schmidt, of Dutchess County, New York. When Fisher and Joann began collaborating on their shared family history back in the 1980s, Joann also looked into her mother's side. There, she discovered a horrible family secret. Her grandfather's family had been decimated in a disaster on a steamboat in 1904 in which ten family members were killed. It is called the General Slocum disaster, and it took place in New York City. The tragedy marked the greatest single loss of life in New York City history prior to 9/11. In this two part interview, Joann shares her story of how she learned the details of her grandfather's greatest trial, and how he endured the aftermath. Then, Tom Perry checks in from the road as he continues his Preservation Tour, scanning genies' pictures for free at sites around the country. Where is he now and where will he be next? He will tell you. Tom then answers another listener question concerning the best way to be sure your material will still be around years from now. That's all this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!

There are definitely techniques for preserving paper documents and records that you can trust will extend the life of your important documents.

Happy Thanksgiving! Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. Both Fish and Dave describe recent discoveries they made and how they found them. Then, David talks about how a stash of letters, written in the 1750s from France and never unsealed (they were captured by the British) are being opened and digitized! Then, there's more now on the painting discovered in France a few years ago. It had been hanging in the kitchen of a 90-year-old woman and was headed to the garbage can. It has now been sold for $25 million dollars and has been deemed a “national treasure.” Also, a marvelous museum of African American History has been opened in Charleston, South Carolina. David has more. Next, Fisher talks with Christopher Child of NEHGS and editor of the Mayflower Descendant. Chris takes us through his recent study of the first found family of Catholic descendants of the Mayflower and the amazing journey it led him on. Then, it being Native American History Month, Michelle Chubenko of sponsor Legacy Tree Genealogists talks about her background and a surprising DNA discovery of a match in a very unexpected place. Then, David returns for Ask Us Anything over two segments. That's all this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!

If you've ever wondered why you don't get everything you think you should from a search of a digitized newspaper site, Fisher has some ideas that may open up a whole lot more.

Marking pictures is essential for future generations, but using the right pens and markers will assure the identifications last without damaging your images.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org.  Fisher lauds David for his successful efforts to get an 1837 census of Boston digitized after years of prodding. David then talks about a massive project revolving around Fort Ticonderoga and the many soldiers and civilians who came through there in the 18th century. Another coin hoard has been found…and it's massive! The guys explain the wheres and whys on this amazing discovery overseas. David shares a summary of an article in “The Conversation” that claims that two thirds of genealogists are distressed by finds they make. Fisher then shares a new find he made in a very local newspaper database in New Jersey. He reminds us that there are still places to look when the big sites fail to reveal what you're looking for. Next, Fisher visits with Jennifer Truelove, a volunteer for FindAGrave. Jennifer wanders cemeteries in New York City to photograph tombstones for genies everywhere. She shares her motivation, her experiences, and unusual stories from her service on our behalf. Then, Nat Taylor, Editor of The American Genealogist, comes on to talk about a huge international conference that will be held in the US next year that you can be a part of if you act quickly. It combines genealogy and heraldry. Nat explains some of the history of heraldry and what it means. David then returns for another round of Ask Us Anything. That's all this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!

Fisher talks about the risk of taking on line trees at face value and why copying isn't researching.

Lots of great records are not on line, and won't be anytime soon. Fisher talks about a Catholic record type you might want to look for.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David shares his recent family reunion experience. Then, he talks about the living children of Civil War soldiers who are still around. Hear who they are and who their father's were. Having trouble reading old handwriting? You can soon take a course on it! David will explain. Also hear about the passing of another Pearl Harbor survivor, and a library book that finally got returned… 93 years later… and more! Next, Fisher visits with A. C. “Carl” Ward in two parts. In part one, Carl tells the story of what happened to him as a boy while exploring his grandparents' farmhouse in North Carolina. It involves secret staircases an attic and a sea chest full of Civil War letters and journals! In part two, Carl talks about how his discovery changed the course of his life, finally leading to his publishing of a book about what the letters told. Carl will explain how he wrote his historic novel. Then, David returns for Ask Us Anything. That's all this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!

Fisher talks about school districts who created some unique records to help plan for buildings, teachers, and enrollment

Websites aside, it's still a great idea to visit ancestral cemeteries.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David begins Family Histoire News talking about his recent experience as a first time indexer for the National Archives for Revolutionary War pensions. Find out how you can do the same. Then, there's a new cemetery website that has a completely different take on how to do it. David explains. The Montpelier Foundation is creating a memorial for the enslaved and is holding a fundraiser for it. Get the details. Then, not many digs turn up 19th century ships. Under a road! But it has happened in Florida. David will tell you more. Next, drawing from the vast archives of Extreme Genes, Fisher shares two segments that fit the Halloween “Spooky Season.” The first guest is Hank Jones, long time author of books on “serendipity” in family history research. You won't believe some of the stories Hank has uncovered… and experienced… in our world. (Or is it our world and theirs?!) Then Sue Wynne, a New Jersey listener, shares her story about the ancestor that was buried, dug up four years later, found to be in great shape, and viewed by family and friends again! David then returns for Ask Us Anything. That's all this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!

Tips for Geneies Who Are New to DNA Websites

What's in an occupation?

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. Family Histoire News begins with the story of a contest winner. He's the young guy who figured out how to translate dozens of tightly rolled scrolls burned in the Mount Vesuvius explosion in 79 AD. David will have more. Then, for families who have missing people in Florida, a special day is coming to help you find closure… and it involves DNA. You're not going to like what David has to suggest concerning the diets of our ancestors. Then again, it was pretty healthy! Hear about this ancient staple. In Scotland, there's been another haul of ancient coins. And there's a real back story to this find! Visiting the US Capitol anytime soon? You can now take photos of the founding documents as long as you don't use flash. Also, the National Archives is searching for indexers to help with the pension records of the Revolutionary War. And they want every word transcribed. Fisher then notes the passing of two employees of our friends at MyHeritage.com in Israel. Both young men, age 23, were murdered on October 7th at the NOVA concert. We send our love and condolences to our friends.   Ian James of FamilySearch then joins the show to talk about how FamilySearch is using Artificial Intelligence, and how it is gradually replacing the old human indexing system. But, hey, volunteers… don't stop yet! They still need you as Ian will explain.   Fisher is then joined by Maureen Taylor, the Photo Detective. The two talk about holiday gifts of photo albums. There are a lot of ways to do them… and there's still plenty of time… as Maureen explains.   David then returns for Ask Us Anything.   That's all this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!

Creating a Genealogy “Research Log”

When it's time to hire a professional

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin with some encouraging news from our friends at MyHeritage.com, based in Israel. Then, David shares the story of a recent discovery, prior to the war, of an ancient burial in Israel. 23andMe has made some very concerning news as hackers have accessed their site to obtain information on roughly one million DNA testers of Ashkenazi Jewish descent. The hacker's intentions are not known. In Norway, a woman lost an earring, and in the search for it found something much more interesting. Hear what it was. For some people, it has been a long time since hearing the voice of a parent. Hear what one man recently discovered that gave him back those voices… from 1946! Then, hear about what Conde Naste Traveler magazine has to say about the most haunted places in the US. Next, Fisher visits with Julie Hawkins Ennis of Maryland. Julie learned in recent years of her family connections to the so-called “GU-272,” the 272 people, identified so far, who had been enslaved at Georgetown University and then sold to buyers in Louisiana in 1838. The sale of these people bailed GU out of financial troubles. The story, which broke in 2016, has led to massive research to identify all the principals in the affair, as well as as many descendants as can be found. Recently, Julie played a key role in the organization of the first reunion of these descendants. Then, Julianne Mangin talks with Fisher about her finds in a mental institution in Connecticut. She knew about her grandmother… but not all the others! Hear about Julianne's journey to learn of her family's trials and particularly the impact they had on her mother. David then returns for another round of Ask Us Anything. That's all this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!

Have you ever considered “going wide” instead of “going deep?”

Are you taking full advantage DNA Test Results?

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin by talking about the recent update on Ancestry's ethnicity report. Then, a family tree on MyHeritage has provided a rescue line to Norway for a family in Ukraine. Catch the details. A pair of ticket stubs from the night President Lincoln was shot have been auctioned off. Wait til you hear what they went for! An adoptee from South Korea recently received an email that has changed her life. Find out what happened. Meanwhile, another adoptee from Vietnam had a Covid dream about a brother he knew nothing about… and guess what?! And finally, a mummified man in Pennsylvania is finally being buried after nearly 130 years and his name has now been found. Next, in two parts, Dr. Blaine Bettinger, the Genetic Genealogist, talks with Fisher about unlinked family clusters among our DNA matches and then what is happening with genealogy and artificial intelligence. David then returns for two more questions on Ask Us Anything. That's all this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!

What is and what isn't a genealogical “source?”

Google Search Tricks

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin with Fisher describing his recent eBay score… an invitation to a New York City firemen's “hop” in 1860, sponsored by his great grandfather's volunteer fire company. It also notes the name of his great grandfather's brother who was also a member of the company and on the dance committee. David then describes his strange journey to the specific place he was born. In Family Histoire news, a UK man is spearheading an effort to identify all the soldiers who served in The Great War… aka World War I… in his village. Then, hear about the recent efforts to recover a sunken boat tied to Benedict Arnold… back when he was playing for our team! And, why are Victorians the official haunted houses of Halloween? David explains. In Segment Two, Fisher chats with Dr. Tricia Peone. Dr. Peone is using Congregational Church records from centuries ago to reveal “hidden history” in New England. Next, Carolyn Tolman visits from sponsor Legacy Tree Genealogists. Carolyn had a brick wall in her family research dating back to the days when her great grandmother was the family historian. And Carolyn has finally broken it. Hear the story and learn about the different tools she used to find it. David then returns for Ask Us Anything answering your questions. That's all this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!

Coats of Arms and Family Crests. What Are the Differences?

Who knows the old folks in your pictures, as well as their stories, better than old folks?!  Fisher talks about how to maximize your visits to senior relatives.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin with David talking about a treasure trove of new information that kept him up til 1 am! Speaking of treasure, David then talks about visiting a museum for the pirate ship, Whydah. Next, big news about RootsTech 2024! Then, a Virgin Galactic rocket has taken the remains of two ancient men into space. David explains. How would you like to be eight years old and find an artifact that dates back a thousand years or more? It's happened in Sweden! In segment two, Fisher visits with NEHGS intern Kim Taylor, talking from her native Scotland. Kim is a rookie genie and has made a remarkable find about a relative in her line who got a little too angry one night. Hear about her find of an attempted arsonist. In segment three, New York Biological and Genealogical Society President Josh Taylor brings us up to date on what is happening in New York City AND New York State records. Then, David returns for Ask Us Anything, answering your questions. That's all this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!

Directories and Maps Can Sometimes Tell Stories as Plainly as a Personal History

Journal keeping is a simple, old fashioned, and effective way to document your life's adventures. And what a treasure it will be for your descendants.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. They begin Family Histoire News with the story of a dog that served on both sides of the Revolutionary War! David explains. Then, how would you like to have access to over 59,000 dissertations on countless subjects? Dave will tell you where to find them. Who knew that pants were so controversial in Roman times? David will tell you how pants went from banned to required! In Israel, those caves that brought us the Dead Sea Scrolls have now given us more ancient treasures. Hear what they are. In Egypt, 19th century graffiti, where Europeans left their mark on ancient edifices, is being researched to learn who those people were. And finally, DNA work on 1,100 skulls is tying these dead people to their descendants. Hear who is doing the work. Next, over two segments, Fisher visits with Matamba Austin of Frisco, Texas. Matamba was born and raised in New York City. He also saw the world in travels with his mother, a worker at the United Nations. Hear how a dream and a revelation from his mother changed his life and sent him on a decades long journey to identify his freedom-fighter father in Africa. Then, David returns for more of Ask Us Anything. That's all this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!

Want your kids to find history a little more interesting? Try sharing family stories about how your ancestors were connected to historic figures and events.

Over many years anyone, like Fisher, can accumulate quite an Ancestral Museum. But without proper planning, where it goes after you might be to the dump!

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. Family Histoire News begins with the story of a pair of adopted siblings who learned something remarkable about each other. Then, DNA has come through again in another cold case. One hundred eleven years since its sinking, Titanic continues to make news. David has the latest. Another ship wreck has been found, this time in the Great Lakes. David explains. Next, Amelia Earhart continues to fascinate, and a new clue concerning her disappearance is being investigated.   Fisher visits with “The Photo Angel,” Kate Kelley. A few years ago, Kate started investigating old photos found in antique stores that identify the person in the image.  She would then research them, track down descendants of the ancestor, and pass the photo along. She's done this with thousands of pictures sent all over the world!   Then, Elizabeth Murray Vargas of sponsor Legacy Tree Genealogists comes on to talk about the difficult challenge of researching Cuban ancestry.   In Segments 4 and 5, David returns for Ask Us Anything.   That's all this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!

Many families have long running oral traditions. But just how accurate are they?

We all have family secrets. And if you're concerned about how to handle those secrets in a history, Fisher has some thoughts.