Living DNA

New York City

Some of you are aware that I made a recent trip to New York City this month, but may not know why. I had the opportunity to meet with Living DNA co-founders, David Nicholson and Hannah Morden-Nicholson.  While there we attended an NYG&B, New York Genealogy, and Biographical Society, event. Living DNA presented on “Introduction to DNA Testing for Genealogy” along with D. Joshua Taylor, MA, MLS, President who presented on “Tracing Your Scottish Roots: Essential Sources”.

NYG&B January Event

I had a wonderful time meeting with new researchers from all areas and listening to their exciting discoveries while researching. Of course, I was armed with my camera and had the opportunity to speak with a few excited attendees who purchased their Living DNA kits. In the video below, you can catch a glimpse of some behind the scene footage along with some quick interviews. Meet Jean, Betsy, Suanne, and Richard along with Susan Roth and David Nicholson, and Hannah Morden-Nicholson.  

Soldier Field Stadium

Soldier Field

How many of you have ever been to Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois? Soldier Field in Chicago has hosted many events. One that appears to have been captured in these photographs purchased in an eBay collection. Information is limited on these photographs, that is why I’ve placed them into the Wordless Wednesday.

 

Carrying a Tune

 What a fun and colorful group of singing men, I’m of course only guessing. Yes because this is another photo without much information. This was one in another collection that I purchased off of eBay.

Quick Research Tip

Quick Tip

I believe some of you might find this tip very useful, quick, and easy. Whether you research at your local library, archives, or even go through your own collection. This tip can be used, there is only one tool required, “your cell phone”. In the past, while researching I would have to take time to cite the publication I was using, pencil to paper. Now stay calm yes, it is important, very important but why not keep a digital record on your phone.      

Front Cover

I find, for me, snapping a quick photo of the front cover, publication page and spine works just as well. Of course, when writing the information, I note a photo number to correlate with the photo on my phone.

Spine and Publication Page

 

Finding Out More

Barbara and John

Wanting to learn more about our family and ancestors is something many of us understand. Both Barbara and John joined me at the Corbit Calloway Memorial Library in Odessa, Delaware. Weeks earlier Barbara had entered a drawing, hosted by the library. She and John were the lucky winners and had a chance to learn about her ancestors. In the video below, you’ll get a chance to see their reactions to what was found. In case you missed last week’s post feel free to see what Gene and Dawn learned about their ancestors. 

Research Reveal

Rothenburg Germany

 Imagine my delight when I came across these in a photo album I purchased in Germany. The previous week I shared three photos of some young ladies who are unknown. These photos of Rothenburg give a unique glimpse into a family's adventure dated in 1931.   

Loved His Student

Falling in Love with his Student

In today’s society, this would be disturbing & criminal that is, a teacher falling in love with his student. That wasn’t the case for teachers and students 1830s in Philadelphia. Augustine J.B. Mailly fell in love with one of his students, Mary Anne Thomas and they later married in 1831. Now Mr. Augustine J. B. Mailly was born in France around 1803 and attended a military school, similar to West Point. A photograph of the watercolor painting below depicts Augustine Mailly in Geneva, Switzerland before coming to the United States. 

Watercolor of Augustine Mailly

 

He left France and arrived in Philadelphia sometime around 1930. Employed as a French teacher at a Philadelphia boarding school. After his marriage to Mary Anne Thomas, his career path changed, from farming to newspaper editor. They were married for 14 years before her death on the 18th of March in 1845. They had a number of children.  Augustine J.B. Mailly passed away in 1862. All photographs were taken at the Corbit-Calloway Memorial Library in Odessa, Delaware. All of these pieces are in a collection available for the public to view. Stop by their Delmarva Room to view these items and more. 

 

Mother and Daughter

Learn of Ancestors

Meet Gene and Dawn, mother and daughter, who recently received some information about their ancestors. They entered a drawing at the Corbit Calloway Memorial Library hoping to win a “Genealogy Research Package”.  As a result, they were one of the lucky two to win this package. In the episode attached you can watch the anticipation, excitement, and fun unfold. I hope to share many more episodes like this one in the future.  

Family Reveal

 

Friends or Family

Unknown Friends or Family

The following three photographs were included in a book I purchased while in Germany. There are a few notations on the back of some photographs but not all. The three young ladies could be friends or family that isn’t yet confirmed.

Friends or Family

 

Three Young Girls

 

Out for a bike ride