 Apply now for the 2025 Genealogy Wish Grants Program before November 11! Have you ever wished for a little help breaking through a tough genealogy brick wall or finding that missing piece of your family story? 🌿 The Genealogy Wish Grants Program is your chance to make that wish come true — and there’s still time to apply before the November 11, 2025 deadline! The Genealogy Wish Grants initiative is a unique opportunity I created for those who are truly passionate about uncovering their family history. Each year, one devoted follower is selected and awarded a personalized genealogy research wish within practical limits, just in time for Christmas. It’s my way of giving back to the genealogy community — by helping someone dig deeper into their roots, uncover ancestral stories, and connect with their past in a meaningful way. ✨ What the Program Offers The chosen recipient receives up to 10 hours of professional genealogy research focused on their specific wish. Depending on the project, that may include a summary of findings (either written or verbal), grouped and noted DNA matches (if applicable), and access to a built tree with sources and citations. While findings may sometimes be inconclusive (as with all genealogy), each grant is designed to move the recipient closer to their goal — whether that’s breaking through a long-standing brick wall, finding living relatives, or uncovering new family connections through DNA analysis. 📅 Important Dates for 2025
📋 How to Apply Applying is simple — just visit my Genealogy Wish Grants Program page and submit your entry through the Contact form (choose “Genealogy Wish Grants Application” from the dropdown). Your entry must include:
🕵️♀️ What Makes a Strong Entry Every year, the winner is chosen based on three key factors: 1️⃣ Agreement to all rules 2️⃣ A feasible application 3️⃣ A compelling story A strong entry tells the story behind your research — what you’ve discovered so far, what challenges you’ve faced, and why this particular wish matters to you and your family. 💚 A Few Notes Please keep in mind that I specialize in:
While I don’t specialize in lineage research or every time period or location, I’ll do my best to take on a project that fits within my expertise and the program’s scope. There’s still time to share your story, refine your wish, and submit your entry before the November 11 deadline. I can’t wait to read your stories and see where your family history journey leads.
👉 Apply or update your entry today: Genealogy Wish Grants Program
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 Upgrading your system? Make space for Windows 11 and your family history For many of us in the genealogy community, our computers are our lifelines—our virtual libraries, archives, and research labs. But if you’re still running Windows 10, there’s an urgent deadline looming that could affect your access to security updates and compatibility with new genealogy software: Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. As a genealogist who just spent days cleaning and clearing my C: Drive, let me share what I learned from this digital deep-clean, and how you can avoid tech headaches while preserving your research and preparing your system for the transition. ⚠️ Why This Matters: The Windows 11 Upgrade Deadline Windows 10 will no longer receive updates after October 14, 2025, meaning your computer could become vulnerable to security threats—and some genealogy programs may eventually stop supporting it. Upgrading to Windows 11 isn’t just a click-and-go process. It requires a minimum of 64 GB free space on your C: Drive just to begin the upgrade, and ideally 20+ GB additional to temporarily store the old system files during the process. For genealogists, that’s a tall order—especially if you’ve been running Family Tree Maker or other data-heavy programs on your system drive for years. 💡 Lessons Learned from My Upgrade Prep Here are a few critical takeaways from my own prep process that I believe every genealogist should consider: 1. Don’t Store Research Files on Your C: Drive When I installed Family Tree Maker 2019 five years ago (waiting to upgrade to Windows 11 before I install my FTM 2024 I received a few months ago), it defaulted to the C: Drive on my then new computer. I hadn’t realized just how much space had accumulated--over 144 GB of media files, backups, and client folders. While this was fine back then, it became a major roadblock when preparing for the Windows 11 upgrade. System updates depend on having enough space on the system drive, and FTM data can quickly eat up that room. ✅ Genealogist Tip: If your computer has a data drive (D:), move your Family Tree Maker media and backup folders there and change the default path in FTM's settings. If you're using a laptop without a D: Drive, consider using a reliable external SSD as your default path. 2. Keep Multiple Backups—But Know Where They Live Before deleting anything, I backed up my Family Tree Maker folders and other important files in three different locations: an external SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD, a Samsung T7 Shield Portable SSD, and a WD Elements Desktop External Hard Drive. I also use cloud storage selectively for vital documents. ✅ Genealogist Tip: Always back up in at least two or three places—especially before moving or deleting any genealogy files. Think of it as digital preservation insurance for your life's work. 3. Clean Your Computer Regularly Even after deleting huge folders like Pictures, Videos, and Music, I noticed my C: Drive space mysteriously disappearing over time. Turns out, many apps and background processes slowly creep back in. ✅ Genealogist Tip: Schedule routine digital cleanups every few months. Uninstall unused apps, clear browser caches, and move or delete non-essential files. Use tools like Disk Cleanup or Storage Sense in Windows to automate some of this process. 🛠️ How to Move Family Tree Maker Files to Another Drive For those using Family Tree Maker, here’s a simplified step-by-step guide to changing the file path:
💻 What to Do If Your Computer Can’t Run Windows 11 If your device doesn’t meet the Windows 11 Upgrade hardware requirements (such as TPM 2.0 or processor compatibility), you have a few options:
🧬 Why This Matters for Genealogists We spend countless hours building, sourcing, and preserving our family trees. Losing access to updates, programs, or data because of a full C: Drive or outdated operating system could stall—or worse, derail—our work. By keeping our systems clean, our files organized, and our programs properly configured, we’re not just managing technology—we’re preserving history. Final Thoughts Cleaning up my computer was exhausting, but it was a wake-up call. Whether you’re preparing for the Windows 11 upgrade or simply trying to keep your system running smoothly, make this a regular part of your genealogical routine. It’s not just good computer hygiene—it’s good family history preservation. ✅ Quick Checklist for Genealogists
If you’ve recently gone through a digital cleanup, I’d love to hear about it. Share your experience in the comments below—or better yet, let us know your best tip for keeping your genealogy work organized and safe! More Genealogy Software and OrganizationLearn about more family history and genealogy software and organization under the Genealogy Software and Organization categories and on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page.
 A visual summary of the top five reasons to explore your genealogy—Discovery, Preservation, Breakthroughs, Connection, and Understanding. Top 5 Reasons for GenealogyGenealogy, the study of family history and lineage, is more than just a hobby—it’s a way to connect with the past, understand the present, and preserve the future. Whether you're just starting your journey or you're an experienced researcher, there are numerous reasons why genealogy is both rewarding and valuable. Below are the top five reasons to delve into your family history, complete with detailed explanations and examples to inspire your research. 1. Discover Your Roots and Identity Understanding where you come from is fundamental to knowing who you are. Genealogy offers a deep dive into your ancestry, revealing the stories, struggles, and triumphs of those who came before you. This exploration can provide a sense of identity and belonging that connects you to your cultural and familial heritage. Example: Imagine discovering that your great-grandparents were immigrants who crossed the ocean with nothing but hope for a better future. Uncovering details about their journey, the challenges they faced, and how they adapted to a new country can give you a profound sense of pride and appreciation for their resilience. This knowledge can also enhance your understanding of cultural traditions, language, and values that have been passed down through generations. 2. Preserve Family History for Future Generations One of the most important reasons for genealogy is the preservation of family history. By documenting your research, you create a tangible legacy for future generations. This preservation ensures that the stories, experiences, and lessons of your ancestors are not lost over time. Example: Consider the impact of creating a detailed family tree, complete with photos, documents, and personal stories, that you can pass down to your children and grandchildren. This not only helps them understand their lineage but also instills a sense of pride and continuity. It's a way to keep the memories of loved ones alive, even as time moves forward. 3. Solve Family Mysteries and Break Down Brick Walls Genealogy can often resemble detective work, especially when it comes to solving long-standing family mysteries or breaking through brick walls in your research. Whether it's uncovering the true identity of a mysterious ancestor, finding out what happened to a long-lost relative, or clarifying family legends, genealogy provides the tools and methods to piece together the puzzle. Example: Imagine your family has always spoken of a distant relative who “disappeared” during the Great Depression. Through diligent research, including census records, newspaper archives, and perhaps DNA testing, you could uncover the truth—maybe this relative moved to another state, changed their name, or started a new life elsewhere. Solving such mysteries not only satisfies curiosity but also fills in important gaps in your family’s narrative. 4. Connect with Living Relatives and Build New Relationships Genealogy isn’t just about the past; it’s also about the present. Researching your family history can lead to connections with living relatives you never knew existed. These connections can be both rewarding and enriching, as they allow you to expand your family network and share research, stories, and memories. Example: Through your research, you might discover a distant cousin living in another country. Perhaps they’ve been researching the same family lines and have information or documents you haven’t yet uncovered. Reaching out to them can lead to a collaborative effort in building your family tree, and you may even develop a meaningful relationship that bridges geographical and cultural divides. 5. Gain a Better Understanding of History and Its Impact on Your Family Studying genealogy provides a personal lens through which to view history. By researching your ancestors, you can gain insights into how historical events—wars, migrations, economic depressions, and more—impacted your family. This personal connection to history can make it more relatable and meaningful. Example: If you discover that your ancestors were involved in the Civil War, you might delve into military records to understand their experiences. Learning about the battles they fought in, the conditions they endured, and the impact of the war on their lives can make history come alive in a way that goes beyond textbooks. This understanding can also provide context for the decisions and actions of your ancestors, helping you see history not just as a series of events, but as a collection of personal stories. Conclusion Genealogy is a journey of discovery, connection, and preservation. Whether you’re motivated by a desire to uncover your roots, solve family mysteries, or simply document your heritage for future generations, the rewards of genealogy are vast and deeply fulfilling. Each family has a unique story waiting to be told, and by engaging in genealogical research, you become the storyteller, ensuring that the legacy of your ancestors lives on. More Top GenealogyMore Genealogy ResourcesLearn about more family history and genealogy resources under the Genealogy Resources category and on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page.
5/18/2025 Revisiting My Roots: Tracing the Life of My 6th Great-Grandfather, Michael Howlett (Hulet, Hulett, Hewlett)Read Now A peaceful colonial New England scene, evoking the rural landscape of 18th-century Connecticut where Michael Howlett (Hulet) once lived. For the past three days, I’ve done something I don’t often get to do: focus entirely on my own family history. And not just any part of it—but a line I haven’t seriously worked on in over a decade. What began as a quick revisit turned into a deep dive that consumed my every spare moment, and it reminded me why I love genealogy so much. So today’s blog post is a little different. It’s the first in what I hope will be an ongoing series documenting one ancestral line at a time, beginning with my 6th great-grandfather: Michael Howlett—a man whose descendants carried the name in many forms, from Hulet to Hulett, Hewlett, and back again. 🧬 Meet Michael Howlett (Hulet, Hewlett, Hulett, Hulet)Michael Howlett was born around 1677, likely in Newton, Massachusetts—though some sources point to Boston. His parents were John Howlett and Abigail (Powell), and in 1704, Michael married Experience Newton in Newton, Massachusetts. Together, Michael and Experience raised a large family--nine children born over a 20-year span. Around 1708, the family moved to south Killingly, Connecticut, where Michael purchased land and helped shape the early history of that area. It is unknown when he died (as I have not found any record of it), but many have him passing away around February 1774 in Killingly at the age of 98, which would mean he lived an impressively long life (not likely for that time). 🏡 A Man of the Land—and of the CovenantOne of the fascinating records I uncovered was Michael’s adult baptism at the Putnam First Congregational Church (then known as North Killingly Parish) on December 15, 1717. That same day, he entered into the church covenant and was officially admitted as a member. This detail—often overlooked in genealogies—offers insight into both his faith and community involvement. That community, by the way, was not without its tensions. South Killingly, during Michael's time, was known for irreconcilable religious differences that made life there less prosperous and more turbulent. Yet Michael remained, raised his family, and contributed to the settlement’s development. 📜 Children of Michael and Experience (Newton) Hulet:
*Note: Since all the vital records are abstracts of some kind, I will be using "about" for the dates found in them. Josiah married a Lydia (Lydia Unknown at this time and no marriage record has been found) and had 12 children; although, they seem quite old to have had the later children, but records show these children to be born to a Josiah and Lydia and they are the only Josiah and Lydia in the area and are on the records with other family members. All of their children were born in Killingly CT. Impressively, he d. after 1797, according to his sister, Experience's dated will. Children of Josiah and Lydia:
Daniel married Abigail Unknown and they had one child (only 1 child listed in his will and the same child being the only one found in vital records) who was born in Killingly CT. Daniel d. 1789 Killingly CT, according to his probate (his will was dated: 7 Jul 1789 and inventory of his estate was taken in Sep). Children of John and Sarah:
Nathaniel married Susannah Unknown and they had 5 children, the 1st being born in Killingly and the rest in Plainfied. He d. sometime between Jan-May 1790 (his will was dated 21 Jan 1790 and the inventory of his estate was taken 1 May 1790). Children of Nathaniel and Susannah:
John married Sarah Searls on 4 Dec 1746 in Killingly CT. All of their children were born in Killingly CT. Children of John and Sarah:
Oliver (my 5th great grandfather) married 1st Sarah Bensley, who died 8 FEB 1759 in Killingly and had 5 known children (with a possible 6th that some others have but I have found no record of), and 2nd Elizabeth Searles (possibly a sister to his brother’s wife-still looking into it) on 15 Nov 1759 in Killingly. All of their children were born in Killingly CT. Impressively, he d. after 1797, according to his sister, Experience's dated will. Children of Oliver and Sarah:
Experience married Ebenezer Kingsbury on 23 Feb 1743/4 in Plainfield CT and she died on 6 Nov 1803 in Plainfield CT. According to their wills, census records, and negative findings in vital records, they had no living children. 🔍 Research Tools and Resources
I’ve also been evaluating secondary sources with caution. While many compiled genealogies list children like Michael or Nehemiah, I treat them as unconfirmed until supported by documentary evidence. These phantom ancestors are a good reminder that names in trees aren’t always facts—they’re hypotheses that need testing. 📜 Notes of Records Used
A Note on Name Variations In colonial New England, surname spelling was far from standardized. This line alone has appeared in records as Howlett, Hewlett, Hulett, and Hulet—sometimes even in the same family or generation. Don’t let spelling limit your searches! 📚 What’s Next? In the next post in this series, I’ll shift the spotlight to Michael’s son and my 5th great-grandfather, Oliver Hulet, exploring his life, marriages, and their children—many of whom began to move into western Massachusetts and beyond. This series is part research log, part narrative, and part resource guide. I hope it inspires you to revisit your own lines with fresh eyes or perhaps helps you discover a new connection. Feel free to follow along—and if you’re a descendant or fellow researcher on the Hulet/Howlett line, I’d love to hear from you. Stay tuned for the next chapter in this family story. *Note: This post will be updated when there are new research findings, so it may constantly change. Have you ever returned to an old family line after years away and found something new? Or are you working on early New England ancestors too? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
 Ask your mom these 5 meaningful questions this Mother’s Day and preserve her story for generations to come! Mother’s Day is the perfect time to show appreciation for the women who raised us—and also an opportunity to preserve their stories. Whether you’re spending today with your mother, remembering her, or honoring a grandmother, aunt, or other maternal figure, don’t miss the chance to ask (or answer) a few simple but meaningful questions. As a genealogist, I know that the small conversations we have today become the precious records of tomorrow. So this Mother’s Day, try asking these five questions—either directly to your mother or someone who knew her well. 1. What was your mom like growing up? This question opens the door to stories about your grandmother’s childhood—stories that often aren’t written down anywhere. You might discover a surprising detail about her school days, friendships, or personality. 2. What is your favorite family tradition from childhood? Whether it’s Sunday dinners, birthday rituals, or how holidays were celebrated, these traditions help shape our identity and deserve to be remembered—and perhaps even revived. 3. Do you remember your grandmother’s cooking (or recipes)? Food is often tied to memory. Ask about the dishes that brought comfort or joy in childhood. Even better, write down the recipes or prepare one today in her honor. 4. What was your hardest or proudest moment as a mother? This question invites reflection and can uncover powerful, personal stories of resilience, sacrifice, or joy. It’s one of those questions that often yields unexpectedly touching responses. 5. Is there a story you want passed down to future generations?Sometimes mothers just need to be asked. This is a gentle prompt to encourage legacy-sharing in their own words—a gift not just for you, but for your children and grandchildren as well. Whether you ask one question or all five, today is a chance to connect, reflect, and preserve part of your family history. If your mother is no longer here, consider journaling your answers to these questions as you remember her—or asking a relative who knew her well. Let this Mother’s Day be more than flowers and cards. Let it be a celebration of story, memory, and legacy. What would you ask your mother today? Share your favorite questions—or answers—in the comments below.
 Common Genealogy Frustrations: Brick Walls, Missing Records, and More Genealogy is one of the most rewarding hobbies and professions, but it often comes with its fair share of challenges. Yesterday, I posed a question on Facebook to our genealogy community: "What’s your biggest genealogy frustration?" 🧱 Brick walls? ❓ Missing records? 📑 Bad handwriting? ⏳ Not enough time? The answers started pouring in—and the response was immediate and passionate. Clearly, genealogy frustrations are something many of us share, no matter how experienced we are. Here’s a glimpse into what respondents had to say:
Brick Walls: The Universal Genealogy Challenge It's no surprise that "brick walls" topped the list. A "brick wall" in genealogy is that point where research comes to a sudden halt. You may have built a strong foundation tracing back several generations—only to hit a mysterious ancestor who seemingly appears out of nowhere or disappears without a trace. Brick walls can be caused by many factors:
Missing Records: When the Paper Trail Ends Missing records were another major source of frustration shared by participants. Whether it’s a destroyed courthouse archive, a church register lost in a fire, or simply a document that was never created in the first place, missing records leave maddening gaps in family histories. Strategies to overcome missing records include:
Bad Handwriting: Deciphering the Past Bad handwriting may not seem like a major obstacle at first glance, but any genealogist who has stared at an old census form or a crumbling parish register knows just how real this frustration can be. Challenges include:
Not Enough Time: The Modern Genealogist's Dilemma In today's busy world, "not enough time" was another frustration that resonated strongly with respondents. Many people are passionate about genealogy but struggle to carve out uninterrupted hours for research. Common time-related challenges include:
Conclusion: We're All in This Together Reading through the poll responses was a powerful reminder: you are not alone in your genealogy frustrations. Whether it’s feeling stuck behind a brick wall, scouring for missing records, deciphering near-illegible handwriting, or simply wishing for more hours in the day, every genealogist faces challenges at some point. But frustration is often a sign of progress. It means you’ve gotten far enough to encounter the hard parts—and with perseverance, creativity, and sometimes a little help from the genealogy community, you can push through. If you’re facing your own genealogy frustrations right now, take heart. Every genealogist has been there—and every breakthrough starts with refusing to give up. Looking for More Genealogy Tips and Resources?Find more genealogy tips and resources under the Genealogy Quick Tips, Genealogy Research Tips, Genealogy Brick Wall Research, The Best of Genealogy, and Genealogy Resources catgories.
 Exploring your roots can bring peace, connection, and healing through the power of family history For many, genealogy is more than just a hobby—it’s a heartfelt journey into the past that can offer surprising benefits in the present. While most people begin researching their family tree out of curiosity or a desire to preserve family stories, what they often discover along the way is a deeper sense of connection, purpose, and even healing. As Easter approaches—a time often centered around family, renewal, and reflection—it’s a perfect opportunity to consider how genealogy can contribute to our mental and emotional wellness. Here are a few powerful ways that exploring our roots can be good for the soul. 1. A Sense of Identity and Belonging Researching your family history helps answer that age-old question: “Where do I come from?” Knowing your ancestral origins and uncovering the lives of those who came before you can create a strong sense of identity. Whether it's discovering the town your great-grandmother emigrated from or reading a century-old letter written by an ancestor, these connections help us feel grounded and give us a sense of continuity in an ever-changing world. Especially for individuals who feel disconnected from family, culture, or community, genealogy can fill in the gaps. It provides a narrative—a personal history—that reminds us that we are part of something larger than ourselves. 2. Emotional Healing Through Storytelling Every family has its triumphs and its trials. Uncovering those stories—both joyful and painful—can be incredibly therapeutic. Many researchers report emotional breakthroughs when they learn about ancestors who endured hardships, loss, or adversity, yet persevered. These stories often mirror our own struggles and can offer perspective, resilience, and comfort. Even the process of documenting family stories can be healing. Writing down what you know, organizing photos, or compiling a family history can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment. It turns memories into legacy—and that act alone can be deeply meaningful. 3. Solving Mysteries Can Bring Closure For those with unknown parentage, adoption in their family tree, or long-standing “brick walls,” genealogy can feel like detective work. But unlike fictional mysteries, these are personal ones—often rooted in unanswered questions, loss, or missing pieces of identity. Solving these puzzles, whether through DNA analysis or historical records, can bring profound emotional resolution. Even if the outcome is not what was hoped for, the act of seeking truth can offer a sense of agency, clarity, and peace. 4. Building Intergenerational Connections One of the beautiful aspects of genealogy is that it brings generations together. Interviewing older relatives, sharing stories with younger family members, or collaborating on research projects strengthens bonds between family members. These shared experiences can reduce feelings of isolation and foster a sense of unity, especially around holidays and family gatherings. Family history projects can also become acts of remembrance and honoring. They remind us of loved ones who are no longer with us and help keep their memory alive. 5. Mindful Reflection and Joyful Discovery Genealogy invites us to slow down, reflect, and become immersed in meaningful detail. Whether it's reading an old census record, transcribing a will, or gazing at a faded photograph, these quiet moments offer a form of mindful engagement that can be calming and fulfilling. And of course, there’s the joy. The little victories—a new ancestor found, a long-lost cousin connected, a mystery solved—spark real delight. In a world full of stress and uncertainty, those moments of genuine excitement and curiosity are wellness boosters in their own right. Final Thoughts: A Family History of the Heart This Easter weekend, as many of us spend time with loved ones or reflect on those who came before us, consider how genealogy might support your own well-being. Whether it’s diving into an old photo album, making a family tree with your kids, or finally taking that DNA test, remember that every small step you take into your family’s past can bring unexpected peace, healing, and joy in the present. Genealogy isn’t just about discovering who our ancestors were—it’s about discovering who we are, too. Wishing you a peaceful and reflective Easter, filled with connection and discovery.
 The First Rule of Genealogy and Preservation: Start with Yourself The devastating fires here in Los Angeles County have left many families grappling with profound loss—loss of loved ones, homes, and irreplaceable memories. As genealogists, we often focus on preserving the stories of those who came before us. Yet, these tragic events are a stark reminder that preserving our own memories and legacy is just as crucial. In genealogy, the foundational rule is to start with yourself and work backward. I believe this principle should extend beyond research and encompass all aspects of genealogy preservation. When my daughter and her husband had to evacuate due to the Eaton Canyon fire here where we live, it brought this truth into sharp focus. While packing essentials—vital documents, medications, water, food, and supplies for their dog—she hesitated when deciding whether to grab one of her “memory boxes.” In that moment, the importance of preserving those irreplaceable personal memories became evident. Homes and material possessions can be replaced, but the unique pieces of our family’s story cannot. Why Starting with Yourself Matters Genealogists dedicate countless hours to documenting family histories. We preserve old photos, letters, and heirlooms from previous generations. Yet, how often do we turn the lens inward to safeguard our own stories and memories? Starting with yourself is not only the first rule in genealogy research but should be the guiding principle for all preservation efforts. Here’s how to make it happen: Steps to Preserve Your Memories
Lessons from the Fires When disaster strikes, the things we value most become clear. For my daughter, it wasn’t the house or the furniture she worried about—it was the box of cherished memories. This underscores the need to prioritize preserving the intangible pieces of our lives that define who we are and where we come from. As genealogists, our mission is to honor and preserve the past. Let’s ensure that future generations have a complete story—one that includes us. By starting with yourself, you not only protect your legacy but also set an example for others to follow. In doing so, you contribute to a living, breathing family history that can withstand the tests of time and tragedy. Final Thoughts The first step in genealogy research is to start with yourself and work backward. Let’s expand that rule to encompass all of genealogy. Start with yourself first in preserving your memories, stories, and legacy. By taking these steps now, you ensure that your family’s story—including your chapter—will endure, no matter what challenges lie ahead. Quick Summary
"My heart goes out to everyone who has endured unimaginable loss during the devastating fires in Los Angeles County. To our dear family friends who have suffered so greatly: please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers, and we are deeply sorry for your loss. To my family: we faced incredibly close calls, and I am profoundly grateful that we are all safe. Our physical well-being is a blessing I do not take for granted."
 2024 Genealogy Wish Grants Winner!The 2024 Genealogy Wish Grants Winner has just been announced! Congratulations to Mari Knapp of Ohio, who won this year for her double long standing mysteries/brick walls! About This Year's Winner Mari Knapp has been researching her family history and genealogy for over 20 years. She has been following Know Who Wears the Genes in Your Family for close to 3 years, while being an active participant. Like many who have been working on their genealogy for decades, she just cannot solve her family mysteries! A Tough Choice, Once Again There were many entries for this year's third Genealogy Wish Grants! It was down to two compelling stories, an emotional journey and struggle with belonging and double long-standing family mysteries, that made it a tough choice. One of these two was a story that is deeply personal, emotional, and filled with struggles, from his adoption to his challenging family dynamics and personal setbacks. His wish to connect with his biological father's family (who he was told was his father) seems rooted in a desire for closure and belonging, which makes it heart-wrenching. His honesty and sense of hopelessness (“stuff like this just doesn’t happen for me”) added to the emotional weight. Mari’s story spans two significant mysteries on both sides of the family, showing her long-standing passion for genealogy. The maternal mystery (a teenage pregnancy and family cover-up in a small town with intermarrying) is a poignant story rooted in historical context and societal norms, while the paternal mystery involving a surname mismatch revealed by Y-DNA and autosomal testing is intriguing from a genealogical perspective, especially with the additional layer of the surname appearing elsewhere in the family tree. Not only did Mari meet all the criteria to apply, but her mysteries were intriguing as well. This Year's Story Entry “I have been researching my family tree since 1999, but more so since retiring in 2020. I have a mystery on both sides of my family and both have me pulling my hair out. On the maternal side, my grandmother states that her mom at age 13 was impregnated by a certain man who was 19. Her father forced her into marrying someone else. This was in West Virginia, small town, and a lot of intermarrying going on. I would like to find out if her birth father was truly who she said it was. And/or On my paternal side, Y-DNA matches showed up an entirely different paternal last name than the one we knew as ours. Autosomal 2-3 cousin matches confirm it as well. I am not sure if the culprit is a grandfather or great-grandfather. To confound the issue, my father's great-grandmother also shares this surname and is tied into the family somewhere. This all takes place in Georgia and Alabama. Thank you!” Thank You Thank you to all of this year's Genealogy Wish Grants applicants! I hope you all continue to follow and participate! Don't forget to apply to Genealogy Wish Grants 2025, details coming soon! The entry start date will be posted on my Facebook Page, my Facebook Group, my blog, and on the Genealogy Wish Grants page, so stay tuned! P.S. I wound up solving the other’s case as well. After all, it is Christmas. 😉
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Author, Diane HenriksHi, I'm Diane Henriks, a professional genealogist, speaker, author, investigator, and the founder of Know Who Wears the Genes in Your Family who... Know Who Wears the Genes in Your Family: Family History and Genealogy BlogI hope my family history and genealogy blog on genealogy research tips, resources, events, and more, along with my own genealogy journeys, will help you in your research and in building your family tree to learn more about your ancestors and family history to preserve for future generations to come! Categories
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