The Genealogy Guys Podcast #428 – Episode Summary (July 30, 2024)
Overview
Episode 428 of The Genealogy Guys Podcast, hosted by Drew Smith and George G. Morgan, covers the latest genealogy community news from MyHeritage, JewishGen, and FamilySearch, reviews Nathan Dylan Goodwin’s new genealogical crime mystery novel, answers listener email about RootsMagic 10 and tricky research issues, and reflects on the hosts’ recent trip to the South Carolina Genealogical Society conference. The tone is conversational, informative, and full of humor and personal anecdotes.
Key News & Announcements
MyHeritage Record Updates (02:16 – 05:55)
- June Additions:
- 200 million new historical records.
- Major new indexes:
- Australian newspapers: 28+ million records.
- Nova Scotia, Canada baptisms (1748–1930): 423K+ records.
- Nova Scotia marriages (1728–1989): 162K+ records.
- Oslo, Norway censuses (1901): 224K+ records.
- Oslo prisoner records (1880–1923): 17K records.
- US alien immigration files (1944+): added.
- US obits from Old News: 159K records.
- Idaho death/stillbirths (1906–1972): 875K records.
- Maryland marriages (1911+): over 4.1 million records.
- Massachusetts census (1865): added.
- Hart Island, NY burials (1872+): 584K records.
- Johnston County, NC births (1914+): added.
- Washington state divorces (1969+): added.
- Quote:
"This is a tremendous batch of records that have been added, and they never stop." – George (05:49)
Family Tree DNA & MyHeritage Partnership (06:00 – 09:22)
- Key details:
- Family Tree DNA (FTDNA) will sunset their tree builder on September 9th, 2024.
- FTDNA users are encouraged to transfer trees to MyHeritage, where they can continue to build and link their DNA results.
- FTDNA and MyHeritage DNA databases remain separate, despite shared lab processing.
- Quote:
"You really can't do genealogy, George, just by DNA testing. You have to do traditional research with family trees. And so you need both." – Drew (08:58)
DNA Testing – Myths & Realities (09:22 – 10:32)
- Many newcomers mistakenly believe DNA testing alone can solve all genealogical puzzles.
- Quote:
"That is emphatically not the case. No, that's as much of a fallacy as that everything is on the Internet." – George (09:29)
JewishGen & Romanian Records Access (10:32 – 12:02)
- JewishGen’s Romania Research Division and the Jewish Federation of Romania have agreed to grant JewishGen broad access to Romanian cemeteries and burial registers.
- Major boost for research on Jewish life in historic Romanian regions including Moldavia, Valachia, and cities like Bucharest.
FamilySearch Record Additions (12:02 – 15:54)
- Week ending May 25: 19 million new records added
- Belgium (civil registration): 333K records (East Flanders), 146K (West Flanders)
- Colombia (migration records 1985–2011): 700K records
- El Salvador (AI-aided indexes): 114K records
- Scotland (civil registration): 1.6 million records
- US Living Persons Database (1970–present): 16 million new records
- Technology spotlight: AI now assists indexing in Spanish-language records.
Book Review: "The Deserter" by Nathan Dylan Goodwin (17:58 – 21:37)
- Nathan Dillon Goodwin’s newest genealogical crime novel, featuring Morton Farrier (forensic genealogist), is reviewed.
- Plot highlights (no spoilers!):
- Morton investigates the mysterious disappearance/desertion of his wife’s great-grandfather.
- Action partially set at RootsTech in Salt Lake City, with real genealogy luminaries cameoing – including Drew Smith as a character!
- Humor: Drew pokes fun at his fictional portrayal, “I like my fictional version better sometimes than the real one…” (18:10)
- The book is praised for suspense, surprises, and readability:
“Nathan’s stories are a great read. Lots of suspense, lots of surprises.” – George (19:26)
- New: Nathan Dillon Goodwin to offer courses on writing genealogical crime fiction in September; Drew will participate.
Listener Email Answers & Tips (23:06 – 29:57)
RootsMagic 10 Book Warning (24:04 – 25:45)
- Caution: Scammers on Amazon are selling fake "RootsMagic 10" books.
- Always confirm the author is Bruce Busby and consider buying through an official RootsMagic link to avoid counterfeits.
Researching Men Named James James (26:42 – 29:57)
- Shared by genealogist Stacy Cole of Brunswick, GA:
- Complexities arise when three generations share the same name.
- Junior becomes Senior when the original dies; extra confusion in records.
- Story revealed: White James James family (from NJ) sold enslaved people to the “New” family in Georgia, explaining surname transmission among formerly enslaved Black families.
- Stacy’s research strategies are documented in a Georgia Genealogical Society Quarterly article—submissions welcomed from others researching Georgia ancestors.
- Research tip: Use FAN Club methodology (Friends, Associates, Neighbors) to differentiate same-name individuals.
Field Report: South Carolina Genealogical Society Conference (29:57 – 53:29)
Conference Experience (29:57 – 33:44)
- Drew spoke at and both attended the South Carolina Genealogical Society’s annual conference at the State Archives in Columbia.
- Vendor area highlights:
- Local societies offered substantial discounts on cemetery book volumes (e.g., buy one, get two more free).
- Opportunity to join local/regional groups and access specialized resources.
On-Site Research at State Archives (33:44 – 41:45)
- George describes hands-on research aided by knowledgeable archive staff, especially Deputy Director Patrick McCauley.
- Explored antique maps and district history books to trace George’s Revolutionary War ancestor’s bounty land.
- Emphasis on integrating geography, maps, and regional context into genealogical research.
- Quote:
"I've filled in more context. And that's what you want to do with your research. You don't want just names and places and dates. You want to know what these people's lives were really, really about." – George (41:34)
Using Local & State Histories (42:06 – 46:55)
- Get a modern, well-researched state history and as many county histories as possible.
- Don’t overlook religious groups (e.g., Quakers, Scots-Irish Presbyterians) and how their migration patterns shaped certain regions.
- Heritage books and family submissions (with the caveat about their accuracy) can provide leads and context.
The Value of Old Maps and Migration Routes (46:50 – 48:43)
- Understanding historic migration routes (like the King's Highway/I-95) can bridge research gaps.
- If an ancestor disappears for a generation, check counties along major routes for potential records.
The Importance of Genealogical Societies (48:43 – 51:38)
- Join your local society and societies where your ancestors lived—great for networking, publications, and local expertise.
Personal Touches
- Hosts enjoyed family and friend reunions during their South Carolina trip.
- Looking ahead: Will likely return in January and may attend (or speak at) future state conferences.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote/Highlight | |-----------|---------|-----------------| | 05:49 | George | “This is a tremendous batch of records that have been added, and they never stop.” | | 09:29 | George | “That is emphatically not the case. No, that's as much of a fallacy as that everything is on the Internet.” | | 18:10 | Drew | “I like my fictional version better sometimes than the real one. But I mean, he's very impressive.” | | 19:26 | George | “Nathan’s stories are a great read. Lots of suspense, lots of surprises, and I think you will enjoy this book like you have probably all of Nathan's others.” | | 41:34 | George | “You don't want just names and places and dates. You want to know what these people's lives were really, really about.” |
Additional Tips from the Hosts
- Watch for Amazon scams when buying genealogy books.
- FAN Club methodology helps distinguish between individuals with identical names.
- Migration routes and maps are key to understanding both individual ancestors and broad family movements.
- Societies: Leverage their expertise, publications, and community; don’t hesitate to submit your own research, especially to state quarterlies.
Episode Timeline [Selected Timestamps]
- 00:00–01:16 | Opening, agenda tease
- 02:16–05:55 | MyHeritage updates
- 06:00–09:22 | Family Tree DNA/MyHeritage partnership
- 10:32–12:02 | JewishGen/Romania access
- 12:02–15:54 | FamilySearch news
- 17:58–21:37 | Book review: "The Deserter"
- 23:06–25:45 | RootsMagic 10 listener email and scam warning
- 26:42–29:57 | Listener story: Researching James James
- 29:57–53:29 | South Carolina conference report, research tips, and stories
- 53:29–54:44 | Finale, anniversary preview, closing
Closing
- Email questions, stories, or suggestions to genealogyguysmail.com – listener engagement is the lifeblood of the show.
- Next episode will mark the 19th anniversary of the podcast.
Hosts’ Sign-off: “Thanks for joining us this time. Take care.”