Discover the intriguing evolution of the United States Secret Service, from its origins in combating counterfeit currency to its iconic role in protecting the President. Uncover untold stories of bravery, high-profile cases, and technological innovations that have shaped this elite agency. Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/the-united-states-secret-service-from-counterfeits-to-presidential-protection/...
Aug 02, 2024•8 min•Season 10Ep. 939
We all have 24 hours a day, but between work, family obligations, and trying to sneak in some "me time," it often feels like there's no minute to spare. So, how can one find the time to dig into genealogy research, a task that can be time-consuming and intricate? Luckily, finding time doesn't require a time machine—just a bit of planning, prioritization, and creativity. Here's how to fit genealogy into your busy schedule. Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/finding-time-for-genealogy...
Jul 31, 2024•5 min•Season 10Ep. 938
Today, Let’s jump into the fascinating history of the Whig Party, a pivotal force in 19th-century American politics. Discover how the Whigs shaped national policy debates, their presidential legacy, and the internal struggles that led to their decline. Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/the-whig-party
Jul 29, 2024•7 min•Season 10Ep. 937
Learn about the chilling history of the Ku Klux Klan, from its mysterious beginnings in the post-Civil War South to its resurgence during the 20th century. Explore how this infamous group, driven by racial hatred and a thirst for power, significantly impacted American society—and how brave individuals and decisive presidential actions ultimately limited its influence. Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/the-ku-klux-klan-a-dark-chapter-in-american-history...
Jul 27, 2024•13 min•Season 10Ep. 936
Explore the life of Rutherford B. Hayes, the nineteenth President of the United States. Discover how this Civil War hero navigated the contentious election of 1876, ended Reconstruction, and championed civil service reform. Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/rutherford-b-hayes-the-compromise-president
Jul 25, 2024•10 min•Season 10Ep. 935
Join me as we explore the life of Ulysses S. Grant, the eighteenth President of the United States. Discover how this Civil War hero navigated the tumultuous Reconstruction era, faced economic challenges, and battled corruption. Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/ulysses-s-grant-the-general-president
Jul 23, 2024•11 min•Season 10Ep. 934
Explore the life of Andrew Johnson, the seventeenth President of the United States. Discover how this self-educated tailor rose to the highest office in the land, faced the immense challenges of Reconstruction, and became the first president to be impeached. Let's dive into the life and legacy of a leader whose presidency was marked by conflict and resilience. Podcast notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/andrew-johnson-the-unyielding-president/...
Jul 21, 2024•12 min•Season 10Ep. 933
With the dog days of summer and the month of July approaching, you may be thinking of some genealogy projects to occupy you during the long, hot days coming up. The good news is that there are plenty of things you can do in July that are outside of the average genealogical research you do, and these things should keep you occupied and entertained while you wait for the weather to cool off and school to start again. Here they are if you are looking for some fun and creative genealogical projects ...
Jul 19, 2024•7 min•Season 10Ep. 932
New to genealogy? Learn the 9 key questions you should ask yourself before delving into your family tree research. Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/9-questions-to-ask-yourself-before-you-start-researching-your-family-tree/
Jul 17, 2024•4 min•Season 10Ep. 931
Explore the legacy of Abraham Lincoln, the great emancipator, and his impact on the abolition of slavery in the United States. Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/abraham-lincoln-the-great-emancipator
Jul 15, 2024•9 min•Season 10Ep. 930
Join me today as we delve into the tumultuous presidency of James Buchanan, the fifteenth President of the United States. Discover how his support for the controversial Dred Scott decision and the ongoing conflicts over slavery and sectional tensions set the stage for the Civil War. Let's explore the intriguing and complex life of a president who struggled to unite a nation in perilous times. Podcast notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/james-buchanan-the-precarious-presidency/...
Jul 13, 2024•10 min•Season 10Ep. 929
Experience the power of conversation in genealogy research. Learn how one chat completely transformed a researcher's approach and understanding of their family's past. Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/the-conversation-that-changed-my-life-in-genealogy-research
Jul 11, 2024•6 min•Season 10Ep. 928
Explore the extraordinary journey of the USS Benevolence, a World War II hospital ship dedicated to repatriating American POWs from Japan. Discover its impactful role in Operation Magic Carpet; the challenges faced, and the enduring legacy of compassion and resilience it left on U.S. military policy and humanitarian efforts. Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/a-voyage-of-hope-and-healing
Jul 09, 2024•6 min•Season 10Ep. 926
Have you ever considered using Missing Persons notices in old newspapers to search for your missing ancestors? Their contemporary relatives did. When people moved and lost touch in the days before telephones and reliable mail, they turned to this to find their loved ones. Here’s how you can do the same for your ancestors. Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/missing-persons-listings-in-old-newspapers-use-them-to-find-your-ancestors/...
Jul 01, 2024•7 min•Season 10Ep. 925
You want to take your research further but seem stuck at a brick wall on the line you're working on. It's a frustrating fact of genealogy that nearly any genealogist will encounter at some point and probably more than once. When you get to the point where you don't know where else to look for clues, you may be tempted to give up on that line, but don't do it just yet. There are likely clues in the research you've already done that will point the way to additional information. These are three com...
Jun 29, 2024•5 min•Season 10Ep. 924
Franklin Pierce’s story is essential to understanding the complexities and challenges of pre-Civil War America. It highlights the nation’s divisions, ambitions, and enduring quest for unity. Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/franklin-pierce-the-tragic-president
Jun 28, 2024•11 min•Season 10Ep. 923
Join me today as we explore the life and legacy of Millard Fillmore, the thirteenth President of the United States. Discover how this self-made man navigated the turbulent political landscape of the 1850s, enforced the controversial Compromise of 1850, and played a pivotal role in opening Japan to Western trade. Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/millard-fillmore-the-unlikely-president/...
Jun 27, 2024•12 min•Season 10Ep. 922
Learn about Zachary Taylor, the soldier president who rose from a frontier upbringing to a distinguished military career. Discover the story of this resilient and no-nonsense leader. Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/zachary-taylor-the-soldier-president
Jun 20, 2024•13 min•Season 10Ep. 921
James K. Polk's story is a fascinating chapter in the broader narrative of the United States, reflecting the nation's ambitions, struggles, and enduring quest for growth and identity. Podcast notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/james-k-polk-the-expansionist-president
Jun 19, 2024•14 min•Season 10Ep. 920
Nestled in the mountains of West Virginia, just a four-hour drive from Washington, D.C., the Greenbrier offered a perfect blend of accessibility and seclusion. Its location deep in the mountains provided a scenic escape from the capital and added a layer of natural defense against potential nuclear fallout. The mountainous terrain, with its peaks and valleys, forms a natural barrier that could potentially reduce the impact of radioactive particles—a strategic advantage for a bunker meant to safe...
Jun 18, 2024•12 min•Season 10Ep. 918
Discover the captivating tale of Zona Heaster Shue, whose mysterious death led to an extraordinary trial. This story weaves elements of love, betrayal, and a ghostly visitation, ultimately bringing a killer to justice. Podcast notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/the-haunting-trial-of-zona-heaster-shue
Jun 17, 2024•7 min•Season 10Ep. 917
Did you know Father’s Day has roots in the early Middle Ages, just after the fall of the Roman Empire in Europe? Churches celebrated a version. But, it took until the 1970s for it to become a nationally recognized holiday in the United States. Here is the story of Father’s Day. Podcast notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/the-history-of-fathers-day/
Jun 16, 2024•8 min•Season 10Ep. 927
Today, let’s Explore the fascinating story of John Tyler, the unexpected president. From his early life in Virginia to his rise in politics, uncover the legacy of this influential figure. Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/john-tyler-the-accidental-president
Jun 15, 2024•13 min•Season 10Ep. 916
William Henry Harrison's story is a compelling chapter in the broader narrative of the United States, reflecting the nation's growing pains, frontier spirit, and the enduring quest for leadership and identity. Podcast notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/william-henry-harrison-the-brief-presidency-and-lasting-legacy
Jun 11, 2024•11 min•Season 10Ep. 915
Baton Rouge is the capital of Louisiana. It has a long history of human habitation and a rich and multi-layered European and African settlement history, making it unique among American state capitals. Here is what you need to know about the intriguing Baton Rouge. Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/the-state-capitals-louisiana/
Jun 10, 2024•6 min•Season 10Ep. 914
Oklahoma City is the capital of the state of Oklahoma. It was the home of Native American tribes and was originally set apart by the US government so Native Americans could live. The government opened it up to American settlement in 1889, and oil was discovered there in 1928. This is the intriguing story of Oklahoma City. Podast notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/the-state-capitals-oklahoma
Jun 08, 2024•8 min•Season 10Ep. 913
Salem is the capital of the state of Oregon. It has a history of human habitation going back hundreds of years. Europeans didn’t show up there until fairly recently. When they did, Salem quickly became a large and important city and eventually the capital of Oregon. Here is what you need to know about Salem. Podcast notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/the-state-capitals-oregon
Jun 07, 2024•7 min•Season 10Ep. 912
Martin Van Buren's life and presidency offer a fascinating glimpse into a critical period of American history, marked by economic upheaval, political transformation, and the ongoing struggle to define the nation's identity. His contributions to the political landscape and his role in shaping the future of American democracy make him a significant figure in the annals of American history. Podcast notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/martin-van-buren-the-architect-of-american-politics...
Jun 06, 2024•14 min•Season 10Ep. 911
Learn about Andrew Jackson, a true American hero. His story is inspiring, from his tough childhood to his resilience and lasting impact on our nation. Podcast notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/andrew-jackson-the-peoples-president
Jun 04, 2024•11 min•Season 10Ep. 910
John Quincy Adams’ story is one of dedication, resilience, and a profound sense of duty. His contributions to the early Republic and his unwavering commitment to justice and equality make him remarkable in American history. Podcast notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/john-quincy-adams-the-diplomat-president
Jun 03, 2024•9 min•Season 10Ep. 909