Episode 188 - The Epidemics That Claimed Our Ancestors / NEHGS Catholic Record Project Progress Update

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org.  David reports from on the road in Colonial Williamsburg and begins Family Histoire News with a story from Belgium about the recent discovery of the remains of a soldier from New Zealand who died in World War I. Then, hear about a renowned genealogist who recently passed who received the Order of Canada for his unique work on behalf of that country. Then, in England, work on a golf course has revealed an incredible find, as if straight from a movie. Hear about the unique historic location of this course, and what was found. David’s blogger spotlight this week shines on Maureen Taylor, the Photo Detective, at Maureen Taylor.com/blog. Maureen talks about finding your Revolutionary soldiers in family photos.

Next, Fisher visits with Katy Barnes from LegacyTree.com. Katy fills us in on the epidemics that killed our ancestors sometimes within days of one another in the 19th century in particular. She explains this is why you will often find multiple family members dying at virtually the same time. What were those diseases and how did they spread? Katy will explain.

Then, Fisher talks with NEHGS Librarian, Jean McGuire. NEHGS is currently in the process of digitizing and then indexing some ten million names from the Catholic Church records of the east. Jean fills us in on the progress and how to find out if your ancestors’ names may have already been located.

Tom Perry, the Preservation Authority, from TMCPlace.com returns to wrap up the show. He’s all “geeked out” about a toy he found out about from the Consumer Electronics show in Las Vegas. Wait until you hear what this things will do for your phone’s camera! Tom goes on to chat about “going solar” to keep your devices fully charged.

That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!