Branching Out Genealogy Podcast

In this episode of the Branching Out Genealogy Podcast, Elizabeth Swanay O'Neal, CG®, and Tami Osmer Mize sit down with Arun Konanur, founder of Discovering New Ancestors and a leader in the emerging field of genealogical bioinformatics. Arun has filed five patents for processes that make DNA match data readable by computers, and he's the recipient of a 2026 Continuing Genealogical Research Grant from the American Society of Genealogists, the first time that grant has been awarded for work in genetic genealogy.We talk about why most DNA tools stop working below 40 cM, the difference between the generative AI you use every day and the expert systems Arun builds, how to tell a real shared match from a misleading one, and how he used the match lists of 18 cousins to find his third great-grandmother's sister. Best of all, his tools are free for personal use.Plus: why Tami is loving tables, Elizabeth's pick of a genealogy book that asks more of us than another checklist, a DAR milestone, and a double dose of tea on the MyHeritage layoffs and the planned closure of National Archives facilities in Chicago and San Bruno.TIMESTAMPS00:00:00 - Intro00:03:43 - What We're Loving: Tables (Tami) 00:06:25 - What We're Loving: Ancestoring by Darcie Hind Posz (Elizabeth)00:09:10 - Congratulations to Tami, new DAR member 00:11:06 - Interview with Arun Konanur00:14:07 - What is genealogical bioinformatics? 00:22:05 - Favorable and unfavorable shared match trios 00:27:19 - Can these tools hallucinate? 00:33:25 - Getting started: gathering your cousins' DNA results 00:38:22 - Finding a third great-grandmother's sister 00:44:31 - Trying the free tools at Discovering New Ancestors 00:52:00 - Do all your matches need to test at the same company? 00:56:09 - The ASG Continuing Genealogical Research Grant 01:00:51 - Where to learn more: Arun's October 2026 UGA talk 01:10:54 - Teatime01:11:18 - MyHeritage layoffs and AI's ripple effect on tech jobs (Tami) 01:14:07 - National Archives closures and what you can do (Elizabeth) 01:23:24 - Outro___________________LINKS

* Discovering New Ancestors (Arun Konanur): http://discoveringnewancestors.com/* Bioinformatics landing page (all five processes): http://discoveringnewancestors.com/our-services/bioinformatics/* CMA free tool and quick start guide: http://discoveringnewancestors.com/cma/Genealogical Bioinformatics Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1144461196603400* ASG 2026 Continuing Genealogical Research Grants: https://fasg.org/asg-awards-2026-continuing-genealogical-research-grants/* Arun's patent filings on Google Patents: https://patents.google.com/?inventor=Arun+Konanur* Utah Genealogical Association, Genealogy ProTalk series: https://ugagenealogy.org/genealogy-protalk/* GEDmatch: https://www.gedmatch.com/* Ancestoring: Understanding Records, Family, and Ourselves by Darcie Hind Posz: https://link.amazon/B0em3Y8WT (affiliate link)* Daughters of the American Revolution: https://www.dar.org/* MyHeritage layoffs (Globes): https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-myheritage-to-lay-off-15-of-workforce-1001548761* Save Our National Archives (SONA): https://www.saveournationalarchives.org/* Change.org petition, Chicago and San Francisco: https://www.change.org/p/stop-the-closure-of-the-national-archives-in-chicago-and-san-francisco* Chicago Area Archivists action page: https://www.chicagoarchivists.org/NARAClosuresAction* Find your member of Congress: https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative* ConferenceKeeper: https://conferencekeeper.org/* Heart of the Family: https://thefamilyheart.com___________________The Branching Out Genealogy Podcast is produced by Elizabeth Swanay O'Neal, CG®, and Tami Osmer Mize. All original music by Elizabeth Swanay O'Neal with the assistance of AI.This episode is sponsored by Vivid-Pix. All product opinions are our own. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

In this episode of the Branching Out Genealogy Podcast, Elizabeth Swanay O'Neal, CG®, and Tami Osmer Mize sit down with Judy Nimer Muhn. Judy, the owner of Lineage Journeys and a professional genealogist since 1993, specializes in French-Canadian, Acadian, Native American, and Scottish research. Judy has been researching her own family since she was 12 years old, and she's also the Awards Committee chair for the National Genealogical Society.We talk about the strange encounter that pushed Judy toward researching the science behind genealogical intuition, why she thinks the Genealogical Proof Standard is missing a third pillar alongside paper trails and DNA, and how epigenetics research is starting to back up what genealogists have felt for years.Plus: a Microsoft Copilot tip for transcribing old family letters, a new podcast recommendation, and some "tea" on DNA testing and a very silly viral news story.Note: the interview with Judy was recorded in November 2025; the rest of the episode was recorded in June 2026. We apologize for the delay in getting Judy's interview out to you.You may also notice brief, random flashes in Tami's video during the episode. We apologize for the glitch and appreciate your patience!TIMESTAMPS00:00:00 - Welcome00:01:58 - In today's episode: introducing Judy Nimer Muhn00:03:12 - Theme song00:03:39 - What we're loving: Microsoft Copilot for transcribing handwritten letters (Tami)00:08:06 - What we're loving: Artifacts podcast (Elizabeth)00:12:16 - Sponsor break00:15:56 - Interview with Judy Nimer Muhn begins00:16:47 - Starting genealogy research at age 1200:22:14 - Specializing across French-Canadian, Acadian, Scottish, and Native American research00:30:58 - Researching in Europe in the 1990s00:33:02 - What's next: a book contract and fur trade research00:35:17 - Ancestors Calling: the concept begins00:42:58 - The science behind it: quantum physics and epigenetics01:07:57 - Chairing the NGS Awards Committee01:11:28 - Judy's advice: "Keep listening!"01:12:16 - Teatime01:12:19 - DNA testing and medical history01:14:39 - The CIA alien DNA viral story01:20:33 - Closing and outroLINKS* Lineage Journeys (Judy Nimer Muhn): https://lineagejourneys.com* Ancestors Calling: Science, Synchronicity and Sources (Judy's blog post on the methodology): https://lineagejourneys.com/2026/04/15/ancestors-calling-science-synchronicity-and-sources/* NGS Awards and Competitions: https://www.ngsgenealogy.org/awards-competitions/* Artifacts: Stories from the Emotional History of the Internet: https://artifactspodcast.com* California AG lawsuit against 23andMe (HIPAA Journal): https://www.hipaajournal.com/california-ag-23andme-data-breach-lawsuit/* New York Post: CIA alien DNA claim: https://nypost.com/2026/05/26/lifestyle/cia-used-dna-from-23andme-ancestry-to-hunt-aliens-whistleblower-claims/Vivid-Pix: https://www.vivid-pix.com/ref/103*****The Branching Out Genealogy Podcast is produced by Elizabeth Swanay O'Neal, Certified Genealogist®, and Tami Osmer Mize. Elizabeth is the author of the family history lifestyle website Heart of the Family (thefamilyheart.com). Tami is the manager of the National Genealogical Society's calendar of events website ConferenceKeeper.org.

Every family genealogist knows the feeling: the boxes get handed to you. And sometimes what's inside leaves you speechless. In this short bonus from the cutting room floor, Tami opens up about the blond ponytail she found tucked away, snipped from her great-aunt's head over a century ago, when the young woman was a teenager. What do you do with a century-old ponytail? You don't throw it out. You pass it to the next generation, whether they want it or not!A quick, unscripted continuation of the conversation that kept going after the recording light went off during our episode with Daniel Horowitz.

Daniel Horowitz has been the Chief Genealogist at MyHeritage for nearly two decades. He started his genealogy journey at age 13 in Venezuela, got bitten by the genealogy bug, moved to Israel, met MyHeritage CEO Gilad Japhet at a conference in New York, and the rest is... family history. These days, Daniel travels the world giving lectures, connecting local genealogy societies with the resources they need, and serving as the connective tissue between MyHeritage and the genealogy community.We caught up with Daniel at RootsTech 2026, where MyHeritage came with a lot to talk about!***In this episode, Elizabeth Swanay O'Neal, CG®, and Tami Osmer Mize sit down with Daniel Horowitz to get the full rundown on everything MyHeritage launched at RootsTech 2026, including full genome DNA testing, Scribe AI (the feature that made a woman cry — in a good way — in front of a computer at the MyHeritage booth), Family Graph, Country Flags, Gaia, and a teaser about an upcoming records collection Daniel absolutely refused to name.Plus: we're riding the wave of a new "old" trend and discussing the War of 1812 pension files (which are almost fully digitized and free to access on Fold3). During Teatime, we're spilling some very "unsweet" tea about Massachusetts Bill H.5377 — a budget bill that could slam the door on access to vital records if genealogists don't push back.IN THIS EPISODE[00:01:38] In today's episode[00:02:41] Opening[00:03:00] What we're loving (genealogists have been doing it for years)[00:09:37] War of 1812 pension files on Fold3 (free!)[00:10:24] Sponsor Break: Vivid-Pix[00:11:03] Interview: Daniel Horowitz, Chief Genealogist, MyHeritage[00:14:23] MyHeritage full genome DNA testing[00:16:00] Scribe AI: transcription, translation, and historical context[00:17:53] Family Graph: the AI-powered timeline graphic[00:18:37] The AI transition video from the keynote[00:21:07] Gaia: your AI genealogy research assistant (and why it stays in your tree)[00:26:12] Country Flags: a visual take on your family tree[00:29:31] What's coming next at MyHeritage[00:31:04] How to become a MyHeritage Friend[00:33:00] Sweet tea: Evidentia 3+ is out (and existing users get it free)[00:33:37] Unsweet tea: Massachusetts H.5377 and what's at stake for vital records access[00:39:02] What you can do about H.5377[00:39:16] Closing and OutroLINKSMyHeritage: https://www.myheritage.com Gilad Japhet's RootsTech 2026 Session (video): https://blog.myheritage.com/2026/03/myheritage-founder-and-ceo-gilad-japhet-at-rootstech-2026/MyHeritage RootsTech 2026 Roundup: https://blog.myheritage.com/2026/03/rootstech-2026-roundup/War of 1812 Pension Files on Fold3 (free): https://www.fold3.com/publication/761/us-war-of-1812-pension-files-1812-1815Evidentia Software: https://evidentiasoftware.com/APG letter opposing Massachusetts H.5377: https://www.apgen.org/docs/APG_Massachusetts_Budget_Letter_4_May_2026.pdfMassachusetts Genealogical Council Call to Action: https://www.massgencouncil.org/post/act-now-gov-healey-s-supplemental-budget-contains-both-good-and-very-bad-news-for-genealogistsFind your Massachusetts state legislator: https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator

Kate Guanci says she looks at family history upside down. After half an hour with her at RootsTech 2026, we kind of think she's onto something.***

In this episode of the Branching Out Genealogy Podcast, Elizabeth Swanay O'Neal, CG®, and Tami Osmer Mize sit down with Kate Guanci, founder and CEO of Archoral, in an interview recorded live at RootsTech 2026.

Kate shared the story of why she walked away from the traditional pedigree chart and built profile-based software that captures more than 14,000 different kinds of relationships, including the chosen family, mentors, and community members who shape our lives but rarely make it onto a family tree.

We also talk about Archoral's partnership with Vivid-Pix, the meaning behind the name "Archoral," and why Kate believes the people we choose, and the people who choose us, shape our family history just as much as the ones we're related to by blood.

Plus a new format change for the show ("What We're Loving"), a desk chair recommendation, a Microsoft 365 Copilot tip, and some genuinely good news from New York for a change.

ARCHORAL DISCOUNT CODE:Use code PODCAST50P for 50% off ANY Archoral Subscription until 31 July 31 2026.

TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Intro02:59 - "What We're Loving"03:50 - Elizabeth's pick: her new desk chair07:08 - Tami's pick: Microsoft 365 Copilot for Excel10:54 - Sponsor Break11:31 - Behind the scenes at the RootsTech Studio16:48 - Interview with Kate Guanci17:20 - The 6,000 square foot warehouse18:18 - Why family history isn't siloed18:49 - Profile-based vs. tree-based archives19:14 - 14,000 relationship combinations22:51 - What does "Archoral" mean?23:13 - The Vivid-Pix partnership and the caregiving connection24:33 - Communal archiving, explained25:29 - The Preservation Initiative pilot at Panola College25:42 - How Memory Station and Archoral connect27:27 - A different mindset for family history29:27 - Hitting every learning style31:45 - Tutorials and the 500-year view34:41 - Teatime35:25 - The wait time for New York vital records (a continuing rant)35:53 - Sweet tea: NYSED, NYSL, NYSA, and FamilySearch collaboration38:28 - 250,000 pages of NY State Archives records now online39:02 - America 250 and the Loyalist records40:53 - OutroRESOURCES & LINKSArchoral: https://archoral.com/Vivid-Pix: https://www.vivid-pix.com/ConferenceKeeper: https://conferencekeeper.org/Heart of the Family: https://thefamilyheart.com/RootsTech: https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstechNYSED announcement on the NYSL/NYSA/FamilySearch collaboration: https://www.nysed.gov/news/2026/office-cultural-education-announces-collaboration-familysearch-expand-access-genealogyFamilySearch: https://www.familysearch.org/Elizabeth's desk chair (Amazon affiliate link): https://amzn.to/4nqa3xLSPONSORS & DISCLOSURESThis episode is sponsored by Vivid-Pix. All product opinions are our own. As an Amazon Associate, this podcast earns from qualifying purchases.CONNECT WITH USWebsite: https://branchingout.showEmail: [email protected]: https://www.facebook.com/branchingoutgenpod/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branching_out_genealogy_pod/X: https://x.com/branchingoutgenLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/branching-out-genealogy-podcastYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BranchingOutGenealogyPodcastIf you're enjoying the Branching Out Genealogy Podcast, please subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who loves family history. It's the best way to help others find us!

Explore how photo restoration, memory care, and family history intersect in this inspiring conversation with Rick Voight, CEO of Vivid-Pix. Learn how personal photos can boost cognitive health, strengthen storytelling, and help families preserve their legacy.

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In this episode of the Branching Out Genealogy Podcast, we speak with Rick Voight, CEO and co-founder of Vivid-Pix, about the science and impact of photo Reminiscence Therapy, a powerful tool that uses restored images to support memory and cognitive wellness—especially for individuals living with dementia.

We explore how Vivid-Pix evolved from photo enhancement software to a leader in memory preservation, working with genealogists, libraries, archives, museums, and aging-services professionals. Rick shares insights into tools like the Memory Station and Memory Cards, explains the brain science behind photo Reminiscence Therapy, and discusses how families can use photos to spark meaningful conversations and strengthen emotional connection.

You’ll also hear updates from the genealogy community, a practical tech tip, and a fun look at why so many of us—even celebrities—may have royal connections in our family tree.

If you're passionate about genealogy, memory care, digital preservation, or helping families share their stories, this episode offers valuable guidance you can use right away.

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TIMECODE CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction & Episode Overview

01:52 Genealogy News

07:23 Interview with Rick Voight

11:45 Photo Reminiscence Therapy & Brain Health

20:55 Vivid-Pix Programs & Community Initiatives

29:40 Memory Station & Memory Cards

40:44 Rick’s Spring Tour

48:03 Metadata, Ethics & the Future of Photos

57:04 Tech Tip: Reopen Closed Browser Tabs

58:25 Teatime

01:04:46 Closing

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ABOUT OUR GUEST: RICK VOIGHT

Rick Voight is the co-founder and CEO of Vivid-Pix, a company dedicated to improving, restoring, and preserving photographs. His work bridges the fields of genealogy, aging, and cognitive health, utilizing photo Reminiscence Therapy and accessible technology tools to help families preserve their stories while supporting memory care. Rick collaborates with libraries, museums, aging specialists, and dementia-care professionals across the U.S.

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EMAIL US at [email protected] The Branching Out Theme Song and Teatime Fanfare are copyright © Elizabeth Swanay O'Neal.

In this episode, Tami and Elizabeth discuss the concept of "reverse genealogy" with Cheri Hudson Passey, who has recently authored a book on the subject. They explore the methods of finding living relatives, the differences between researching living individuals and ancestors, and the emotional aspects of connecting with family. Cheri shares her experience of writing her book and the importance of clear communication when reaching out to relatives.

Afterward, Tami demonstrates how easy it is to open multiple websites simultaneously by using the browser extension “Open Multiple URLs.”

During Teatime, the hosts discuss recent changes to what the VA is sending when one makes a FOIA request through birls.org. Elizabeth compares the file she received in February with the useless letters genealogists are receiving now. Then, Tami discusses the reasons behind the upcoming closure of the Plaza Hotel in Salt Lake City, Utah. Those planning to attend the 2026 RootsTech Conference should consider making hotel reservations sooner rather than later due to this closure!

Finally, Tami shares a couple of Family History Month announcements regarding upcoming events by Vivid-Pix. If you are in the area, you won’t want to miss these!

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TIMECODE CHAPTERS

00:00:00 - INTRO

00:00:38 - Introduction to Genealogy Podcast

00:01:27 - Thank you to our Listeners and to WikiTree Challenge Elves

00:02:57 - Tami's Milo Allen Update

00:04:31 - Sponsor Break

00:05:01 - Introduction to Cheri Hudson Passey

00:05:49 - Interview with Cheri Hudson Passey

00:28:11 - Tech Tip: Open Multiple URLs

00:30:54 - Teatime

00:33:15 - Changes in how VA Fills FOIA Requests from birls.org

00:40:38 - The Plaza Hotel Closure and Future Plans

00:43:55 - Vivid-Pix Event Announcements

00:46:18 - OUTRO

__________________

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➜ YouTube Channel⁠ @BranchingOutGenealogyPodcast Website ➜ https://branchingout.show

Email us at [email protected] ​

EPISODE SUMMARY

In this episode, Tami and Elizabeth discuss Elizabeth’s participation in the August WikiTree Challenge with special guest Eowyn Langholf, WikiTree Community Manager. They delve into the unique aspects of WikiTree, emphasizing its community-driven approach.

In the What's Happening segment, Elizabeth shares news about babies born recently using a 3-parent IVF technique. Tami discusses creating AI biographies and videos using tools from Storied and MyHeritage.

During Teatime, Elizabeth spills the tea on the California Digital Newspaper Collection receiving needed funding and then letting all the employees go. Tami spills even more tea on strange genealogy job postings.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00:00  Intro

00:03:08  What Elizabeth is working on: DAR Applications and the Inheritance Project

00:05:52  What Tami is working on: Visualizing Genealogy Data

00:07:33  Interview with Eowyn Langholf, WikiTree Community Manager

00:20:09  About the WikiTree Challenge

00:22:37  Preparing for the Challenge

00:27:36  The WikiTree Challenge Process

00:32:21  The Growth and Accuracy of WikiTree

00:32:50  Future Aspirations for WikiTree

00:38:44  What’s Happening: Three-Parent IVF

00:40:52  What’s Happening: The Internet Archive and the GPO

00:42:29  What’s Happening: Enhancing Biographies with AI using Storied and MyHeritage

00:52:50  Teatime: California Digital Newspaper Collection

00:55:22  Teatime: Genealogy Jobs

01:00:26  Outro

RESOURCES

• The DAR Inheritance Project - ⁠https://blog.dar.org/2021/09/27/inherit-grandmas-patriots-through-new-program-launch⁠
• WikiTree - ⁠https://www.wikitree.com⁠
• Elizabeth’s WikiTree Challenge - ⁠https://www.wikitree.com/g2g/1913531/2025-wikitree-challenge-research-for-elizabeth-oneal-ended⁠
• 8 babies born with experimental 3-parent IVF technique - ⁠https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/3-parent-babies-uk-australia-1.7587286⁠
• The Internet Archive – ⁠https://archive.org⁠
• Federal Depository Library Directory – ⁠https://ask.gpo.gov/s/FDLD⁠
• GPO makes available Supreme Court cases dating back to the 18th century – ⁠https://librarytechnology.org/pr/31522⁠
• Storied U.S. World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917–1918 – ⁠https://storied.com/historical-record-search/world-war-I-draft-registration-cards⁠
• MyHeritage’s AI Biographer™ – ⁠https://blog.myheritage.com/2023/12/introducing-ai-biographer-create-a-wikipedia-like-biography-for-any-ancestor-using-ai-enriched-with-historical-context⁠
• MyHeritage’s Deep Story (desktop version) – ⁠https://www.myheritage.com/deepstory⁠
• Losing Our History? Funding for the CaliforniaDigital Newspaper Collection Was Restored—but UC Riverside Laid Off All of theEmployees Responsible for the Project Anyway – ⁠https://cvindependent.com/2025/07/losing-our-history-funding-for-the-california-digital-newspaper-collection-was-restored-but-uc-riverside-laid-off-all-of-the-employees-responsible-for-the-project-anyway⁠
• ConferenceKeeper’s Genealogy Jobs – ⁠https://conferencekeeper.org/genealogy-jobs⁠
• Genealogy Jobs Facebook Group – ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/1497651017151639⁠

KEYWORDS

WikiTree, genealogy, family history, community, AI, research,challenges, collaboration, ancestry, DNA, jobs, genetic genealogy

After a three-month hiatus involving a variety of life's ups and downs, Elizabeth and Tami are back in the studio! In this episode, they catch up on the past couple of months, including a few unexpected setbacks, some personal updates, and a few bright spots of good news.

The conversation turns to lineage society applications, with a focus on joining the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). Why might genealogists want to apply? How do you find a chapter, and what do you need to get started? Tami shares her personal application journey, including what documentation she already had, what still needs to be tracked down, and tips on what kinds of evidence are most useful.

This episode's "What's Happening" segment covers several key updates:

• Changes to the Board for Certification of Genealogists (BCG) Application Guide and process
• News of 23andMe's change in ownership
• How to connect your FamilyTreeDNA account to WikiTree and MyHeritage
• Plus, Tami walks us through recent enhancements to MyHeritage’s Live Memory feature.

During Tea Time, Tami spills the tea about a scary use of Artificial Intelligence for building family trees. Elizabeth sweetens things up by spotlighting GEDmatch's "Honor the Fallen" initiative, which pays tribute to those who served.

Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and follow us on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more genealogy goodness.

Got a question or an idea for a future episode? Email us or leave a comment—we'd love to hear from you!

*****

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/branchingoutgenpod

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/branching_out_genealogy_pod

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@BranchingOutGenealogyPodcast

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TIMESTAMPS

Opening

• 03:29 Elizabeth mentions receiving an Award of Merit from the National Genealogical Society
• 04:00 ConferenceKeeper makes the Family Tree (UK) magazine’s Best 50 Websites list

Tami Joins the DAR

• 06:22  Tami's application to the DAR
• 07:38  Tami's questions about joining DAR
• 08:39 Elizabeth answers questions about DAR chapters and meetings 
• 08:55 Elizabeth talks about the new chapter of DAR in Ireland
• 10:00 Proof requirements for a DAR application
• 13:23 Choosing a chapter to join
• 14:18 How DAR membership benefits family history
• 16:07 Finding a registrar and starting your DAR application
• 18:00 Applying when a relative has already joined.
• 18:30 Documents needed for Tami's DAR application

What’s Happening

•  31:40 BCG 2025 Application Guide changes
• 33:18  Final sale of 23andMe to non-profit TTAM
• 36:29 Connecting FamilyTreeDNA account to WikiTree
• 37:58 MyHeritage update to Live Memory

Tea Time

• 41:30 Tami shares a scary misuse of Artificial Intelligence for family trees.
• 45:30 Elizabeth discusses the GedMatch initiative called “Honor the Fallen,” which attempts to use DNA to help identify remains of missing service members from WWII and the Korean War.

*****

RESOURCES

• NGS Award Recipients - https://www.ngsgenealogy.org/awards/
• Family Tree (UK) Magazine's 50 Best Free Genealogy Websites - https://www.family-tree.co.uk/how-to-guides/50-free-family-history-websites
• Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) - https://www.dar.org/
• DAR Genealogical Research System (GRS) - https://services.dar.org/public/dar_research/search/?Tab_ID=0
• BCG New Application Guide Info - https://bcgcertification.org/new-application-guide-2025
• FamilyTreeDNA Collab with WikiTree - https://blog.familytreedna.com/connect-wikitree-dna-matches/
• GEDmatch's "Honor the Fallen" - https://www.gedmatch.com/fallen-warriors-the-unknowns/
• Individual Deceased Personnel File Portal - https://idpfs.com/

In this episode, co-hosts Elizabeth and Tami talk about their experiences at 2025 RootsTech Conference, from the Expo Hall to the Forums, what’s new at FamilySearch, and what other industry leaders are up to. 

The show begins with a follow-up to Tami’s Ancestry Pet DNA testing and Elizabeth’s FOIA BIRLS request.

Next up are highlights from RootsTech, followed by a visit with Gena Philibert-Ortega, who shares her enthusiasm about GRIP and her passion for reading.

What's Happening includes news about upcoming events, changes, and scholarship deadlines.

During Tea Time, Elizabeth provides an update on NY Vital Records, and Tami discusses genealogy in the virtual world of Second Life.

TIMESTAMPS

2:23 Tami shares results of her pound pup’s DNA test, which included a close shared match.

7:00 Elizabeth talks about receiving one of her FOIA BIRLS files.

RootsTech Wrap Up

14:06 RootsTech online

14:47 Relatives at RootsTech

17:58 FamilySearch's Global Tech Forum

19:21 FamilySearch Family Group Trees

20:23 FamilySearch Tree Integrity

23:26 FamilySearch New Change Log

24:00 Full Text Search Updates

25:01 FamilySearch AI Help ChatBot

26:44 Industry Highlight Forum

28:50 MyHeritage: New Cousin Finder, phone app update

29:57 Storied: Memory books; creating a new census index

31:50 SOAR

32:18 Remento

34:38 Ancestry’s phone scanner and AI tools

35:38 MyHeritage Ancient Origins

39:29 Gena Philibert-Ortega's RootsTech Experience

40:54  Her role at NGS

41:55 GRIP

46:05 Gena’s courses at SLIG

47:47 How Gena fits it into her schedule & reading goals

52:20 What Gena’s currently reading

WHAT'S HAPPENING

56:30 The National Genealogical Society 2025 Family History Conference “Tales & Trails” May 2025.

59:20 BCG adoption of two-part portfolio for CG application process

1:00:50  APG scholarships for the Professional Management Conference

1:02:27  NYG&B seeking volunteers and interns for their digitization team

1:03:21  Scholarship and awards deadlines on Conference Keeper

TEA TIME

1:04:00 New York vital records availability update.

1:06:18  Second Life chapter APG reorganization

RESOURCES

Ancestry Pet DNA - https://petdna.ancestry.com

BIRLS - https://www.birls.org/

RootsTech  https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/

Elizabeth's Blog about Relatives at RootsTech  - https://www.thefamilyheart.com/relatives-at-rootstech/

Imagetotext.io - https://www.imagetotext.io/

FamilySearch Labs - https://www.familysearch.org/en/labs/

FamilySearch Group Trees - https://www.familysearch.org/en/help/helpcenter/family-group-trees-learning-center

FamilySearch New Change Log - https://www.familysearch.org/en/help/helpcenter/article/using-the-improved-person-changelog-experiment

FamilySearch AI Help ChatBot - https://www.familysearch.org/en/labs/

Content Authenticity Initiative - https://contentauthenticity.org

MyHeritage Cousin Finder - https://blog.myheritage.com/2025/03/introducing-cousin-finder-gain-dna-level-insights-without-a-dna-test/

Storied - https://storied.com

SOAR - https://try.soar.com/team

Remento - https://www.remento.co

Ancestry Scanner - https://support.ancestry.com/s/article/Scanning-Images-with-the-Ancestry-App?language=en_US

Vivid Pix - https://www.vivid-pix.com

GRIP - https://grip.ngsgenealogy.org

SLIG - https://slig.ugagenealogy.org

GoodReads - https://www.goodreads.com

The Quest for Annie Moore of Ellis Island - https://www.amazon.com/Quest-Annie-Moore-Ellis-Island/dp/0996599312

NGS 2025 Family History Conference - https://conference.ngsgenealogy.org

BCG Springboard - https://bcgcertification.org/springboard

APG Scholarships - https://www.apgen.org/apg_awards_and_scholarships.php

NYG&B Internships -   https://www.newyorkfamilyhistory.org/content/internships

NYG&B Volunteers - https://www.newyorkfamilyhistory.org/volunteer 

ConferenceKeeper Awards/Grants/Scholarships - https://conferencekeeper.org/grants-scholarships

SL-APG https://slapg.wordpress.com

SLVGS https://slvirtualgenealogy.org