In this episode of The Family Treehouse, host Heather Haunert sits down with genetic genealogist Aimee Rose-Haynes to unpack how DNA can crack “unknown parentage” cases, reconnect living relatives, and illuminate Native ancestry with care and accuracy. Aimee, a proud citizen of the Cherokee Nation and a frequent conference presenter, shares real-world strategies for using matches, trees, and triangulation to move stalled research forward.

What you’ll learn:

Practical steps to start or revive an unknown parentage search

Ethical must-dos when working with living DNA matches

How Aimee approaches reconnecting Native descendants and navigating tribal heritage questions

Tools she relies on (clusters, segment data, shared matches, and more)

About our guest

Aimee Rose-Haynes is a genetic genealogist and public speaker known for solving difficult family-finding cases and educating researchers at events like RootsTech and state society conferences. She has also served in leadership roles with DNA-focused nonprofits. Helpful for: adoption & misattributed parentage cases, brick-wall searches, Native ancestry questions, DNA beginners to intermediate researchers.

If this helped, like, subscribe, and share with a fellow family historian. #GeneticGenealogy #UnknownParentage #CherokeeNation #FamilyHistory #DNAResearch #GenealogyPodcast

Go behind the scenes at the Daughters of the American Revolution with Audra Sombke, Director of Genealogy in Washington, DC. We talk about her path into family history and what makes DAR genealogy unique. We touch briefly on membership proof, but this conversation is mostly about practical tools, inspiring stories, and confidence-building advice for beginners.

What you’ll learn:
• Audra’s journey into family history and storytelling
• Why DAR genealogy work is different—and who it’s for
• DAR resources & tools you can use (and how to get started)
• A favorite DAR research story you’ll love
• If Audra could meet one ancestor—who and why
• Encouraging, step-by-step advice for overwhelmed beginners

If you’re curious about DAR or you just want smarter ways to start (or restart) your family history, this episode is for you. Subscribe for monthly interviews.

#Genealogy #DAR #DaughtersOfTheAmericanRevolution #FamilyHistory #ResearchTips #DNA #Storied #WashingtonDC #Lineagesociety

Learn practical steps to start a genealogy society and turn family records into readable stories. Executive Director Lillian Wingate (Thomasville Genealogical Library) shares how she founded the Bulloch County Genealogical Society, kept members engaged through Zoom, and why photos, signatures, and collateral lines can unlock new discoveries.

We also talk immigration through Ellis Island, Jewish heritage in Detroit, and a surprising Motown connection.

What you’ll learn

• How to organize and grow a local genealogy society (even if one doesn’t exist yet)

• Easy interview prompts for relatives and why nicknames matter

• Writing tips: choose a clear start/end, keep it readable, include images and signatures

• Why collateral research (aunts, uncles, cousins) breaks brick walls

• Favorite tools mentioned: Storied, Find a Grave, BillionGraves
  

About our guestLillian Wingate is a Boston University–trained genealogist specializing in Georgia research, Executive Director at the Thomasville Genealogical Library, and founder of the Bulloch County Genealogical Society.

Enjoyed this episode?Subscribe, leave a comment with your best beginner tip, and share with someone who’s ready to start documenting their family stories.

#Genealogy #FamilyHistory #FamilyTree #Ancestry #GenealogyTips #Storytelling #FamilyStories #OralHistory #GenealogySociety #StartAGenealogySociety #GeorgiaGenealogy #LocalHistory #EllisIsland #ImmigrationHistory #JewishGenealogy #DetroitHistory #Motown #CemeteryResearch #FindAGrave #BillionGraves #Archives #Library #ResearchTips #CollateralResearch #WomenInGenealogy #HistoryPodcast #Podcast #Storied #Thomasville #BullochCounty #FamilyHistoryPodcast #BeginnerGenealogy #USGenealogy

Unlock your family’s WWI history with expert insights from genealogist and librarian Debra Dudick in this powerful episode of The Family Treehouse. Whether you’re just starting your genealogy journey or looking to trace an ancestor who served in World War I, this episode is packed with practical tips, emotional discoveries, and must-know resources.

🪖 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• 5 essential steps to start researching a WWI ancestor

• Where to find military service records, headstone applications, and transport lists

• How to use morning reports, regimental histories, and honor books

• The story of a lost WWI diary that sparked an unforgettable research journey

• How to preserve and share your family's wartime legacy
  

💡 Ideal for beginners and seasoned genealogists alike, this episode will inspire you to explore the records, ask better questions, and bring your ancestor’s wartime story to life.

📚 Resources mentioned include FamilySearch, the U.S. Army Heritage Center, and the WWI Museum in Kansas City.

✨ Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more genealogy and storytelling episodes every month!

🔗 Explore more at: https://storied.com

#WWIResearch #FamilyHistory #Genealogy #WWIAncestors #MilitaryRecords #AncestryResearch #StorytellingMatters #FamilyTree #WarDiaries #HistoricalResearch #GenealogyTips #PreserveHistory #AncestorStories #FamilySearch #WWIHistory #GenealogyPodcast #USNationalArchives #TrenchHistory #WWISoldiers #Storied

🔍 Want to uncover your family history using headstones? In this episode of The Family Treehouse, host Heather Haunert talks with Cathy Wallace, Special Projects Coordinator at BillionGraves, about how gravestones hold powerful clues for genealogists—and how the BillionGraves app is transforming cemetery research around the world.

Cathy shares inspiring true stories, including one about a man who found his brother's grave after 21 years, and a scrapbook discovered in a historic home linked to her family. Whether you're just starting your genealogy journey or you're a seasoned researcher, you'll learn practical tips on how to photograph, transcribe, and use gravestone data to grow your family tree.

Learn how AI, GPS mapping, and global volunteers are preserving cemetery records and unlocking family stories for future generations.

💬 In this episode, you'll discover:

• How the BillionGraves app works

• Tips for finding and preserving unmarked graves

• Gravestone clues you might be overlooking

• How to get involved as a BillionGraves volunteer

• Why storytelling is the heart of family history
  

🪦 Start discovering your ancestors today at https://billiongraves.com 📲 Download the app and make your own family history discoveries!

🎧 Subscribe for more episodes featuring genealogy experts, storytellers, and tools to help you uncover your past.

#Genealogy #FamilyHistory #BillionGraves #HeadstoneResearch #CemeteryRecords #GravestoneClues #FamilyTree #AncestorSearch #GenealogyTips #HistoricalRecords #StorytellingMatters #GraveyardResearch #GenealogyCommunity #UncoverYourRoots #FindYourAncestors #DigitalGenealogy #PreserveHistory #AncestryTools #FamilyLegacy #GenealogyPodcast #Storied #AIinGenealogy #GravestoneStories #VolunteerGenealogist

Ready to explore your roots? In this episode of The Family Treehouse, genealogy expert Suzanne Russo Adams shares powerful insights, beginner tips, and inspiring stories to help you start your family history journey with confidence.

Suzanne is an accredited genealogist specializing in Italian research, Associate Professor of History at BYU, and former senior strategist at both Ancestry and FamilySearch. With decades of experience and a deep passion for storytelling, she breaks down how to start researching your family tree, how to build timelines, and why storytelling is the heart of genealogy.

🎙️ In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Where and how to begin your genealogy research

• Why timelines and historical context are game changers

• How newspapers, city directories, and census records reveal hidden stories

• The emotional power of connecting with an ancestor

• Suzanne’s own incredible family history stories from Sicily to Arizona
  

Whether you're brand new to genealogy or looking for fresh ways to dive deeper, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice.

🔗 Start your own family story today at Storied.com

🔍 Keywords: how to start genealogy, beginner genealogy tips, Italian ancestry, genealogy podcast, family history research, ancestry advice, storytelling in genealogy, census records, family tree research

👍 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if you’re inspired to start your family history journey!

#Genealogy #FamilyHistory #Ancestry #Storied #FamilyTree #ItalianAncestry #GenealogyTips #BeginnerGenealogy #Storytelling #CensusRecords #HistoricalResearch #FamilyStories #AncestorStories #FamilyTreehouse #OralHistory #TimelineResearch #NewspaperResearch #GenealogyPodcast #Heritage #Roots

🔍 Want to uncover the stories of your Civil War ancestors? In this episode of The Family Treehouse, Civil War records expert Brian Rhinehart shares how to find and understand the military records that bring 19th-century soldiers to life.

Brian specializes in retrieving rare, non-digitized Civil War records from the National Archives and is the founder of CivilWarRecords.com. He joins host Heather Haunert to reveal how pension files, compiled service records, medical cards, and newspaper clippings can help you build rich, emotional narratives about your Civil War ancestors.

🎙️ In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to start researching your Civil War ancestors

• What’s inside Civil War pension files—and why they’re genealogy gold

• Where to find prisoner-of-war and medical records

• Why obituaries and casualty lists hold surprising clues

• How visiting battlefields can deepen your connection to an ancestor

• Real stories Brian has uncovered, including letters, injuries, and battlefield bravery
  

Whether you’re just starting your genealogy journey or ready to go beyond the basics, this episode is packed with powerful tools and storytelling tips to help you write your Civil War ancestor’s story.

🔗 Start your research with Brian at CivilWarRecords.com 🔗 Explore more storytelling tools at Storied.com

🔖 Keywords: Civil War genealogy, pension files, Civil War records, military genealogy, how to research Civil War ancestors, National Archives genealogy, CivilWarRecords.com, family history storytelling, Union Army ancestors, genealogy podcast

👍 Like this episode? Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more expert family history tips!

#CivilWarGenealogy #GenealogyTips #MilitaryRecords #PensionFiles #FamilyHistory #CivilWarAncestors #CivilWarSoldiers #NationalArchives #FamilyTreeResearch #AncestryResearch #GenealogyCommunity #StorytellingMatters #HistoricalRecords #CivilWarResearch #CivilWarHistory #CivilWarVeterans #UnionArmy #GenealogyPodcast #FamilyTreehouse #CivilWarStories

🔍 Want to trace your Revolutionary War ancestors and write stories that bring them to life? In this episode of The Family Treehouse, genealogist Deborah Maddox shares expert tips for researching patriots and applying to the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR).

Deborah has spent over a decade as a staff genealogist for the National Society Sons of the American Revolution. She’s also a seasoned speaker, cemetery explorer, and passionate storyteller who believes family history is more than just names and dates—it's about preserving voices across generations.

🎙️ In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to start researching Revolutionary War ancestors

• Which military records, pension files, and compiled sources to use

• Step-by-step guidance on applying to the SAR

• Why storytelling makes genealogy more meaningful

• How Deborah uncovered family scandals (like Slick Willie) using newspapers

• Tips for writing stories in your own voice—even if you’re a beginner

Whether you're starting your family history journey or ready to honor a patriot ancestor, this episode will help you find direction, inspiration, and laughter along the way.

🔗 Learn more at sar.org 🔗 Start writing your stories at Storied.com

🔖 Keywords: Revolutionary War genealogy, Sons of the American Revolution, SAR application help, genealogy podcast, how to research patriot ancestors, family history storytelling, pension files, SAR tips, lineage societies, family tree research

👍 Enjoyed the episode? Be sure to like, subscribe, and share to help others explore their Revolutionary roots!

#Genealogy #FamilyHistory #RevolutionaryWar #SAR #SonsOfTheAmericanRevolution #PatriotAncestors #AncestryResearch #HistoricalRecords #LineageSociety #FamilyTreehouse #PensionFiles #GenealogyTips #Storytelling #FamilyTree #AncestorStories #MilitaryGenealogy #DeborahMaddox #CemeteryResearch #SARApplication #FamilyHistoryPodcast

🎙️ Writing NPE Family History: When DNA Tells a Different Story

In this episode of The Family Treehouse podcast, host Heather Haunert sits down with genealogy blogger and storyteller Jenny Hawran of Like Herding Cats to explore the deeply personal and emotional journey of discovering an NPE—Not Parent Expected—through DNA testing.

Jenny shares how her identity was shaken by a DNA surprise, how storytelling helped her heal, and why writing your own story is just as important as researching your ancestors. From using the FAN club method to navigate sparse records, to dealing with complex family secrets and sensitive conversations, this episode is a must-listen for anyone exploring their family history or facing unexpected DNA results.

Whether you're new to genealogy, part of the NPE community, or simply passionate about preserving family stories, this conversation offers insight, hope, and practical advice.

🔎 Topics Covered:

• What is an NPE in genealogy?

• How to process DNA surprises

• Using storytelling to preserve family identity

• Tips for researching unfamiliar or disconnected family lines

• Starting your own family history journey
  

🧬 Subscribe for more episodes on genealogy, family history writing, and DNA discoveries!

💬 Drop a comment if you've experienced an NPE or used DNA in your research—your story matters.

#Genealogy #FamilyHistory #NPE #DNADiscovery #AncestryDNA #FamilySecrets #DNAStory #GeneticGenealogy #StorytellingMatters #WhoIsMyFather #FamilyTree #GenealogyPodcast #GenealogyCommunity #AdoptionStory #FamilySearch #DNAResults #MPE #DNAReunion #UnexpectedDNAResults #FamilyHistoryResearch #GenealogyTips #AncestrySearch #DNATest #FamilyRoots #Storied

📖 Discover how to turn names and dates into unforgettable family stories! In this episode of The Family Treehouse, host Heather Haunert chats with Storied power user Julie Holmansky about how she uses the Storied platform to transform her genealogy research into rich, engaging narratives.

Julie shares: ✔️ How she got started with family history ✔️ Her favorite storytelling features on Storied (like Groups, FAN Network & audio uploads) ✔️ Tips for organizing research and writing personal or ancestor stories ✔️ Why storytelling makes genealogy meaningful ✔️ How she digitizes photos, uses AI for images, and creates multimedia family stories

Whether you're a beginner family historian or a seasoned genealogist, this episode will inspire you to preserve your legacy through storytelling. Learn how to make time for writing, organize your research, and connect generations with powerful stories.

🖋️ Start writing your family history today at https://www.storied.com

🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more episodes on genealogy, storytelling, and preserving your family’s legacy.

#FamilyHistory #Genealogy #Storytelling #WriteYourStory #GenealogyTips #Storied #AncestorStories #FamilyTree #FamilyLegacy #PreserveThePast #OralHistory #GenealogyResearch #Ancestry #FamilyHistoryWriting #LifeStories #FamilyConnections #GenealogyCommunity #52Ancestors #HistoricalPhotos #FamilyStories #DigitalStorytelling #StoriedUser #StorytellerSpotlight #TheFamilyTreehouse #JulieHolmansky