Hilda shares the story of helping to find the family of an adopted person, and the fascinating — and sometimes complicated — issues that can arise along the way. We talk about the excitement of making family connections, but also the sensitivities involved and why privacy, respect and a thoughtful approach are so important when uncovering someone else’s family story.

To read about details, follow Gail’s Story on our socials or in Our Stories on our website.

Content Creation & Presenters: Hilda Makowski and Liz Zito

Original Music: Shane Makowski

Intro and Outro: Katy Somerville

Editing: Liz Zito

https://generationspastpresentandfuture.wordpress.com/

In this episode, Hilda chats about some of the family stories she’s discovered through her research. The unexpected finds, the little surprises and those moments when a name on a page suddenly turns into a real person with a story to tell. Because that’s the magic of family history!

Double Trouble! Two Johns. Three Marys. Which one belongs in your family tree? In this episode, Hilda and Liz explore the challenge of duplicate names in family history research and share practical strategies to help you tell ancestors apart and avoid costly mistakes.

Content Creation & Presenters: Hilda Makowski and Liz Zito

Original Music: Shane Makowski

Intro and Outro: Katy Somerville

Editing: Tricia Baggs

https://generationspastpresentandfuture.wordpress.com/

The census is more than a population count—it’s a treasure trove for family historians. In this episode, we explore how census records can help uncover ancestors, trace family movements, reveal occupations, and provide insights into everyday life in the past. Listen to us, Hilda and Liz, as we chat about how census records can bring your family’s story to life.

Content Creation & Presenters: Hilda Makowski and Liz Zito

Original Music: Shane Makowski

Intro and Outro: Katy Somerville

Editing: Tricia Baggs

https://generationspastpresentandfuture.wordpress.com/

In this episode of Past & Present Chat, we wander through an old graveyard together — navigating long grass, broken boots and generations of stories etched in stone.

From hidden symbols and family plots to heartbreaking inscriptions and unexpected clues, we explore what cemeteries can reveal about the lives, loves and losses of the people who came before us.

Join us as we chat about why graveyards are some of the richest places for family history research — and why every weathered headstone has a story waiting to be uncovered.

Content Creation & Presenters: Hilda Makowski and Liz Zito

Original Music: Shane Makowski

Intro and Outro: Katy Somerville

Editing: Tricia Baggs

https://generationspastpresentandfuture.wordpress.com/

Hilda and Liz have been friends for decades, united by a shared passion for family history. A few years ago, they turned that passion into their business, “Generations,” helping others uncover their ancestry and connect with their roots.

Now, through this monthly chat, they’re talking directly with you.

In this first episode, they show how the clues you already have can be more than enough to begin your journey.

Content Creation & Presenters: Hilda Makowski and Liz Zito

Original Music - Shane Makowski

Intro and outro - Katy Somerville

Editing - Tricia Baggs