Unearth the Past: A family history & genealogy podcast

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What if the stories of your ancestors could reveal unexpected truths and reshape your understanding of family? Join Dr Michala Hulme for a captivating conversation with genealogist Daniel Loftus. Their journey begins with the roots of genealogy, as Daniel shares his personal experience of navigating through the intricate branches of his family tree, piecing together dates and facts that reveal fascinating family stories.

As Michala and Daniel navigate through the history of Ireland's mother and baby homes, they reveal the heartbreaking stories of children who lived and died within these walls. The conversation takes a deeply personal turn as they discuss Daniel's connection to this dark chapter of history and his efforts to honour these forgotten children through "Project Infant". He offers a hard-hitting analysis of the government's role and the ongoing investigation into these institutions, shedding light on a painful past that still echoes today.

They wrap things up with a compelling discourse on finding relatives born in these homes. Daniel provides practical advice on how to find information on people who had a connection to the homes. Buckle up for a profound exploration of genealogy and the enduring legacy of Ireland's mother and baby homes.

To contact Michala, please visit https://michalahulme.com or social media @drmichalahulme

To contact Daniel, please visit https://danielsgenealogy.com or social media @danielmloftus

Project Infant is looking for volunteers to help uncover the names of the mothers and children who died in these homes from this period of Irish history. If you want to get involved, please visit: https://projectinfant.ie/volunteer

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Unearth the secrets of your past as we invite you to join our riveting conversation with Genealogy Jude, a passionate family history detective. Michala and Jude take you on a journey into the world of genealogy, enveloped in Jude's captivating tales of exploring old graveyards and discovering hidden records. We throw light on the revolutionary changes technology has brought to genealogy research, but don't forget to remind you of the irreplaceable value of stepping into archives and unravelling the mysteries hidden within.

Get ready to delve into some mesmerising stories, like the tale of a great-great-grandfather who lost his arm in a railway accident and the exciting implications of AI's impact on genealogy. As we navigate through the intriguing paths of our past, we highlight the importance of employing creativity and using rich sources of local and social history. Rest assured, every step of your genealogy journey will be riddled with fascinating discoveries waiting to be made.

Hold your breath as we dive into the deep sea of DNA technology and its revolutionary impact on genealogy research. From discovering unknown relatives to uncovering family secrets, DNA technology promises an exciting voyage of self-discovery. Sharing our favourite genealogical records, we discuss how these glimpses into the past offer invaluable insights into our ancestors' lives. Are you ready to embark on this thrilling journey into your family's past?

Michala's website: https://michalahulme.com/
Genealogy Jude's website: https://genealogyjude.com/

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WE ARE BACK WITH SEASON 2!!! Yes, Michala is back with your favourite family history podcast, and we are kicking off with a bang!

Dream of uncovering your family's hidden past? Join us in a captivating conversation with genealogy enthusiast Jonny Perl, the founder of the brilliant DNA Painter website, whose quest for family history was kindled by his mother's tales of her ancestors.

Ever wondered how DNA testing can help unearth your roots? We dive into the intriguing world of DNA research, with a focus on DNA Painter - an innovative tool developed by our guest Jonny Perl that visualizes and predicts relationships based on shared centimorgans (cM). Hear our surprising tales of unexpected DNA connections and learn how Jonny's tool has revolutionized genealogy research. We also take a closer look at "What Are the Odds?", a unique genealogy app designed to help you find unknown relatives.

Lastly, we reveal the secrets of the Shared cM Project on DNA Painter, a breakthrough tool that pinpoints possible relationships based on shared DNA. Get a walk-through of the process, explore its latest features, and understand how it can aid your genealogical searches. We also shed light on various DNA testing companies, discussing their strengths and drawbacks, and how they've transformed genealogy research. Join us in this enlightening session with Jonny Perl, the genius behind DNA Painter, and discover the unparalleled power of DNA in your quest for family history.

Websites mentioned on the show:
www.michalahulme.com
www.dnapainter.com
https://dnapainter.com/tools/coverage
https://thednageek.com/a-new-coverage-estimator-at-dna-painter/
https://dnapainter.com/blog/how-to-use-the-new-dna-coverage-tool/
https://www.legacytree.com/blog/genealogy-tools-dna-painter-coverage

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Are you curious about your ancestors and their stories? Would you be surprised if your past held secrets you never imagined? Join me, Michala and my guest, Paul McNeil, as we uncover hidden truths from our pasts and learn that things aren't always as they appear. We share eerie tales of our personal experiences, including a chilling story of a piano playing by itself, possibly a sign from the beyond.

The journey to the past can be challenging but rewarding. In our quest to unravel our roots, we grapple with historical documents like Bastardy records, birth certificates, and baptism records. We share insights on reading the subtle clues in these records, especially when it comes to tracing a child's father. Little hints like the use of 'natural child of' in Parish records or a middle name bearing the father's surname can lead us to hidden truths.

Our conversation doesn't stop at historical records and their cryptic language. We dive into the world of DNA testing, exploring its potential in tracing our roots and unearthing family secrets. Paul shares his personal journey of using DNA testing to uncover the identity of his biological father, and we discuss how these tests can cluster related family members. So, buckle up and join us as we venture into genealogy, history, and some ghostly tales. You're in for a spooky ride!

To contact Michala, you can do so via her website www.michalahulme.com

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Ready to unearth the secrets behind your home's history? Join me, Dr. Michala Hulme, and my cherished guest, Melanie Backe-Hansen, a revered house historian, as we journey through the captivating world of house histories. Together, we discover the intricate links that bind family history, local history, and house history, highlighting the significance of understanding your home's past. At the same time, Mel unravels her personal journey into the realm of house histories, while imparting practical advice for those intrigued by their own homes' past.

Venture with us as Mel and I meticulously piece together the past of a house, shedding light on the immense value of tax records in such research. We navigate through rich resources like the National Library of Scotland's Ordnance Survey maps, census returns, and more, which can all serve as a treasure trove of information. Additionally, we illuminate the enigmatic 1910 Valuation Record, discussing its relevance in taxation and the intriguing snapshot it provides from 1910 to 1915. This episode is your comprehensive guide to uncover the fascinating narratives hidden within your home.

To contact Michala, you can do so via her website www.michalahulme.com
If you would like to purchase one of Melanie's books (House Histories; A House Through Time;  Historic Streets and Squares), you can get them on Amazon https://www.amazon.co.uk/Melanie-Backe-Hansen/e/B006LTDUPG

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Excitement ripples through every word when our special guest, Dr Nick Barratt, an esteemed genealogist and medieval historian, known for TV shows such as Who Do You Think You Are?, weaves tales of his intriguing journey into the world of genealogy. Unravelling family mysteries, Nick's fascinating discoveries about his own lineage are a testament not only to the power of DNA in genealogical research but also to our shared human curiosity about our roots. From unearthing his great-uncle's pre-Cold War Soviet connections to revealing his grandmother's hidden past, Nick's personal journey towards understanding his family history is a story you surely wouldn't want to miss.

The conversation takes a profound turn as Michala and Nick delve into the emotional and transformative power of genealogy. Beyond data and DNA, they explore the human element in the quest for ancestral knowledge. They reflect on the emotional challenges that can arise when researching family history, the importance of understanding why we delve into our past, and how these insights can shape our present. As they navigate through this thought-provoking discussion, Nick shares how genealogy can bridge communities, give a voice to the forgotten, and offer us the opportunity to make a difference. 

As we approach the final chapter of this episode, the intricacies of TV research and personal family history come to light. Offering a fun twist to the conversation, Nick reveals his dream dinner guests from his family tree and his chosen menu for the occasion. Prepare to be enthralled by this captivating blend of history, genealogy, and personal narratives as we embark on this unforgettable journey into the past.

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Prepare to be captivated as Michala embarks on a journey into the often-overlooked world of newspapers in genealogy research. She's joined by the brilliant Rose Staveley-Wadham from the British Newspaper Archive, who shares her wealth of knowledge on how to unlock the secrets hidden in old newspapers and breathe life into your family tree. From court reports to gossip columns, every page is a treasure trove of information just waiting to be unearthed.

Intriguing stories from the past land right at our doorstep as Michala explains how newspapers unveiled the Hollywood career of a family member in the 1920s. Embrace the wisdom imparted by Rose as she shares invaluable tips on maximising newspaper research. No stone is left unturned - from niche publications to broadsheets, every piece of newsprint is a potential key to your family's past.

Personal stories intertwine with practical tips as Rose candidly shares her own genealogy research journey. Discover the challenges she faced while tracing her family tree, her experience with 'Find My Past' and the British Newspaper Archive, and the unexpected surprises she uncovered along the way. Plus, find out who from Rose's family tree would be her chosen dinner guest and what she'd whip up for them. This episode is a must-listen for anyone striving to add depth and color to their family history research.

To contact Michala please visit www.michalahulme.com
If you would like some hits and tips on how to search the British Newspaper Archive, check out their excellent blogs https://blog.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/category/hints-tips/

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Have you ever found an old, faded photograph of an ancestor and wished you could breathe new life into it? Imagine turning monochromatic memories into vivid visuals or even catalyzing static pictures into dynamic avatars. In this engaging episode, we take a deep dive into the world of MyHeritage, an innovative platform that can transform your understanding of family history. We not only explore its captivating features like photo colorisation, image enhancement, and avatar creation but also create an enthralling AI-narrated Deep Story animation of my Nana Mary.

Moving forward, we shift gears to delve into the exciting feature of MyHeritage, which uses AI to estimate the date a photograph was taken - it's like travelling back in time! To add more to your genealogical exploration, we explore Ancestry and Find My Past, a resource that now boasts an impressive collection of 231,000 new baptism records from Derbyshire spanning the period from 1524 to 1991. If you've hit a dead end in your family tree research, this episode offers valuable insights and resources. We wrap up by inviting your recommendations for future guests and stirring up the conversation around family history and genealogy. Get ready to journey back in time, rediscover your roots and enrich your family's legacy.

www.michalahulme.com
https://blog.myheritage.com/uk/2023/08/introducing-photodater-an-exclusive-new-feature-to-estimate-when-old-photos-were-taken-2/

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Are your ancestors whispering secrets from the 19th century, waiting for you to discover them? Embark on a thrilling journey with me, Dr Michala Hulme as we unearth these enigmas etched in death and burial records. Together, we'll decode the cryptic handwriting on pre-1812 records and navigate the Civil Registration Index, a treasure trove waiting to be explored.

The 19th century was a time of trials and tribulations, its harsh realities reflected in child mortality rates. Urban areas teeming with life were also packed with perils for the young ones. Gain a new perspective on your family history as we harness the power of the 1911 census and shed light on common causes of death such as TB, cholera, and convulsions. How did these adversities shape the journey of your forebears? Let's trace the roots together. 

Lastly, we'll step into the somber world of 19th-century burial practices. Uncover the rise of joint-stock cemetery companies and the advent of municipal cemeteries, the silent witnesses to the cycle of life and death. How did the 19th-century burial acts shape these landscapes of remembrance? Let's find out together. 

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Welcome back, fellow history enthusiasts, to another captivating journey through the mystifying remnants of our ancestral past. This time, we traipse down the darker alleys of history, unearthing tales of mischief, misdeeds, and the evolution of the criminal justice system from the 18th to the 20th century. Joining Michala on this thrilling expedition is Paul McNeil, lending his expertise to shed light on the shadowy corners of our genealogical archives.

From the audacious 1860's femme fatale who conned jewellers with a crafty gold-for-brass scam, to the enigma of the 'Cockney Golden Highlander,' we unravel stories that blur the line between fiction and truth. We also delve into the labyrinth of the 19th-century court system, giving you a glimpse into the struggles faced by the working-class in initiating a prosecution. Deciphering the nuances of petty sessions, quarter sessions, and assized courts, we explore how the 19th-century police system evolved and what it meant for our forebears.

Our expedition takes a deeper turn as we sift through the UK prison records of the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. From the social histories of those behind bars to the profound insights mugshots offer into the lives of our ancestors, we navigate through this trove of information. As we wrap up this journey, we bring to life the cunning exploits of William Redknapp, who manipulated the wage system of the 19th-century ship workers, and Walter Alfred Hargan, an ex-soldier caught in a deadly face-off with a local gang. So, prepare for a gripping tour through our shared criminal past, and get ready to uncover the clandestine world of aliases and the secrets to tracking criminals through Army and Navy records.

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