What does it mean to truly know where you come from? For many Black Americans, tracing family roots eventually hits a historical "brick wall"—the painful disruption of the transatlantic slave trade. In a powerful, deeply personal conversation, lineage researcher Adrienne Abiodun sat down with Dr. Gina Paige, co-founder of AfricanAncestry.com, to discuss how genetic genealogy is tearing down those walls. From the evolving celebration of Juneteenth to the profound emotional realities of DNA … [Read more...]
Tracking an Elusive Entrepreneur: Interwar Business Genealogy
From Textiles to the Racetrack: Tracking an Elusive Early 20th-Century Entrepreneur Across the Midwest Image created by Gemini, 26 May 2026. Every family history project presents its own distinct challenges, but few are as captivating as tracing a relative who constantly shifted occupations and moved across state lines. When our team was approached to investigate a relative rumored to have spent the Interwar period producing entertainment events across multiple states, we knew this required … [Read more...]
Preserving Family History: Beyond Names and Dates
When we think of genealogy, we often picture sprawling family trees, census records, and birth dates. But true family history is so much richer than that. It is found in the faded photographs, the quirky keepsakes, and the hilarious, heartwarming, and sometimes heartbreaking stories that are passed down from generation to generation. In a recent episode of The Legacy Tree Podcast, host Mandy sat down with two incredible guests who are experts at capturing these very things: Heather Nickerson, … [Read more...]
The 442nd Regiment Combat Team: Honoring Japanese American Bravery and Legacy
The generation of Americans who survived the Great Depression and enlisted during World War II has often been called the “Greatest Generation.” Their stories of sacrifice, patriotism, and achievement are legion. Among them, the Japanese American soldiers of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team exemplified these qualities with extraordinary courage and devotion. U.S. Army promotional pamphlet, 1943. Courtesy Wikimedia Commons. Isolationism and Immigration Between 1639 and 1852, Japan practiced … [Read more...]
Obon: The Japanese Festival of Reverencing Ancestors
Whether it’s Mexico’s Dia de los Muertos, Guatemala’s Kite Festival, or the multinational Christian holiday of All Saint’s Day, many countries and cultures have holidays and festivals dedicated to reverencing, celebrating, and remembering those who have come before. Japan’s version of this celebration, a summer festival called Obon, provides an opportunity for millions of Japanese people to come together as families and communities to pay respect to and better connect with their ancestors … [Read more...]
Meet Jennifer, Project Manager for Legacy Tree Genealogists
Jennifer is a Project Manager at Legacy Tree Genealogists, where she combines a lifelong love of storytelling with a passion for helping people uncover their roots. Her journey into genealogy began in 2020 when she started tracing her own family tree—an adventure that led to unexpected discoveries, including traces of Coptic Egyptian and Eastern European ancestry in her predominantly Italian lineage. With a background in customer service and experience as an insurance agent, Jennifer brings … [Read more...]
Meet Lisa, Project Manager for Legacy Tree Genealogists
Lisa Ratzesberger brings a warm and personal touch to her work in genealogy, shaped by years of experience in client-focused roles. She started her career in credit unions, helping members with their accounts and loans. After taking time off to raise her three children, she stayed active by volunteering in her community. Once her kids were in school, Lisa moved into the insurance world, where she got licensed and continued her focus on great customer service. No matter the job, she’s always been … [Read more...]
Swiss National Day: Celebrating Swiss Citizenship and Heritage
From Founding to Festivities: Understanding the Roots of Swiss National Day Swiss National Day, celebrated on August 1, marks the founding of the Swiss Confederation in 1291 when three cantons—Uri, Schwyz, and Unterwalden—joined forces to resist foreign encroachment. (A canton is a subdivision of a country established for political or administrative purposes.) This significant event not only shaped the Swiss identity but also has a deep connection to Swiss family history and genealogical … [Read more...]