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...]
The Truth About DNA and Famous Connections
Have your DNA results suggested a connection to someone famous? We hope this article helps you dig a little deeper into those eye-catching matches—whether it’s a royal ancestor, a legendary musician, or a historical icon—and better understand what the DNA and famous connections might really mean. You take a genetic genealogy test, and a few weeks later you get your results. Included in those results are ethnicity admixture percentages and estimates, a list of other customers who share DNA … [Read more...]
Meet Terra, Client Support Director for Legacy Tree Genealogists
Terra Costin grew up listening to interesting stories about her family history from various family members, and always wondered which were true and which were embellished. Did her great-grandmother really run away with the circus in the 1930s, never to be seen or heard from again? Was her great-great-grandfather really the founder of Ricks College (now BYU-Idaho)? Did her ancestors really own a farm that provided potatoes to the Lays potato chip company? And more importantly, she always wondered … [Read more...]
Meet Laura, Project Management Manager for Legacy Tree Genealogists
Laura’s journey into genealogy didn’t come from family tradition—it came from a longing for connection. Born in New Jersey but mostly raised in New Mexico, she grew up largely detached from extended relatives, with no one in her immediate family showing much interest in tracing their roots. But Laura was different. She wanted to understand where she came from, who her ancestors were, and how their stories shaped the life she knew. That curiosity became a lifelong pursuit. Her greatest … [Read more...]