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Profile of the Day: Barbara McClintock

https://www.geni.com/blog/profile-of-the-day-barbara-mcclintock-106144.html

Published: June 16, 2025 17:35

On this day in 1902, American scientist Barbara McClintock was born. In 1983, McClintock was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for her discovery of genetic transposition. Image: Barbara McClintock / Smithsonian Institution Archives, Flickr…

New Relationship Path Diagrams for Geni Pro Users

https://www.geni.com/blog/new-relationship-path-diagrams-for-geni-pro-users-112544.html

Published: June 13, 2025 17:12

We’re happy to announce an exciting new feature exclusive to Geni Pro subscribers – Relationship Path Diagrams! These easy-to-read visualizations offer a fresh way to explore how any two people are connected to others in the World Family Tree.  Whether…

Profile of the Day: William Butler Yeats

https://www.geni.com/blog/profile-of-the-day-william-butler-yeats-75518.html

Published: June 13, 2025 17:00

Image: William Butler Yeats / Library of Congress On June 13, 1865, Irish poet and playwright William Butler Yeats was born. Named one of the greatest writers of 20th century literature, Yeats became the first Irishman to be awarded the Nobel Prize in…

Profile of the Day: Anne Frank

https://www.geni.com/blog/profile-of-the-day-anne-frank-4-89130.html

Published: June 12, 2025 16:00

“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” – Anne Frank Image: Anne Frank / Wikimedia Commons Today we remember Anne Frank, who was born on this day 96 years ago. Annelies Marie Frank was born on June…

Profile of the Day: Judy Garland

https://www.geni.com/blog/profile-of-the-day-judy-garland-2-84706.html

Published: June 10, 2025 16:20

Do you remember watching The Wizard of Oz? Today we remember legendary actress Judy Garland, who was born on June 10, 1922 in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Image: Judy Garland / Wikimedia Commons Garland was born Frances Ethel Gumm to Ethel Marion and Francis…

Profile of the Day: Michael J. Fox

https://www.geni.com/blog/profile-of-the-day-michael-j-fox-109180.html

Published: June 9, 2025 17:20

Happy birthday to Michael J. Fox! Today the actor and advocate turns 64. Image: Michael J. Fox / Photo by Alan Light, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0) Fox was born on June 9, 1961 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada to Willam Fox and Phylis Piper. Although his…

Profile of the Day: Nathan Hale

https://www.geni.com/blog/profile-of-the-day-nathan-hale-2-97724.html

Published: June 6, 2025 15:26

Who are your Patriot ancestors? On this day in 1755, Nathan Hale, soldier and spy for the Continental Army, was born in Coventry, Connecticut. Image: Nathan Hale / New York Public Library He was born to Richard Hale and Elizabeth Strong and was the great…

Profile of the Day: Robert F. Kennedy

https://www.geni.com/blog/profile-of-the-day-robert-f-kennedy-4-89021.html

Published: June 5, 2025 16:35

On this day in 1968, Robert F. Kennedy was shot three times at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles. Kennedy died of his wounds the following day. Image: Robert F. Kennedy / Nationaal Archief, CC0 He was born Robert Francis Kennedy on November 20, 1925 to…

Profile of the Day: George III

https://www.geni.com/blog/profile-of-the-day-george-iii-2-101065.html

Published: June 4, 2025 17:55

What’s your connection to royalty? On this day in 1738, George III, King of Great Britain and Ireland, was born. George III was Great Britain’s longest living and reigning monarch until the reign of his granddaughter, Queen Victoria. Image: George III /…

Profile of the Day: George V

https://www.geni.com/blog/profile-of-the-day-george-v-2-107720.html

Published: June 3, 2025 17:15

On this day in 1865, George V was born. He reigned as the King of the United Kingdom and the British Dominions, and Emperor of India, from 1910 until his death in 1936. Image: George V / Library of Congress George was born on June 3, 1865 in Marlborough…

Profile of the Day: Martha Washington

https://www.geni.com/blog/profile-of-the-day-martha-washington-88979.html

Published: June 2, 2025 16:50

Today we celebrate the life of America’s first First Lady, Martha Washington, who was born on June 2, 1731 in New Kent, Virginia. Image: Martha Washington / Library of Congress Martha Dandridge was the first of eight children born to Frances Jones and John…

NGS 2025 Recap

https://www.geni.com/blog/ngs-2025-recap-112489.html

Published: May 31, 2025 00:39

We’re back from Louisville, Kentucky where we attended the NGS 2025 Family History Conference. Between May 23-26, the Geni team could be found in the conference exhibit hall, happily chatting with attendees. As always, our conference computers were…

Profile of the Day: Mel Blanc

https://www.geni.com/blog/profile-of-the-day-mel-blanc-2-93743.html

Published: May 30, 2025 16:25

Remember watching Bugs Bunny cartoons? On this day in 1908, voice actor Mel Blanc was born in San Francisco, California. Image: Mel Blanc / Wikimedia Commons Known as “The Man of a Thousand Voices,” Blanc brought to life some of the most iconic cartoon…

Profile of the Day: John F. Kennedy

https://www.geni.com/blog/profile-of-the-day-john-f-kennedy-4-101028.html

Published: May 29, 2025 16:40

Image: John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum On this day in 1917, John F. Kennedy was born in Brookline, Massachusetts. Remembered as one of the most beloved presidents in the history of the United States, Kennedy’s leadership and accomplishments…

Profile of the Day: Jim Thorpe

https://www.geni.com/blog/profile-of-the-day-jim-thorpe-2-103758.html

Published: May 28, 2025 18:35

On this day in 1888, athlete Jim Thorpe was born. A versatile athlete, Thorpe is remembered as one of the most accomplished American athletes in history. Image: Jim Thorpe / Library of Congress Although the exact date of his birth is unknown, his birthday…

Profile of the Day: Rachel Carson

https://www.geni.com/blog/profile-of-the-day-rachel-carson-107671.html

Published: May 27, 2025 10:00

On this day in 1907, American marine biologist and conservationist Rachel Carson was born. Carson’s groundbreaking work is often credited with advancing the global environmental movement. Image: Rachel Carson / Smithsonian Institution Carson was born on…

Profile of the Day: Rosemary Clooney

https://www.geni.com/blog/profile-of-the-day-rosemary-clooney-2-84523.html

Published: May 23, 2025 10:00

Image: Rosemary Clooney / Library of Congress On May 23, 1928, singer and actress Rosemary Clooney was born in Maysville, Kentucky. One of five children, she and several of her siblings became successful entertainers, as did their children. Today, her…

Profile of the Day: Arthur Conan Doyle

https://www.geni.com/blog/profile-of-the-day-arthur-conan-doyle-84518.html

Published: May 22, 2025 10:00

Are you a fan of Sherlock Holmes? On this day in 1859, author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. Image: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle / Library of Congress Supported by wealthy uncles, Doyle was sent to the Roman Catholic Jesuit preparatory…

Profile of the Day: Mary Anning

https://www.geni.com/blog/profile-of-the-day-mary-anning-96820.html

Published: May 21, 2025 16:35

Today we remember English fossil collector and paleontologist Mary Anning, who was born on this day in 1799. Image: Mary Anning / Wikimedia Commons Mary Anning was born on May 21, 1799 in Lyme Regis, a coastal town in Dorset, England. Her father, Richard…

Join Geni at the NGS 2025 Family History Conference

https://www.geni.com/blog/join-geni-at-the-ngs-2025-family-history-conference-112456.html

Published: May 20, 2025 22:11

Geni will be at the NGS 2025 Family History Conference in Louisville, Kentucky on May 23-26, 2025. This year’s conference will be both in-person and online. If you are planning to attend in-person, be sure to stop by the Expo Hall and visit the Geni booth…

Profile of the Day: Cher

https://www.geni.com/blog/profile-of-the-day-cher-3-103722.html

Published: May 20, 2025 17:20

Happy birthday to Cher! Today the music legend turns 79. Image: Cher / Nationaal Archief, CC0, Wikimedia Commons Cher was born Cherilyn Sarkisian in El Centro, California on May 20, 1946 to John Sarkisian and Georgia Holt. From a young age, Cher knew she…

Profile of the Day: Anne Boleyn

https://www.geni.com/blog/profile-of-the-day-anne-boleyn-2-93576.html

Published: May 19, 2025 18:20

On this day in 1536, Anne Boleyn, the second wife of Henry VIII of England, was beheaded for charges of treason and adultery. Image: Anne Boleyn / Wikimedia Commons Her marriage to Henry VIII was scandalous from the start and had plunged the country into…

Profile of the Day: Henry Fonda

https://www.geni.com/blog/profile-of-the-day-henry-fonda-84442.html

Published: May 16, 2025 17:20

On this day in 1905, star Henry Fonda was born in Grand Island, Nebraska. Image: Henry Fonda / Wikimedia Commons, U.S. Navy Fonda was the patriarch of a family of famous actors, including children Jane and Peter Fonda and granddaughter Bridget Fonda. With…

Profile of the Day: L. Frank Baum

https://www.geni.com/blog/profile-of-the-day-l-frank-baum-3-106001.html

Published: May 15, 2025 17:00

On this day in 1856, author L. Frank Baum was born. The noted children’s book writer is perhaps best remembered as the author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and its sequels. Image: L. Frank Baum / Library of Congress Baum was born on May 15, 1856 in…

Profile of the Day: George Lucas

https://www.geni.com/blog/profile-of-the-day-george-lucas-3-105997.html

Published: May 14, 2025 16:50

Happy birthday to George Lucas! Today the filmmaker turns 81. Image: George Lucas / Nicolas Genin, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0) Lucas was born on May 14, 1944 in Modesto, California to Dorothy Ellinore Bomberger and George Walton Lucas, Sr., a…

Pope Leo XIV’s Creole Roots Leads to a Surprising Hollywood Connection

https://www.geni.com/blog/pope-leo-xivs-creole-roots-leads-to-a-surprising-hollywood-connection-112370.html

Published: May 13, 2025 21:27

The Roman Catholic Church has announced its next pope – Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, whose chosen name is Pope Leo XIV. He makes history as the first American to be elected pope. Pope Leo XIV was born on September 14, 1955 to Louis Prevost and Mildred…

Profile of the Day: Bea Arthur

https://www.geni.com/blog/profile-of-the-day-bea-arthur-93509.html

Published: May 13, 2025 16:25

Do you remember watching The Golden Girls or Maude? Today, we remember star Bea Arthur on what would have been her 103rd birthday. Image: Bea Arthur / Wikimedia Commons She was born Bernice Frankel on May 13, 1922 in Brooklyn, New York. Before beginning…

Profile of the Day: Florence Nightingale

https://www.geni.com/blog/profile-of-the-day-florence-nightingale-2-88744.html

Published: May 12, 2025 16:55

Do you have any nurses in your family tree? On May 12, 1820, pioneering nurse Florence Nightingale was born in Florence, Italy. Image: Florence Nightingale / Library of Congress Named after her place of birth, Florence was born to a rich, upper-class…

Geni’s World Family Tree Reaches 200 Million Profiles!

https://www.geni.com/blog/genis-world-family-tree-reaches-200-million-profiles-112353.html

Published: May 10, 2025 15:07

We’re thrilled to share an exciting new milestone – Geni’s World Family Tree has now surpassed 200 million profiles! A Global Family, Built Together This incredible achievement is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion of our amazing…

Profile of the Day: James Barrie

https://www.geni.com/blog/profile-of-the-day-james-barrie-97464.html

Published: May 9, 2025 17:10

On this day in 1860, author James Barrie was born in Kirriemuir, Scotland. Today he is best remembered as the creator of Peter Pan. Image: J.M. Barrie / Library of Congress James Matthew Barrie was the ninth of ten children born to David Barrie, a weaver,…

Profile of the Day: Harry S. Truman

https://www.geni.com/blog/profile-of-the-day-harry-s-truman-4-105952.html

Published: May 8, 2025 17:00

On this day in 1884, Harry S. Truman, the 33rd President of the United States, was born. Image: Harry S. Truman / Library of Congress Truman was the eldest of three children born to John Anderson Truman and Martha Ellen Young. He was given the middle name…

Profile of the Day: Robert Browning

https://www.geni.com/blog/profile-of-the-day-robert-browning-3-105948.html

Published: May 7, 2025 16:45

Poet and playwright Robert Browning was born on May 7, 1812 in Camberwell, England. Widely recognized as a master of dramatic monologue, Browning is considered to be one of the foremost poets of the Victorian age. Image: Robert Browning / Library of…

Profile of the Day: Orson Welles

https://www.geni.com/blog/profile-of-the-day-orson-welles-2-48921.html

Published: May 6, 2025 16:20

On this day in 1915, Orson Welles was born. An actor, writer, director, and producer, Welles is remembered as one of the most influential filmmakers in history. Image: Orson Welles / Library of Congress Welles was born on May 6, 1915 in Kenosha, Wisconsin…

Profile of the Day: Nellie Bly

https://www.geni.com/blog/profile-of-the-day-nellie-bly-2-105933.html

Published: May 5, 2025 17:00

On this day in 1864, journalist Nellie Bly was born. A pioneer in her field, Bly helped launch a new kind of investigative journalism. Image: Nellie Bly / Library of Congress Bly was born Elizabeth Jane Cochran on May 5, 1864 in Cochran’s Mills,…

Profile of the Day: Catherine the Great

https://www.geni.com/blog/profile-of-the-day-catherine-the-great-3-100841.html

Published: May 2, 2025 17:05

On this day in 1729, Russian Empress Catherine the Great was born. Image: Catherine the Great / British Library, Flickr Although she is remembered as one of Russia’s most renowned and longest-ruling female leaders, Catherine was not born in Russia. She was…

Profile of the Day: Calamity Jane

https://www.geni.com/blog/profile-of-the-day-calamity-jane-4-97350.html

Published: May 1, 2025 16:45

On this day in 1852, American frontierswoman and folk hero Calamity Jane was born near Princeton, Missouri. Image: Calamity Jane / Library of Congress Calamity Jane’s early life is a mystery. Much about what is known comes from an autobiographical booklet…

Profile of the Day: Mary II

https://www.geni.com/blog/profile-of-the-day-mary-ii-88573.html

Published: April 30, 2025 17:00

On this day in 1662, Mary II, Queen of England, Scotland, and Ireland, was born. Image: Mary II / National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution, CC0 Mary was born on April 30, 1662 at St. James’s Palace in London. She was the eldest daughter of James,…

Profile of the Day: Willie Nelson

https://www.geni.com/blog/profile-of-the-day-willie-nelson-4-105899.html

Published: April 29, 2025 16:50

Happy birthday to Willie Nelson! Today the music icon turns 92. Image: Willie Nelson / Library of Congress Nelson was born on April 29, 1933 in Abbott, Texas to Ira Doyle Nelson and Myrle Marie Greenhaw. Raised by his grandparents in Arkansas, music was an…

Profile of the Day: Harper Lee

https://www.geni.com/blog/profile-of-the-day-harper-lee-2-105885.html

Published: April 28, 2025 17:05

On this day in 1926, author Harper Lee was born. Today Lee’s novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, is one of the mostly widely read books in the United States. Image: Harper Lee receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President George W. Bush / NARA She…

Profile of the Day: Ella Fitzgerald

https://www.geni.com/blog/profile-of-the-day-ella-fitzgerald-2-84138.html

Published: April 25, 2025 17:15

Are you a jazz fan? Today we celebrate legendary singer Ella Fitzgerald’s birthday! Image: Ella Fitzgerald / Library of Congress The “Queen of Jazz” was born in Newport News, Virginia on April 25, 1917 to William and Temperance Fitzgerald. At the age of…

Profile of the Day: Barbra Streisand

https://www.geni.com/blog/profile-of-the-day-barbra-streisand-3-97352.html

Published: April 24, 2025 17:45

Happy 83rd birthday to Barbra Streisand! Image: Barbra Streisand / Library of Congress Barbra Streisand was born on April 24, 1942 in Brooklyn, New York. With music running in her family, it was of no surprise that Streisand would also be a gifted singer.…

Profile of the Day: William Shakespeare

https://www.geni.com/blog/profile-of-the-day-william-shakespeare-4-100723.html

Published: April 23, 2025 17:05

Today we remember playwright William Shakespeare, who died on this day in 1616. Considered one of the greatest writers of the English language, Shakespeare’s vast body of work has been translated into every major language and are performed more often than…

Cleaning Up the Family Tree on Geni

https://www.geni.com/blog/cleaning-up-the-family-tree-on-geni-112259.html

Published: April 22, 2025 21:40

It’s not uncommon to let things slide as you are researching your family history. Sometimes you are on a roll and don’t take the time to clear a data conflict after a merge or research an inconsistency warning in the tree. You may say to yourself, “I’ll…

Profile of the Day: Jack Nicholson

https://www.geni.com/blog/profile-of-the-day-jack-nicholson-105846.html

Published: April 22, 2025 17:10

Happy birthday to Jack Nicholson! Today the actor turns 88. Image: Jack Nicholson / Georges Biard, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0) Nicholson was born on April 22, 1937 in Neptune, New Jersey. His biological mother was June Nicholson, although he spent the…

Profile of the Day: John Muir

https://www.geni.com/blog/profile-of-the-day-john-muir-93242.html

Published: April 21, 2025 17:40

Today we highlight the profile of naturalist and advocate John Muir, who was instrumental in preserving the wilderness of the United States. Image: John Muir / National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution, CC0 Muir was born on April 21, 1838 in…

Profile of the Day: Paul Revere

https://www.geni.com/blog/profile-of-the-day-paul-revere-3-97256.html

Published: April 18, 2025 17:15

As the British began their approach towards Lexington and Concord on the night of April 18, 1775, Patriots Paul Revere and William Dawes set out on horseback to warn the American colonists of the approaching British troops. Image: Paul Revere’s Ride /…

Profile of the Day: Alexander Cartwright

https://www.geni.com/blog/profile-of-the-day-alexander-cartwright-2-97238.html

Published: April 17, 2025 10:50

Do you enjoy baseball? On this day in 1820, Alexander Cartwright, the “Father of Modern Baseball,” was born in New York City, New York.  Image: Alexander Cartwright / Hawaii State Archives, Wikimedia Commons Alexander Joy Cartwright, Jr. was the son of…

Profile of the Day: Wilbur Wright

https://www.geni.com/blog/profile-of-the-day-wilbur-wright-84011.html

Published: April 16, 2025 17:22

Image: Wilbur Wright / Library of Congress Do you have any aviators in your family tree? On April 16, 1867, Wilbur Wright was born in Millville, Indiana. One half of the famous Wright Brothers, Wilbur and his brother Orville had shared a passion and…

Profile of the Day: Leonardo da Vinci

https://www.geni.com/blog/profile-of-the-day-leonardo-da-vinci-4-107494.html

Published: April 15, 2025 16:05

On this day in 1452, Renaissance painter, sculptor, architect, inventor Leonardo da Vinci was born. A true Renaissance man, da Vinci is remembered as not only a gifted artist but a brilliant intellect whose ideas were ahead of his time. Image: Leonardo da…

Profile of the Day: Anne Sullivan

https://www.geni.com/blog/profile-of-the-day-anne-sullivan-93106.html

Published: April 14, 2025 17:00

On this day in 1866, American educator Anne Sullivan was born in Feeding Hills, Massachusetts. Sullivan is best remembered as the teacher and life-long campion of Helen Keller. Image: Helen Keller & Anne Sullivan / Library of Congress Born Johanna…

Profile of the Day: Gustav Vigeland

https://www.geni.com/blog/profile-of-the-day-gustav-vigeland-2-100574.html

Published: April 11, 2025 17:00

On this day in 1869, Norwegian sculptor Gustav Vigeland was born. Considered one of the most important artists in Norwegian history, Vigeland is perhaps best known for his creation of Vigeland Park in Oslo, Norway. The impressive art installation is the…

Profile of the Day: Omar Sharif

https://www.geni.com/blog/profile-of-the-day-omar-sharif-100576.html

Published: April 10, 2025 17:25

Today we celebrate what would have been actor Omar Sharif’s 93rd birthday! A Hollywood legend, Sharif was best known for his roles in Doctor Zhivago and Lawrence of Arabia. Image: Omar Sharif / Wikimedia Commons He was born Michel Demetri Chalhoub on April…

Profile of the Day: Robert E. Lee

https://www.geni.com/blog/profile-of-the-day-robert-e-lee-2-88334.html

Published: April 9, 2025 17:06

On this day in 1865, Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered to Union General Ulysses S. Grant, effectively ending the American Civil War. Image: Library of Congress During the first year of the war, Lee served as a senior military advisor to…

Profile of the Day: Mary Pickford

https://www.geni.com/blog/profile-of-the-day-mary-pickford-2-112247.html

Published: April 8, 2025 18:50

On this day in 1892, actress Mary Pickford was born. A pioneer of the American film industry, Pickford was one of the most popular actresses of the silent film era. Image: Mary Pickford / Library of Congress Pickford was born Gladys Louise Smith on April…

Profile of the Day: William Wordsworth

https://www.geni.com/blog/profile-of-the-day-william-wordsworth-93073.html

Published: April 7, 2025 17:25

Do you enjoy reading poetry? On this day in 1770, English Romantic poet William Wordsworth was born in the Wordsworth House in Cockermouth, Cumberland, England. Image: William Wordsworth / National Library of Wales Although orphaned by the age of 13,…

Profile of the Day: Maya Angelou

https://www.geni.com/blog/profile-of-the-day-maya-angelou-2-100514.html

Published: April 4, 2025 16:35

Today we remember poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou on what would have been her 97th birthday. The award-winning author published numerous books of poetry, essays, and autobiographies which dealt with themes of economic, racial, and sexual…