As we continue our Pillars of Power series, exploring the lives and legacies of America’s presidents, we turn to Harry S. Truman—a man who never expected to lead the nation. When Franklin D. Roosevelt passed away in April 1945, the weight of the presidency fell onto Truman’s shoulders. Suddenly, this unassuming man from Missouri was thrust into leadership at one of the most critical junctures in history. What followed was a presidency defined by world-changing decisions from the end of World...

In the 1930s and 1940s, as America faced the Great Depression and then World War II, photography emerged as a powerful tool for documenting the struggles and resilience of everyday people. Through the lenses of pioneering photographers, the era’s challenges and triumphs were preserved in images that still resonate today. This was the beginning of modern documentary photography—a movement that not only recorded history but also brought the human experience into vivid focus. Podcast notes: ...

In 1933, as Herbert Hoover’s presidency concluded, Americans found themselves searching for a leader who could bring hope to a nation facing unprecedented hardship. That leader was Franklin Delano Roosevelt, a man whose personal resilience, family legacy, and transformative vision would steer the United States through the Great Depression and World War II. Understanding FDR’s journey offers not only a glimpse into his remarkable life but also insight into the influences of a family deeply...

Imagine walking through a bustling medieval city with buildings crowded together and narrow streets lined with houses. In this dense urban landscape, the sunlight streaming through a window might be the only natural light available inside. But what if a neighbor built a taller structure, blocking that precious light? This scenario, once a common occurrence, led to the creation of a fascinating property right known as Ancient Lights. This curious legal concept allowed property owners to claim...

Imagine it’s the early 1930s, and you’re gathered with family or neighbors around a small wooden box that fills the room with voices, music, and stories from far beyond your hometown. This is radio, and it’s transforming how people connect to the world around them. Just like today’s smartphones and social media, radio was a groundbreaking tool that brought the outside world into American homes, creating shared experiences and a sense of belonging during one of the nation’s most difficult...

Herbert Hoover, the 31st President of the United States, stands as a figure of resilience and complexity in American history. Known primarily for leading the nation during the onset of the Great Depression, Hoover’s life story is deeply rooted in his early experiences, family background, and the values of self-reliance and service that shaped his leadership. Born on August 10, 1874, in West Branch, Iowa, Hoover was the first U.S. president born west of the Mississippi River—a fitting marker...

Born John Calvin Coolidge Jr. on July 4, 1872, in Plymouth Notch, Vermont, Calvin Coolidge grew up in a small, rural town that profoundly shaped his values and personality. Life in Plymouth was simple and quiet, a fitting backdrop for the boy who would one day be known as “Silent Cal.” His ancestry traces back to the earliest American settlers, giving him deep New England roots that influenced his conservatism and belief in self-reliance... Podcast Notes: ...

Today, we’re exploring the story behind Veterans Day—a day that holds a special place in the heart of America. Whether or not you have veterans in your family tree, Veterans Day is a meaningful time to reflect on service and sacrifice. For family historians, it’s a chance to think about those in our families who served, honor their legacy, and understand the origins of this significant day. Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/a-history-of-veterans-day/  Genealogy Clips Podcast ...

It wasn’t meant to be extraordinary—a simple casting of metal forged to mark time and announce gatherings. Yet, it seemed destined for something far greater from the moment it arrived. Shipped across the ocean, cracked, recast, and ultimately silenced, this humble creation would witness the birth of a nation and become a silent voice for freedom. It endured through wars, protests, and celebrations, growing into a symbol of resilience and hope. Let’s explore how the Liberty Bell, an iconic...

Warren G. Harding, the 29th president of the United States, came into office during a time of great transition. Following the tumultuous years of World War I and the progressive reforms of Woodrow Wilson, the country was yearning for stability. Harding’s campaign message of a “Return to Normalcy” resonated deeply with Americans who were eager for less international engagement and more domestic focus. He would go on to serve from 1921 until his untimely death in 1923, a presidency marked by...

As genealogical research evolves in the digital age, tracing your South African ancestry has become easier and more accessible. With vast online databases, digitized records, and DNA testing, you can now explore family connections and ancestral roots from the comfort of your home. The key is knowing where to look and how to maximize these resources. In this final article of the series, we’ll explore the most useful online tools and DNA testing services available for South African genealogy,...

Tucked away in the peaceful little town of Aurora, Texas, lies a cemetery that might seem like any other small-town burial ground—quiet, modest, with headstones weathered by time. But something extraordinary here is a strange story that has drawn curious visitors for over a century. Among the graves of local farmers and pioneers, people believe this cemetery holds the resting place of an alien pilot from a UFO crash in 1897. This legend is more than just a quirky bit of small-town folklore;...

In the quiet cemetery of Paradise, Texas, a gravestone has captivated visitors, myself included. It’s a simple stone, worn by time, but the inscription makes you stop and think. It reads: “The Lost Arm of F. Stewart, September 27, 1910.” I remember the first time I saw it. The date struck me immediately—September 27, 1910—but what stood out even more was that this gravestone seemed dedicated to an arm. Why just the arm? Who was F. Stewart, and what could have happened to warrant such an...

Ever wondered why Americans head to the polls on a Tuesday in November? This date isn’t random; it’s a tradition rooted in the everyday realities of early 19th-century America, where agriculture shaped not only the economy but also community life. Choosing the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November was an intentional decision, one that accommodated the needs of a largely rural, agrarian society, making it possible for as many citizens as possible to vote. Podcast notes: ...

Every year, as clocks shift an hour forward in spring and an hour back in fall, the tradition of Daylight Saving Time (DST) sparks a mix of enthusiasm and frustration. Some love the extended evening daylight, while others find the adjustment disruptive. But this twice-yearly clock change, deeply rooted in American life, reveals a fascinating history of energy conservation, economic interests, and even wartime urgency. From its origins in the late 19th century to its adoption during both World...

Ready to bring family history to life this November? Here are ten ideas to spark some creative, memorable ways to connect with your roots and celebrate the season! Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/10-must-do-genealogy-projects-for-november  Genealogy Clips Podcast https://ancestralfindings.com/podcast Free Genealogy Lookups https://ancestralfindings.com/lookups Genealogy Giveaway https://ancestralfindings.com/giveaway Genealogy eBooks ...

Let’s explore the Reformation, a transformative period that left a lasting legacy not only on faith but also on family lines, cultural heritage, and European society. This journey through the Reformation’s history will help us understand why October 31, 1517—known as Reformation Day—remains significant for Christians. From Martin Luther’s bold challenge to the Catholic Church, we’ll uncover how these events reshaped spiritual beliefs, affected everyday lives, and altered the path of family...

The Salem Witch Trials are among the most infamous episodes of mass hysteria in early American history. In 1692, a wave of fear swept through the small, isolated community in Salem, Massachusetts, leading to the execution of twenty people and the imprisonment of many more. We know well the stories of those accused, tried, and punished, but what about the animals living alongside these people? Remarkably, there is evidence that even animals—dogs, cats, birds, and more—were not immune from...

Nineteen people were executed by hanging during the 1692 Salem witch trials, with a 20th being pressed to death to try to force a confession from him (to his credit, he never plead one way or the other, knowing the city could take his property from his heirs if he said anything). The tradition has long been that the victims of the witch trials were hanged on the summit of Gallows Hill, and their bodies were buried together in a shallow pit at the site since, as convicted witches, they would...

The Ouija board has become a cultural touchstone, a mysterious object imbued with the power to fascinate, thrill, and terrify. Its letters, numbers, and simple planchette have allowed generations to attempt contact with the unknown. Over the decades, its reputation has shifted from an innocent parlor game to a feared tool of the supernatural, cementing its place in popular culture. Podcast Notes: ...

If you thought the infamous Salem witch trials of 1692 were the only incident of witch hysteria in colonial America, that is understandable. This incident is widely known and talked about, probably because of the number of people convicted and accused. Twenty victims were unjustly executed, while hundreds more for miles around and from far outside of Salem were accused and spent time in jail before the hysteria ended. However, the incident in Salem Village was not the first or only time this...

Are you interested in the history of the Salem witch trials of 1692? Do you wonder if you have a genealogical connection to any of the people involved in it? It’s a unique distinction since not everyone in New England was involved. If you have an ancestor whom you can somehow connect to Salem Village of Danvers, you may have a witch trials connection. The town of Salem was not the exact location of the witch trials. Though the trials bear the town's name, they occurred in neighboring Salem...

The Philippines, known for its rich and diverse cultural tapestry, also holds a unique place in Jewish history. While the Jewish community in the Philippines has always been small, it has played a significant role in the country’s history, especially during times of global turmoil. For those interested in tracing Jewish ancestry within the Philippines, the journey is intriguing and rewarding, offering insights into a little-known but deeply impactful chapter of history. Podcast Notes: ...

The Philippines is no stranger to natural disasters, from typhoons to earthquakes, which have had devastating impacts on communities and their historical records. For genealogists, these events can present significant challenges in tracing family history, especially when vital documents are lost or destroyed. However, all is not lost. With the right approach, it’s possible to reconstruct family trees even after such events. Podcast Notes: ...