Explore every episode of the podcast Genealogy TV Podcast

If you've ever tried to piece together a family member's military service from World War II, you've probably hit a wall at some point. In this episode, Ashley Moore joins me to talk through what records are actually out there, what to realistically expect, and how to keep going when things run dry.

We start with draft registration cards -- a useful entry point, but registering didn't always mean someone served. Ashley spotted something on her great-grandfather's card that most people would scroll right past:

"I actually looked very hard at his draft card, and they actually wrote in the upper corner, enlisted. Keep an eye out for that -- paying attention to those small details, because you might miss it."

I also bring up the Old Man's Draft, a separate 1942 registration collection worth knowing about, and we cover what useful details you can find on both sides of the card.

From there, we get into service records and the DD-214:

"You're going to work backwards from their separation and then up through enlistment. The DD-214 is kind of like a cover sheet that summarizes essentially the person's time in service."

A significant portion of these records no longer exist, and it's worth understanding why before you go looking:

"They didn't actually burn up, they actually got wet. They were in the basement, all the water from the fire came down and molded all of these records, and very few of those records in that basement survived."

We cover what to do when official records are gone -- Fold3, unit histories, pay vouchers, hospital records, local newspapers, and more. Ashley also talks through how to approach the abbreviations and codes that show up constantly on military documents, and medals and uniform ribbons as a way to identify where someone served and what they experienced.

I share the story of a family member who was a POW in World War II and left behind two remarkable journals. At the very end of the written one:

"He writes, 'We can hear the gunfire getting closer and closer. The guards have suddenly left.' And then he writes in big letters: Liberated. And there's one page after that where he writes: Home with Family."

I also share a firsthand account from a great uncle who was aboard a ship at Pearl Harbor during the attack:

"Normally it would take two guys to carry one shell, that's how heavy they were. The adrenaline was pumping so hard that one guy was carrying two. The guys in front of him were dropping, the guys behind him were dropping. He just didn't know how he survived it."

We close with practical tips on correlating evidence across record types, and a thought worth sitting with:

"I encourage people to write down what they know while they can, because these stories don't live forever."

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Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

00:39 Draft Cards Basics

02:09 Old Mans Draft Tip

03:04 Reading Draft Details

04:13 Enlistment and NARA Fire

05:39 Service Records and DD214

07:04 Decoding Acronyms Help

08:15 Alternatives When Records Lost

10:27 POW Diaries and Artifacts

14:04 Medals Photos and Context

16:33 Pearl Harbor Story

18:57 Closing Research Checklist

20:12 Where to Search Next

22:20 Wrap Up

Vital records are where most family trees get built, and in this episode we spend time unpacking what that actually means in practice. There is a real difference between knowing a record type exists and knowing how to use it well, and that gap is exactly where our conversation lives.

We start with birth certificates. When they exist, they tend to hold up well, and for good reason:

"Birth certificates are typically really good quality records because it's the parents that are giving the information. They witnessed the event. They participated in the event."

The complication arrives when the certificate you need was never created. Civil registration of births did not get going until the early 1900s in most states, so for ancestors born before that, the search shifts toward church records, baptism registers, census entries, and family bibles. We also cover delayed birth certificates, which emerged largely because of Social Security in the mid-1930s. People suddenly needed to prove their age, and the resulting documents were often packed with corroborating detail from multiple sources, making them genuinely useful research tools.

Marriage records get a substantial portion of the episode. One thing worth holding onto:

"Pay attention to the dates. A lot of times people will put in their family tree the marriage license date thinking that is the date they got married, and it's not necessarily so. The marriage license is an intent to marry. The marriage return says, yes, it happened."

We also get into marriage bonds, banns, and the value of witnesses. Ashley shares a story about her great-grandmother's records that gets to the heart of why cross-referencing documents matters:

"I looked at that and I went, that's not right. She fibbed about her age to get married. Why would any woman want to make themselves two years older? It was so that she could get married. She was 17."

Death records close out the conversation. The key is the informant, and why it matters more than most people realize:

"Even a spouse didn't witness the birth of that person. So the birth information may not be first-hand knowledge, but the death information might be, because they may have witnessed the death."

We also cover the FamilySearch Research Wiki as a practical first stop for any records search, mortality schedules, and county boundary changes that can quietly redirect where you need to look.

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00:00 Introduction

00:23 Birth Records Basics

01:22 Birth Certificate Clues

03:53 Before Certificates Existed

05:01 FamilySearch Wiki Tips

09:36 Delayed Birth Certificates

12:02 Marriage Records Overview

12:48 Marriage Documents and Bonds

18:41 Marriage Evidence Beyond Certificates

22:17 Finding Images and FHL Numbers

24:49 Death Records and Evidence

27:30 Death Certificates and Informants

31:44 Copies vs Originals and Accuracy

34:18 Real World Marriage Stories

38:04 Wrap Up and Extra Tips

00:00 Introduction

01:32 AI in Genealogy Research

02:19 Denyse's Genealogy Journey

03:57 AI for Transcription and Research

05:55 AI as an Assistant in Genealogy

13:37 AI Tools and Platforms

19:27 Photo Restoration and Ethical Considerations

22:49 AI Hallucinations and Early Experiences

23:26 AI Limitations and Improvements

24:39 Effective Prompting Techniques

26:06 AI for Genealogy Research

27:34 AI Tools and Newsletter

28:57 AI as a Research Partner

31:11 Evaluating AI Outputs

33:23 AI in Genealogy: Case Studies

38:58 Future of AI in Genealogy

42:19 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode we explore the archaic terminology found in a probate inventory.

Connie and Ashley share five expert tips to improve your genealogy searches, including a deep dive into the Ancestry card catalog, using the FamilySearch research wiki, and tips for finding living people and utilizing full-text searches.

Learn about the importance of evaluating records thoroughly and getting out of your usual research platforms to discover hidden gems.

00:00 Introduction

00:48 Tip 1: Using the Ancestry Card Catalog

07:50 Tip 2: Exploring the FamilySearch Research Wiki

13:13 Tip 3: Leveraging Full Text Search on FamilySearch

21:55 Tip 4: Finding Living People for Genealogy

25:43 Tip 5: Searching Every Person by Name in a County

34:50 Bonus Tip: Thinking Outside the Box

Genealogy Tips: Viewer Comments & Expert Insights on Cemeteries, DNA Clusters, and More!Join Connie Knox and Ashley Moore on Genealogy TV for an engaging episode filled with insights and tips derived from viewer comments. Explore various genealogical strategies, from the unique concept of a cemetery crawl to the practical use of Eagle Scout projects for documenting local cemeteries. Learn about the virtual cemetery tool in FindaGrave, the benefits of reflective surfaces in tombstone photography, and how to navigate DNA clusters on Ancestry. This episode is packed with useful information for both novice and seasoned genealogists. Don't miss Connie's expert advice on building heat maps and making the most of Google Earth for your family history research!00:00 Introduction00:13 Sharing Viewer Comments and Ideas00:38 Forgotten Lines Episode Comments - Cemetery Crawl02:57 Cemetery Documentation Tips04:03 Mirror for Seeing the Letters05:58 Virtual Cemetery on FindaGrave10:21 DNA Clustering and Centimorgans16:13 Brick Wall Strategies and Census Records21:02 Remembering Immigration vs. Emigration23:39 Accessing Google's Street View27:05 Mapping Ancestor Migration28:40 Conclusion

Exploring the Future of Genealogy with AI Experts Mark Thompson and Steve LittleWe discuss the intersection of AI technology and genealogy with Mark Thompson and Steve Little from the Family History AI Show podcast.

We talk about the release and functionalities of ChatGPT 5, they share their experiences and experiments with the new technology.

We also cover topics such as AI's role in GEDCOM file analysis, document extraction, and photo restoration. We address concerns about AI hallucinations, ethical issues in genealogy, and the importance of expert oversight.

We conclude by discussing upcoming AI-enhanced browsers and the future of AI in genealogy.00:00 Introduction00:55 Excitement Over ChatGPT 518:06 GEDCOM Files and AI Capabilities23:46 Understanding AI Errors and Excel Checks24:35 Mitigating AI Hallucinations27:54 AI in Genealogy Research30:00 AI's Role in Transcription and Translation34:44 Security Concerns39:46 The Future of AI in Browsers43:40 Upcoming Events and Courses

7th Anniversary Special: Top Genealogy Tips & Strategies | Genealogy TV Podcast

Join Connie Knox and Ashley Moore as they celebrate the 7th anniversary of Genealogy TV on YouTube, boasting 8.6 million views! Reflecting on significant milestones, they reveal invaluable genealogy techniques, including evidence evaluation, the use of DNA tools on Ancestry, and unique research methods like extracting data into Excel.

Connie shares the importance of keeping detailed research notes, utilizing city directories, and collaborating with local historians. Whether you're tackling brick walls or seeking elusive records, these expert insights promise to enhance your genealogical research.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

00:11 Milestones and Achievements

01:04 Team Contributions and Growth

03:23 Brick Wall Strategies: Evidence Evaluation

05:06 Correlation of Evidence

05:33  Reasonably Exhaustive Research.

10:49 Extracting of Data into Excel

11:51 The Right Side Panel - Ancestry

15:14 DNA Research and Tools

16:00 Research Notes and Documentation

20:00 Tips on How to Find Records

22:59 The FAN Club

27:42 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

In this episode of the Genealogy TV podcast, host Connie Knox and co-host Ashley Moore look into the history and significance of Gold Star Mothers and Families.

Established in 1936, this organization honors mothers and families who have lost a child in military service, providing emotional support and promoting patriotism.

Connie shares a personal story about her great grandmother, Nannie Winslow, a Gold Star Mother who lost her son Clifford Henley during World War I.

The episode also highlights the various memorials and resources available for Gold Star families and discusses the personal impact of military loss.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

00:06 History and Origins of Gold Star Mothers

06:57 The Lost Battalion and Clifford Henley's Story

10:21 Gold Star Pilgrimage and Memorials

15:12 Modern Gold Star Families and Resources

19:13 Conclusion

Connie Knox and Ashley Moore explore Ancestry's new DNA clustering tool and demonstrate how to group DNA matches without needing Pro Tools.

This episode provides a step-by-step guide on why and how to group your DNA matches effectively, offering tips for those who may not have advanced subscriptions.

Learn about using shared matches, clustering techniques, and the benefits of creating color-coded groups to manage your genetic genealogy research.

00:00 Introduction

00:04 Overview of DNA Grouping and Clustering

01:00 Why Group DNA Matches?

03:36 Demonstration: Grouping DNA Matches

05:02 Using the Color Chart for Grouping

07:10 Grouping Using Second Cousins

07:56 Using our Best Known Match

09:51 Using the Shared Matches Tool

14:23 What is Pedigree Collapse?

17:08 The Clustering Tool

21:44 Grouping Half Matches

22:20 Grouping by the Family Branches Helps Your Research

22:42 Shared Matches Tool for ProTools Users

25:27 GenealogyTV.org/Handout

Connie Knox and Ashley Moore dive into the fascinating world of cemetery research. The discussion provides valuable tips on using websites like Find a Grave, BillionGraves, and Cemetery Census for locating family memorials.

Learn about creating virtual cemeteries, recognizing the symbolism on tombstones, and the importance of calling ahead before visiting cemeteries.

Discover advice on photographing tombstones effectively and the nuances of military cemetery burials.

Ashley and Connie also talk about cultural practices and the role of genealogical societies in preserving cemetery records.

📚 Stories in Store (Book) https://amzn.to/4nK33LP

Chapters:  

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:18 Overview of Cemetery Research

00:55 Tips for Using FindaGrave

04:28 Virtual Cemeteries Explained

05:49 Military Cemeteries and Symbolism

06:30 Tips for Visiting Cemeteries

11:20 Photographing and Cleaning Tombstones

13:19 Genealogical Societies and Cemetery Projects

14:19 Cultural Practices and Reused Plots

16:19 Military Cemetery Research

19:48 Photographs Prohibited in Military Cemeteries

20:40 Drones in Military  Cemeteries

21:11 Google Earth Studio

22:25 GenealogyTV.org

In this episode of the GenealogyTV podcast, hosts Connie Knox and Ashley Moore explain common terminology and lingo used in genealogy research.

They explain the meanings and historical backgrounds of terms like 'kit and caboodle,' 'muster roll,' 'AWOL,' and many more.

The discussion also covers military records, legal terms in wills and deeds, and the specifics of different types of DNA tests.

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned genealogist, this comprehensive exploration of genealogy vocabulary will help you better understand and interpret historical documents. 00:00 Introduction

00:38 Kit and Caboodle

01:32 Military Terms

02:23 Muster, Muster Roll

02:37 Conscript

02:46 Deservers and Pensioners

03:10 AWOL

04:09 Bounty Land

04:33 Invalid

05:23 Furlough

05:32 Medical Terms in Genealogy

05:59 Apoplexy

06:08 Droopsy

06:17 Consumption

06:40 Grip

06:52 Croup

07:02 Rheumatism

07:33 Genealogy Acronyms

07:44 BCG

07:59 ICAPGEN

08:11 NGS

08:18 GRIP

08:27 SLIG

08:37 ISOG

08:50 Legal Terms in Genealogy

09:00 Dower

10:09 Mansion House

11:43 Administratrix, Executrix

12:21 Testator

12:49 Intestate vs Testate

13:19 Executor

13:31 Administrator

13:36 Testator

13:46 Probate

14:21 Quitclaim Deed

15:41 Family Trees and Floaters

16:46 Floaters and Networks on Ancestry

17:19 FAN Club

17:27 Ancestry Networks

19:24 DNA

19:33 Autosomal DNA

20:27 Mitochondrial DNA

21:52 Y-DNA

23:32 Centimorgans (cM)

24:09 Endogamy vs. Pedigree Collapse

26:08 NPE

27:02 Triangulation

27:32 MRCA

28:54 Land Records and Grants

28:58 Deeds, Grants, Patents

32:28 Headrights

32:51 Metes and Bounds

33:10 BLM & GLO

33:27 Metes and Bounds

34:54 Homestead

36:17 Guardianship

37:50 GenealogyTV.org

In this episode, Connie Knox and Ashley Moore explore the invaluable resource of obituaries in genealogy research. They discuss the wealth of information that can be gleaned from obituaries, including family relationships, occupations, and even military service. The hosts emphasize the importance of not only finding obituaries but also utilizing them effectively to build a comprehensive family history. They share tips on where to find obituaries and encourage listeners to engage with their communities to uncover hidden family stories.

In this conversation, Connie Knox and Ashley Moore discuss Ancestry's photo recognition feature, which allows users to identify unknown family photographs using facial recognition technology. They explore the process of uploading photos, the potential for matching with other users' images, and the importance of documenting family history. The discussion highlights the excitement and challenges of using technology to uncover family connections and the significance of preserving family memories.

Summary

In this conversation, Connie Knox and Ashley Moore delve into the fascinating world of family lore and genealogy. They share personal stories about their family histories, exploring how family myths and secrets shape their understanding of their ancestry. The discussion highlights the importance of verifying family stories through research, the emotional ties that influence these narratives, and the concept of negative evidence in genealogical research. Through their experiences, they emphasize the value of uncovering the truth behind family lore and the impact it has on personal identity.

In this episode Connie and Ashley talk about DNA strategies using atDNA, YDNA and mtDNA.

Watch or listen to Connie Knox and Ashley Moore as they talk about tips on how to solve some common family history research problems. Hear them talk about strategies and new technologies that help solve genealogy problems.

What happens to your DNA at 23andMe since they have filed for bankruptcy?  Should you download your 23andMe data? Should you delete your DNA account at 23andme? Watch Connie and Ashley have a discussion about what our choices are and thinking through the ramifications.

There is no handout for this episode.

News reports from NBC News and CBS News.

00:00 News Reports

00:15 Intro

01:12 Concerns of CA Attorney General

05:03 Downloading DNA Data

05:49 Connie's Not Concerned

07:32 CBS Stock at 23andMe

07:50 Is 23andMe going to be able to recover?

08:09 How we can help

08:19 DNA on Multiple Platforms

08:29 23andMe Benefits

08:51 Who will 23andMe sell to?

09:16 Leah Larkin DNA Geek

09:46 Connie's Gut Instinct

09:53 MyHeritage

11:34 Hypothetical DNA with 23andMe

12:27 Buying 23andMe Stock

12:48 Hope MyHeritage Buys 23andMe

15:01 Connie's Wait and See

15:07 How to Delete Your Data

15:33 If someone purchases the company

16:30 Safest Route - Download

17:13 Reassured

17:29 More Videos

Quick and Dirty Tree Strategy: A Genealogical Approach to Find Missing Family Members

We look into the 'Quick and Dirty Tree' strategy, an effective method for uncovering missing family members using DNA matches and traditional genealogy research.

This approach is particularly useful for adoptees and individuals trying to locate missing relatives like grandparents.

We discuss how to construct and use a floating tree on Ancestry, and features Ashley's personal story of using this method to identify her biological grandfather.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

01:14 Understanding Quick and Dirty Tree Strategy

02:33 Building a Quick and Dirty Tree

05:06 Ashley's Success Story

07:07 The G Rule

08:10 Census Records

09:29 Combine Traditional Work and DNA Records

12:26 Connie's Personal Experience

14:51 GenealogyTV.org

The Untold Stories Found in Historical Newspapers

We explore historical newspapers and social columns. We discuss the colorful and sometimes shocking stories unearthed from old newspapers, including murders and family mysteries.

Hear how these social columns served as the social media of their day, revealing intimate and vital details about people's lives. We also emphasize the importance of documenting family stories and preserving them for future generations.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

01:02 The Fascinating World of Social Columns

02:01 Unraveling a Family Murder Mystery

04:33 The Search for Clues

06:35 A Breakthrough in the Case

07:34 The Shocking Truth Revealed

12:58 A New Family Story Begins

13:08 A Grandfather's Hidden Past

15:34 The Black Hands and Family Threats

18:00 Coal Mining Accident and Family Impact

19:58 Researching Family History Through Newspapers

20:46 Solving a Client's Family Mystery

21:55 Tragic Family Story Uncovered

26:40 Importance of Research Notes

28:08 Interviewing Elders for Family History

32:47 Preserving Family Stories in the Digital Age

34:03 The 200 Year Rule

36:12 Using AI for Genealogy Research

37:12 Conclusion

Finding Biological Parents: Genealogy Tips and Personal Stories

In this episode of the Genealogy TV podcast, join host Connie Knox and co-host Ashley as they look into the highly sensitive and impactful journey of finding biological parents.

They share personal stories, discussing the emotions and challenges faced during such searches, and offer valuable tips and tricks for using DNA and traditional genealogy methods. Learn about the concept of Non-Paternal Events (NPEs), the role of DNA Painter, and how to approach delicate conversations when connecting with newfound relatives.

Whether you're an adoptee searching for biological parents or trying to uncover a missing ancestor, this episode provides insightful advice and resources to guide you through the process.

00:00 Introduction

01:31 Today's Topic: Searching Biological Parents

03:00 Understanding NPE: Non-Paternity Event

05:11 Ashley's Personal Genealogy Story

09:26 Connie's Adoption Story

13:19 Combining Traditional Genealogy with DNA

17:15 The Most Recent Common Ancestor

17:47 Tips for Adoptees: Getting Started with DNA Testing

23:14 Social Groups That Can Help

24:03 DNA Search Angels

25:19 Cautions and Sensitivity in Genetic Genealogy

31:18 Support Groups and Final Tips

32:17 GenealogyTV.org

Exploring FindAGrave: Tips, Tricks, and the Genealogy CommunityWe discuss the pros and cons of using FindAGrave for genealogical research, share personal experiences, tips, and tricks, and talk about the community-driven aspects of the platform.

Whether you're building your family tree or just curious about your ancestors, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you on your journey.

We also touch on the importance of volunteer contributions, how to manage and transfer memorials, and the best-kept secrets of FindAGrave.

00:00 Introduction

01:01 Meet Ashley

01:54 FindAGrave.com

02:12 What We Love About FindAGrave.com

04:11 Incomplete Records and Abandoned Cemeteries

04:49 Volunteers Take Photographs for You

05:27 We are Genealogy TV

06:10 Leaving Flowers on FindAGrave

07:54 Virtual Cemeteries: the Best Kept Secret on FindAGrave

09:34 Transferring Memorials

12:38 The Ads on FindAGrave

13:28 Click on the Photographer

14:37 Cemeteries with QR Codes

15:52 Getting Involved with FindAGrave

17:21 GenealogyTV.org