Unearth the Past: A family history & genealogy podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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Experience a captivating journey through history and music as Dr Michala Hulme sits down with Tom Ogden, the charismatic lead singer of the British band Blossoms. Tom opens up about the band's meteoric rise and the creative sparks behind their upcoming album, "Gary." This episode promises an intimate look at the band's process and Tom's personal connection to his roots, all while giving a nod to the trials and triumphs of being in the spotlight.

In this episode, the pair turn back the clock to the early 20th century to unravel the dramatic and often tumultuous events surrounding life on Stafford Street. Through detailed accounts and historical records, they explore neighbourhood disputes, familial resilience, and John Ridgway’s commendable military service during WWI.

Michala also delves into the haunting tale of William Upton, a hat planker whose tragic battle with mental health issues reveals the stark realities of early 1900s medical treatment. This episode blends personal anecdotes with historical context, offering listeners a glimpse of life in Stockport, a working-class town in North West England. #ancestry #historian #podcast

Useful Links
Michala Hulme
The Blossoms
Power of One
Rostherne Research

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Join Dr Michala Hulme for an unforgettable episode of Unearth the Past, where she sits down with the remarkable Sacha Lord, a Sunday Times best-selling author and world-renowned promoter. Learn about Sacha's exhilarating journey from the vibrant Manchester nightlife scene to helming iconic events like Park Life. You'll be captivated by tales from his book, filled with brushes with danger and moments of triumph. She also delves into Sacha's deep-rooted family history, uncovering his ancestors' significant contributions to the Lancashire textile industry over the past 250 years.

Through old trade directories and ancestral photographs, Michala illustrates Sacha's ancestral journey through the generations, from the economic struggles faced by early handloom weaver John Lord during the Industrial Revolution to Maud Mary Lea's family, who were decorative furniture artists. Furthermore, we share poignant stories, such as the resilience and hardship endured by the Hettricks and the Cronshaws. Tune in for an episode brimming with rich histories and personal anecdotes that promise to keep you engaged.

Links
Michala Hulme
Sacha's book, Tales from the Dancefloor
Power of One
Rostherne Research
DNA Test - gifted from Ancestry

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This week, Michala is joined by TV presenter Matty White.

In this emotional episode, we delve into the details behind Matty's family history and use DNA to tell him more about his ancestors and how they lived.

It's an intimate voyage into identity, family secrets, and the threads that weave together the past and present. As we unearth the emotional narrative of learning about his family history, we see Matty answer some long-held questions about who he is and where he comes from. 

Get the tissues ready!! This is an emotional one!!

To watch this episode on YouTube, Click Here!

Massive thanks to this week's sponsor Witney Antiques.
If you would like to contact Michala, you can do so at www.michalahulme.com
You can contact Matty on social media @mattyfwhite

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Ever felt like life has dealt you a bad hand, and there's no coming back from it? Well, Michala's guest for today, boxing legend Martin Murray – former British and Commonwealth Middleweight Champion – is the embodiment of the saying, 'Where there's a will, there's a way.' Martin takes us through his tumultuous past, from a tough upbringing and prison stints to finding salvation in boxing. His story is a testament to resilience and transformation and how every experience serves a purpose in our lives.

But life doesn't always deal the same cards for everyone. Our journey takes a sombre turn as we unravel the heart-wrenching story of the Greenhalgh family. The tragic death of Elizabeth Greenhalgh, the repercussions on her son, John, and the war experiences of the Greenhalgh brothers are accounts that give us a glimpse into the dark side of life. These stories not only shed light on the struggles families go through during challenging times but also the impact they have on future generations.

Family is an integral part of who we are, and tracing back our roots can often lead to fascinating discoveries. As we dig deeper into Martin Murray's lineage, we uncover intriguing connections and surprising stories. From the significance of Silkstone Street in his family tree to tracing back his roots to Ireland, Martin's family history is as captivating as his personal journey. And as we bring this episode to a close, we even share some tips on how you can start your own journey of uncovering your family tree. So, are you ready to embark on this journey of discovery, despair, and determination with us?

To contact Michala, please visit http://michalahulme.com
To purchase Martin's brilliant book 'Sinner and Saint: The Inspirational Story of Martin Murray', click here.
A huge thank you to this week's sponsor, Witney Antiques.

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What if the stories of your ancestors could reveal unexpected truths and reshape your understanding of family? Join Dr Michala Hulme for a captivating conversation with genealogist Daniel Loftus. Their journey begins with the roots of genealogy, as Daniel shares his personal experience of navigating through the intricate branches of his family tree, piecing together dates and facts that reveal fascinating family stories.

As Michala and Daniel navigate through the history of Ireland's mother and baby homes, they reveal the heartbreaking stories of children who lived and died within these walls. The conversation takes a deeply personal turn as they discuss Daniel's connection to this dark chapter of history and his efforts to honour these forgotten children through "Project Infant". He offers a hard-hitting analysis of the government's role and the ongoing investigation into these institutions, shedding light on a painful past that still echoes today.

They wrap things up with a compelling discourse on finding relatives born in these homes. Daniel provides practical advice on how to find information on people who had a connection to the homes. Buckle up for a profound exploration of genealogy and the enduring legacy of Ireland's mother and baby homes.

To contact Michala, please visit https://michalahulme.com or social media @drmichalahulme

To contact Daniel, please visit https://danielsgenealogy.com or social media @danielmloftus

Project Infant is looking for volunteers to help uncover the names of the mothers and children who died in these homes from this period of Irish history. If you want to get involved, please visit: https://projectinfant.ie/volunteer

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Unearth the secrets of your past as we invite you to join our riveting conversation with Genealogy Jude, a passionate family history detective. Michala and Jude take you on a journey into the world of genealogy, enveloped in Jude's captivating tales of exploring old graveyards and discovering hidden records. We throw light on the revolutionary changes technology has brought to genealogy research, but don't forget to remind you of the irreplaceable value of stepping into archives and unravelling the mysteries hidden within.

Get ready to delve into some mesmerising stories, like the tale of a great-great-grandfather who lost his arm in a railway accident and the exciting implications of AI's impact on genealogy. As we navigate through the intriguing paths of our past, we highlight the importance of employing creativity and using rich sources of local and social history. Rest assured, every step of your genealogy journey will be riddled with fascinating discoveries waiting to be made.

Hold your breath as we dive into the deep sea of DNA technology and its revolutionary impact on genealogy research. From discovering unknown relatives to uncovering family secrets, DNA technology promises an exciting voyage of self-discovery. Sharing our favourite genealogical records, we discuss how these glimpses into the past offer invaluable insights into our ancestors' lives. Are you ready to embark on this thrilling journey into your family's past?

Michala's website: https://michalahulme.com/
Genealogy Jude's website: https://genealogyjude.com/

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WE ARE BACK WITH SEASON 2!!! Yes, Michala is back with your favourite family history podcast, and we are kicking off with a bang!

Dream of uncovering your family's hidden past? Join us in a captivating conversation with genealogy enthusiast Jonny Perl, the founder of the brilliant DNA Painter website, whose quest for family history was kindled by his mother's tales of her ancestors.

Ever wondered how DNA testing can help unearth your roots? We dive into the intriguing world of DNA research, with a focus on DNA Painter - an innovative tool developed by our guest Jonny Perl that visualizes and predicts relationships based on shared centimorgans (cM). Hear our surprising tales of unexpected DNA connections and learn how Jonny's tool has revolutionized genealogy research. We also take a closer look at "What Are the Odds?", a unique genealogy app designed to help you find unknown relatives.

Lastly, we reveal the secrets of the Shared cM Project on DNA Painter, a breakthrough tool that pinpoints possible relationships based on shared DNA. Get a walk-through of the process, explore its latest features, and understand how it can aid your genealogical searches. We also shed light on various DNA testing companies, discussing their strengths and drawbacks, and how they've transformed genealogy research. Join us in this enlightening session with Jonny Perl, the genius behind DNA Painter, and discover the unparalleled power of DNA in your quest for family history.

Websites mentioned on the show:
www.michalahulme.com
www.dnapainter.com
https://dnapainter.com/tools/coverage
https://thednageek.com/a-new-coverage-estimator-at-dna-painter/
https://dnapainter.com/blog/how-to-use-the-new-dna-coverage-tool/
https://www.legacytree.com/blog/genealogy-tools-dna-painter-coverage

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Are you curious about your ancestors and their stories? Would you be surprised if your past held secrets you never imagined? Join me, Michala and my guest, Paul McNeil, as we uncover hidden truths from our pasts and learn that things aren't always as they appear. We share eerie tales of our personal experiences, including a chilling story of a piano playing by itself, possibly a sign from the beyond.

The journey to the past can be challenging but rewarding. In our quest to unravel our roots, we grapple with historical documents like Bastardy records, birth certificates, and baptism records. We share insights on reading the subtle clues in these records, especially when it comes to tracing a child's father. Little hints like the use of 'natural child of' in Parish records or a middle name bearing the father's surname can lead us to hidden truths.

Our conversation doesn't stop at historical records and their cryptic language. We dive into the world of DNA testing, exploring its potential in tracing our roots and unearthing family secrets. Paul shares his personal journey of using DNA testing to uncover the identity of his biological father, and we discuss how these tests can cluster related family members. So, buckle up and join us as we venture into genealogy, history, and some ghostly tales. You're in for a spooky ride!

To contact Michala, you can do so via her website www.michalahulme.com

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Ready to unearth the secrets behind your home's history? Join me, Dr. Michala Hulme, and my cherished guest, Melanie Backe-Hansen, a revered house historian, as we journey through the captivating world of house histories. Together, we discover the intricate links that bind family history, local history, and house history, highlighting the significance of understanding your home's past. At the same time, Mel unravels her personal journey into the realm of house histories, while imparting practical advice for those intrigued by their own homes' past.

Venture with us as Mel and I meticulously piece together the past of a house, shedding light on the immense value of tax records in such research. We navigate through rich resources like the National Library of Scotland's Ordnance Survey maps, census returns, and more, which can all serve as a treasure trove of information. Additionally, we illuminate the enigmatic 1910 Valuation Record, discussing its relevance in taxation and the intriguing snapshot it provides from 1910 to 1915. This episode is your comprehensive guide to uncover the fascinating narratives hidden within your home.

To contact Michala, you can do so via her website www.michalahulme.com
If you would like to purchase one of Melanie's books (House Histories; A House Through Time;  Historic Streets and Squares), you can get them on Amazon https://www.amazon.co.uk/Melanie-Backe-Hansen/e/B006LTDUPG

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Excitement ripples through every word when our special guest, Dr Nick Barratt, an esteemed genealogist and medieval historian, known for TV shows such as Who Do You Think You Are?, weaves tales of his intriguing journey into the world of genealogy. Unravelling family mysteries, Nick's fascinating discoveries about his own lineage are a testament not only to the power of DNA in genealogical research but also to our shared human curiosity about our roots. From unearthing his great-uncle's pre-Cold War Soviet connections to revealing his grandmother's hidden past, Nick's personal journey towards understanding his family history is a story you surely wouldn't want to miss.

The conversation takes a profound turn as Michala and Nick delve into the emotional and transformative power of genealogy. Beyond data and DNA, they explore the human element in the quest for ancestral knowledge. They reflect on the emotional challenges that can arise when researching family history, the importance of understanding why we delve into our past, and how these insights can shape our present. As they navigate through this thought-provoking discussion, Nick shares how genealogy can bridge communities, give a voice to the forgotten, and offer us the opportunity to make a difference. 

As we approach the final chapter of this episode, the intricacies of TV research and personal family history come to light. Offering a fun twist to the conversation, Nick reveals his dream dinner guests from his family tree and his chosen menu for the occasion. Prepare to be enthralled by this captivating blend of history, genealogy, and personal narratives as we embark on this unforgettable journey into the past.

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