Episode 452 - RootsTech Live 2023 Recap: Sean Astin, Judy Russell, and More

Extreme Genes

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys first talk about the joy of being back at a live RootsTech conference. Fisher describes the horror of something American Idol legend, Jordin Sparks, said to him at the conference. In Family Histoire News, David describes the strange tale of a man who suspected his wife of cheating because the baby didn’t look like him. That was not the case! David explains. Then, an Arizona Goodwill store recently sold a piece of furniture that contained a hidden compartment that stored genealogical gold. Catch the result of that discovery. Next, who knew that in the 17th century Germans punished gossips and drunks by forcing them to wear what amounts to “shaming” masks. Finally, a new archaeological find reveals that humans have been riding horses for some 5,000 years. David reveals how they figured this out.

Next, Lord of the Rings actor Sean Astin held a press conference at RootsTech, talking about his family stories and his daughter’s very active research efforts. (Note: Audio was difficult at this event and had to be captured through a speaker!)

In segment number three, from RootsTech, Legal Genealogist Judy Russell joins the show talking about copyright changes, 19th century divorce laws, and an action item for all of us right now!

Next, from RootsTech, genealogical blogger Amy Archibald describes how she miraculously obtained a photo album of her ancestors. How could this be?!

Finally One Name Project manager, Paul Howes, describes how his research turned up a man who loved love, and marriage! Catch his remarkable discovery.

That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!