Descendants from American Revolutionary War patriots, Western pioneers in covered wagons, French Huguenots, German winegrowers, Japanese revolutionaries, Northern Yankees and Southern Rebels, farmers, foundry workers, coal miners... your usual tired, weary, huddled masses, yearning to be free!

Genealogy for me is a voyage of self-discovery, to unlock family secrets and to connect with history. I'm astonished and impressed by how ancestors overcame hardships and setbacks, to persevere at their occupations and successfully raise families.

Plantation owners and slaves could never have envisioned their descendants collaborating online to research shared family histories... that's for sure!