Ancestral Findings
943 episodes - English - Latest episode: 20 days ago - ★★★★ - 83 ratingsThese brief historical and informational snippets about genealogy and history should encourage and help you advance your family tree.
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Episodes
AF-792: Ollie Johnston (Nine Old Men)
August 27, 2023 18:00 - 8 minutes - 11.4 MBOllie Johnston was an early and influential animator at the Disney Company, and worked on the company’s animated movies from the very first full-length one. He is remembered by the company today in several different and special ways. Here is his amazing story. It is one you are sure to love... Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/ollie-johnston-nine-old-men
AF-791: Les Clark (Nine Old Men)
August 24, 2023 12:00 - 7 minutes - 10.1 MBLes Clark was one of the longest-serving animators at the Walt Disney Company, and the first of the famous “Nine Old Men” animators of the early days of the company. He started out literally being discovered by Walt himself when he was working in an ice cream shop in high school. This is his story of making his way up in the company. https://ancestralfindings.com
AF-790: Eric Larson (Nine Old Men)
August 22, 2023 16:14 - 7 minutes - 10.1 MBEric Larson was a Disney animator, and later became a Disney Legend. Yet, Eric did not want to work at the Disney Company in the beginning. He ended up there by chance, wanted to quit, was talked into staying, and became the company’s longest-serving employee at the time of his retirement. This is Eric’s intriguing story from reluctant employee to beloved Disney treasure. https://ancestralfindings.com
AF 789: Milt Kahl (Nine Old Men)
August 17, 2023 12:00 - 7 minutes - 10.5 MBPerhaps one of my favorite things about Disney is this: At first, it’s all sparkle and magic. Whether you’re visiting the parks or enjoying Disney movies, every bit of it is captivating in some of the most imaginative ways possible. And then, when you look deeper, you start to notice the real genius behind it all. Underneath the parks, the rides, the attractions, the movies, you’ll find a level of craftsmanship that just isn’t all that common. If we’re speaking of Disney genius and craftsman...
AF-788: Wolfgang Reitherman (Nine Old Men)
August 16, 2023 12:00 - 7 minutes - 10.5 MBDisney is one of my favorite topics, and that’s because it has played a huge role in my life. There are many stories I could tell about my experiences with Disney, but one, in particular, stands out. When we lived in California, my parents bought us a yearly pass to Disneyland. Each week, we’d go there for a family fun day—despite the fact that traffic often meant it would take us three to four hours to get there. I’ve always found Disney inspiring, and one of the most inspiring parts of t...
AF-787: Genealogy Debriefing After a Genealogy Trip
August 15, 2023 11:58 - 5 minutes - 7.84 MBSo, you have been on a genealogy research trip. That is wonderful. You have probably discovered a lot of new and interesting things about your family history, and had a lot of fun along the way. You have walked where your ancestors walked, seen some of the things they saw and gained a better understanding of who they were and what their lives must have been like. A genealogy research trip is good for so many parts of your family history research. You have probably taken a lot of notes and pi...
AF-786: Ward Kimball (Nine Old Men)
August 07, 2023 00:00 - 8 minutes - 11.4 MBWard Kimball stands as one of the most prominent figures to emerge from Disney history. Let's learn about the many passions that inspired him.
AF-785: Are You Planning for Your Next Genealogy Trip?
August 05, 2023 12:00 - 7 minutes - 9.78 MBIf you're planning a genealogy trip to learn more about your ancestors, it's important to plan ahead to ensure a successful and fulfilling journey. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your travels. Podcast Notes: https://AncestralFindings.com/how-to-plan-your-next-genealogy-trip/
AF-784: Frank Thomas (Nine Old Men)
August 05, 2023 00:00 - 7 minutes - 10.7 MBAnimator Frank Thomas made movie magic in close to twenty Walt Disney Studios animated films. Let's learn about his life... Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/frank-thomas-nine-old-men
AF-783: The Birth of the U.S. Navy
August 03, 2023 20:30 - 3 minutes - 4.42 MBPodcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/navy-before-country The history of the U.S. Navy dates back to the early days of the American colonies, even before the United States was established as a nation. The origins of the U.S. Navy can be traced to the Continental Navy, which was created by the Second Continental Congress in 1775 during the American Revolutionary War. During the Revolutionary War, the Continental Navy played a crucial role in the fight against the British, althou...
AF-782: Marc Davis (Nine Old Men)
July 28, 2023 12:00 - 8 minutes - 11.4 MBMarc Davis is one of the best-known animators at the Disney Company. In fact, he is one of the company’s original panel of respected animators that were depended upon to make the early Disney cartoon movies magical. He also had an important hand in designing many of the characters on the iconic Disney theme park rides. Here is his story. Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/marc-davis-nine-old-men
AF-781: Uncover the Riches of Colonial History
July 26, 2023 12:00 - 4 minutes - 6.15 MBFrom the bustling streets of Boston to the charming towns of Connecticut, the entire New England area is steeped in colonial history. Local historians have diligently documented this rich past, ensuring that future generations can learn and appreciate the significance of this region... Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/a-treasure-trove-of-colonial-history
AF-780: Tommy Cole: The Mickey Mouse Club, Part 16
July 24, 2023 12:00 - 7 minutes - 10.4 MBTommy Cole is a former Mouseketeer who was on the show for all three of its original seasons. A singer, musician, and actor, he had to work on his dancing skills, which paid off by getting him promoted to the Red Team halfway through the show’s first season. He later became a makeup artist, a dad, and a husband. This is his story. Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/tommy-cole-the-mickey-mouse-club-part-16
AF-779: Lynn Ready: The Mickey Mouse Club, Part 15
July 21, 2023 12:00 - 7 minutes - 10.3 MBLynn Ready was a third season replacement Mouseketeer on The Mickey Mouse Club. He was the only cast member whose family was not already living in California when he was hired to be on the show. While he did not get many opportunities to perform on the show, he did get a few notable ones. This is his story. Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/lynn-ready-the-mickey-mouse-club-part-15
AF-778: Lonnie Burr: The Mickey Mouse Club, Part 14
July 19, 2023 12:00 - 7 minutes - 10.6 MBLonnie Burr was one of the original Mouseketeers on The Mickey Mouse Club. With a contract with the Disney Company, Lonnie was on all three seasons of the show. After the show, he went on to have several successful careers, being a performer, author, poet, and choreographer. This is his incredibly fascinating showbiz story... Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/lonnie-burr-the-mickey-mouse-club-14
AF-777: Don Agrati: The Mickey Mouse Club, Part 13
July 17, 2023 15:56 - 7 minutes - 10.2 MBDon Agrati was a third season replacement cast member on The Mickey Mouse Club. Unlike other cast members, who stayed with the Disney company after leaving the show (at least for a while), Don immediately jumped into other acting projects, and is best known for an eleven-year stint on the TV show, My Three Sons. This is Don’s unique story... Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/don-agrati-the-mickey-mouse-club-13
AF-776: Cheryl Holdridge: The Mickey Mouse Club, Part 12
July 13, 2023 12:00 - 7 minutes - 10.7 MBCheryl Holdridge was a Mouseketeer on The Mickey Mouse Club, beginning with the second season and working on it on the third season, as well. She was put on the Red Team, but not used much in solos on the show. She married three times, with her first marriage giving her the title of Countess, and was widowed twice. A talented dancer and actress, she had an active acting career until her first marriage. This is her unique life story... Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/cheryl-h...
AF-775: The Story of Upjohn Pharmacy on Main Street USA at Disneyland
July 11, 2023 12:00 - 8 minutes - 11.2 MBLocated on Main Street USA at Disneyland from 1955 to 1970, Upjohn Pharmacy was a beloved and popular attraction at the park. Although it no longer exists, it is still fondly remembered by generations of Disney parkgoers. This is the story of Upjohn Pharmacy. Disney Postcards: https://postcardinspirations.com
AF-774: William Floyd: The Signers of the Declaration of Independence
July 09, 2023 16:00 - 7 minutes - 10.1 MBMeet William Floyd, a prominent New Yorker who made history as one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Although serving as a delegate to the Continental Congress was just a small part of his political career, William achieved great success in New York politics. Even today, he remains a well-known figure in the state, and this is his personal story... Learn More: "The Signers of the Declaration of Independence: Collected Biographies" https://amzn.to/3XEtupK "How to Read ...
AF-773: Desi Arnaz: I Love Lucy
July 07, 2023 17:10 - 8 minutes - 11.9 MBDesi Arnaz is best known for playing Ricky Ricardo on the beloved TV sitcom I Love Lucy. He was also a pioneer in the TV industry in many aspects, inventing innovations that are still in use today. He also had a privileged life in Cuba before the country’s revolution, which turned his family’s lives upside down. This is his story... Learn More: "Desilu: The Story of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz" https://amzn.to/3Nshlzm "LIFE Lucille Ball: Her Life, Love and Legacy" https://amzn.to/3NO...
AF-772: Matilda: The Queens of England
June 28, 2023 12:00 - 7 minutes - 10.9 MBMatilda of England was meant to be Queen, but never quite got there. The only surviving legitimate child of King Henry I, she was supposed to take the crown after him, but her cousin Stephen had the support of the nobles, who did not want a woman to rule them. Her quest for the throne to which she was entitled led to several decades of civil war in England known today as The Anarchy. This is her story. Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/matilda-the-queens-of-england/
AF-771: Victoria: The Queens of England
June 26, 2023 15:32 - 12 minutes - 17 MBAlexandrina Victoria was Queen of England for an astounding sixty-three years, a feat not surpassed until that of her great-great granddaughter, Elizabeth II. Known for her strict moral standards and keen political acumen, as well as for her deep love and passion for her husband, Albert, Victoria is a British historical icon whose influence can still be seen and felt in the world today. This is her story... Podast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/victoria-the-queens-of-england/
AF-770: Elizabeth II: The Queens of England
June 23, 2023 12:00 - 8 minutes - 12.4 MBQueen Elizabeth II was the most recent monarch of the United Kingdom before the current Charles III. She was also the longest-reigning monarch in British history. Born to the second son of King George V, she was not originally in line to the throne. How she came to it is just as interesting as the story of her illustrious reign. This is Elizabeth II’s story. Learn More: "Queen of Our Times: The Life of Queen Elizabeth II" https://amzn.to/3NlbJqt "The Wicked Wit of Queen Elizabeth II" ...
AF-769: Mary II: The Queens of England
June 21, 2023 14:52 - 10 minutes - 15.1 MBMary II was Queen of England in the later 1600s. She was crowned and ruled jointly with her husband, Prince William of Orange. This is the only fully equal joint monarchy in English history. Mary came by the throne most unusually, as well. This is her fascinating story... Related Resources: The Queen's Devotion: The Story of Queen Mary II (Queens of England Book 10) https://amzn.to/3JnEXUJ Queens of the Age of Chivalry: England's Medieval Queens, Volume Three https://amzn.to/42P9Rfm ...
AF-768: Anne: The Queens of England
June 19, 2023 12:00 - 11 minutes - 16.5 MBAnne Stuart was the daughter of King James II of England. She was also the last of the Stuart line of English monarchs. Despite seventeen pregnancies and a happy marriage, she left no surviving heirs to inherit the throne. Her reign was characterized by much political and religious upheaval and change for England. It also saw the creation of the nation of Great Britain. This is Anne’s story... Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/anne-the-queens-of-england/
AF-767: Mary I: The Queens of England
June 17, 2023 19:21 - 9 minutes - 13.3 MBMary Tudor, also known as Queen Mary I (or, less charitably, “Bloody Mary”) was Queen of England from 1553 to 1558. She was England’s first Queen Regnant whose reign was not disputed. The daughter of Henry VIII and Katherine of Aragon, she was raised Catholic, and aimed to keep England that way. This is what you need to know about this interesting and remarkable woman and Queen of England. Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/mary-i-the-queens-of-england
AF-766: Lady Jane Grey: The Queens of England
June 16, 2023 12:00 - 16 minutes - 22.2 MBLady Jane Grey was Queen of England for only nine days, but her story is a fascinating one. Full of trials and triumphs, abuse and privilege, betrayal and honor, and above all, one of deep and abiding faith, Jane Grey is an inspiration to us all. This is her story... Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/lady-jane-grey-the-queens-of-england/
AF-765: William Frawley: I Love Lucy
June 14, 2023 12:00 - 8 minutes - 12 MBWilliam Frawley is best known for playing landlord and friend Fred Mertz on the hit TV show, I Love Lucy. However, he had a long and storied career before and after that iconic role. He also had a childhood and family that is not often discussed. This is his story... Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/william-frawley-i-love-lucy/
AF-764: Jane Means Appleton Pierce: America’s First Ladies, Part 14
June 12, 2023 12:00 - 7 minutes - 10.9 MBJane Means Appleton Pierce was a remarkable woman who served as the 14th First Lady of the United States. Her life, however, was not an easy one. Jane had suffered from depression since she was a child, and things only got worse when she married a man who was not suitable for her. To make matters worse, she lost all three of her children before they even reached their teenage years. Despite all of this, Jane remained strong and resilient, and her legacy continues to inspire us today. Her sto...
AF-763: Vivian Vance: I Love Lucy
June 11, 2023 21:38 - 10 minutes - 14.2 MBVivian Vance is best known for playing Ethel Mertz, Lucy’s landlady and best friend on the classic TV sitcom, I Love Lucy. There is so much more to her than just that, though. Vivian was part of the golden age of movies and theater in the 1940s. She also became a genuine real-life friend to Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. This is Vivian Vance’s story... Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/vivian-vance-i-love-lucy/
AF-762: Joe Feeney: The Lawrence Welk Show
June 03, 2023 12:00 - 7 minutes - 10.3 MBJoe Feeney was an Irish American singer who became known around the United States as a highly talented tenor singer. He performed for twenty-five years on The Lawrence Welk Show, where he was known as “The Irish Tenor.” A devout Catholic with ten children who performed for Presidents and a Pope and loved fishing, this is his story. Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/joe-feeney-the-lawrence-welk-show/
AF-759: DNA Testing: What the Different Types Can Tell You
June 01, 2023 19:43 - 4 minutes - 6.73 MBDNA testing is a very popular way of doing genealogy these days. It can open doors and solve mysteries that no records exist to solve. DNA does not lie, either. It always tells you the truth about who you are and who your family is. There are three main types of DNA testing that are done in modern genealogical research. Here's what each type is and what it can tell you. You can use this information to decide which type of DNA testing is best for your own particular research purposes and goal...
AF-761: A History of Plymouth Rock
June 01, 2023 19:42 - 7 minutes - 10.2 MBEveryone who has been through an American public school knows the story of Plymouth Rock, the legendary first piece of dry land the Pilgrims stepped on after their long and arduous Mayflower journey across the Atlantic. As the place where our first English immigrants encountered and stood on the area that would become part of New England, the rock is a famous artifact on its own. You can even see it today in Plymouth, as it is a major tourist attraction for the town. But, the Mayflower lande...
AF-760: The History of Memorial Day
May 29, 2023 13:47 - 8 minutes - 11.1 MBMemorial Day is celebrated on the last Monday of May and is meant to celebrate and honor those who fell during service with the U.S. military. The point of the holiday is clear, but its origins are not. Read along as we study the history of Memorial Day in the United States... Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/the-history-of-memorial-day/
AF-758: What You Need to Know About DNA Testing and Privacy
May 28, 2023 20:00 - 7 minutes - 10.5 MBHave you heard any news stories that have made you concerned about DNA testing and your privacy? It’s been in the news recently. If you are concerned about a test you did, or about doing it at some point in the future, here is the real story you need to know on DNA and your personal privacy. Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/what-you-need-to-know-about-dna-testing-and-privacy/ #Genealogy #AncestralFindings #GenealogyClips
AF-757: John Hancock: The Signers of the Declaration of Independence
May 27, 2023 15:30 - 8 minutes - 11.4 MBJohn Hancock is a name that is synonymous with the Declaration of Independence. He is known for being the first and largest signer of the document, which was a courageous act at the time. It's worth noting that for several months, John's signature was the only one on the copy of the Declaration that was available, and this was considered treasonous. However, John was far more than just a quick signer. He was an intelligent and driven man who was instrumental in the fight for independence. Hi...
AF-756: Lyman Hall: The Signers of the Declaration of Independence
May 25, 2023 13:10 - 8 minutes - 11.7 MBCheck out the fascinating story of Lyman Hall, one of the three Georgia delegates who signed the Declaration of Independence. Originally a minister from Connecticut, he worked his way up to become a respected doctor and teacher. After moving to Georgia, he became a prominent citizen and earned a seat at the Second Continental Congress. Learn more about his journey to signing one of the most important documents in American history. Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/lyman-hall-th...
AF-755: The Lennon Sisters: The Lawrence Welk Show
May 23, 2023 12:00 - 8 minutes - 11.2 MBThe Lennon Sisters are a quartet of sisters who performed on The Lawrence Welk Show for more than a decade. Part of a family of twelve children, the sisters met Lawrence Welk because one of them was a high school classmate of one of Lawrence’s sons. The girls went on to have a successful and prosperous career, one they still enjoy today. This is their story. Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/the-lennon-sisters-the-lawrence-welk-show/
AF-754: Arthur Duncan: The Lawrence Welk Show
May 19, 2023 12:00 - 7 minutes - 10.6 MBHave you heard of Arthur Duncan? He’s an amazing tap dancer from America who was on “The Lawrence Welk Show” for 18 years! He’s actually one of the first African American men to be a regular on a US TV variety show. His performances were incredible and he helped make tap dancing popular again. It's such an inspiring story! Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/arthur-duncan-the-lawrence-welk-show/
AF-753: Button Gwinnett: The Signers of the Declaration of Independence
May 17, 2023 12:00 - 8 minutes - 11.6 MBButton Gwinnett was a signer of the Declaration of Independence, although a relatively obscure one. Little was known of him prior to him placing his signature on that historic document. While he had a short political career both before and after signing it, Button was not on the historical scene for a long time. Still, his name is remembered in some places today. This is Button Gwinnett’s story. Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/button-gwinnett-the-signers-of-the-declaration-of...
AF-752: Elbridge Gerry: The Signers of the Declaration of Independence
May 15, 2023 14:55 - 8 minutes - 11.4 MBElbridge Gerry is probably a mid-rank Signer when it comes to being remembered by history. Yet, he played a huge role in the cause of American independence and had a political career that touched almost every part of the government of the new United States. His contributions to the colonies during the American Revolution cannot be underestimated, either. This is his important story. Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/elbridge-gerry-the-signers-of-the-declaration-of-independence/...
AF-751: A Closer Look at Probate Records, Part 2
May 10, 2023 12:00 - 7 minutes - 10.4 MBProbate records come in many different forms and types. There are the more traditional types, and the less so. If you can’t find traditional probate records in your genealogical search, there are excellent substitutes you can use, in many cases. These are some records to look for in your genealogical quest. Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/a-closer-look-at-probate-records-2/ #Genealogy #AncestralFindings #GenealogyClips
AF-750: A Closer Look at Probate Records, Part 1
May 08, 2023 15:34 - 7 minutes - 10.6 MBA truly potentially rich source of genealogical information is probate records. Whenever an ancestor crossed over to the other side, they usually left behind some sort of record of their estate. This could be in the form of a will, an inventory of their estate, or court records of relatives or other potential heirs who believed they had a claim on the estate. Sometimes, you will even find old newspaper records of people petitioning the court to be named the executor or heir of someone's esta...
AF-749: John Hart: The Signers of the Declaration of Independence
May 06, 2023 13:00 - 8 minutes - 11.1 MBJohn Hart is a little-known signer of the Declaration of Independence. In fact, he only served at the Continental Congress just long enough for him to vote on and sign the Declaration. Yet, he had a long and distinguished career in New Jersey politics for most of his adult life, both before and after signing the Declaration. This is the interesting story of John Hart. Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/john-hart-the-signers-of-the-declaration-of-independence #Genealogy #Ancest...
AF-748: Benjamin Harrison V: The Signers of the Declaration of Independence
May 05, 2023 13:00 - 8 minutes - 11.6 MBBenjamin Harrison was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. This was not the future president of the United States of the same name, although the future president was a great-great grandson of Benjamin the signer. In fact, Benjamin the signer was the fifth Benjamin of the same name in his family. This was a family of politicians for generations. This is his unique story. Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/benjamin-harrison-v-the-signers-of-the-declaration-of-independence ...
AF-747: Wallace Nutting: The Great Artists
May 04, 2023 14:40 - 8 minutes - 11.3 MBWallace Nutting was once a household name—and he’s still an example of deep creativity and entrepreneurship. Read his photographic history here. Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/wallace-nutting-the-great-artists #Genealogy #AncestralFindings #GenealogyClips
AF-746: Robert Doisneau: The Great Artists
April 27, 2023 12:00 - 8 minutes - 11.3 MBRobert Doisneau is an artist who sought to portray life as he wanted it to be. Learn more about his history and philosophies that went into his art here! Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/robert-doisneau-the-great-artists #Genealogy #AncestralFindings #GenealogyClips
AF-745: Benjamin Franklin: The Signers of the Declaration of Independence
April 26, 2023 12:00 - 8 minutes - 11.5 MBBenjamin Franklin is one of the best known of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, and one of our most celebrated Founding Fathers. Most of his life is well-documented, and there is much to tell, as it was one of achievement and adventure. These are some of the lesser-known facts about this most famous of founders. Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/benjamin-franklin-the-signers-of-the-declaration-of-independence #Genealogy #AncestralFindings #GenealogyClips
AF-744: George Clymer: The Signers of the Declaration of Independence
April 24, 2023 12:25 - 8 minutes - 11.4 MBGeorge Clymer was a signer of the Declaration of Independence who is not as well-remembered as some of the others. Yet, he was a remarkable and busy politician in colonial and early American history, as well as a philanthropist, merchant, and advocate for civil rights for all. This is George Clymer's story... Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/george-clymer-the-signers-of-the-declaration-of-independence #Genealogy #AncestralFindings #GenealogyClips
AF-743: Is MyHeritage.com Worth the Money for Your Genealogy Research?
April 18, 2023 12:00 - 7 minutes - 10.9 MBMyHeritage.com is a subscription genealogy website that focuses on European ancestry. It offers a DNA testing kit, a large collection of scanned genealogical documents from European countries, and even animation of ancient family photos. Is it worth the money? This article lets you know. Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/is-myheritage-com-worth-the-money-for-your-genealogy-research