Valerie Nagle spent decades wondering what happened to her older sister who was last seen in Oregon in 1974. She searched online databases of unidentified persons cases looking for her and sent DNA to a popular ancestry website in the hopes of finding a match.

That all changed in June when authorities in Oregon called Nagle “out of the blue” to ask about comparing her DNA to a cold case known as “Swamp Mountain Jane Doe,” she said. Nagle’s DNA ultimately helped confirm that the remains of a woman found near a mountain creek in Oregon’s Central Cascades in 1976 were that of her sister, Marion Vinetta Nagle McWhorter.

Oregon State Police publicly released the news this week after the remains were identified in June.

“I was very surprised that they called,” Nagle, a 62-year-old who lives in Seattle, told The Associated Press. She was 11 when her sister went missing. “I was really glad that they found me through DNA.”

McWhorter was last seen at a shopping mall in the Portland suburb of Tigard when she was 21.

She was the oldest of five siblings, and Nagle was the youngest. Their mother was Alaska Native of the Ahtna Athabascan people, Nagle said, and her big sister had been named for an aunt who died in a boarding school for Indigenous children in Alaska in 1940.

High rates of disappearances of Indigenous people, particularly women, have festered for generations amid inadequate public safety resources.

Nagle, who lived in New York with her parents and one of her brothers at the time of her sister’s disappearance, said her mother may have contacted authorities but that she wasn’t sure of the exact extent of the efforts made by her parents to find her sister.

“I mean, there were, you know, efforts to search, but it was limited,” she said. “We didn’t have that much to go on.”

She does know her sister had come from California to Oregon with plans to continue on to Seattle and eventually Alaska when she called an aunt who lived near the Tigard shopping mall for a ride in October 1974 — but the aunt didn’t end up meeting up with her, Nagle said.

Nearly 20 years later, the aunt shared another detail with Nagle: When McWhorter called her that day, she told her that a man in a white pickup truck had offered to give her a ride. It was unclear why her aunt waited that long to share that information.

Nagle said that when she learned this puzzle piece, she “started in earnest with more searching,” including by checking databases with unidentified persons cases.

“I remember spending a lot of time on those pages, just scrolling through and trying to look,” she said.

In 2010, a bone sample from McWhorter’s remains was sent to the University of North Texas Center for Human Identification, and a profile was created in the national missing persons database NamUs, state police said. An additional bone sample was submitted for DNA extraction in 2020, allowing for a unique genetic marker profile to be produced.

In 2023, Nagle did a DNA test when she signed up for Ancestry, a genealogy company with a DNA database, hoping it would yield a clue about her sister, she said.

But the breakthrough came in April when a first cousin once removed uploaded their genetic profile to FamilyTreeDNA, another genealogy company with a DNA database, Oregon State Police spokesperson Jolene Kelley said in an email Thursday. That allowed genealogists to get a better idea of McWhorter’s family tree and led them to find that Nagle was a surviving family member.

“This case was cold for 49 years. That means that family members lived and died without ever knowing what happened to their missing loved one,” State Forensic Anthropologist Hailey Collord-Stalder said in a statement, adding that McWhorter “likely did not go missing voluntarily.”

Wondering how to research your family story? Join Carol Litchfield, genealogist with the Haywood County Historical & Genealogical Society in Haywood County, North Carolina, for an overview of genealogical resources and tools available at the Haywood County Public Library.

There will be two opportunities to attend the workshop. The first will be from 2-3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 30, in the Waynesville Library auditorium, and the second will be from 3-4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, in the Canton Library auditorium.

SUMMARY

Colleen Shogan made history when she became the first woman to serve as archivist of the United States in 2023, until February, when President Trump fired her with no warning or reason given. Now Shogan has a new challenge, which she unveiled during our exclusive interview. On Constitution Day, she launched a national bipartisan effort, part of an alliance of 34 presidential centers and some 100 groups, called More Perfect, working to strengthen our democracy.

View the transcript of the story.

News alternative: Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.

WARM-UP QUESTIONS

1. Who is Colleen Shogan?
2. What are the goals of In Pursuit?
3. When does the U.S. celebrate its 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence?
4. How does the National Archives help tell the story of America?
5. Why did Shogan say she was fired by President Trump?

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

• Why do you think it is important to preserve American history?
• How is the work Shogan is doing now with More Perfect's In Pursuit a continuation of her work at the National Archives?

Media literacy: Shogan said she was not given a reason for her firing from the National Archives. How was Shogan's firing different and similar to the many of thousands of federal workers who have lost their jobs under the Trump administration? Why do you think her story was covered and not others?

WHAT STUDENTS CAN DO

Learn more about the National Archives and the initiatives carried out by this government agency. Take a look at Milestone Documents on the National Archives website or scroll through the timeline. According to the National Archives website, "The primary source documents on this page highlight pivotal moments in the course of American history or government. They are some of the most-viewed and sought-out documents in the holdings of the National Archives."

What documents do you recognize? Which document do you see as a milestone in history and why?

In February 2023, the skeletal remains of an unidentified individual were found in a tree line adjacent to the Veterans Administration Center in Taney County's Branson, Missouri. Investigators found clothing including blue shorts, a discolored shirt, red Crocs shoes, and a safari hat. Eyeglasses, toiletry items, a glucose meter, and an insulin pen were also found alongside the remains. The Taney County Coroner's Office determined that the remains were likely a White man between the ages of 45 and 60 years old who was 5'5" to 5'9" tall.

Officials conducted an extensive investigation into the man's identity, including publishing an artist's rendition of what the man may have looked like when he was alive. Despite investigator's efforts, the man could not be identified and he became known as Taney County John Doe (2023). Details of the case were entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) as UP134364 in December 2024. A composite sketch was developed and released to the public in hopes that it would assist in generated new leads in the case.

Working with the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Taney County Coroner’s Office submitted forensic evidence to Othram in The Woodlands, Texas to determine if advanced DNA testing could help identify the man. Othram scientists successfully developed a DNA extract from the provided evidence and then used Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to build a comprehensive DNA profile for the man. Othram's in-house forensic genetic genealogy team used the profile in a genetic genealogy search to develop new investigative leads that were returned to law enforcement.

Using this new information, a follow-up investigation was conducted leading investigators to potential relatives of the man. Reference DNA samples were collected from a relative and compared to the DNA profile of the unidentified man. This investigation led to the positive identification of the man, who is now known to be Robert Michael LaFaire, born June 30, 1964. Robert LaFaire's family has been notified of his identification.

The casework cost associated with this case were funded by legislation sponsored by State Representative Tricia Byrnes of Wentzville. In 2024, Rep. Byrnes secured $1.5 million in state funding to support the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s efforts to identify unidentified human remains through forensic genetic genealogy.

Individuals who have taken a consumer DNA test can aid ongoing forensic investigations by joining the DNASolves database. Expanding the pool of available DNA data increases the likelihood of successful identifications, helping to reunite families with their missing loved ones and resolve cases that have remained unsolved for years.

The identification of Robert LaFaire, represents the 22nd case in the State of Missouri where officials have publicly identified an individual using technology developed by Othram. Visit DNASolves to learn about other Missouri cases where your support can help bring long-awaited answers to families.

 The Orange Mound Library and Genealogy Center at 5094 Poplar Ave.
Memphis, TN has been honored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Earlier this week, the library was given the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation National Preservation Award.

It’s a national award given each year by the Trust.

The following is a press release written by the folks at NGS:

The National Genealogical Society (NGS) has announced the inaugural cohort of participants in the newly established James Worris Moore Leadership Academy. The Academy honors the legacy of James Worris Moore (1934–2007), a pioneering African American archivist whose career spanned forty-two years at the United States National Archives. In 1960, Moore's membership application to NGS sparked controversy when he and other African Americans were denied admission to what was then an all-white organization. NGS has since acknowledged and apologized for this wrong. Despite barriers, Moore rose to senior leadership at the National Archives, where he tirelessly championed the preservation of, and public access to, genealogical records—particularly underutilized collections. In recognition of his groundbreaking contributions, he was inducted into the National Genealogy Hall of Fame in 2025. The Academy was founded to carry forward Moore's vision and values. Its mission is to: Develop future leaders equipped with the skills, knowledge, and experience to guide the genealogical community forward. Enhance diversity and inclusion by opening doors for those from underrepresented backgrounds. Encourage practical engagement through capstone projects, committee service, and professional presentations. Build strong professional networks linking emerging leaders with established genealogists and NGS committees. NGS congratulates and welcomes the following eight people who recently started their cohort journey. Dr. kYmberly Keeton (Texas) Director and chief library curator of the Art Library Gallery, Keeton holds a doctorate in information science and interdisciplinary studies. She has served as faculty librarian and African American community archivist and organized Growing Your Roots, Austin’s first African American genealogy conference. Founder of ART | Library Deco and the Black COVID-19 Index, she blends genealogy, storytelling, and digital innovation as a form of scholarship and activism. Denise Miller (Michigan) A Black, queer leader with a strong background in nonprofit leadership and genealogy education, Miller serves as director of education at the Institute of Public Scholarship. She has created programs and curricula focused on genealogy, co-founded two nonprofits, and designed intergenerational forums for Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities. Her work fosters collaboration and historical reclamation through inclusive genealogical education. Oyuga George Nyaure (Nyanza, Kenya) Nyaure is a genealogist and community leader who digitized and preserved key historical records in Kenya, making them publicly accessible. As a facility administrator for a Kenyan orphanage, he improved workflow and morale while training volunteers in archival methods and community engagement. His work has empowered families and researchers alike and left a lasting impact on local genealogical access and education. Kassidy Price (Utah) An active member of NGS, Association of Professional Genealogists (APG), Utah Genealogical Association (UGA), and International Society of Genetic Genealogy, Price serves on the UGA Board of Directors where she has driven growth in social media engagement. With a background in leadership and management, she has led genealogical initiatives in her church congregation and focuses on accessible, community-based genealogy. Her thoughtful approach to organizational change continues to strengthen genealogical outreach and education. Luís Rívera (New York) Rívera is a member of the Sociedad Puertorriqueña de Genealogía, NGS, and APG. His genealogical journey began with tracing his Puerto Rican roots and expanded into pro bono research tracing Jewish ancestry across Eastern Europe. A Posse Scholar, he spent nine years as a foreign language educator, serving as Spanish department curriculum leader and DEIJB committee co-chair. He is committed to using genealogy as a tool for cultural identity and justice. Dayna Terrell (Ohio) A passionate genealogist and experienced leader, Terrell has served in key roles with NGS, Mahoning County Genealogical Society, and the Ohio Genealogical Society. She has organized four large family reunions incorporating deep genealogical research. Her work exploring schools, neighborhoods, and cemeteries fosters stronger family connections. Skilled in overcoming research challenges with DNA testing, she is eager to expand her own history and support others. Alexander Trapps-Chabala (Louisiana) Founder and director of KinConnector, Trapps-Chabala is advancing African American and Afro-Indigenous genealogies through public research and education. He is the lead genealogist for the Sold Down River project at Norfolk State University and has served as an archivist at the African American Museum and Library at Oakland. He has presented nationally via PBS and KQED and is committed to descendant-centered research and equitable access to genealogical resources in the Gulf South. Terri Ward (Florida) An accomplished genealogist and cultural historian, Ward specializes in African American genealogy and Coastal Georgia history. She has presented for the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society, Georgia Genealogical Society (GGS), and Coastal Georgia Historical Society. As director of publicity for GGS, she has significantly increased membership and engagement. Through her business, The Front Porch Genealogist, she launched creative initiatives like 'Harmonizing the Heritage' and 'Journaling the JAMZ,' blending music and genealogy. She is a recipient of Midwest African American Genealogy Institute and Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research Frazine K. Taylor scholarships.

The SPVM announced Wednesday that they solved the murder of Catherine Daviau, a 26-year-old woman killed in her home in the Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie borough in Dec. 2008.

Police say the DNA of Jacques Bolduc, who died of natural causes in 2021 at the Archambault Institution, where he was serving a sentence for two robberies and attempted murders, matches that of what was collected on the scene.

The force made the revelation in collaboration with the Forensic Sciences and Legal Medicine Laboratory (LSJML) of the Quebec Ministry of Public Security and the use of genetic genealogy.

On Dec. 11, 2008, Daviau was found brutally murdered in her apartment on 5th Avenue, near Masson Street — believed to have taken place in the evening.

The murderer then allegedly attempted to cover up the evidence of his crime by setting fire to the apartment before fleeing.

Traces of his DNA were collected during investigators’ examination of the crime scene.

Police confirmed Bolduc was not a relative of the victim and he reportedly contacted Daviau a few days before the murder, after she had listed her car on an online classifieds site.

As Bolduc is not alive, the SPVM’s confirmation of his identity closes the cold case and won’t be in court.

“Over the years, several investigative strategies have been deployed and hundreds of pieces of information have been processed to solve the murder of Ms. Catherine Daviau,” said the head of the Major Crimes Section, Commander Mélanie Dupont.

“We never gave up, and genetic genealogy finally allowed us to definitively identify the perpetrator of this horrific crime,” she added.

“Our thoughts are with the victim’s loved ones, and we hope that today’s announcement will bring them some peace of mind in their grieving process.”

The long-term investigation was helped by genetic genealogy, which allowed investigators to establish family trees to target a family of interest and cross-reference the suspect’s DNA with DNA profiles found in genealogy databases.

“For the past 17 years, the Laboratory’s scientists have worked in collaboration with the SPVM to complete this investigation,” said Suzanne Marchand, Senior Executive Director of the LSJML. “The arrival of innovative DNA technologies has helped solve the murder of Catherine Daviau. This can be seen as a source of hope for all those still waiting for answers.”

“Our goal in the coming years is to solve other unsolved murders by leaving no stone unturned and taking advantage of the new tools at our disposal. What motivates investigators is to bring justice to the victims and provide answers to grieving families,” said Dupont.

The family of a woman who has been missing for more than 50 years is getting some closure after Oregon State Police says investigative genetic genealogy helped identify her remains found in Linn County.

A moss hunter initially found the skeletal remains on July 24, 1976 in the Wolf Creek area near Swamp Mountain. However, it would be nearly half a century years before a team of detectives, medical examiner staff, and forensic genetic genealogists would confirm they belonged to Marion Vinetta Nagle McWhorter.

“This case was cold for 49 years. That means that family members lived and died without ever knowing what happened to their missing loved one,” State Forensic Anthropologist Hailey Collord-Stalder said.

Along with the remains, Linn County Sheriff’s Office investigators found a clog-style shoe, a fraying fringed leather coat, a leather belt with Native American-style beadwork, two metal rings, and a pair of degraded Levi’s jeans.

The Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office examined the evidence back in 1976, and while a dental examination noted several restorations, they were unable to confirm an identity.

Decades later in 2010, the Oregon Museum of Natural and Cultural History made an anthropology report and estimated that the remains were of a white woman under 35 years old at the time of her death. Later that year, a bone sample was submitted to establish a DNA profile.

The following year a forensic artist with the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office created a possible rendering of her face.

Another decade passed, and thanks to a National Institute of Justice grant, researchers used advanced DNA techniques to get a new profile analyzed.

There was a breakthrough in the case in April of 2025, when someone uploaded their genetic profile to the Family Tree DNA database, opening up a connection to the unidentified woman.

After following some leads, they determined the remains were likely those of McWhorter.

“Forensic genetic genealogy allowed us not only to assist Oregon law enforcement and medicolegal personnel in identifying a woman who likely did not go missing voluntarily, but it also helped provide her family with answers and help relieve the uncertainty of what happened to Marion McWhorter,” Collord-Stalder said.

Investigators say McWhorter, who was born January 7, 1953, had one surviving younger sister who lived in the Seattle area. She provided a DNA sample, confirming that it was her long-lost sister found all those years ago.

The Linn County Sheriff's Office is working to find out more about what led up to McWhorter’s death.

The Southington Genealogical Society will examine how localized expressions can provide clues into researching family history Sept. 23 at the Southington Historical Society.

The free program will be held Sept. 23 at 7 p.m. at the historical society at 239 Main St. For those unable to attend in-person, a Zoom option will also be available.

The program will discuss how words and expressions used in families can reveal details about their personal histories and origins.

“Certain words and idioms can pinpoint where someone has lived, their occupations or simply the times they lived in,” said Robin Michel, on behalf of the Southington Genealogical Society. “People often use different words to refer to the same item such as ‘grinder,’ ‘hoagie,’ or ‘sub’ for a sandwich on a hard roll. Another example: The strip of grass between the street and sidewalk is called the ‘devil’s strip.’ The term used to be more widespread but now, it’s only used in Akron, Ohio.”

The Southington Genealogical Society Inc., founded in 1984, is a non-profit organization located in central Connecticut that “promotes the accurate recording, research and preservation of family history.”

The Southington Genealogical Society meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Southington Historical Society.

To receive the link for the virtual meeting, email southingtongenealogicalsociety@gmail.com or message the Facebook page “Southington Genealogical Society, Inc.”

For more information on the Southington Genealogical Society, visit southingtongenealogicalsociety.org.

The Toledo Lucas County Public Library will be hosting its annual genealogy and local history fair on Oct. 4 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Main Library.

The event allows visitors to explore their family histories and the Toledo area’s past.

“The Genealogy and Local History Fair is one of the Toledo Library’s most anticipated annual events,” said Jason Kucsma, executive director of the Library. “It’s a day for families, researchers and history buffs to explore the stories that shaped Toledo and their own family histories.”

At the event, there will be several presentations by nationally recognized genealogist Michael John Neill.

For more information about the event, click here.