Take a look at the photo. Do these two look like identical twins? Well they aren't. Not really. Well... sort of.

They are cousins but very unique cousins. Some people (who may or may not be experts in genetics) also claim they are full siblings (I may not agree with that).

In any case, they are very closely related. WebMD claims they are are quaternary twins, which is very rare.

Oh yes, they are both named Peter.

OK, I'll let you figure out the relationship. It seems that their mothers, Sally and Chelsea, are identical twins. OK, that's not so rare but here's the second item in their relationship: Their fathers, Pedro and Peter, are ALSO identical twins!

According to Peter and Peter, ”Because our moms are also identical twin sisters, that actually makes us full siblings, not half-siblings.” 

The fact that both men are named Peter is simply coincidence, the parents named the new babies without consulting with the other parents.

You can read more in an article by Emily Lefroy published in the New York Post at: https://nypost.com/2023/06/20/were-cousins-but-also-genetically-brothers-heres-how/.

OK, so how do you fill out a pedigree chart for these two?

The following announcement was written by the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG):

The Association of Professional Genealogists (APG), the world’s largest organization of genealogy professionals, is pleased to announce the creation of the Kenyatta D. Berry African American Research Scholarship, which recognizes an aspiring professional with a significant interest in developing a career in African American genealogy.

The scholarship is named for former APG President Kenyatta D. Berry, in recognition of her extensive contributions in the field of genealogy, especially African American genealogy and enslaved ancestral research. Berry is also an entrepreneur, television host, and author.

“I am deeply humbled to lend my name to this scholarship, which supports aspiring professional genealogists in uncovering the hidden stories of African Americans,” said Berry. “It is a reminder that our actions, perseverance, and dedication can create a lasting impact on others. I hope this scholarship will continue to empower and inspire future generations to reach for their dreams and make a difference in the world."

For scholarship criteria, eligibility, details on the selection process, and to view the online application, visit https://www.apgen.org/cpages/awards-kenyatta-berry-african-american-research-scholarship. Applicants wishing to be considered for the inaugural scholarship must complete an application by 10 July 2023 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern.

The scholarship is open to both APG members and non-members and will be presented at the APG Professional Management Conference (PMC). The scholarship includes one registration for the PMC and reimbursement of up to $1,000 USD for hotel and travel expenses when attending the PMC in person. The scholarship recipient will be notified in advance.

For more information about APG’s awards, visit https://www.apgen.org/cpages/awards.

The following was written by the organizers of The Family History Show:

Join us for a captivating day of genealogy exploration. Watch free talks, ask the experts, and browse exhibitors, family history societies and genealogy companies from across the country. With free talks, convenient parking, and refreshments available, this event is a must for all Family history enthusiasts. Uncover more about your heritage and unravel the mysteries of your past. Get your tickets now and save on our two for the price of one offer.

Get your tickets now, for Saturday’s The Family History Show – York.

Make a Day of it

Book an expert session and watch a talk in the morning, then have lunch in our restaurant before finishing the day with a bit of retail therapy, chat with societies and catch another talk before you go.

The Family History Show – York features:

Free talks held throughout the day in two large lecture areas
Book a free personal 1-2-1 session with an expert
Free goody bag on entry worth over £10. 
Free Parking and Local Train Station
All Day Refreshments
Wheelchair Friendly Venue

Early-bird Ticket Offer

Get your tickets now and save, Two tickets for £10 (£10 each on the day) and you’ll also get a goody bag on entryworth over £10. 

Save 50% by getting two tickets for £10 for the York show here: https://thefamilyhistoryshow.com/york/tickets/

Talks you can look forward to at the York show include:

10:30 The Genetic Detective - tips and tricks to solving unknown DNA matches

Donna Rutherford - DNA Expert

Delve into genetic genealogy and explore effective strategies to unravel unidentified DNA connections. How to discover identifying information on key matches that will further your research and help you solve brick-walls. This talk will enhance your genetic genealogy journey and help you become a skilled genetic detective.

11:30 Pinpointing Your Ancestors

Mark Bayley - Online Genealogy Expert

Unleash the power of historical records and maps to reveal the art of pinpointing your ancestors. Join us for an illuminating talk that brings your family’s past to life through geographic connections.

12:30

Tracing The Ancestral Home

Nick Barratt - Historian, Author and Professional Genealogist

A talk exploring the sources that enable you to research the history of the houses where your ancestors lived.

13:30

Breaking Down Brick Walls

Mark Bayley - Online Genealogy Expert

Uncover the secrets to overcoming stumbling blocks in your family history research! Discover new and innovative search strategies to locate those elusive relatives. Explore unique record collections that can tell you more about your ancestors' lives.

14:30

Tips & Tricks for Online Research

Keith Gregson - Professional Researcher & Social Historian

Keith shares top tips & techniques for finding elusive ancestors, illustrated by some fascinating case studies. He is both a popular and academic historian with a range of publications stretching over the past 40 years.

Talk times may be subject to change, please check the timetable at the venue on the day of the show for any changes.

Early-bird Ticket Offer

Get two tickets for £10 for the York show here: https://thefamilyhistoryshow.com/york/tickets/

Check out Family History TV on YouTube with their free short videos. These how-to-guides are by leading experts covering a variety of topics. Their speakers specialise in subjects from the world of British Genealogy, Military History, DNA, House History and Social History and many of them are past and present speakers from The Family History Show. Watch a short video now at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMnBEpCg-QwVzkq-zU4GDGg

The UK & Ireland FindAGrave Index, 1300s-Current has been seeing regular additions over the past nine months. It now holds a total of 17,412,192 entries, an increase of more than 2.7million since last August.

Of these additions, some 101,000 entries relate to burials of individuals who may have been born on the island, died there, or both. All 32 historical counties are represented in the new total number of entries – 1,074,916 – for Ireland. 

Total entries for Britain are:

• England: 13,612,154
• Scotland: 1,691,502
• Wales: 476,031

The State Historical Society of Missouri has added six newspapers from Nodaway County to its Missouri Digital Newspaper Project, making hundreds of pages of historical Nodaway County news available to the public searchable and free online.

Six newspapers from Nodaway County, spanning the years 1870-1925, have been digitized, according to a news release from the organization: The Maryville Republican (weekly edition) from 1870-1910, the Maryville Republican (daily edition) from 1907-1910, the Maryville Times from 1881-1885, the Maryville Tribune (weekly edition) from 1890-1923 and the Maryville Tribune (daily edition) from 1915-1925.

The newspapers are available for viewing at shsmo.org/collections/newspapers/mdnp.

You can read more in an article by Geoffrey Woehlk published in the maryvilleforum web site at: https://tinyurl.com/34adscj2.

Julie Mamo and Julie Ansell had no idea the other one existed until their nephew, Jason Fisher, became curious about his heritage and decided to do a £35 ($44.57 US Dollars) MyHeritage DNA test.

Two sisters who had no idea the other existed have been united after spending more than 60 years apart, thanks to a surprising DNA test.

Julie Mamo, now 66, was born in Dover in 1956 and adopted at nine days old after her mother, Lillian Fisher, then 17 and unmarried, felt pressure to give her up.

She later moved to Australia with her adoptive parents, Mavis and David Holland.

Ms Fisher went on to have four more children including another daughter, Julie Ansell, now 64, who lives in St Margaret's Bay, Kent.

The sisters - now known as "Julie 1" and "Julie 2", were finally brought together after their nephew, Jason Fisher, embarked on a quest to discover his heritage.

Now they are determined to make up for the lost decades.

Ms Ansell recalled her mother, who has now died, telling her aged 12 that she had previously given up a baby for adoption.

Ms Mamo said: "It's surreal still even though we are together now, it's still really unreal, it's beautiful."

A DNA test on genealogy website, MyHeritage.com, revealed how Mr Fisher had a 90% match with Ms Mamo - who was unknown to him at the time.

You can read more in an article by Siba Jackson published in the SkyNews web site at: https://news.sky.com/story/long-lost-sisters-separated-for-60-years-united-after-surprising-dna-test-12907043.

I received a somewhat frantic e-mail recently from a reader of this newsletter. She mentioned a specific genealogy CD-ROM disk, but her question could apply to any CD disk of any topic. She wrote (in part):

"Help! I have a CD-ROM disk of [name deleted here] and it cracked. I want to replace it, but can't seem to find it anywhere. Any suggestions? Is there any other CD-ROM that has equivalent materials?"

Sadly, I was not able to offer much help. A cracked CD disk is useless, except maybe as a coaster for your coffee cup. Even a scratch the size of one human hair can render a CD-ROM disk useless; if it has visible physical damage, the problem is even worse. To make matters worse, the company that produced her disk is now out of business, so I doubt if she can find a low-cost replacement. I referred her to eBay to see if she can find a used copy of the same CD for sale.

With a bit of hindsight, anyone can quickly determine what my correspondent SHOULD have done: she should have made a backup copy while the CD was still usable. Then again, how many of us ever do that? I know that I occasionally create CD backups although not as often as I should. (Actually, I stopped purchasing CD-ROM disks several years ago but I still have lots of older disks that have been backed up.)

Such a solution would not have been practical a few years ago. However, nearly all computers built in the past 8 or 10 years contain CD-ROM drives that are capable of writing. The exception is that many of the new home computers no longer contain CD-ROM drives. 

In fact, nowadays I no longer recommend making backups to other CD-ROM disks. My suggestion now is to copy a CD-ROM disk to a flashdrive.

Making backups of your CD disks should be a trivial exercise. After all, how much would it cost you to replace a CD-ROM disk that becomes defective?

Most new computers or new CD-ROM drives include software to write to the CDs. In fact, most have an option to copy the entire contents of a disk to a new, blank disk or to a flashdrive. This is true for Windows, Macintosh, and Linux systems. Check the software already installed on your computer; I suspect you will find that you already have everything you need. If not, you can download free software that will make copies for you. 

Macintosh users already have the required software: open FINDER, click on APPLICATIONS, click on UTILITIES, and then click on DISK UTILITY. In fact, the Macintosh Disk Utility will duplicate Macintosh, Windows, and Linux disks alike. 

A Second Backup Plan

With today's hard drives typically having a storage capacity of a terabyte (1,000 gigabytes) or more, it is now practical to create backup images of CD disks and to store them on a hard drive or on flashdrives. After all, one large hard drive can now store hundreds of CD-ROM disk images. Probably the best method is to create .ISO images of the original CD disks. An .ISO "image" file is a method of merging all the files on a CD into a single compressed file according to a defined format. 

You can read more about .ISO images in the Wikipedia article at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISO_image.

The process is somewhat similar to creating a .ZIP file: many files can be combined into a single file for archival purposes. Having a single file simplifies the issue of maintaining backup copies. When needed, you can extract the .ISO file and copy it back to a new, blank CD-ROM disk that will be identical to the original. ISO images are especially useful when the original CD contains hidden files, a common occurrence. The .ISO files will store hidden and non-hidden files alike without any extra intervention required.

Microsoft does not supply software to create .ISO files. However, most third-party CD and DVD burning utilities will add that capability. If you do not presently own a Windows program that creates .ISO images, InfraRecorder at http://infrarecorder.org/ does a great job of creating ISO disks on Windows systems. Best of all, it is free, open-source software that doesn’t include junkware. Insert a disc, click the “Read Disc” button, and select a source drive to read from and destination ISO file to create.

Macintosh users already have all the software needed to create .ISO files; look at Disk Utility as described earlier. Several free Linux utilities are available to copy disks and to create .ISO files; look for the program called K3B or something similar.

A Word About Copyrights

Anytime you make copies of something, you should stop to think about copyright laws. In the U.S., copyright laws generally allow you to make backup copies of anything you legally own for your own personal use. However, you cannot give or sell copies to anyone else without the copyright holder's permission. As long as you make backup copies and keep them for your own use, you should not have a problem with copyright laws.

Your Action Plans

I'd suggest you look at all the CD-ROM disks you already own. Which ones would be disastrous if they were damaged beyond repair? Make a copy of those disks NOW!

Keep in mind that CD-ROM disks do not last forever. You might want to make new copies every three to five years. It's well worth the small investment of time and blank disks to safeguard your larger investments in software and data CDs!

Excellent news just in from the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland: Replacement computer terminals with dedicated connection to the General Register Office of Northern Ireland have been installed in PRONI's Search Room and are now up and running.

It's been a long wait. The old terminals – installed in 2016 – gave up the ghost sometime in mid-2022, and replacements were expected to be available by the end of the year. Then it went ominously quiet. 

At long last, there are again four terminals fully connected at PRONI's Titanic Boulevard offices in Belfast, making the trip out to Stranmillis, where GRONI has been based for eight years, unnecessary for most genealogists.

You can read more in the IrishGenealogyNews web site at: https://www.irishgenealogynews.com/2023/06/new-dedicated-groni-computer-terminals.html.

Generations, the first Jewish-themed genealogy television series produced by the Museum of Jewish Heritage — A Living Memorial to the Holocaust, JewishGen, and JLTV, is scheduled to launch in the Fall of 2023.

The premiere episode has begun filming and will feature actors Camryn Manheim (Law and Order, The Practice) and her son, Milo Manheim (School Spirits, Zombies), exploring their DNA and family roots and revealing artifacts, objects, documents, and photographs to paint a full family portrait.  The episode will also feature discussions with Camryn’s brother, Law Professor Karl Manheim, and their 97-year-old mother, Sylvia Manheim, which will reveal fascinating details about Camryn’s and Karl’s maternal and paternal lines from centuries past.

Milo Manheim (Credit: Kal Yee), Camryn Manheim (Credit: Cathryn Farnsworth), Generations Host Brad Pomerance (Credit: Joanna DeGeneres)

“Learning about my ancestors and my Jewish heritage holds immense significance for me,” says Camryn Manheim. “It allows me to connect with my roots, understand the rich tapestry of my family’s history, and appreciate the unimaginable struggles and triumphs that have shaped my life today. By learning about my ancestors, I am not only honoring their legacy but also gaining a deeper understanding of myself, my identity, and the world around me.”

“I am very excited to explore my Jewish roots and the lives of my ancestors,” says Milo Manheim. “Heritage is extremely important to my family, and tracing our roots will allow us to better understand the intangible attributes that have been passed down from generation to generation. This journey will provide a deeper understanding of who I am and will further instill a profound sense of pride in my heritage. By delving into the past, I will gain insights into the challenges my ancestors faced and the resilience they displayed, inspiring me to embrace my own journey with renewed strength and determination.”

First Jewish-themed Genealogy Television Series

The groundbreaking series Generations is the first Jewish-themed genealogy television series that will use the vast digital resources of JewishGen, under the guidance of JewishGen Executive Director Avraham Groll and Board of Governors Co-chair Karen Franklin; the historical resources of the Museum of Jewish Heritage; and the production resources of JLTV, to unravel centuries-old family mysteries and histories before and after landing on Ellis Island.

“Understanding the lives of Jewish people through history, not just here in New York but globally, is core to the mission of the Museum of Jewish Heritage,” says Jack Kliger, President and CEO of the Museum of Jewish Heritage. “Generations will offer valuable and inspiring insight into family histories and the research it takes to illuminate them, exploring the struggles and accomplishments of those who came before us. We are grateful to be part of such a groundbreaking series.”

Brad Pomerance, the host of several award-winning television programs, is anchoring Generations, and says, “Discovering one’s family history is a gift and an opportunity to learn more about oneself. It’s not only where we came from but how the lives of our ancestors shaped who we are today, and how that knowledge could, potentially, change our outlook on life. This is one of the most important projects of my career. We look forward to introducing viewers to Generations this fall, and are deeply grateful to Camryn, Milo, and their family for opening up their hearts to share their stories.”

About JLTV

Jewish Life Television (JLTV) is North America’s largest and most robust 24-7, Jewish-themed, English-language television network. JLTV provides high-quality, Jewish-inspired programming for audiences of all faiths who share an interest in the Jewish experience in North America, Israel, and around the world. JLTV is available through traditional and non-traditional video providers in the United States and Canada, including Bell Fibe, Charter/Spectrum, Comcast/Xfinity, Cox, DirectTV, and more (www.jltv.tv/channels). Over four million households watch JLTV every month. visit www.jltv.tv. For more information,

About JewishGen

JewishGen was founded in 1987 and serves as the global home for Jewish genealogy. Featuring unparalleled access to more than 30 million records, it offers unique search tools, along with opportunities for researchers to connect with others who share similar interests. There is no charge to access JewishGen’s resources. JewishGen is an affiliate of the Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust. For more information, visit www.jewishgen.org.

About the Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust

The Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust is committed to the crucial mission of educating diverse visitors and community members about Jewish life and heritage before, during, and after the Holocaust. The third-largest Holocaust museum in the world, the Museum of Jewish Heritage anchors the southernmost tip of Manhattan, completing the cultural and educational landscape it shares with the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

The Museum of Jewish Heritage maintains a collection of almost 40,000 artifacts, photographs, documentary films, and survivor testimonies and contains classrooms, a 375-seat theater (Edmond J. Safra Hall), special exhibition galleries, a resource center for educators, and a memorial art installation, Garden of Stones, designed by internationally acclaimed sculptor Andy Goldsworthy.

Establishing a Jewish Genealogy Research Center

This announcement comes as the Museum of Jewish Heritage cements its plans to establish the Peter and Mary Kalikow Jewish Genealogy Research Center as a new part of the Museum’s space, where visitors will access the Jewish genealogy resources within JewishGen and the Museum’s respective collections to discover more about their Jewish history. The space will contain computer stations where visitors can access JewishGen’s genealogy resources and a vast collection of records and data, with printers on hand to bring research home. Visitors can also access hundreds of Yizkor (Memorial) Books and print materials. On-site volunteers and content experts will be on hand to assist in the research as well.

The following is a press release written by the (U.S.) National Genealogical Society:

FALLS CHURCH, VA, 20 JUNE 2023—The National Genealogical Society (NGS) announced Leslie Anderson, MSLS, and Kristi L. Sexton will serve as new co-managers of the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh (GRIP). The institute is a leading provider of in-person and virtual genealogical education. Anderson and Sexton will begin their tenure on 1 October 2023 when NGS officially assumes management of GRIP. Both Anderson and Sexton have long had a connection with GRIP.

Anderson, a recently retired reference librarian in the Local History/Special Collections Branch at Alexandria Library, in Alexandria, Virginia, has completed ten courses at GRIP. Over the years, she also has studied at the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research and the Genealogical Institute on Federal Records, Gen-Fed. She co-authored Alexandria and was project editor for the Virginia Slave Births Index, 1853-1865. She won the NGS Family History Writing Contest in 2013 and has written forNGS Quarterly, The Magazine of Virginia Genealogy, and VGS Newsletter. Anderson recently launched the blog 1st U.S. Colored Cavalry. She is the owner of Anderson Historic Research LLC and a member of several genealogical societies, including NGS. She received her Master of Science in Library Science from Case Western Reserve University.

Sexton is a professional genealogist, researcher, educator, and speaker. She, too, has taken many courses at GRIP and has been a tech host for its virtual courses for the past three years. She is past-president of Orange County California Genealogical Society and a former professor in the Family History Department at Brigham Young University-Idaho. An alumna of ProGen 42 (2020), Sexton holds a Certificate in Genealogical Research from Boston University, and has completed numerous courses at Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy, Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research in Georgia, and Texas Institute of Genealogical Research. She is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG), NGS, and many local and regional genealogical societies. She received her Master of Science in Auditing/Accounting from Texas A&M. She owns One Leaf Genealogy, LLC.

GRIP was founded by Elissa Scalise Powell, CG, and Deborah Lichtner Deal. Both will continue to serve as ambassadors and on the GRIP steering committee. Since 2011, the institute has welcomed some 5,000 students in more than 170 courses. GRIP will be part of NGS’s education department led by Education Director Angela McGhie, CG, FUGA.

"We are pleased to welcome Kristi and Leslie to our education team," said Matt Menashes, CAE, executive director of NGS. "They will be a powerhouse team and ensure that GRIP continues to advance student learning through exceptional courses that merge in-depth scholarly presentations with shared problem-solving."