The States said the project, which provides "unprecedented access to the Bailiwick's rich history", was a collaboration between local groups and the genealogy company Findmypast.

The collection features 210,000 pages of archive material from the Greffe records, parish church registers, conveyance documents and World War Two identity cards.

The originals will continue to be preserved at various archives on the island.

The project was led by the Bailiwick of Guernsey Digitisation Partnership, a steering group consisting of representatives from the Priaulx Library, Island Archives, the Deanery of Guernsey, La Société Guernesiaise and the Greffe, which is the island's official court office and registry.

It will include Greffe records, baptisms, marriages and burials records from parish church registers - some of which date back to the late 1500s - and identity cards from the German occupation of Guernsey during World War Two.

The project, which is only available to Findmypast subscribers, will also include registers from Alderney and Sark.

Steve Foote, chief executive of the Priaulx Library, said: "This project has been driven by a shared passion for preserving and sharing our history, and we want to thank all of those who have helped to make it possible."

Vikki Hart, island archivist, added that the digitisation was a "major achievement".

"By making these important documents available online, we are ensuring they remain accessible to researchers worldwide, while also preserving the originals for our future generations."

To my fellow brothers and sisters,

At the ISDA, our mission has always been to celebrate and preserve the rich traditions and proud heritage that define our Italian American identity.

That’s why I’m honored to announce that ISDA has partnered with Pittsburgh’s esteemed Heinz History Center to present a comprehensive Italian Genealogy Workshop.

Event Details:

• Date: Sunday, June 1, 2025
• Time: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM​
• Location: Heinz History Center: 1212 Smallman Street, Pittsburgh​, PA
• Admission: $30 for ISDA and Heinz History Center members; $40 for non-members​
• Attend this workshop either in person or virtually: Act quickly, in-person tickets that are expected to sell out as this event is also open to the public.
• FREE LUNCH included for a limited number of ISDA members who purchase in-person tickets:Call the ISDA Home Office at 412-261-3550 to receive the special discount code.

REGISTER HERE

Why This Workshop Matters — and What You’ll Take Away

This workshop will feature acclaimed genealogist Rich Venezia of Rich Roots Genealogy, who will lead four lectures focusing on essential records and strategies for tracing Italian ancestry; plus, Rich will offer the very latest details on dual citizenship — a hot-button issue in our community right now. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced genealogist, Rich’s insights will provide valuable guidance in exploring your family history.​ All ISDA members stand to gain meaningful and actionable takeaways from this session.

In addition to Rich’s presentations, the workshop will include lightning talks by representatives from local archival and genealogical resources, including the University of Pittsburgh Archives & Special Collections and the Heinz History Center. These sessions will highlight valuable record sets specific to Western PA’s Italian genealogy.

In-person attendees can also participate in a special curator-led tour of artifacts from the Italian American Collection, showcased within the museum’s fourth-floor Special Collections Gallery. This tour will offer a tangible connection to the experiences and contributions of Italian Americans in the Western PA region.​

The Italian Genealogy Workshop, sponsored by ISDA, is presented by the Heinz History Center’s Italian American Program & the Detre Library & Archives (click here for the full event details).

This in-person and virtual event embodies ISDA’s commitment to fostering a deeper connection to our roots. By understanding the journeys of our ancestors, we honor their legacies and enrich our own identities.​

I hope to see you on June 1!

The following is a press release from Findmypast:

• Findmypast is offering discounts on all subscriptions to help family historians uncover their family’s wartime journey from the eve of war to victory for less

• Offers range from 30% to 50% off Findmypast’s most popular subscriptions

• Uncover your ancestors’ vital role on the Home Front in the 1939 Register and Women’s Land Army records and their service and sacrifice in millions of military records

• Delve deeper into newspapers to uncover the events great and small that affected their lives and communities during the war – or even the stories of their own actions

• Hurry – offer ends 22 April 2025

Findmypast is giving family history enthusiasts the opportunity to delve deeper into their family’s wartime experiences for as little as £6.99 per month. From now to April 22nd, Findmypast is offering two subscription deals, helping researchers uncover their family’s life on the path to Victory 80 years ago.

You can now delve into the details of your family tree for a full year with 50% off all annual subscriptions. For those wanting greater flexibility, Findmypast is offering 30% off all 1-month, 3-month and 6-month subscriptions.

Whether you're just starting your family history journey or looking to dig deeper into your roots, Findmypast’s vast collection of historical records, exclusive UK and Irish resources, and advanced search tools offer everything you need to discover the lives of your ancestors at this pivotal moment.

Start with the 1939 Register – a census taken just before the start of the Second World War – to uncover where your ancestors were living and what they were doing on the eve of war. You might even discover their voluntary roles on the Home Front as the nation prepared for conflict in the Civilian Occupation data exclusive to Findmypast. Trace their experiences through billions of records, including military, POW, Women’s Land Army, parish records, and more. Then delve into Findmypast’s treasure trove of over 90 million historical newspapers to understand the stories and experiences of your family, community and the nation – as they happened. 

Offer Details:

• 30% off 1-month subscription packages

• 50% off Annual subscription

• Offer valid from April 11th to April 22^nd 2025, Ts&Cs apply.

Don’t miss out on this limited-time opportunity to explore your family’s history with Findmypast at an unbeatable price. Simply visit Findmypast.co.uk and sign up for your preferred subscription package. The Easter offer will automatically apply at checkout.

For many people, the search for family history is more than just a hobby: It’s a way to connect to their past and preserve important stories for future generations. In Charleston, South Carolina, the International African American Museum’s (IAAM) Center for Family History (CFH) offers a unique opportunity for Lowcountry residents and visitors across the United States to trace their ancestry, uncover untold stories, and preserve their family legacies. Admission to the Center For Family History is included with timed ticketed reservations for the museum. What stands out at IAAM’s CFH is it offers free digital resources onfamily genealogy and many more databases that are also more African-American-centric.

Whether you’re interested in learning about your African American heritage or exploring your family’s broader roots, IAAM’s Center for Family History is here to help. Its extensiveresources, expert staff guidance, and welcoming environment make it a perfect place for anyone interested in genealogy to begin—or continue—their journey of discovery.

A Resource for All Ages

Genealogy is for everyone, regardless of age, background or experience. The Center for Family History not only welcomes older adults who are eager to learn more about their ancestors but also provides valuable resources and programs for younger generations who are interested in family history. In fact, learning about genealogy can be a meaningful family activity, allowing parents, grandparents and children to explore their collective past together.

For many people, the search for family history is more than just a hobby: It’s a way to connect to their past and preserve important stories for future generations. In Charleston, South Carolina, the International African American Museum’s (IAAM) Center for Family History (CFH) offers a unique opportunity for Lowcountry residents and visitors across the United States to trace their ancestry, uncover untold stories, and preserve their family legacies. Admission to the Center For Family History is included with timed ticketed reservations for the museum. What stands out at IAAM’s CFH is it offers free digital resources onfamily genealogy and many more databases that are also more African-American-centric.

Whether you’re interested in learning about your African American heritage or exploring your family’s broader roots, IAAM’s Center for Family History is here to help. Its extensiveresources, expert staff guidance, and welcoming environment make it a perfect place for anyone interested in genealogy to begin—or continue—their journey of discovery.

A Resource for All Ages

Genealogy is for everyone, regardless of age, background or experience. The Center for Family History not only welcomes older adults who are eager to learn more about their ancestors but also provides valuable resources and programs for younger generations who are interested in family history. In fact, learning about genealogy can be a meaningful family activity, allowing parents, grandparents and children to explore their collective past together.

For those aged 55+ in the Lowcountry, this is a fantastic opportunity to engage in a new hobby, connect with your history and preserve family stories. Whether you’re interested in researching your ancestry, learning new research techniques or capturing the voices of the oldest members of your family, the Center for Family History has something for you.

A Place for Everyone: Research
Your Genealogy
One of the most powerful ways to understand where you come from is by learning about your ancestors. At the Center for Family History, people from all backgrounds can dive into their personal history, whether they have just begun their genealogy search or are looking to uncover more details about their family tree. The museum’s team of genealogy experts is dedicated to helping you navigate various resources to trace your lineage and uncover valuable family stories.

CFH provides access to a wide variety of genealogical resources, including records, databases, historical documents, reference books and expert consultations. From the African American experience to broader genealogical research, these resources are designed to help you uncover your family’s past and learn about the diverse stories that shaped your heritage.

For those new to genealogy, CFH’s research guides and online resources can help you begin the research journey. The team is always ready to assist with specific research questions, offering personalized guidance on how to find the right records and how to use them effectively. Whether you are researching your great-great-grandparents or tracing a more distant ancestor, CFH provides the tools and expertise you need to make meaningful discoveries.

Genealogy Classes: Learning Every Week

If you’re interested in learning more about genealogy or enhancing your research skills, the Center for Family History offers genealogy classes every Tuesday to Friday at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM. These classes are a fantastic way to get a deeper

understanding of how to conduct research, navigate archives, and utilize various genealogical tools.

During these sessions, IAAM’s CFH staff provides step-by-step instructions on the best practices for researching your ancestry, as well as tips for utilizing online databases, government records and historical archives. Whether you’re just starting out or already deep into your family history search, these classes are designed to meet you at your level of experience.

These genealogy classes are hands-on and interactive, allowing attendees to learn directly from CFH’s knowledgeable staff. By the end of the session, you’ll have a better understanding of how to structure your research and how to overcome common challenges in genealogy research. Most importantly, you’ll leave with a sense of accomplishment and the tools you need to continue your journey of discovering your roots.

IAAM Membership Opportunities: Be Part of the Museum’s Journey
Becoming a member of the International African American Museum offers a wealth of benefits, including free admission, exclusive event invitations and special access to programs like the Center for Family History. Members play a crucial role in supporting the museum’s educational initiatives and preservation efforts, andmemberships provide a great way to stay involved with the museum’s work while also gaining unique experiences.

Memberships are available in several tiers, allowing individuals to choose the level that best suits their interests and involvement. From early access to

special events to discounted rates on programs, membership provides a direct connection to the museum’s mission of celebrating both African American and African Diaspora histories and cultures. Members also have priority access to special exhibits, lectures and curated events, making it a perfect way to stay connected to the museum and its ongoing work.

To learn more about the benefits and to sign up, visit the museum’s membership page at iaamuseum.org/membership/. Become part of a community that is dedicated to preserving the stories of African Americans and supporting the next generation of history enthusiasts.

IAAM Volunteer Opportunities: Give Back to the Community
If you’re passionate about history and community engagement, consider volunteering at the International African American Museum. Volunteers play an important role in supporting the museum’s programs and initiatives, helping to make history accessible to all visitors.

As a volunteer, you may assist with genealogical research, support educational events or help facilitate various museum programs. The volunteer program is open to individuals who want to give back to the community while gaining valuable experience in the museum and cultural sector. Whether you’re passionate about preserving history, helping others discover their ancestry or simply enjoying the museum’s rich offerings, volunteering is a rewarding way to contribute.

Volunteers play a crucial role in bringing the museum’s mission to life, and their contributions help make the Center for Family History and the broader museum experience even more meaningful for visitors.

Get Started With Your Genealogy Search Today

Whether you are just starting your journey into genealogy or are looking to take your research to the next level, IAAM’s Center for Family History is here to help. CFH offers a wealth of resources, classes and programs to assist you on your journey of discovering your personal history.

Don’t miss out on the chance to explore your ancestry, attend a class or even preserve the life stories of your loved ones. Visit the Center for Family History today and begin your journey into the past. Your story is waiting to be told.

For more information, visit iaamuseum.org/ center-for-family-history/ or email cfh@iaamuseum.org for details about available resources and programs.

The following is a press release written by the employees at the Museum of Digital Influence.

NEW YORK, NY, UNITED STATES, April 8, 2025 -- Introducing The Museum of Digital Influence: A Groundbreaking Online Archive of the Digital Revolution

Do you remember how it all began?

When we wrote anonymous blog posts on LiveJournal, customized MySpace profiles, and tagged friends in early Facebook photo albums. Influence was once measured in comments and community engagement, long before brand collaborations and algorithmic reach entered the picture.

Today, digital influence is an established part of online culture, shaped over decades through emerging platforms, creators, and technological change. This ongoing transformation now has a dedicated space for reflection and research.

The Museum of Digital Influence is a newly launched, non-commercial online archive that documents the evolution of digital influence across nine chronological epochs — from early internet forums and blogs to modern platforms such as TikTok.

The museum includes nearly 100 curated digital artifacts — selected examples of platforms, posts, videos, and campaigns — that illustrate major trends, shifts, and cultural moments in the development of digital influence. Each epoch presents a contextual narrative about how online communication and personal media presence have changed over time.

Unlike physical museums, The Museum of Digital Influence is entirely online and freely accessible. It is intended as a public resource for those interested in the history and mechanics of digital communication, including marketers, researchers, creators, educators, and digital culture observers.

Through a mix of interactive and archival elements, the museum provides context for understanding how digital platforms have shaped social behaviors, marketing practices, and the role of individual voices online.

The project is organized into nine thematic periods, each marking a different stage in the evolution of influence. These range from early blogging communities and the emergence of social networking sites, to the widespread adoption of mobile video and the rise of influencer-driven content economies.

The narrative explores how each stage contributed to changing perceptions of identity, attention, and communication in digital environments.

As the digital landscape continues to shift, the museum will be updated annually to include new artifacts and developments. The intention is to maintain an evolving resource that reflects long-term trends, rather than moment-to-moment updates.

The Museum of Digital Influence is now available online

. Visitors are invited to explore its exhibits, examine key moments in digital culture, and consider how influence has changed — and continues to change — the ways people connect, express, and communicate.

Viktor Ryzhov
Zorka.Agency
info@zorka.agency

Matthew Nilo stands during an appearance at Suffolk Superior Court, Thursday, July 13, 2023, in Boston. Nilo, a New Jersey lawyer already charged in connection with a series of sexual assaults in Boston's Charlestown neighborhood about 15 years ago, pleaded not guilty on Thursday to new charges stemming from a different series of sexual assaults in another area of the city that occurred at roughly the same time.

Prosecutors say they are still making their way through more than 45,000 communications between Boston Police investigators about the investigation into Matthew Nilo, a New Jersey lawyer accused of assaulting eight women in Boston more than a decade ago. 

In a brief court filing asking to continue a hearing in Nilo’s case, Assistant District Attorney Lynn Feigenbaum said the 45,000 communications received by prosecutors since Nilo’s last court date total 500,000 pages. So far, they have turned over 1,200 documents to attorneys for Nilo, totaling 9,000 pages.

Douglas Rubin, a 20-year-old student at the State University of New York at Albany, vanished without a trace on February 23, 1979. After over four decades, his sister Maddy's hope is renewed thanks to genetic genealogy. 

Rubin was last seen in Nassau County, leaving late one night reportedly in a state of distress, according to his mother. He never returned and has not been heard from since.

Rubin's vehicle was discovered in the middle of the night abandoned on the Throgs Neck Bridge, with his wallet and eyeglasses left inside. According to Maddy, a driver reported seeing a person get out of the car and move towards the bridge, but did not see them jump.

Despite an extensive search by divers, no trace of Rubin was found in the waters below. The case of Douglas Rubin remains unsolved, leaving his family and authorities without answers for over four decades.

If you have any information about Douglas' disappearance reach out to Detective Kerri-Ann Hoovert at the Nassau County Police Department at (516) 573-8800.

The journey for the first woman to be nominated by a president and confirmed by the Senate to become the archivist of the United States started during her childhood summer vacations with her family.

In an exclusive interview with WTOP, Colleen Shogan, who was let go by Donald Trump’s administration, spoke of her father.

“My father would take us to amusement parks and we would also go to a history location like Gettysburg,” Shogan said. “My dad really liked history, he was not in the history field, he was a draftsman.”

Shogan attended Boston College and received her doctorate in American politics from Yale University. After taking a break from teaching at George Mason University, Shogan went to work for then Sen. Joe Lieberman, D-CT.

Shogan thought public service would be temporary, with the belief that she would permanently return to teaching.

The path to the National Archives, career-wise, stopped at the Library of Congress, the Congressional Research Service and The White House Historical Society.

Former President Joe Biden on Aug. 13, 2022, placed Shogan in the history books by nominating her to be the 11th archivist of the United States — and the first woman to hold that position.

Shogan told WTOP that her father was incredibly proud.

“I had to explain it to him several times because the title is a mouthful,” said Shogan. “The job is to run the National Archives and Records Administration.”

A little over nine months later, Shogan was administered the oath by Chief Justice John Roberts, with former first lady Jill Biden giving remarks.

During her speech, Shogan said she visited the Declaration of Independence at least once every day she was at the Archives.

Not long after President Donald Trump relieved Shogan of her duties in February, she had a new job but the same mission as a senior adviser for the nonpartisan More Perfect campaign.

“An organization dedicated to enhancing and strengthening our nation’s democracy,” said Shogan. “It’s similar to what I was doing before so that we can bring our nation’s history to young people and Americans all across the country.”

Quite often, women asked for career advice from Shogan, especially from those wanting to go into public service.

“You better have tough skin,” Shogan said with a smile. “I believe women are criticized for their leadership more than men.”

Shogan admits some critical viewpoints may be valid, but not all.

“Some are just to make you feel bad about yourself or to get you to stop what you’re doing,” Shogan said.

The key, according to Shogan, is to know which criticism to listen to and which to brush aside.

Along with teaching one course a year at Georgetown University as an adjunct professor, Shogan is the author of a series of D.C.-based murder mystery books, like “A Stabbing in the Senate.”

Kansas police have finally identified the remains of a teenager who went missing 52 years ago.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation announced on Tuesday that it used DNAtechnology to determine that remains discovered in 1973 belonged to 16-year-old Jimmy Dollison.

The teenager had been living in Kansas City when he went missing in the autumn of 1972. His family reported his disappearance but never learned what happened to him.

In April 1973, authorities found Dollison’s unidentified remains three miles southeast of Garnett, Kansas. He was wearing a brown corduroy jacket, a green long-sleeve buttoned shirt, jeans, a black leather belt with a large black buckle, brown hiking boots and a navy blue stocking cap.

He was also wearing two gold rings with crosses, a ring with the number 78 and a silver chain with a large cross.

The coroner ruled his manner of death a homicide due to signs of trauma.

Two decades ago, officials determined the remains belonged to a man with brown hair and a slender build. Police made many attempts throughout the decades to figure out who the remains belonged to, but were not successful.

In 2024, investigators extracted DNA from the remains for forensic genetic genealogy testing. The testing was conducted by Othram, a company specializing in genealogy to help solve murders. To find a match, the company needed to identify any living relatives of the unidentified person.

Dollison’s siblings were identified through testing. Police contacted them for interviews and to obtain DNA samples for comparison. Officials later confirmed the remains belonged to the 16-year-old.

An investigation into the teen’s death continues. Officials are asking anyone with information to call 1-800-KS-CRIME.

For 11 seasons, Henry Louis Gates Jr. has sat across from his guests on the popular PBS series “Finding Your Roots” and led them through secrets in their family tree. On Tuesday, it's his turn.

The Harvard scholar learns a long-buried puzzle about his great-great grandmother, Jane Gates, information which scrambles his ancestry and opens up a new branch that goes back to Ireland.

“I was moved to tears,” Gates tells The Associated Press ahead of the airing. “I used to pass her grave at the Gates' plot in Rose Hill Cemetery and I would say, ‘Grandma, I’m going to out you. I’m going to tell the world your secret.’”

“Finding Your Roots” is PBS’s most-watched program on linear TV and the most-streamed non-drama program. Season 10 reached nearly 18 million people across linear and digital platforms and also received its first Emmy nomination.

“The two subliminal messages of ’Finding Your Roots,' which are needed more urgently today than ever, is that what has made America great is that we’re a nation of immigrants," says Gates. “And secondly, at the level of the genome, despite our apparent physical differences, we’re 99.99% the same.”

Season 11 secrets

Season 11 has featured Dax Shepard and Kristen Bell, Melanie Lynskey, chef Jose Andres, Sharon Stone and Amanda Seyfried, who learned why her paternal third-great-grandfather was murdered.

Gates shares the last episode with Laurence Fishburne, who learns the identity of his biological father. It turns out both men adored jazz, which delighted Dyllan McGee, who helped create and produce “Finding Your Roots.”

“It underscored how family connections can shape us, even unknowingly, and made me wonder if reconnecting with our past somehow affirms the significance of our own stories by showing us how much each individual on our tree shapes us even when we don’t know it,” she says.

How it started

The series started in 2006 under the title “African American Lives,” conceived by Gates in the middle of the night in his bathroom. He invited prominent Black celebrities and traced their family trees into slavery. When the paper trail ran out, they would use DNA to see which ethnic group they were from in Africa.

Challenged by a viewer to open the show to non-Black celebrities, Gates agreed and the series was renamed “Faces of America,” which had to be changed again after the name was taken. Along the way, Gates had a crash course in DNA.

“For a guy with a PhD in English literature, I think I can do pretty well on the AP genetics exam,” he says, before proving it with a thorough explanation of autosomal DNA.

Over the years, the show has delivered fascinating results, like when Natalie Morales discovered she’s related to one of the legendary pirates of the Caribbean and when former “Saturday Night Live” star Andy Samberg found his biological grandmother and grandfather. It revealed that RuPaul and U.S. Sen. Cory Booker are cousins, as are Meryl Streep and Eva Longoria.

Guests have included former U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, designer Diane von Furstenberg and “Game of Thrones” author George R. R. Martin.

“I always tell my guests that you’re not responsible for the crazy things your ancestors did. I don’t care what they did. Guilt is not inheritable,” Gates says. “You have to understand how the people functioned in the past without judging them.”

A kernel of truth

He and his team — particularly genetic genealogist CeCe Moore — have found that traditional family stories passed down through the generations are often filled with a few lies, often to cover up bad behavior.

“I call it where there’s smoke, there’s fire. The stories are never accurate, but they’re often close,” says Gates. “There is a kernel of truth there.”

It took researchers four years to resolve the mystery of who was Gates' great-great grandfather, the man who impregnated Jane Gates. The story she told about her children's father turned out to be not correct.

The researchers show him an 1888 obituary for her and a 1839 ad for her sale. Gates comments that he’s seen a thousand bill of sales like it, but this hit differently. At the end, he looks again at a photo of Jane Gates. “I see a lot of pain in those eyes and now I know why.”

“Something changed for him that day," says McGee. "I remember him calling me after the reveal saying, 'That was the best day of my life!' It was such a treat for the entire team to be able to give him the gift of a missing link in his family history that he has given hundreds of our guests.”

Gates is a huge advocate that everyone should have their family tree traced and pushes back against the idea that digging up the past is divisive.

“I believe that knowing about our ancestors is fundamental to knowing about ourselves,” he says. “The only way to deal with the past is to know about the past.”