Introducing LiveMemory™: Bring Your Photos to Life in Video
2024. november 21., csütörtök 21:45:01
Imagine that iconic photo of your mother as a young dancer, or of you and your siblings playing together on the beach as children. Wouldn’t it be amazing to revisit those moments and relive them as if the scenes were playing out right in front of you? Well, we have fantastic news: now you can, thanks to our brand-new feature, LiveMemory, available exclusively on the MyHeritage mobile app!
LiveMemory enables you to turn any still photo into a short video clip using AI. It animates the scene in the photo, reimagining it as if you had traveled back in time to watch it live. It’s the ultimate way to reminisce.
Try LiveMemory for free now
Watch the video below to see LiveMemory in action:
If you don’t already have the MyHeritage mobile app installed on your device, head over to the App Store or Google Play or scan the QR code below and give it a try now! If you already have the MyHeritage mobile app, make sure you are using the latest version by visiting the MyHeritage app on the App Store or Google Play. Then tap Update. We’re gradually rolling out the feature over the coming days, starting in the United States and Europe. More countries will follow, so if you don’t see LiveMemory immediately when opening the app, don’t worry! You’ll see it soon.
Scan the code to download the MyHeritage app:
Scan to download the MyHeritage app
Back in 2021, we released Deep Nostalgia, our feature to animate photos that went viral and took the world by storm. There’s no question people love animating their old photos, and LiveMemory takes it to the next level. While Deep Nostalgia animated a single face in a photo and was limited to a few pre-defined animation sequences, LiveMemory animates the entire photo to bring the whole scene to life in a highly realistic way, and the variety is unlimited. See the magic for yourself:
LiveMemory: Parents of Mayan Cohen, Director of AI at MyHeritage
LiveMemory: Grandparents of Esther Shuman, Senior Marketing Manager at MyHeritage
LiveMemory: Before and after
LiveMemory of Erica Edvi, Head of Copy and Brand at MyHeritage, with her brother
With Deep Nostalgia, millions of people were amazed — and many were moved to tears — as they saw their loved ones’ faces move. LiveMemory takes that experience even further, reviving long forgotten memories and evoking the same sense of nostalgia and connection as scenes from your family’s history come to life before your eyes. The videos are perfect for sharing on social media with family and friends. We encourage you to share them using the hashtags #MyHeritage #LiveMemory.
Leading family history bloggers are already raving about LiveMemory. Maureen Taylor, known throughout the genealogy community as The Photo Detective, was astonished when she saw her LiveMemory videos, calling it “a stunning new development in family history storytelling. Seeing my ancestors move was surreal.” Roberta Estes from DNAeXplained was speechless; she was too overcome with emotion as she watched a video clip of her mother dancing. She later said, “It’s really powerful. I need a whole box of Kleenex now!” James Tanner, author of the Genealogy’s Star blog, said that LiveMemory “brings home the real emotion of genealogy and creates a stronger connection to your ancestors.”
LiveMemory of Roberta Estes’ mother
A lovely LiveMemory courtesy of Maureen Taylor
LiveMemory uses cutting-edge AI technology to animate whole photos and simulate the scenes depicted in them in a highly realistic way. When a photo is uploaded, the AI model analyzes it to create the most suitable animation to reenact the scene. In photos with multiple people, the algorithm will animate the gestures and make them interact based on what it thinks will be most realistic. The result is a stunning 5-second video clip. LiveMemory is perfect for reenacting nostalgic family photos. It also works well on photos with non-human subjects such as pets or vehicles. The algorithm can simulate parts of the scene not pictured in the original photo, as if a camera is following the movement beyond the edges of the photo.
If you don’t have the MyHeritage app installed on your phone, download it from the App Store or Google Play. If you already have the app, please update it so you have the latest version. Open the app and tap the LiveMemory banner at the top of the home screen, marked below in red.
Accessing LiveMemory from the app home screen (click to zoom)
You can also access LiveMemory from the “hamburger menu” on the top left of the screen, marked above in green.
MyHeritage app menu (click to zoom)
Before uploading a photo to MyHeritage from your device, you’ll need to enable photo gallery access. You can also select photos that you have previously uploaded to MyHeritage. Any photos you’ve uploaded to MyHeritage in the past are accessible on the mobile app, under the section called App Gallery. Tap to select the photo you want to use for your LiveMemory, either from your device or from the App Gallery, and then tap “Next”.
Selecting a photo from your device or app gallery
Before you can create your video, you’ll be asked to consent to the LiveMemory terms.
Creating a LiveMemory takes only a few minutes; however, when there is high demand and the servers are busy, it can take longer. You’ll receive an email when your video clip is ready. Initially, your LiveMemory will be emailed to you as an attachment. We’ll soon add the ability to view all LiveMemory videos in the MyHeritage app.
Download the video from the email and play it — you won’t believe your eyes!
LiveMemory of Golan Levi, our Concept Manager and UX Expert who initiated the LiveMemory project
LiveMemory videos enable you to relive the past and are perfect for sharing with family and friends on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), Bluesky, WhatsApp, and other social media. We encourage you to share your video clips with the hashtags #MyHeritage and #LiveMemory.
No. While highly realistic, the video clips are reenactments created by artificial intelligence; they are not authentic. As part of MyHeritage’s commitment to responsible AI, a watermark labeled “AI” is added to LiveMemory videos to distinguish them from authentic videos.
Any photo you upload to the LiveMemory feature will be stored on your account on MyHeritage, to enable you to use the other MyHeritage photo tools to improve it. You may delete the photo at any time from your account. MyHeritage will not license or sell your photos to third parties and will not use them to train internal AI models. LiveMemory is based on technology from a third party that does not obtain rights to your photo or the output video. Your explicit consent is required, granting MyHeritage permission to process your photo before activating the LiveMemory feature.
With great power comes great responsibility. Please use LiveMemory responsibly: do not upload photos of living people unless you receive their prior permission. Do not upload photos that depict hate, violence, pornography, drugs, or any offensive subject matter. Do not upload photos of military scenes, or scenes with wounded or dead people. Do not share results that may humiliate or offend anyone. Do not remove the AI symbol from the corner of the resulting videos. If any of the results have the potential to offend anyone, do not share it. We thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Anyone can try LiveMemory for free, for a limited number of videos. To create more LiveMemory videos, an annual Photo plan or Omni plan is required. The annual Photo plan currently costs only $49.90 per year and is available exclusively on the MyHeritage app. It provides unlimited access to all of the other MyHeritage photo features including MyHeritage In Color, Photo Enhancer, Photo Repair, Deep Nostalgia, and the Photo Scanner. Users with a Photo plan can create 20 LiveMemory videos annually. As a thank you for their loyalty, Complete subscribers are eligible for a 25% discount on the Photo plan, and can purchase it for just $37. Users with a MyHeritage Omni plan can create 30 videos annually. Learn more about the MyHeritage Omni plan here.
This launch is only the beginning. We already have several enhancements in the works to make your use of LiveMemory even better! In this initial version of LiveMemory, video clips are not stored on MyHeritage and are only emailed to you as an attachment. Very soon we will add the ability to view your LiveMemory videos on MyHeritage and store them in your family site, so you can access them easily. Many more enhancements will follow.
LiveMemory reflects what MyHeritage is all about: inspiring people worldwide to connect to their ancestors in fun and meaningful new ways, so they can celebrate and treasure their family history. The sweet sense of nostalgia that you feel as you relive cherished moments makes family history more personal, impactful, and memorable. We invite you to try LiveMemory now. And if you’re already wondering “what will they think of next”, stay tuned!
The post Introducing LiveMemory™: Bring Your Photos to Life in Video appeared first on MyHeritage Blog.
These Rare U.S. Surnames Might Be Going Extinct
2024. november 21., csütörtök 9:03:59
If your last name is Summerbell, you are probably among the final bearers of this surname. To date, it is held by only 98 people in the United States, including both citizens and non-citizens alike.
If your last name is Bell, you may well be on your way to joining Summerbell and becoming a rare breed, at least in the U.S. On the other hand, if your last name is Beil, your family name is gaining momentum and multiplying at a significant rate in the United States.
What a difference one letter makes!
Explore U.S. surnames in the U.S. Census
The MyHeritage Research team examined the data in the U.S. Census Bureau to discover which other surnames have surged in popularity in the U.S. and which names have become so rare in recent decades that they may well disappear altogether.
According to formal data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Bell is the surname whose distribution has declined most sharply in recent decades. In 2000, Bell was ranked at number 67, with 264,752 people bearing this last name. By 2010, it had dropped 39 places to rank at number 106, with 220,599 people bearing the name in the U.S. This represents a decrease of 44,153 people — a decline of 16.7%.
The surname Bell has diverse origins, primarily from northern England and the Scottish Lowlands. It could derive from the Old French bel, meaning “handsome,” or as a short form of Isabel. Alternatively, it could come from the Middle English belle, referring to a bell, often indicating an occupational name for a bell ringer or maker. Bell also has connections to Scottish Gaelic, German regions like Rhineland and Westphalia, and Norway. In the U.S., it has been Americanized from various European and Slavic names, including Jewish surnames.
The surname “Bell” may be derived from the profession of bell maker or bell ringer
The surname Ball has also shown a dramatic decline within the same decade. It dropped 142 places, from ranking 366th in 2000 to 508th in 2010. In 2000, 77,561 people bore the name, but by 2010, the number had dwindled to 66,059 — a decrease of 11,502 people, or 14.8%.
The surname Ball has multiple origins. In England, it could derive from the Middle English word bal or ball, referring to a ball or sphere, used as a nickname for a short or round person or as a topographic name for someone living near a knoll or rounded hill. It may also come from the Middle English ball, meaning bald, or from an Old Norse personal name related to bravery. In Germany, bal could indicate a juggler or derive from a place name, and it has also been Americanized from Dutch Bal.
On the flip side, Beil is one of the names that has risen significantly in the U.S. between 2000 and 2010. It jumped 11,782 places, moving from rank 12,347 to rank 565. This rise means an addition of 57,155 people bearing the surname — a staggering 2,476% increase within one decade.
This surname originates mainly in Germany and possibly France. Like many other surnames in history, it might imply the occupation of its ancient bearers. Accordingly, Beil is connected in meaning to an axe or hatchet (bīl, meaning “axe” in Middle Low German) and therefore to occupations such as carpenters.
The surname Hall has experienced a notable decline. In 2000, it was ranked 30th, but by 2010, it had dropped 15 places to rank 45th. The number of people bearing the surname fell from 473,568 in 2000 to 407,076 in 2010 — a decrease of 66,492, or 14%.
The name Hall originates from English, Scottish, Irish, German, Norwegian, and Danish roots, meaning “hall” or “spacious residence.” It was a topographic name for those living near a hall or an occupational name for someone working in one. In Germany and Austria, it also referred to places associated with salt mines. In Sweden, it refers to a residence or rocky location, and it is also a Romanized variant of the Chinese surname He.
Among notable bearers of this surname in history is John Hall, born in Kent in 1584, who emigrated to New England in 1632. He founded a notable American family, including Lyman Hall, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and Asaph Hall, the astronomer who discovered Mars’ moons.
Lyman Hall, signer of the U.S. Declaration of Independence. Source: New York Public Library
From Hall to Hail, we see an entirely different trajectory. Hail is among the surnames that have increased dramatically in one decade, jumping 9,959 ranks from number 10,323 to number 364. The number of bearers rose from 2,860 to 86,240 — a meteoric increase of 83,380 people, or 2,915%.
The surname Hail, of English and Scottish origin, is derived from the Middle English and Old Norse word heil, meaning “healthy.” It may also come from the Old English personal name Hægel, related to hailstones. In South Germany, it is a variant of the surname Heil.
True to its name, Small has experienced a decline over the past decade. Ranked 681st in 2000, it dropped to 861st in 2010—a decrease of 180 places. The number of bearers fell by 5,638, representing a 12.3% decline.
The surname Small has English and Scottish origins and was derived from the Middle English word smal, meaning “slender” or “small in stature.” In Ireland, the name was adopted as the Anglicized version of the Gaelic word beag, which also means “small.” It is additionally an Americanized form of similar European surnames, such as the German Klein and Polish Mały.
The surname Walters saw a significant decrease between 2000 and 2010, dropping 88 places in rank, from 262nd to 350th. Over this period, it lost 14,905 bearers, reflecting a 14.3% decline in popularity.
Walters is an English variant of the Germanic surname Walter. In England, it is a patronymic form of Walter, meaning “son of Walter,” and is commonly found in both German and English-speaking traditions. “Walter” is derived from Old German “walt” (“rule”) and “heri” (“army”), and means “commander of the army.”
In 2000 the U.S Census Bureau recorded surnames of 270 million people. A decade later, in 2010, surnames were recorded for 295 million people in the U.S. — citizens and non-citizens. This increase did not change the situation of certain surnames in the U.S facing extinction with fewer than 100 bearers each.
Among the rarest names recorded in the 2010 Census are:
Every surname tells a story — whether it’s a rare gem like Summerbell, a declining classic like Bell, or a rising star like Hail. The U.S. Census offers a unique opportunity to track your family across decades, learn about the communities they lived in, and uncover details about their lives, occupations, and neighbors.
With the U.S. Census collection on MyHeritage, you can explore these rich records to bring your family history to life. Start your journey today by searching the U.S. Census collection on MyHeritage and discover the stories your surname holds.
The post These Rare U.S. Surnames Might Be Going Extinct appeared first on MyHeritage Blog.
Early Black Friday Sale: MyHeritage DNA Kits for Just $33!
2024. november 19., kedd 14:53:06
Looking for the perfect holiday gift? Our Early Black Friday Sale is ON, and there’s no better time to order a MyHeritage DNA kit! At just $33, this is your chance to give your loved ones the gift of discovery—uncovering their ethnicity, connecting with relatives, and exploring their family history.
Click here to get your MyHeritage DNA kit for just $33!
Why Now? The holiday season is all about connection, and a DNA kit is a gift that keeps giving. Whether it’s reuniting with distant family, learning fascinating details about your ancestry, or starting a new family tradition, MyHeritage DNA opens doors to unforgettable discoveries.
Why MyHeritage?
But don’t wait—this sale won’t last forever, and the earlier you order, the sooner your family can start their journey of discovery.
Make this holiday season unforgettable by giving a gift that connects past, present, and future.
Hurry—order now before the sale ends. Order your kits today!
The post Early Black Friday Sale: MyHeritage DNA Kits for Just $33! appeared first on MyHeritage Blog.
‘I Threw His Photo Away, But I Never Stopped Looking’ — and Found Her Father with a DNA Test
2024. november 17., vasárnap 15:28:03
Angelina Ferchau, a young woman from Koblenz, Germany, never thought she would find her biological father. Born in a small village called Dan Buch, her childhood was filled with unanswered questions about her father, who was absent from her life. For years, she held on to a photo of him, but the search for him seemed hopeless — until she took a MyHeritage DNA test that led to an extraordinary discovery.
Angelina grew up knowing that the man her mother was married to wasn’t her biological father. Her mother had conceived Angelina during a brief relationship with a man she worked with at a school cleaning job. However, her mother didn’t know much about him. All she had was a photograph.
“As a kid, it was clear to me that I had a different father,” Angelina recalls. “I don’t even remember a specific moment when I realized it. I just knew.”
Angelina as a child
One day, when she was out shopping with her mother and stepfather, who were both white, Angelina noticed people staring at them because of their obvious differences. She asked her mother why, and that’s when her mother admitted that her biological father was not her stepfather.
She gave Angelina the photo she had, and Angelina kept it, but the feelings of abandonment never left her. “One day, I just threw the picture in the trash. I thought, ‘Nobody cares for me, not even my dad.’ So why keep his photo?”
As Angelina grew older, her curiosity about her father never waned. She repeatedly asked her mother for more information, but there was little to go on. Her mother couldn’t even remember his full name, and the company they worked for no longer existed. Any leads seemed impossible to follow.
“I was always like, okay, where do I start? Eventually, I gave up because I thought there’s no way I could find him,” Angelina explains.
Things took a turn when she moved to Berlin and began dating someone who suggested she try a DNA test to find her father. He bought her a MyHeritage DNA kit, offering hope for the first time in years.
“I took the test, but the results were disappointing at first,” says Angelina. “I didn’t get any significant matches, but at least I knew for sure my father was Nigerian.”
Despite the lack of immediate success, Angelina didn’t give up. Every time MyHeritage sent her an email with new matches, she eagerly checked, hoping for a breakthrough. For months, the results only brought distant relatives, but she kept hoping.
Two months ago, Angelina’s patience was finally rewarded. She received an email from MyHeritage with a new DNA match: a half-first cousin. It was the closest match she had ever seen, and she immediately knew it had to be from her father’s side.
“When I saw that match, I knew instantly this was it. I contacted her immediately,” Angelina says.
Her half-cousin was from Koblenz — the same city where Angelina’s parents had met. As they exchanged more information, the connection became clear. Angelina learned that her cousin’s uncle had moved to Austria, which aligned with what her mother had told her about her father’s departure.
“When I mentioned that the last thing I knew about my father was that he went to Austria, she told me about her uncle who had lived there. It couldn’t be a coincidence.”
Soon after, the cousin’s uncle, who turned out to be Angelina’s biological father, contacted her. He confirmed that the details fit, and Angelina’s long search had finally ended.
Angelina’s father explained that he had left Germany not because he didn’t want to be in her life, but because he didn’t have the proper visa allowing him to stay in the country. Forced to move to Austria, he lost contact with Angelina’s mother and didn’t know where to find her. “He knew he had a child somewhere, but he had to leave,” says Angelina.
Finally, after years of wondering, she had the answers she had been seeking. Not only had she found her father, but she also learned that she had 8 half-siblings!
This journey has not only reconnected Angelina with her father but also opened the door to a new chapter in her life. She now plans to visit Nigeria next year to meet her extended family and learn more about her Nigerian heritage.
“My mom is super happy for me,” Angelina shares. “I wasn’t sure how she would react, but she’s really supportive, even though she doesn’t want to meet him herself.”
Angelina admits that her emotions are still catching up with the reality of the situation. “I feel a little numb. I guess the real emotions will come when I see him in person. I’ve always had trouble expressing my feelings, but deep down, I always wanted to know who my dad was and why he wasn’t there when I was a child.”
The discovery that her father left because of visa issues provided a sense of closure for Angelina. “When I found out he had to leave because of his visa, it made sense. I thought, okay, that’s a reason I can understand.”
Angelina’s story is a testament to the power of persistence and the remarkable connections that can be made through DNA testing. Thanks to MyHeritage, she not only found her father but also discovered a large extended family she never knew existed.
At the end of October she finally met her father and siblings in person. She is filled with anticipation for what lies ahead. “I always wanted to find him,” she reflects, “and now it finally happened!”
Angelina Ferchau and her father, meeting for the first time, October 24. Credit: Angelina Ferchau
With plans to visit Nigeria and deepen her understanding of her roots, Angelina’s journey is just beginning. We wish her the best of luck and thank her for sharing her story with us!
If you’ve also made an incredible discovery with MyHeritage, we’d love to hear about it. Please share it with us via this form or email us at stories@myheritage.com.
The post ‘I Threw His Photo Away, But I Never Stopped Looking’ — and Found Her Father with a DNA Test appeared first on MyHeritage Blog.
Inspired by Documentary, Korean Adoptee Takes a DNA Test… and Also Finds a Full Sister
2024. november 13., szerda 9:49:28
When Jee Won Ha, a Korean adoptee raised in Belgium, saw The Missing Piece — our 2019 documentary about a pair of Korean adoptee sisters reunited thanks to MyHeritage DNA — she felt overwhelmed. Jee Won happens to live across the street from the daughter of Kim Haelen, one of the sisters from the film, and Jee Won knew she had to speak to her.
Abandoned separately in the same train station in Daegu, South Korea, Kim and her sister Christine Pennell were raised worlds apart and completely unaware of each other’s existence. They found each other through a MyHeritage DNA match, and were reunited at the same train station where they were abandoned many years before. The two developed a profound bond, and Christine even moved to South Korea and opened a bakery there as a result of her newfound connection to the country of her birth. You can read more about their story and the film here.
So when Jee Won heard Kim’s story, she wondered if there was a possibility her own could develop in a similar way. She was also adopted from Korea at a young age, and unfortunately, her childhood was not a happy one.
Jee Won as a little girl
She was first adopted by a Korean family, but when her adoptive parents were divorced, she was given to a Belgian family that engaged in some questionable practices, adopting 7 Cambodian children with falsified documents. “I had a difficult childhood, and I suffered abuse from my adoptive family,” she says.
Jee Won decided to purchase a DNA kit… but when it arrived, she couldn’t work up the courage to take it. It was only when her Cambodian brother decided to take a test too that she finally took the plunge.
“I’ve always wondered, do I look like my mom? Do I look like my father? Is this sense of humor that I have from my mother’s side, father’s side, or is it something that is nurtured?” says Jee Won. “When I look at my kids, I see that they have my nose and my ears, you can compare… but I had nothing to compare with. Also, I had no idea about genetic diseases that I would want to know. So when I did a test, I didn’t expect anything.”
But when the results came back, they were earth-shattering: just like Kim, she matched with a full sister living in the United States.
“I started crying immediately, because it’s such an overwhelming feeling,” says Jee Won. “It’s happy, and scared, and sadness, and wow, and what the ****, all at the same time.”
Darragh Hannan was born in South Korea and adopted by a family from the American Midwest at 8 weeks of age. Her adoptive parents struggled to conceive, and after 6 years of trying, they decided to adopt. To their surprise, shortly after Darragh joined the family, her adoptive mother became pregnant. Darragh grew up with a sister very close in age, “more or less twins.” As she grew older, she began to wonder about her origins.
In 2018, Darragh heard about MyHeritage’s DNA Quest, our pro bono project to reunite adoptees with their biological families through free genetic testing. She applied, and we sent her a free DNA kit.
“I took the test because I was thinking maybe I would be able to find family,” says Darragh. “There had been stories coming out of people meeting biological family from taking these tests, and I thought, oh, well, maybe this could be my chance to find something.”
But her initial results were disappointing. “I was like, okay, so I’m guessing they don’t have a huge East Asian database at that point,” she says.
Fast forward 6 years.
“I opened my inbox one morning, and there it was: ‘Hey, I think we’re sisters,’” Darragh recalls. The shock was immediate. “I had kind of forgotten I signed up for this service because it was like 6 years ago.”
Both women were thrilled by the discovery, but it also stirred up a whirlwind of emotions and questions. “The confusion and all the questions that suddenly pop up are a big part of the journey,” explains Jee Won. “It’s impossible to ignore that this discovery raises difficult questions of who I am and why I was abandoned.”
Their shared history became a point of both connection and confusion. Darragh’s adoption papers suggested their mother was a young student forced to drop out of school — and she claimed that it was her first pregnancy, even though Jee Won had been born 14 months earlier. Jee Won’s records were more fragmented, and growing up, she knew little about her biological family. “Why did she deny my birth?” Jee Won wonders. “I don’t understand it. I want to find her today to ask her these questions, to know if she loved us at all and why she abandoned us.” Despite this, Jee Won expresses a mix of emotions towards their mother. “There is no good reason in the world to do such a thing,” she admits. “I don’t blame her, but I do get mad at her.”
“I am happy that I found Darragh — I feel physically connected to her, she completes me,” Jee Won says. “It’s the balance between black and white — I’m glad I found her, but sometimes I want to cry because it overwhelms the dark side of my life.”
“We’ve seen reunions happen on TV, and we hear stories of reunions and how happy they are,” Darragh says. “We always see that part, but we never see the confusion and the questioning and all of the big feelings that happen after the big moment. What comes next?”
The sisters found out last month when they flew to Korea to meet each other for the first time.
You can watch the incredible moment in this video:
“On the flight over, I kept thinking, what is it going to be like when I meet her? What am I going to do?” Darragh shared later. “Then, coming out and seeing her through the doors, any ideas that I had just left my mind and I just ran to her.”
“When she came running in, I forgot everything and just ran to her, and was feeling it all at the same time,” says Jee Won.
“We hugged and cried and I don’t even remember what I was thinking,” says Darragh. “I just could feel her, and she was there, and she was real.”
Jee Won (left) and Darragh hug at the airport
“We are definitely related,” Darragh adds. “We share so many things on just a genetic level that you can’t even explain.”
“She’s the same as me,” says Jee Won. “We say the same stupid things at the same time, and make the same stupid faces.” She describes their bond as indescribable: “I’d compare it to loving my children,” she says. “It’s unconditional, it’s deep in my heart and core.”
The sisters take a selfie together
The sisters plan to meet with the Darragh’s adoption agency and take another DNA test with the local police in effort to continue the search for their biological parents together.
“We’re going to try to do whatever is in our possibilities to reach out to [our birth mother],” says Jee Won. “So she knows that we are looking for her, that we would like to meet her, and would like to tell her that we’re fine.”
She says that as a mom herself, she never stops worrying about her children, so she’s sure their mother never stopped thinking about the sisters. And she hopes that the decision to place them both for adoption was a choice that she made because she knew it would be best for them. “I would like to tell her that that’s okay,” she says. “That’s okay. I maybe might not understand it, but I accept it.”
In between getting to know each other and searching for clues about their birth parents, the sisters also stopped by Christine’s bakery to say hello to the other sister whose story inspired Jee Won to take a DNA test.
The sisters with Christine (center), whose story was documented in our 2019 documentary The Missing Piece
Jee Won shares that as a result of her difficult upbringing, she suffered from severe depression in her 30s — and she sees this trip to Korea as part of her healing journey. “For me, coming to Korea is like closing one chapter, where the biggest question was who am I, what do I want in life… but opening the door to find a more meaningful life with as many questions as before, but with grounded answers. Now I know where my roots are, now I know who I am.”
Jee Won encourages other adoptees to take a DNA test as well and search for their families: “If you have questions about who you are and what you want and adopted life, just go for it,” she says. “You can ask and wonder as much as you want, but it will never give you the answers if you don’t start searching for it.”
“My advice to other adoptees out there is to make sure you have a community of people who support you,” says Darragh. “If it’s a community of other adoptees, they’ll understand what you’re going through. Every adoptee has their own unique story, but when they bring them all together, it can really help sort of normalize your own personal experience.”
“I can’t wait to visit her in Belgium, I can’t wait ‘til she visits me in America, and how we make each other a part of our lives is going to be part of the journey of whatever comes next,” says Darragh.
“The bond between us is special,” says Jee Won. “It’s a reminder of a shared life that we missed, of the lost time, but also hope for a better future.”
Jee Won and Darragh’s story demonstrates how taking a DNA test may change not only your life but the lives of others around you: it was the DNA test that brought Kim and Christine together, and the sharing of their story, that eventually led to this reunion. (This is far from the first time we’ve seen this kind of snowball effect — see for example the stories of Fernando Hermansson Carabali and Jimmy Lippert Thyden!) It also shows that even if you don’t get the results you were hoping for when you first take a DNA test, give it time: there is still a chance you’ll find what you’re looking for, even if it takes another few months or years.
Many thanks to Jee Won and Darragh for sharing these vulnerable and poignant moments with us, and to Kim and Christine for continuing to demonstrate how powerfully DNA testing can change lives.
If you’ve also made a life-changing discovery with MyHeritage, we’d love to hear about it. Please share it with us via this form or email us at stories@myheritage.com.
The post Inspired by Documentary, Korean Adoptee Takes a DNA Test… and Also Finds a Full Sister appeared first on MyHeritage Blog.
Discovering the True Story of a World War I Hero Great-Uncle Through MyHeritage Military Records
2024. november 10., vasárnap 10:04:12
Graham Young, a 74-year-old MyHeritage user from New South Wales, Australia, has dedicated over a decade to uncovering the stories within his family tree, which now includes over 2,500 individuals. His journey took a profound turn when he delved into the story of his great-uncle, William Cecil Young, a World War I soldier whose name held a legacy that spanned generations.
Graham’s father, William Cecil Young, was named after his own uncle, who was believed to have died in Gallipoli. Curious to know more about his namesake, Graham’s father asked if Graham could look up his uncle’s story.
“I was going through MyHeritage regarding my mother’s relatives when my father asked if I could look up his uncle who he thought died at Gallipoli,” recalls Graham. “He wanted to know more about his namesake.”
Using the vast resources of MyHeritage, Graham discovered more than he anticipated. His great-uncle William Cecil Young was indeed deployed to Gallipoli in 1915. However, Graham’s research revealed a surprising twist: William didn’t die there. Instead, he was redeployed to France, where his life ultimately ended during one of the war’s fiercest battles.
The Gallipoli campaign holds a special place in Australian history. In April 1915, thousands of young men from the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula, tasked with securing a route to the Dardanelles as part of a larger Allied plan. For many Australians, Gallipoli became a symbol of national identity and bravery, as these soldiers faced overwhelming challenges, rugged terrain, and fierce Ottoman resistance. The campaign became one of the bloodiest and most defining moments for the ANZACs, shaping a legacy of courage and sacrifice that is still commemorated each year on ANZAC and Remembrance Days.
“I found out that he did go to Gallipoli, but he didn’t lose his life there. He died in France,” says Graham. “Both the Australian Roll of Honour and Military Lists and Awards clearly recorded that he died on August 5, 1916, in France. Even Australian newspapers of the time published tributes.”
‘In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same.’ The Gosford Times and Wyong District Advocate, July 31 1924. Source: OldNews.com
This discovery unraveled a story previously unknown to the family. Through his MyHeritage research, Graham learned that his great-uncle had enlisted on July 5, 1915, and arrived on the Gallipoli Peninsula that November. Like many in his family, he had always believed that William had fallen there, but the records revealed otherwise. William was redeployed to France in early 1916, arriving in Marseilles, and eventually found himself in the Battle of Pozières, where he was wounded.
For Australians, the Battle of Pozières was another brutal chapter in World War I, and one that profoundly affected the country. The village of Pozières, located on the Western Front, became the site of relentless fighting in mid-1916. Australian forces were brought in to support the British assault, facing devastating artillery bombardments and close-quarters combat. It was here that Australian soldiers endured some of the heaviest losses of the war, with more than 23,000 casualties, many of whom never returned home. This battle became a symbol of both the immense sacrifice and resilience of Australian soldiers as they confronted unimaginable horrors.
Tragically, William Cecil Young succumbed to his wounds on August 5, 1916, in France. For Graham’s father, this newfound knowledge was deeply moving. Graham promised him that should he ever get the chance to go to France, he would visit his uncle’s grave. The promise to honor William’s memory lived on.
Graham Young standing behind his great-uncle’s grave with a laminated photo of his father.
Though his father had passed away 3 years before his journey to France, in 2018, Graham visited Puchevillers to pay tribute to his great-uncle.
The Puchevillers British Cemetery, located in northern France, is a solemn place where many Australian soldiers rest after sacrificing their lives on the Western Front. Established during the Battle of the Somme, this cemetery holds the remains of soldiers who died in nearby field hospitals, including many Australians who fought valiantly in battles like Pozières. For Australians, visiting this cemetery is a powerful and emotional experience, as it connects them to the bravery and sacrifice of those who traveled across the world to fight for freedom. For Graham, standing at William’s grave in this hallowed ground was a profoundly moving moment, steeped in both sorrow and pride.
“On the day of my visit, it was overcast and drizzling. There were gunshots echoing in the hills beyond the cemetery from a rabbit hunt nearby — it was an experience I’ll never forget. As I promised to my father, I placed a photo of him in his WWII uniform at the headstone and paid my respects,” Graham reflects.
William Cecil Young Jr’s WWII photo placed on William Cecil Young Sr’s WWI gravesite.
To Graham, discovering the truth about William’s final days brought a sense of closure. “MyHeritage gave me the tools to uncover the truth about his fate. I felt I had fulfilled a promise to my father.”
William’s memory also lives on in the Australian newspapers that Graham found through Record Matches, where, after the war, Graham’s parents had posted “In Memoriam” tributes for years, honoring his sacrifice. These posts reminded Graham that the Young family had never forgotten William — and now, thanks to his research, they would continue to remember him with even greater clarity.
‘Your memory, dear William, will never die’. The Gosford Times and Wyong District Advocate, August 2 1928. Source: OldNews.com
‘We will always remember our darling Bill.’ The Gosford Times and Wyong District Advocate, August 7 1930. Source: OldNews.com
‘Memory will keep him ever near…’, The Gordord Times, August 11 1932. Source: OldNews.com
Through this journey, Graham has strengthened his family’s bond to their past, honoring the sacrifices of previous generations. His story is a reminder of the enduring power of family, memory, and the importance of uncovering our roots.
Many thanks to Graham for sharing this moving story with us and for keeping the memory of his great-uncle alive.
If you’ve also made an incredible discovery on MyHeritage, we’d love to hear about it. Please share it with us via this form or email us at stories@myheritage.com.
The post Discovering the True Story of a World War I Hero Great-Uncle Through MyHeritage Military Records appeared first on MyHeritage Blog.
Are You Descended from Vikings? Check This List to Find Out
2024. november 7., csütörtök 12:58:55
Ever wondered if you’ve got Viking blood coursing through your veins? If your last name is on this list, you just might be.
The fearless warriors who stormed across the British Isles didn’t just leave behind tales of conquest — they left their mark on the very names carried today in Great Britain. From the end of the 8th century, these Norse invaders settled in the region, and their names became intertwined with the local culture. What started as the first names, place names, and nicknames of these Scandinavian conquerors evolved into some of the most recognizable British surnames today.
The Battle of Hastings, which began the Norman Conquest of England, as portrayed by Philip James de Loutherbourg, engraved by W. Bromley
Surnames emerged in this region after the Norman Conquest in 1066, when communities were expanding and people needed a way to stand out. These names were often inspired by jobs (think Baker for bakers), physical traits (Whitehead), or places of origin (Wood or Bush for people near the woods). But for those lucky enough to have Viking ancestry, their names carry a bit more mystery that originated from the Old Norse, the Vikings’ language. The Viking invasions shaped a lot more than land: they shaped the way families would be known for generations to come.
Today, Viking-origin surnames have endured centuries of adaptation, often with tweaks in spelling and pronunciation to blend into the English language. If you’re curious whether your name has these powerful Viking roots, the genealogy experts at MyHeritage have put together a list of surnames linked to this fierce Norse heritage.
Collings is an Old English surname coming from the Norse name “Kollungr,” which in Old English became “Cola,” meaning one of swarthy or dark appearance.
This name originally derives from the Norse personal name meaning “The Fierce One.” The plural form with an “s” ending is most popular today.
In some cases this surname is derived from the Old Norse masculine personal name “Gunnr.” In other cases it may be derived from the Old Norse feminine personal name “Gunnhildr.”
This surname derives from either the Old Norse personal name “Hakun,” meaning “high race, one of noble birth”, or the Old Norse personal name “Hakon,” originally a nickname meaning handy or useful.
Originating in Denmark, the surname found its way to England during the Viking (793–1066) eras, evolving from Son of Hrod (Hróður) to Hobson. In England, the name reaches its highest concentrations in Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire.
One origin of this English-language surname is derived from the Old Norse personal name Knutr.
That modern surname derives from the Norse personal name “Asbiorn,” composed of the elements ‘As’ meaning ‘god’ and ‘Bjorn,’ meaning bear.
It is one of the oldest of all Nordic-Viking names and comes from the Old Norse Hrólfr, meaning “renown.”
It derives from the personal Old Norse name Thorgautr, composed of the name of the Norse god of thunder Thor and the name “Gautr.”
This last name derives from the Old Norse male given name “Tofi” and Old Danish “Tovi,” a short form of the name Thorrvaldr.
The name might derive from the Old Norse Tubbi, possibly a pet form of the name Thorbjorn.
Wondering about the stories behind your surname? Search the historical records on MyHeritage now to discover new details about your ancestors.
The post Are You Descended from Vikings? Check This List to Find Out appeared first on MyHeritage Blog.
MyHeritage Adds 7 Million Historical Records in October 2024
2024. november 6., szerda 14:19:11
In October 2024, we published 7 million historical records from 3 collections. The newly added records are death and marriage records from the United States, all which include images. These are essential U.S. records, a real treasure for researchers!
Here are more details about each of the collections.
CollectionDescription Number of RecordsLink to Search New York State Marriages, 1881-1952An index of marriage records from the state of New York, United States between the years 1881 and 1952, with images.5,134,824 records Search collection now Wyoming Deaths, 1910-1952An index of death records of individuals from Rhode Island, United States, between the years 1850 and 1946, with images.1,992,252 recordsSearch collection now Rhode Island Deaths, 1850-1946An index of death records of individuals from the state of Wyoming, United States, between the years 1910 and 1952, with images.90,448 recordsSearch collection now
This collection contains marriage records from the state of New York, United States between the years 1881 and 1952. Records typically include the names of the groom and bride and the date and place of marriage.
Search New York State Marriages, 1881-1952
This collection contains death records of individuals from Rhode Island, United States, between the years 1850 and 1946. Records typically include the name of the deceased, the date and place of birth, place of residence, the date and place of death, the name of the parents, and the name of the spouse.
Search Rhode Island Deaths, 1850-1946
This collection contains death records of individuals from the state of Wyoming, United States, between the years 1910 and 1952. Records typically include the name of the individual, the year of birth, and the date and place of death. In addition, scanned images of the original documents are available and may indicate the cause of death.
Search Wyoming Deaths, 1910-1952
In the Rhode Island Deaths, 1850-1946 collection, we uncovered a death record for Howard Phillips Lovecraft, the legendary American writer known for his pioneering work in weird, science fiction, fantasy, and horror genres. Lovecraft, best remembered for creating the Cthulhu Mythos, passed away at the young age of 46.
The detailed death record reveals that Lovecraft had been an author for an impressive 26 years, despite his relatively short life. His aunt’s name and address are listed as the informant on the record. Lovecraft’s cause of death is recorded as carcinoma of the small intestine, a tragic end for one of the most influential figures in 20th-century literature.
We also uncovered a record in the Rhode Island Deaths, 1850-1946 collection for Patrick Duff, a professional baseball player, who died on September 11, 1925, in Howard, Providence, Rhode Island. Although Duff played just one game in Major League Baseball, his minor league career spanned 8 non-consecutive seasons, giving him a memorable place in the sport’s early history.
The record is packed with details, including Duff’s name, place of death, residence, marital status, and occupation. It also reveals that his parents were both from Ireland. The record includes his parents’ names and birthplaces, his burial information, the date and cause of death, and the signatures of both the physician and undertaker. This wealth of information offers an invaluable resource not just for sports historians but also for genealogists tracing the Duff family lineage.
We hope these valuable collections help you make new discoveries in your family history research. Searching the collections on MyHeritage is free. To view the records or to save records to your family tree, you’ll need a Data, Complete, or Omni plan.
If you have a family tree on MyHeritage, our Record Matching technology will notify you automatically if records from these collections match your relatives. You’ll then be able to review the record and decide if you’d like to add the new information to your family tree.
Enjoy the new collections!
The post MyHeritage Adds 7 Million Historical Records in October 2024 appeared first on MyHeritage Blog.
‘Our Story Is Movie Material’: Sisters Find Each Other After 80 Years & Celebrate Father’s Extraordinary Life
2024. október 31., csütörtök 7:59:08
Sandra Hoffmeister’s journey into her family history recently led to an extraordinary discovery through MyHeritage DNA. She found her half-sister, Beverly, and a niece, Sally, uncovering an entire branch of her family she never knew existed. This revelation opened a new chapter in Sandra’s understanding of her father, George Bernard Surber, a man whose life was already the stuff of legend. Sandra and Beverly’s families, recognizing the incredible story they shared, agree that it could easily inspire a novel or a movie. “We’ve always said a book or movie could be made about our story,” says Sandra.
Sandra, who now lives in Poland, knew that she had a half-sister in Australia, conceived while her dad was stationed there during World War II. After decades of searching, thanks to a DNA match in Australia, Sandra found her half-sister, Beverly.
“Growing up, I always felt there was something not quite right,” says Beverly, who is currently 81 years old. “The man I thought was my father was a very good man, and he raised me well, but no one ever mentioned anything about my early years. I was only seven when he married my mother. As I grew older, I stumbled upon a letter from George to my mother, but I kept it to myself, thinking that he wasn’t interested in me.”
It wasn’t until Sandra reached out through a DNA match with Beverly’s granddaughter, Georgia, that the truth began to unfold. “My daughter had always tried to find my father, and when Sandra found me, I was in shock for weeks. Having contact with her felt surreal. Sandra explained how George had spent time trying to find us, but back then, it was nearly impossible. It was overwhelming to learn that he had cared so much.”
Reflecting on her relationship with Sandra, Beverly expressed deep gratitude: “It feels like I’ve known Sandra forever, and as an only child, she is exactly the sister I had always wished for. I had felt unwanted for so long, but hearing from Sandra how much our father cared was the most heartwarming news. My only regret is that we didn’t find each other sooner.”
George Bernard Surber lived an exceptional life. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps before World War II and was part of the first landing on Guadalcanal. The grueling conditions on the island left him severely ill with malaria, dysentery, and starvation. After recovering in Australia, he returned to the United States and served as an amphibious training instructor in California until his discharge after 4 years of service.
The year he left the Marines, George married his pre-war sweetheart. In 1947, he graduated from the Los Angeles Police Academy and began a distinguished 30-year career with the LAPD. His first assignment was in Watts, one of Los Angeles’ toughest neighborhoods. George worked through the infamous Watts Riots of 1965 and later joined the elite “Freeway Flyers,” a unit specialized in high-speed pursuits. His bravery earned him the LAPD Medal of Valor for rescuing a family from a burning vehicle.
George cheated death several times over in his career. He survived being hit by a car on the freeway and a violent encounter with a thief, during which he was stabbed 17 times. He also had a close call while working undercover vice in Watts, where his partner, Kermit Bekke, was injured during a confrontation with an armed pimp. Despite these challenges, George remained dedicated to his work and his family.
Balancing his demanding job with family life, George was an exemplary father to Sandra and her two older brothers. “He always made time for us,” Sandra recalls. “He coached my brothers’ baseball teams, took us on camping trips, and ensured we had great vacations every summer.” His influence was so profound that Sandra’s eldest brother pursued a career in law enforcement, inspired by his father’s dedication and bravery.
In addition to his police work, George was active in his community. He was the first LAPD officer to hold political office while still on duty, serving on the Torrance City Council. His re-election by a narrow margin of two votes made history in the city.
Even in retirement, George remained active, learning to ski at 65. However, in his early 80s, he became legally blind due to macular degeneration. Sandra moved back to Southern California to care for him, cherishing the 8.5 years they spent together before his passing in 2012 at the age of 91.
Sandra with her dad and dog Lily circa 2006
The discovery of Beverly and her family added another layer to George’s already remarkable story. Beverly’s son, Dean, was a top-ranked Australian tennis player, and her daughter, Sally, a skilled equestrian. It turns out that George’s legacy of athleticism and resilience had crossed oceans and generations.
“Sandra has made me the happiest sister, and I do love her very much,” says Beverly. “It saddens me that I will probably never meet Sandra, as I am 81, but my niece and nephew have connected with her, and that makes me so happy.”
Sandra’s love and admiration for her father shine through in every story she shares. “To say Dad was my hero is an understatement,” Sandra expressed. “He was such a good father, good-natured, generous, and had a great sense of humor.” George Bernard Surber was more than a hero; he was a devoted father, a courageous police officer, and a man whose life continues to inspire those who hear his story. The bond between Sandra and her newly discovered family members is a testament to the enduring impact of George’s incredible life.
Sandra gives George a kiss on her wedding day
Many thanks to Sandra and Beverly for sharing their story with us! If you’ve made an incredible discovery with MyHeritage, we’d love to hear about it. Please send it to us via this form or email us at stories@myheritage.com.
The post ‘Our Story Is Movie Material’: Sisters Find Each Other After 80 Years & Celebrate Father’s Extraordinary Life appeared first on MyHeritage Blog.
Exploring U.S. Presidents’ Lives in 1950 Census Data
2024. október 30., szerda 13:27:46
Censuses are essential for family history research and for historical research in general. In many cases, just a single line, containing brief answers to approximately ten questions, can tell a whole story. No wonder genealogists love censuses.
The U.S. census has been taken every 10 years from 1790 to the present day. However, access to the full details is restricted by law for 72 years. Accordingly, the most recent census currently available is the 1950 census.
Search the 1950 U.S. Census on MyHeritage
To demonstrate how much we can learn from census records, we dove into the 1950 U.S. Census to see what they reveal about 6 recent United States presidents.
In 1950, 7-year-old Joe (Joseph Robinette) Biden Jr. lived in the home of his 66-year-old maternal grandfather, Ambrose Joseph Finnegan, at 2446 North Washington Ave in Scranton, Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania. Ambrose is listed as widowed: his wife, President Biden’s maternal grandmother Geraldine, died a year earlier in 1949. However, he was not left alone. 8 more family members lived with him at the same house.
The Biden family in the 1950 census
Among the 8 people living with Ambrose was his daughter, Catherine Eugenia (Jean) Finnegan Biden (32 years old) — President Biden’s mother — with her husband, Joseph Robinette Biden Sr. (34) and their 3 children: Joseph Jr. (7) and his two younger siblings, Mary Valeria (4) and James (Jim) Brian (1 year old, listed as “May” i.e. born in May the previous year). The youngest child of the Bidens, Francis (Frank) William, was born 3 years after the census was conducted, in 1953, around the time when the family moved out to live on their own in the Wilmington suburb of Mayfield in Claymont, Delaware.
According to the 1950 US census, Jean Biden was listed as “keeping house,” did not “work the previous week,” and was not “looking for work.” President Biden’s father, Joseph Robinette Biden Sr. (34), is listed in the census right after his wife as the “son-in-law” of Ambrose. Biden Sr. declared he had worked 40 hours the previous week as an “automotive inspector” at “Auto Truckrolles.”
Biden Sr. appears on one of the census’s “sample lines”, which means he was required to provide additional information. In the section of additional questions for people who fell on sample lines, we learn that Biden Sr. lived in his in-laws’ house the previous year as well. His parents were both born in the U.S.; he completed 12 years of school and didn’t serve in the U.S. armed forces during WWI, WWII, or “any other time, including present service.” In 1949, Biden Sr. worked 52 weeks, earning a yearly salary of $3,200, which in 2024 U.S. dollars is approximately $41,700 (calculated in accordance to the CPI — Consumer Price Index).
Joseph Biden Sr. appears in the sample line, with additional information added in the section below
For comparison, a peek at the 1940 U.S. census showed that prior to her marriage, Jean was listed in the census as a telephone operator at a private company with a yearly income of $312 (approx. $6,900 in today’s dollars), but according to the census, Jean worked 16 hours during the week before the census was taken. Biden Sr. worked in 1940 as a “superintendent of a plant” and his income was $1300/year (approximately $28,800 in today’s dollars).
The other three people living with Bidens in 1950 were Jean’s older brother (Biden’s maternal uncle) Edward B. Finnegan (38), listed as single and working in a restaurant as a steward. Ambrose’s sister-in-law (Biden’s maternal great-aunt) Gertrude Blewitt, aged 70 and “never married,” also lived with the family. She also appears on a sample line from which we further learn that Gertrude didn’t have any income, including from pensions, allowances, etc. She completed 8 years of school and also lived with her brother-in-law’s family the year before the census in 1949 (and likewise a decade earlier, according to the 1940 U.S. census).
Finally, the last person living with the family was listed as a “lodger,” but was actually also part of the family: Frank Biden (32), President Biden’s paternal uncle; his father’s younger brother still single and working as… an enumerator at the U.S. Census Bureau!
140 miles away, at 85-14 Midland Parkway, Queens, New York, 4-year-old Donald Trump was also enumerated to the U.S. census for the first time in his life.
In 1950, 7 other people lived in the same house. His father Fred (43) was listed in the census as a “proprietor” in the “building construction” industry. His mother Mary (37), born in Scotland, was listed as “keeping house,” did not “work the previous week,” and was not “looking for work.” Other family members are Trump’s siblings: sister Mary Anne (13), brother Fred (Freddy) Jr. (11), sister Elizabeth (8), and the youngest brother, Robert (2 years old).
The last person listed as living with the Trump family was their 29-year-old “nurse maid,” Henessy Kathleen, born in Ireland and listed as not having U.S. citizenship at the time. According to the census, the scope of her employment in “house work” was 60 hours per week.
The Trump family in the 1950 U.S. census
The 1940 U.S. census shows that a decade earlier, the Trump family lived less than half a mile away, at 175-24 Devonshire Road. Fred Trump, listed this time as a “builder,” owned the family’s home, which was valued at $12,500. That is approximately $277,000 in today’s U.S. dollars (calculated in accordance to Consumer Price Index). As the “highest grade of school completed” Fred is listed as graduating 4th year of high school. According to the census, Fred Trump’s income was $5,000 in 1940 (approximately $111,000 in 2024 dollars), and he worked 52 weeks in 1939 and 40 hours the week before the census was taken. According to the 1940 U.S. census Mary Trump’s highest grade of school completed was 8th grade of elementary school. In 1940 her occupation is also listed as “home housework,” and apart from the 2 young children of the family, Mary Anne and Fred, 37-year-old Janio Cassidy — the Trumps’ housemaid, originally from Ireland and listed as naturalized — also lived in the house. She completed the 8th grade of elementary school, worked 40 hours during the week prior to the census, and in 1939 worked 52 weeks for a yearly salary of $600 (approximately $13,400/year in today’s dollars).
The Trump family in the 1940 U.S. census
Back to the 1950 U.S. census, we would expect to find two former U.S. presidents in one house: future 41st president of the United States, George H. W. Bush, almost 26 years old in 1950, with his son, then 4-year-old George W. Bush, the future 43rd U.S. president.
George W. Bush was born July 1946 in New Haven, Connecticut, while his father was attending Yale University after service in World War II. In 1950, the family moved to Midland, Texas, but none of them are listed there in the 1950 U.S. census. George H. W. Bush appears all alone at 720 E Conyton Blvd. in Compton, California. He is listed as a “salesman” in the “oil field industry,” and during the week prior to the census, he worked 48 hours.
George Bush Sr. in the 1950 U.S. census
We turned to previous censuses in order to learn more, and found 15 year-old George H. W. Bush in the 1940 census living with his family at Grone Lane in Greenwich, Fairfield, Connecticut.
His father, Prescot Bush, was an investment banker, and represented Connecticut in the U.S. Senate from 1952 to 1963. In 1940, 44 year-old Prescot was recorded in the census as “banker” and declared a yearly income of $5,000 (approximately $111,000 in 2024 dollars). The home of the family, inhabited by 9 people, was owned by Prescot Bush. Living with him were his wife, Dorothy (38), whose occupation was listed as “home-housework,” and 5 children: Prescot Jr., future president George H. W. Bush, sister Nancy, and brothers John and William. 2 women employees lived with the family as well: 39-year-old Agnes McChith from Scotland worked as a “nurse” 77 hours a week for a yearly salary of $960 (approximately $21,000 in today’s dollars). 42-year-old Anna Mabler from Germany was the family’s “maitresse” who worked 70 hours a week and earned a yearly salary of $840 (approximately $19,000 in today’s dollars).
The Bush family in the 1940 U.S. Census
William Jefferson Blythe III, the 42nd president of the USA, known as Bill Clinton, was 3 years old when the 1950 U.S. census was taken. He lived with his maternal grandparents in Hope City, Arkansas.
His grandmother, Edith Cassidy (48) was listed as “keeping house”, while her husband, Clinton’s grandfather, James Eldridge Cassidy (49), worked 65 hours a week as a storekeeper at a grocery store, and earned an annual salary of $1,700 in 1949 (approximately $22,300 in 2024 dollars).
Bill Clinton (William Jefferson Blythe III) and maternal grandparents in the 1950 U.S. census
Clinton’s mother, Virginia Dell Cassidy, is not listed with the three, probably because she was training to be a nurse anesthetist in New Jersey and married car salesman Roger Clinton Sr. around the same period of time. Clinton’s father, William Jefferson Blythe Jr. died four years earlier in a car accident, three months before his son’s birth.
The 44th president of the United States, Barack Obama, was born in 1961, so we’ll need to wait until 2042 for the 1970 US census to be published in order to find him. For the time being, we found his mother, 7-year-old Ann Dunham living at 515 W. Central in Ponca City, Kay, Oklahoma with her parents. Obama’s maternal grandfather, Stanley (32), worked 54 hours a week as a “furniture salesman” in the “retail furniture” industry. Because Stanley Dunham appears on the census sample line, we can see that in 1949 his yearly salary was $3,500 (approximately $46,000 in 2024 dollars). Stanley was also recorded as serving in the U.S. army during WWII.
Obama’s mother with her parents in the 1950 census
Obama’s maternal grandmother, Madelyn (27), worked as a “clerk proof reading” in the “oil refinery” industry and earned a yearly salary of $2000 (approximately $26,000 in today’s dollars).
Obama’s father, Kenyan economist Barack Sr., met his mother while the two were students in Hawaii, where Obama was born on August 4, 1961. They later divorced, and Obama’s mother married a man from Indonesia, where he spent his early childhood. Before starting 5th grade, he returned to Honolulu to live with his maternal grandparents and attended Punahou elementary school on a scholarship. We will have to wait and see if the census enumerator was able to document the future president in 1970.
Search the collection now and find out!
The post Exploring U.S. Presidents’ Lives in 1950 Census Data appeared first on MyHeritage Blog.