Episode 320 - Tying Together Records and Photos Through “Mind Mapping”/ Concern: Massachusetts Governor Wants to Limit Access to Vital Records

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. The guys begin with Fisher prodding David on his recent appearance in the pages of Woman’s Day! David explains. David then shares that Extreme Genes has received something of a clerical blessing. Next the guys share the sorrowful news of the passing of genealogist Johni Cerny. Johni was the chief genealogist for Dr. Henry Louis Gates’ PBS program Finding Your Roots, whose crew is mourning her loss. (Dr. Gates talks about her later in this show.) David then talks about the outstanding piece recently shared on Fox News about the oldest crimes that have been solved over the last two years using genetic genealogy. He then notes that a Canadian police force is now turning to the method. The last Negro League ballplayer to have played at the time of Jackie Robinson has passed. Hear who he was and just how old he was! Fisher then visits with Ron Arons, best known as a speaker on the subject of “black sheep” ancestors. Ron talks about a very useful technique for coming to understand more about the details in your ancestors’ lives. He calls it “Mind Mapping.” Find out how it works. Next, Ryan Woods, COO of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org  comes on to talk with Fisher about how the Governor of Massachusetts is seeking legislation to limit access to vital records. It’s a concept that, if spread around the country, could truly impact family history research. Hear Ryan’s take on the situation. Dr. Henry Louis Gates visits with Fisher in the fourth segment, telling us a little about the late Johni Cerny, as well as the celebrities he hosts on this week’s episode of Finding Your Roots on PBS. David Allen Lambert then returns for Ask Us Anything, tackling another listener question. That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!