How a Pirate Shipwreck Near Cape Cod Became a Local Legend
"Folktales and ghost stories of the Whydah shipwreck have sprung up all along the New England coast. In some, the story is framed as a tragic romance—in others, a tale of revenge." Read More
Upcoming Online Research Tour
Virtual Genealogical Skills Bootcamp
Take your research skills to the next level! This intensive three-day online program will teach you how to tackle your family history research like a pro. Topics include strategies for analyzing records, online research, breaking down genealogical brick walls, and more. August 3–5, 2023. Register Now
Share your thoughts about the survey! Please limit submissions to 150 words or fewer. Responses featured in a future newsletter may be edited for clarity and length.
Last Week's Survey:
Did Any of Your Ancestors or Relatives Meet a Celebrity?
Total: 3,391 Responses
67%, Yes, at least one of my ancestors or relatives met a celebrity.
63%, I met at least one celebrity.
15%, I have one or more celebrities in my family.
18%, No, I am not aware of any of my ancestors or relatives meeting any celebrities.
Readers Respond
Hariette Gershon, Atlanta, Georgia: My grandfather Harold Bartell owned Edward’s Drug Store in New York City. According to Harold’s son-in-law Leo Sanders, one evening in 1957, Marilyn Monroe and Arthur Miller ducked into Edward’s to escape the paparazzi. At the time, the couple lived one and a half blocks east of the store near Sutton Place.
Ron Dahlgren, Stillwater, Oklahoma: My father, Arthur W. Dahlgren, was a chef. In the early '60s, he worked at the Rib House in Lunenburg, Massachusetts. Many actors from the nearby Whalom Summer Playhouse would stop by for meals. Dad was most impressed with actor Mickey Rooney, who he said was friendly, gracious, generous, and funny.
Linda L. Mansur, Nashville, Tennessee: My grandfather Bernard E. Ragland worked for the State of Missouri in the 1950s. He was asked to assist in finding a Missouri mule for an upcoming movie. Bernard selected the animal that would rise to fame as Francis, the Talking Mule. Francis starred in seven movies alongside human actor Donald O'Connor. I have a picture of my grandfather with Francis and Missouri Governor Forrest Smith in front of the Missouri State Capitol.
Gale Kane, Bartlesville, Oklahoma: In 1964, our family set out in our plane to Acapulco for Christmas vacation. Encountering headwinds over Chihuahua, we decided to land in Puerto Vallarta, where Night of the Iguana was being filmed. On an evening stroll around the plaza, we saw Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, somewhat inebriated, screaming imprecations at each other. That night, my father stayed late at the hotel bar, talking and drinking with Burton. According to my father, they were “old buddies by the morning.”
Terri Brown, Brunswick, Ohio: In 1926 my not-yet-married grandparents, Marie Kibbee and Henry Rosnagel of Cleveland, Ohio, were at Niagara Falls when Jean A. Lussier went over the falls in his fabric-and-rubber ball. Marie and Henry were standing next to the ball when Mr. Lussier emerged. Mr. Lussier used Marie’s lipstick to enhance the cuts he received on his trip over the falls to make them more visible in photos. Marie was proud of that moment and told the story to everyone she met. After she passed away in 1994, we found the tube of lipstick in her jewelry box.
This enhanced New York Times article describes the holdings of the National Archives and illustrates how material is preserved for the future.
Eat Like Vikings and Other Ancient Seafarers “Gastro Obscura spoke with Simon Spalding, the author of Food at Sea: Shipboard Cuisine from Ancient to Modern Times,about the evolution of onboard dining.”
“Public outcry over whistleblower William Morgan’s disappearance gave rise to the Anti-Masonic Party, which nominated a candidate for president in 1832.”
Spotlight: Naturalization Records from Queens & The Bronx
by Valerie Beaudrault
The County Clerk’s offices of Queens and Bronx County, New York, have recently created a searchable database containing over 250,000 naturalization records. This new resource covers immigrants who arrived in Queens County from 1795-1952, and Bronx County from 1914-1952. Search the database by name, petition number, year of arrival, and country of origin. Select the county from a dropdown list. Click the camera icon to view the record image. Search Now
William Waldorf Astor: American Tycoon to English Lord
Curator of Special Collections Curt DiCamillo discusses the life and legacy of business tycoon William Waldorf Astor through his lavish English country estates, including Villa Astor on the Amalfi Coast. Watch Now
Your Legacy. Your Peace of Mind. Your Free Will.
As a family historian, you know that wills are important in your research—but have you created a will for yourself? Free Will, an easy and free online will creation tool, will guide you step-by-step through identifying beneficiaries for your assets, supporting the causes that are important to you, and planning for the preservation of your research. Learn More
