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Tracing Your Family Roots: Methodology

Here is an episode from the series Tracing Your Family Roots.  Sallyann Sack, author of  Avotaynu Guide to Jewish Genealogy, talks with Arline Sachs about methodology for beginning genealogical research. Their discussion is based on the first chapter, called "Methodology: How to be a Genealogist", which was contributed by Eileen Polokoff.

If you are interested in Jewish genealogy in general, you may also want to check out the Tracing the Tribe blog, run by genealogist Schelly Talalay Dardashti.

Tags:  genealogy,  how to,  family history,  jewish,  video,  Roots Video,  Roots Television

Canadian Thanksgiving Maple Cake

Happy Thanksgiving - and a belated Happy Canadian Thanksgiving! It's time to take a well-earned break from our research to enjoy the number one food holiday of the year.  Here's a maple cake recipe from our Canadian friends.  I haven't tried it yet, but it looks yummy to me!

Tags:  Thanksgiving,  Canada,  recipe,  family history,  food,  video,  Roots Television,  Roots Video

Electric Scotland How-To

Alastair McIntyre introduces the genealogy section on Electric Scotland.  The site includes how-to guides, articles, links, resources for Scottish-Canadian research, and a program where you can upload your own family tree, genealogy information, and family stories.  And if you've ever wondered what exactly professional genealogists do for all that money, you can tour a professional genealogy search, including notes that show step-by-step how the professional did the research, what resources and databases he used, and what tricks helped him get past the dead-ends.

Tags:  how to,  genealogy,  family history,  research,  Scotland,  Canada,  software,  biography,  Electric Scotland,  Roots Video, Roots Television

Reveille

I know you'll enjoy this heartwarming tribute to those who have dedicated their lives to serving their country.

Tags:  Army,  Navy,  WWII,  war,  veteran,  flag,  video,  genealogy,  family history,  Roots Video

Veterans of "The Forgotten War"

UK television presenter Andrew Bernard interviews three veterans of "The Forgotten War," the Far East conflicts that continued to the end of WWII.  Bernard interviews a former, highly decorated RAF pilot, a resident of the area who aided shipwrecked and injured Allied soldiers, and a Malaysian nurse.

Tags:  WWII,  veteran,  veterans,  RAF,  British,  Japan,  Asia,  video,  genealogy,  family history, Roots Video

A Commonwealth Remembrance

In remembrance of all British & Commonwealth Servicemen and Women who lost their lives in the tragic conflict of World War Two.  The Commonwealth War Graves Commission maintains cemeteries around the world.  The commissions principles are that each gravestone should be permanent, uniform, and with no distinction made on account of rak, race or creed.  A wonderful tribute the fallen soldiers of Britain, Canada, Australia, India, and the rest of the Commonwealth nations.

Tags:  WWII,  war,  veteran,  British,  Canada,  Australia,  India,  genealogy,  family history,  cemetery,  video,  music,  Roots Video

The Great Escape

John Weir, an RCAF Spitfire pilot taken as POW in WWII, talks about the planning of the tunnels in Stalag Luft III. John, with Wally Floody, devised the tunnel support system for "Tom, Dick and Harry".  John was one of the key figures in the "Great Escape," but missed the actual escape due to being shipped out of camp just prior to that fateful night. He survived the deadly winter march to Lubeck in 1945, and returned to Canada where he still lives.  This interview is part of the Testaments of Honour project.  If you or someone you know is a Canadian veteran, visit the Testaments website to see how you can participate.

Merchant Marines

Let's not forget the incredible service and sacrifice given by those who served in the Merchant Marines.  These brave sailors hold a special place in my heart, as my husband's grandfather, a member of the British Merchant Navy, was lost at sea off the coast of Ulster during the war.  Thanks to the many unsung heroes who have given so much for future generations.

Veterans of the Somme

I couldn't decide which of these WWI clips to post, so you get to see them both.  The first is a set of interviews with veterans of the Battle of the Somme.  The second is a musical tribute to the 36th Ulster Division.

  Interviews with Veterans of the Somme.

A Tribute to men of the 36th Ulster Division, set to music.

Tags:  war,  veterans,  WWII,  Irish,  genealogy,  history,  video,  music, Roots Video

Music of the American Revolution

It's Military Roots Week here at Roots Television.  Have you entered our first contest?  I thought we could kick off the week with a little music.  Here is a short clip of award-winning composer, violinist, and teacher Mark O'Connor sharing fiddle music of the American Revolutionary War Era.

Tags:  war,  music,  genealogy,  history,  Roots Video