Genealogy Stories

Last month, for the first time, my husband learned something about his biological parents. His adoptive Dad let it slip that Nelson's father was a professional tennis player and was never told of his existence. Nelson is a great tennis player, and plays in local leagues. As a genealogy buff, I was about to crawl out of my skin!!! I want to know everything! Is it right that his biological father doesn't know about him?...if he's still alive. I'll give a shoutout to any professional tennis player who was possibly in Georgia in early 1962. You have a son that you don't know about, born in Savannah!

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DOPPELGANGERS

Have you seen the story of Max Galuppo? www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/14/max-galuppo-temple-university-twin_n_2130291.html



Basically, Max ran into a 16th century Italian painting in a Philadelphia art museum, and the subject appears to be his identical twin. The Nobleman in the portrait was from the same region that the Galuppo ancestors are from. They are looking deeply at the family tree now. I love this stuff!

The Pilgrim Project

I'm excited about this project and have started a secure Facebook page. Families to be included will be contacted. This project is mostly centered on the branch of Hannah Mann and descendents after the 19th century move to Michigan. You may contact me at contact@michellefontaine.com.

Musings on New England People

Growing up in the mountains of NC, I became numb to my surroundings. Why did my Florida friends love to come visit when they lived near the beach? The mountains were so boring! I have longed to live in New England many times--the place rich in history--the place with mountains, rocky shores, rugged people and accents. But have the New England people become numb to their heritage and surroundings?

I love history--the good kind--people searching for a better way of life and making history protecting our freedom and making the world a better place. It seems every family in America started in Massachusetts. There aren't many buildings in the south that have been around for 200 years, and sometimes it seems everything is made of plastic. Things aren't built to last and neighborhoods are  ridiculously overgroomed and overplanned. Nothing is natural...sorry...I digress.

My point is, I don't think New England people fully appreciate what they have. A good friend of mine who has lived in Lunenberg for many years didn't really understand why my husband and I used take a trip up to Boston and other areas each fall. That's because she's in Boston every day. I would probably be the same way.

I have a pretty big blog on my Newfoundland roots and it draws a fairly decent crowd. People are really interested in their Newfie roots. I have found hundreds of cousins I never knew existed and have formed bonds with some really wonderful souls. I travel the globe just sitting here at my computer and it has been a great experience. THIS blog, however, has been a completely different experience...but time will tell.