Carolina Girl Genealogy

Wednesday, July 29, 2026

GenFriends Genealogy Chat Show: The Journey to Find a Patriot with True Lewis

Join me and the GenFriends panel, Melissa Barker, Jenny Hawran, Laura Hedgecock, Shelley Murphy, and Mary Kircher Roddy, as we welcome special guest True Lewis, from My True Roots, for an inspiring conversation about her search for her family's Revolutionary War story.

Watch as True shares how her research led to a deeper connection with the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), opened unexpected leadership opportunities, and even resulted in an invitation from Auburn University.

Have you searched for a Patriot?

Tell us your story!

👍 Like, subscribe, and share if you enjoy the conversation!

True Lewis is a family historian, retired U.S. Army veteran, author of My True Roots®, a member of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, and a member of the National Genealogical Society and Alabama Genealogical Society. She serves as National Chair and host of the DAR Today Podcast. She resides at Fort Knox, Kentucky.

Links in this episode:

My True Roots

https://mytrueroots.blogspot.com/2026/07/my-true-roots-journey-to-american.html

DAR Today Podcast

https://dar-today.simplecast.com/episodes/legacy-edition-the-torch-and-the-blossom-welcome-president-general

Daughter's in Dialogue

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1035559725636965

Karen Batchelor

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1035559725636965

Contact the Panelists:

Melissa Barker -A Genealogist in the Archives

http://agenealogistinthearchives.blogspot.com/

Bernice Bennett-BerniceBennett.com

Jenny Hawran-Like Herding Cats Genealogy

https://like-herding-cats.com/

Laura Hedgecock-Treasure Chest of Memories

https://treasurechestofmemories.com/

Mary Kircher Roddy-MKR Genealogy

https://www.mkrgenealogy.com/

https://appliedgen.institute/

Shelley Murphey-Family Tree Girl

https://familytreegirl.com/

Thank you so much for watching!

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Thanks so much for stopping by!

Helping you climb your family tree,

Sunday, July 26, 2026

Celebration Sunday-Genealogy Happy Dance! A Week of Archives, Learning, Speaking and Friends!

You know the dance. You know you've done it. The one every researcher does after finding something new. The one where you want to jump up and down and shout to everyone that you found the document, contacted a cousin with the family Bible, made a DNA connection, or found a new branch to your tree. The one that is met with glazed stares and eye rolls.

Celebration Sunday is a place to share your discoveries.

This weekly series enables everyone to tell about their Genealogy Happy Dance moment.

Share by scrolling

Leave a comment and add your story to the comments section, or you may also include a link to a blog post about what had you dancing this week.

My Happy Dance Moment for the week:

Attending workshops and conferences is so much fun, and the opportunity to do research and meet up with friends is even better!

Last week I did just that. On my way to Columbia to speak and attend the South Carolina Genealogical Society Workshop, I stopped by the Sumter County Archives to do some research. Then, before the event, I spent the day at the South Carolina Department of Archives and History. So much fun digging into old boxes and books looking for information on family and watching others do the same.

I was able to give three presentations and attend others. Mark Lowe was the keynote speaker and always so generous with his time and friendship.

This weekend every July is always a time to learn more about my ancestors, learn, and meet up with friends old and new.

What was your happy dance moment?

Share your Happy Dance Moment for the week, and let's celebrate together!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Helping you climb your family tree,

Wednesday, July 22, 2026

GenFriends Genealogy Chat Show: Finding a Home for Your Family Archives with Melissa Barker

What will happen to your genealogy research, family photographs, documents, and treasured heirlooms when you're no longer here? It's a question many of us put off, but planning now can make all the difference for the generations that follow.

In this episode of GenFriends, Melissa shares with Jenny, Shelley, and me why every family historian needs a preservation plan. We talk about deciding who should receive your research, photographs, records, and heirlooms, how to organize your collection so others can understand it, and what steps you can take now to help ensure your family's history isn't lost.

Watch this episode for an important conversation about protecting your family's history for the future and join Melissa's 10-item challenge!