Ep. 114 - A History of The Mayflower with Robert Charles Anderson

This week on Extreme Genes/ America's Family History Show, it's a salute to our Pilgrims and Puritans! Robert Charles Anderson, creator of the Great Migration series, joins Fisher for two segments on the beginnings of the European settlement of North America, and our Thanksgiving tradition.

Fisher opens the show in the first segment with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. As a Mayflower descendant (John Howland) Fisher talks about his first hand impressions of Plymouth Rock. David then talks about Queen Elizabeth's approval of DNA testing to resolve a British Peerage problem. (These are different times!) David also talks about a stash of undelivered mail from the 17th and 18th centuries that has been discovered. He'll tell you where they are and how you can find out if any of your ancestors were among the senders or intended receivers. David also tells you about a new audio digitization program that will allow you to hear thousands of recording cylinders from the 19th and early 20th centuries! He'll also have new free databases and another tech tip.

Next, Fisher visits with Robert Charles Anderson, who created the "Great Migration" series of reference books beginning in 1988. They'll talk about what inspired Robert to devote his life to this great work, and how his research has allowed him to debunk some Pilgrim myths. What were they? Listen to the podcast!

Fisher and Robert continue their conversation with an explanation of the Winthrop Fleet and how it changed the course of the European settlement of North America in the 1630s. You'll also learn exactly when and why it ended. Robert also talks about what information is yet to be found concerning the immigrants of 1620 to 1640.

Then, Tom Perry of TMCPlace.com, the Preservation Authority, talks about how you might be able to salvage your old VHS tapes. It's a tricky and dangerous endeavor, but if you're sure you want to try, Tom will tell you what it takes to succeed.

That's all this week on Extreme Genes / America's Family History Show!