Episode 209 - My Ancestor Was America's First Serial Killer

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist for the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David starts out "Family Histoire News" with a disturbing story out of New York where the Department of Health wants to make a few changes concerning access to records. Hear what they would like to do. Then, a century after the fact, a World War I submarine's wreckage has been found in water near Belgium. David will tell you what is known about it. Next, a pair of World War II soldier twins celebrate their 99th birthdays! Who are they and what's their story? David has the details. Finally, it's a strange tail from Laguna Beach, involving a wedding, a camera, and a rogue wave. Wait until you hear the twist! David's Blogger Spotlight this week shines on Mags Gaulden's site, GrandmasGenes.com/blog.

Next, Fisher visits with writer Jeff Mudgett. At around the age of 40, over twenty years ago, Jeff learned from his grandfather that his second great grandfather was a man known to the world as H.H. Holmes, America's first serial killer. Jeff has spent years researching his paternal line ancestor. His book Bloodstains goes through it all. Jeff recently hosted a series on the subject on History called "American Ripper." Hear what Jeff has to say and why he believes that H. H. Holmes was also "Jack The Ripper!"

Next, Preservation Authority Tom Perry takes questions on broken cassette tapes and what one New York man should really be looking for in a home movie transfer.

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