Episode 232 - Cousins All: The Black O'Kelleys And The White O'Kelleys

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David begins by updating everyone on the World War II footlocker he just received that had once belonged to a Lambert third cousin, who died in the war. David then shares the news of a court ruling concerning Rhode Island Colonial records that were being offered for sale on eBay. Hear what the judge had to say about that. Then, a 93-year-old is finally getting his Bah Mitzvah, 80 years after he should have. Catch the amazing details. Next, a British family has beaten 20,000 to 1 odds with the birth of their latest child. Find out what makes this baby so unique. David then spotlights blogger Natalie Pithers, who shares some tips about breaking down brick walls on her site, genealogystories.co.uk.

Next, Fisher visits with the O'Kelley cousins. They call themselves the Black O'Kelleys and the White O'Kelleys. Even though Nikki Williams Sebastian, Joyce Ann Huston, Brad Reneer, and his mother, Argie Shumway, don't carry the name anymore, they share a common ancestor… a slave holder from Mississippi. Despite being "distant" cousins, there is nothing distant about their relationship. The O'Kelleys explain how both side have researched this branch of the family for decades, and how DNA proved what they already knew… they are family!

Then, Tom Perry talks about the importance of preserving what you have preserved. What does that mean? For example, if you have digitized old slides or photos, you have to be sure that the digitized version lasts forever more. The Preservation Authority will explain the process so you don't wind up, literally, with nothing!

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