Episode 283 - Got A Union Soldier From West Virginia? His Medal May Be Waiting For You! / One Woman's Family Tie To The 150th Golden Spike Anniversary

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with Brooke Ganz, organizer of ReclaimTheRecords.org, filling in for David Allen Lambert. In Family Histoire News, Fisher and Brooke first talk about an Irish woman who sought her birth mother for over sixty years. Hear the unique twist to this story. Then, a man was shocked to learn that his DNA results were the scientific equivalent of finding "Bigfoot." Find out why. Next, a controversy has sprung up over the use of DNA and genetic genealogy in a criminal case in Utah. Brooke and Fisher review the concerns. Finally, Brooke talks about another lawsuit recently filed by Reclaim The Records against the City of New York. She'll explain what they're trying to do.

Next, Fisher visits with Randy Marcum, historian at the West Virginia State Archives. West Virginia has been seeking their Civil War Union soldiers and their descendants since 1866 to present them with a personalized medal to recognize their service. Out of 26,000 medals, some 3,400 remain. Hear the story behind these incredible family keepsakes and how qualified people can get one that was made specifically for their ancestor.

Then, McKell Keeney from Arizona talks about the recent celebration of the 150th anniversary of the driving of the Golden Spike, connecting the United States by rail. McKell was present for the festivities at Promontory Point, Utah, and for a very special reason. Were it not for her grandmother, none of this year's festivities might ever have happened.

Then, it's another "Ask Us Anything" segment. Fisher's special guest this week is… well… Fisher! Answering a listener question about discovering family history treasures on eBay. Then, another listener asks about the wisdom of DNA testing children.

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