Megan Smolenyak
@megansmolenyak.com
Lifelong genealogist & stubborn solver of history mysteries. Don't try to hide from me. I *will* find you.
megansmolenyak.com
#genealogy #history #democracy
megansmolenyak.com
#genealogy #history #democracy
November 12, 2025 at 3:24 PM
Thinking of my grandfather, James V Shields, today and pulled up this letter he wrote home from France during WWI. Never spoke of his service in later days, so feel very fortunate to have this trace. He's the fellow standing in the middle in the photo. #VeteransDay
November 11, 2025 at 2:18 PM
Thinking of my grandfather, James V Shields, today and pulled up this letter he wrote home from France during WWI. Never spoke of his service in later days, so feel very fortunate to have this trace. He's the fellow standing in the middle in the photo. #VeteransDay
Since there are so many of them now, I thought it was time to learn more about billionaires.
Admittedly not genealogical (well, a touch when it gets into intergenerational wealth), but an eye-opening read nonetheless. 👀
Admittedly not genealogical (well, a touch when it gets into intergenerational wealth), but an eye-opening read nonetheless. 👀
November 7, 2025 at 12:29 PM
Since there are so many of them now, I thought it was time to learn more about billionaires.
Admittedly not genealogical (well, a touch when it gets into intergenerational wealth), but an eye-opening read nonetheless. 👀
Admittedly not genealogical (well, a touch when it gets into intergenerational wealth), but an eye-opening read nonetheless. 👀
Beginning, middle, end. 🍋
October 27, 2025 at 12:37 PM
Beginning, middle, end. 🍋
We all knew this mashup was coming. #genealogy 🧬
October 13, 2025 at 2:22 PM
We all knew this mashup was coming. #genealogy 🧬
Hey, y'all, just a reminder that I'll be doing my first in-person event in eons on Nov 22nd in Palm Harbor, Florida. If you live in the area or happen to be a snow-bird, I hope you'll consider joining us. #genealogy (1/2)
October 7, 2025 at 2:18 PM
Hey, y'all, just a reminder that I'll be doing my first in-person event in eons on Nov 22nd in Palm Harbor, Florida. If you live in the area or happen to be a snow-bird, I hope you'll consider joining us. #genealogy (1/2)
Jane Goodall speaking about climate change at the Tropicana stadium in St Petersburg, Florida last September 24th. On October 9th, the roof you see would be torn off by Hurricane Milton.
RIP to a magnificent woman. 😔
RIP to a magnificent woman. 😔
October 2, 2025 at 1:21 PM
Jane Goodall speaking about climate change at the Tropicana stadium in St Petersburg, Florida last September 24th. On October 9th, the roof you see would be torn off by Hurricane Milton.
RIP to a magnificent woman. 😔
RIP to a magnificent woman. 😔
Honored to have researched the family of Sgt. Roger Laurent Raoul Duquesne whose entire life was heroic. So glad he's been identified. #KoreanWar (2012)
September 29, 2025 at 3:11 PM
Honored to have researched the family of Sgt. Roger Laurent Raoul Duquesne whose entire life was heroic. So glad he's been identified. #KoreanWar (2012)
Welcome home, PFC Vincent Angelo Vega. Honored to have researched your family (just this year!). #Hero #KoreanWar
September 18, 2025 at 4:51 PM
Welcome home, PFC Vincent Angelo Vega. Honored to have researched your family (just this year!). #Hero #KoreanWar
From another era. It fascinated my dad as well!
September 15, 2025 at 11:30 PM
From another era. It fascinated my dad as well!
Unusual book to recommend perhaps, but it certainly helps that I've been lured into the Tour de France world these last couple of years (lovely mash-up of sport and geography/history/culture). 1/2
September 15, 2025 at 1:45 PM
Unusual book to recommend perhaps, but it certainly helps that I've been lured into the Tour de France world these last couple of years (lovely mash-up of sport and geography/history/culture). 1/2
The stuff you trip across when researching, eh? Hitler's half-brother seeks to change his name (the family later went by Hiller) and said "Hitler hated him and never had visited him in the last 10 years." #genealogy
September 4, 2025 at 2:49 PM
The stuff you trip across when researching, eh? Hitler's half-brother seeks to change his name (the family later went by Hiller) and said "Hitler hated him and never had visited him in the last 10 years." #genealogy
If you're curious about the early days of genetic and forensic #genealogy - and I mean the 1980s - then this is a must read. Also, if you're not familiar with the brilliant accomplishments of Mary-Claire King, this is a great way to rectify that!
September 2, 2025 at 1:11 PM
If you're curious about the early days of genetic and forensic #genealogy - and I mean the 1980s - then this is a must read. Also, if you're not familiar with the brilliant accomplishments of Mary-Claire King, this is a great way to rectify that!
Another #genealogy t-shirt for next level geeks and font enthusiasts. 😏
August 21, 2025 at 12:27 PM
Another #genealogy t-shirt for next level geeks and font enthusiasts. 😏
This high school didn't skimp on recognition. Also captures a moment in time.
Best: jitterbug, typist, soda jerker, wise cracker, apple polisher, and gum popper.
#genealogy
Best: jitterbug, typist, soda jerker, wise cracker, apple polisher, and gum popper.
#genealogy
August 20, 2025 at 6:17 PM
This high school didn't skimp on recognition. Also captures a moment in time.
Best: jitterbug, typist, soda jerker, wise cracker, apple polisher, and gum popper.
#genealogy
Best: jitterbug, typist, soda jerker, wise cracker, apple polisher, and gum popper.
#genealogy
It's been a while, so I hope y'all won't mind if mention my book about Annie Moore of Ellis Island. Please consider giving it a read if you haven't or telling your friends if you have. Word of mouth is so important! Thanks! 🙏☘️
megansmolenyak.com/books/the-qu...
megansmolenyak.com/books/the-qu...
August 11, 2025 at 2:11 PM
It's been a while, so I hope y'all won't mind if mention my book about Annie Moore of Ellis Island. Please consider giving it a read if you haven't or telling your friends if you have. Word of mouth is so important! Thanks! 🙏☘️
megansmolenyak.com/books/the-qu...
megansmolenyak.com/books/the-qu...