Today, we’re excited to announce a new addition to Ancient Origins: Notable Individuals. This new feature lets you discover your genetic proximity to 32 notable figures whose DNA was recovered from archaeological remains. Curious whether your DNA is genetically similar to Ötzi the Iceman, the Griffin Warrior of ancient Greece, Ludwig van Beethoven, or Cheddar Man? With Notable Individuals, you can now find out and learn more about the people behind the DNA samples.

Explore Ancient Origins: Notable Individuals

Ancient Origins: Notable Individuals (click to zoom)

In addition, we’ve made it easier to access one of the most popular Ancient Origins reports — Closest Populations — which is now available directly from the main screen. This report was previously under Advanced Reports>Genetic Similarities>Single Origin.

How the Notable Individuals feature works

Ancient Origins is based on the rapidly advancing field of archaeogenetics: the study of ancient DNA recovered from archaeological remains. In recent years, scientists have successfully sequenced DNA from thousands of ancient individuals from cultures and civilizations spanning thousands of years of human history. These breakthroughs are transforming our understanding of how ancient populations migrated, mixed, and shaped the genetic landscape of the modern world.

Ancient Origins compares your DNA to ancient DNA samples from individuals who lived hundreds or even thousands of years ago. The new Notable Individuals feature, made possible by the partnership between MyHeritage and Illustrative DNA, builds on this technology by highlighting ancient samples associated with historically significant individuals and well-known archaeological discoveries.

The feature estimates your genetic proximity to each individual by comparing shared genetic patterns between your DNA and the ancient sample. In other words, it identifies how genetically similar your DNA is to theirs, relative to other ancient populations and samples in the database.

It’s important to note that these results do not indicate direct descent or family relationships with historical figures. Rather, they reflect broader genetic similarities that can make history feel more personal — and may give you an especially fun fact to bring up at your next dinner party or family reunion.

The 32 featured individuals and groups span a wide range of cultures, regions, and historical eras. They include royalty, warriors, rulers, famous archaeological discoveries, and other historically significant individuals whose remains have contributed to modern ancient DNA research. Each profile includes background information about the individual’s life, culture, and historical significance, alongside a short AI-generated video depicting a few moments in that person’s life.

Accessing Notable Individuals

To access Notable Individuals, log in to your MyHeritage account on desktop or mobile and navigate to DNA>Ancient Origins. On the main Ancient Origins screen, you’ll now see a new section called “Notable Individuals,” marked with a “New” badge.

Accessing Notable Individuals (click to zoom)

Select “Notable Individuals” to access the full list of featured historical individuals and your genetic fit score for each one.

Example of Notable Individuals result with a close genetic fit score with the Birka Female Warrior (click to zoom)

Tap or click any individual to view your results. Each profile displays your genetic proximity to the ancient DNA sample, along with historical background information and imagery that help bring the story of the individual to life, and a chart of the modern populations most genetically similar to this individual.

Full description of the Birka Female Warrior (click to zoom)

The results also include a brief AI-generated video depicting the individual. As an example, watch the video of the Birka Female Warrior below:

More about Closest Populations

As mentioned above, alongside the addition of Notable Individuals, we made it easier to access one of the most popular Ancient Origins reports. Closest Populations, previously found under Genetic Similarities>Single origin, is an advanced report that enables you to better understand how closely your DNA compares to ancient populations.

Accessing Closest Populations (click to zoom)

Unlike the Ancient Origins Breakdown, which provides a report based on a tailored model of your choosing, the Closest Populations report compares your DNA to all of the reference populations in the database. The report shows the top 50 ancient populations that are most similar to you genetically.

Ancient Origins: Closest Populations (click to zoom)

The “dual origin” and “triple origin” reports, which show how different populations compare to you genetically in combinations of two or three respectively, can still be found under Genetic Similarities.

Cost and availability

The Notable Individuals feature is now available as part of Ancient Origins for eligible MyHeritage DNA users.

Ancient Origins is included in the Complete and Omni plans for users who have purchased a MyHeritage DNA kit. Existing eligible subscribers will automatically receive access to the new feature.

If you haven’t explored Ancient Origins yet, now is the perfect time to dive deeper into your ancient past and discover the historical individuals whose DNA is most similar to yours by purchasing a MyHeritage DNA kit.

Summary

Ancient DNA research is evolving at an extraordinary pace, continually uncovering new insights about the people and populations that shaped human history. With the addition of Notable Individuals, Ancient Origins offers a more personal and engaging way to explore those discoveries through your own DNA.

Whether you’re fascinated by ancient civilizations, historical figures, archaeology, or the story of human migration, the new feature adds another layer of depth to your journey of discovery.

We invite you to explore Ancient Origins and discover which notable individuals from history you’re genetically closest to.

Explore Ancient Origins: Notable Individuals

The post New in Ancient Origins: Discover Your Connection to Notable Individuals from History appeared first on MyHeritage Blog.

The collections span centuries of military service, from early American conflicts to modern wars. They include draft registrations, enlistment and service records, navy muster rolls, pension records, casualty records, and more.

Search U.S. Military Records for Free

Discover the Stories Behind the Records

Military records often contain details that bring family history into sharper focus. A draft card may reveal an ancestor’s occupation, address, physical description, or signature. Service records can show where someone served and when. Pension records sometimes mention spouses, children, or later chapters of life after military service.

For many people, searching military records becomes a way to better understand not only military service itself, but also the lives built around it — the families, migrations, hardships, and experiences passed down through generations.

Preserving Family History

Every military record represents a real person and a real story. Some families already know the names and histories of relatives who served. Others may only have a photograph, a medal, or fragments of stories shared over the years. Historical records can help fill in missing pieces and preserve these stories for future generations.

Memorial Day is a meaningful time to explore those connections and remember the individuals behind the records. Free access to MyHeritage’s U.S. military collections will be available from May 22–26, 2026. Explore more than 213 million records and discover the stories, service, and sacrifices that shaped your family’s history at myheritage.com. Start Searching for Free!

The post Enjoy Free Access to U.S. Military Records on MyHeritage for Memorial Day appeared first on MyHeritage Blog.

I was not prepared for what I found instead.

An unexpected DNA Match

The results arrived in early November. It was a Sunday morning when the email came from MyHeritage. The first thing it showed me was my ethnicity breakdown: 37% Balkan.

My whole life, based on everything my mother had told me, I had believed my father was Danish. I had carried that without question — until this number on a screen made me begin to wonder.

But that was only the beginning. When I went further and looked at my DNA Matches, the very first result at the top of the list was: half-sister.

A half-sister DNA Match

Then my heart started racing. I became so nervous and worked up that I couldn’t think quite clearly.

Somewhere out there was a woman who shared a father with me. A father I had never known.

“Can we call?”

I sent her a message through MyHeritage. Her reply came quickly: Can we call? And so we did.

Her name is Suzanna — she goes by Sanna — and she lives just a few hours away in Beddingestrand, in Skåne. She took a DNA test 3 years earlier, a birthday gift from her daughter. She hadn’t expected this either.

She told me that when she saw the subject line of my message — Hello, my name is Eva and we’re half-sisters — she was in complete shock. And then she told me something remarkable. When she was 24, she visited a medium who told her she had a sister. She hadn’t believed it at the time. The medium had said the sister would “knock on her door” when she was older.

40 years later, I knocked.

The same village, the same streets

We met for the first time on December 13, 2025, and it clicked instantly.

Eva and Sanna meeting for the first time

We are so incredibly alike — in the way we think, in our humor, in our spontaneity.

Then we began comparing notes, and the coincidences kept coming.

Sanna had grown up spending 2–3 months every summer in Milna, a small village on the island of Brač in Croatia. Her parents had owned a house there for years. I had vacationed in Milna 5 or 6 times. We looked at each other and did the math. We had almost certainly been in that village at the same time, walking the same streets, perhaps passing each other without a second glance. It turns out our father — a man from Split, now 82 — had owned a home there. He had been there all along.

Childhood photos of Sanna (left) and Eva (right)

Putting it together

Sanna had briefly worried about what this discovery might mean for her family’s history. Her father had been a sailor, often away. But her mother was able to put her mind at rest: our father and my mother had been together a full year before he ever met Sanna’s mother.

And then we found one more detail. We were comparing notes about ourselves and realized we wore the exact same brand and model of glasses. Then Sanna asked my full name.

Marie Eva.

Her full name is Marie Suzanna.

Out of all the names in the world, somehow we were both given Marie. As Sanna put it: “It felt like one more quiet thread connecting us, long before we ever knew each other. The same middle name. The same glasses. So many small things that somehow mirror each other. It’s in those little details that this story feels even more extraordinary.”

A reunion, and a first meeting

On April 24, 2026, I met my father for the first time.

The same weekend, Sanna and I marked what we had found in the most permanent way we could think of: matching tattoos.

Eva and Sanna with their new tattoos

She has “little sis” on her arm. I have “big sis” on mine. When we stand side by side, they connect.

The connecting tattoos

We also started a joint Instagram account to share our story and our journey together: @dna_sisterhood.

The grandmother who got to know

I did find those American relatives, too. I am now in contact with Jane Thompson, the grandchild of one of my great-grandmother’s brothers, the very branch I had set out to find. My grandmother, who will turn 100 in August, was deeply moved when I showed her photographs of the American family. That felt like something restored.

It’s a wonderful story, and it definitely isn’t over yet.

Many thanks to Eva and Sanna for sharing their beautiful story with us. If you’ve also made an incredible discovery with MyHeritage, we’d love to hear about it. Please send it to us via this form or email us at stories@myheritage.com.

The post I Took a DNA Test to Find Long-Lost Relatives in America. I Found a Sister Instead appeared first on MyHeritage Blog.

In May 2026, the U.S. Air Commerce Act marks its 100th anniversary. While it is often remembered as a regulatory milestone in aviation history, its deeper impact lies in how it reshaped migration, family connections, and the way we trace our roots through historical records today.

Key takeaways of the Air Commerce Act and its impact on migration

1. The Air Commerce Act of 1926 made air travel safer and more reliable.
2. Faster travel allowed families to stay connected across long distances.
3. Migration patterns shifted as return visits became more common.
4. Travel records created valuable historical data for genealogy research.
5. Modern tools make it easier to trace these journeys and uncover family stories.

The act that helped modern aviation take off

In 1926, airplanes were fragile, unreliable, and largely unregulated. Most were used to transport mail under government contracts, and passenger travel was rare and risky. Crashes were common, and only a small number of people were willing to fly.

The cabin of the Vickers Vimy, 1920

The Air Commerce Act, signed by President Calvin Coolidge on May 20, 1926, changed this. It introduced government oversight of aviation, including pilot licensing, aircraft inspections, and the development of airways and navigation systems. The Aeronautics Branch, created under the Secretary of Commerce, laid the foundation for what would later become the Federal Aviation Administration. These changes made flying safer and more reliable. As confidence grew, commercial passenger travel began to expand. Airlines such as Pan Am, American Airways, and United emerged, helping establish air travel as a viable mode of transportation.

From ocean crossings to air routes

Before commercial aviation became widespread, long-distance travel meant long sea voyages. Crossing the Atlantic could take five days or more on ships like the RMS Queen Mary. While for some passengers this was a luxurious experience, for many migrants traveling in steerage the journey was far more difficult. Air travel introduced a new possibility: crossing oceans and continents in hours instead of weeks. Early flights were far from comfortable, but they represented a dramatic shift in how people could move around the world.

The RMS Queen Mary

By the early 1930s, Pan Am’s flying boats were operating regular scheduled transatlantic and transpacific routes. After World War II, this expansion accelerated. Surplus aircraft and trained former military pilots entered civilian life, making flights more accessible. By 1955, more Americans were flying than traveling by train. In the late 1950s, jet aircraft like the Boeing 707 made transatlantic travel faster and more affordable. Air travel shifted from a luxury experience to a practical option for the growing middle class.

The Pan American World Airways Boeing 314 Yankee Clipper started the Transatlantic passenger service in 1939

How air travel reshaped family history

In the early 1900s migrants still poured into the U.S., mainly from Europe. Cost, time, and inconvenience meant they often never returned to their countries of origin; maybe once in a lifetime, if lucky. Diasporas splintered and families drifted apart. 

Mass air travel also changed. Faster, cheaper flights let Americans of foreign origin connect to relatives back in their homelands. By the 1950s–60s, “visiting friends and relatives” (VFR) traffic was booming. Diaspora communities, which were numerous in New York and Chicago for example, flew home often, sending remittances and strengthening ties. For migrants like these their world was, quite literally, transformed. And for modern-day genealogists, this explosion in affordable travel is priceless. Accessible entry and exit records provide insights into family links across continents and generations.

Tracing journeys with modern tools

Understanding how your ancestors moved across the world is a key part of building your story. With modern genealogy platforms, it is possible to piece together these journeys in ways that were not possible before. You can build your family tree to map relationships across generations and connect travel records to specific individuals. This helps reveal patterns such as migration routes, repeated visits, and family connections across continents.

Record of Frank Sinatra’s arrival from Nice, France to New York

In addition, a DNA test can provide insight into your ethnic origins, helping you understand where your family came from and how different branches may be connected globally. Together, these tools make it easier to uncover stories that were once difficult to trace, turning historical data into meaningful family narratives.

A lasting legacy in the skies

Today, 100 years on, we board 100,000 daily flights globally, shrinking the world. The Air Commerce Act of 1926 Act was about the infrastructure of air travel but had a big indirect effect on people movement and migration: it became easier for people to visit, study, work, reunite with family, and relocate by air instead of by ship. It also helped them preserve their shared history.

The next time you travel to visit relatives or explore your roots, remember how this transformation made those connections possible. The ability to say “see you again soon” is not just a convenience; it is part of a larger story about how families stay connected across time and distance.

FAQs about the Air Commerce Act and its impact on migration

What was the Air Commerce Act of 1926?

The Air Commerce Act was a U.S. law that introduced federal regulation of aviation. It established standards for pilot licensing, aircraft safety, and navigation systems, helping make air travel more reliable.

How did air travel affect family connections?

Air travel reduced the time and cost of long-distance journeys. This made it easier for families to visit relatives in other countries and maintain relationships across generations.

Why is air travel important for genealogy research?

Air travel created records such as passenger lists and entry documents. These historical records can help trace when and how ancestors moved between countries.

How can I trace my family’s travel history?

You can explore travel documents and build connections between relatives using genealogy platforms. Combining historical records with a family tree helps reveal migration patterns and family links.

Can DNA testing help with understanding family origins?

A DNA test can provide insight into your ethnic origins and connect you with relatives. This adds another layer of understanding to your family history.

Daniel Maurice began his career as a diplomat, representing Australia in countries across Europe and Asia, as well as at major UN conferences. Subsequently, in the corporate world, he had a variety of chief executive, general management, project delivery, strategy and advisory roles in Australia, the U.K. and the U.S. Daniel’s industry experience includes financial services, technology, telecommunications, media and export trade insurance.

The post How the Air Commerce Act Shaped Modern Travel 100 Years Ago appeared first on MyHeritage Blog.

At a time when the nation was still recovering from the Civil War, the Exposition helped present the U.S. as a modern and ambitious country. For many visitors from abroad, it offered a powerful introduction to American innovation, opportunity, and expansion.

Key takeaways on the 1876 U.S. centennial exposition

• The 1876 Centennial Exposition helped present the U.S. as a rising industrial power and introduced millions of visitors to its expanding economy and new technologies. 
• The fair shaped how international visitors viewed opportunity in America and encouraged immigration during a period of major population growth. 
• Today, the Exposition remains relevant to family history because it helps explain the broader historical forces that brought many families to the U.S. in the late 19th century. 

Why the 1876 Centennial Exposition mattered

Beyond its significance as a celebration of a national milestone, the Centennial Exposition showed that the U.S. was changing quickly. New inventions, large-scale manufacturing, and public displays of industrial power all pointed to a country moving into a new era.

The fair also helped shape how Americans saw themselves. It linked national pride with invention, progress, and economic growth. That message reached not only citizens, but also visitors from around the world.

The inventions that captured the world’s attention

One of the fair’s most impressive sights was Machinery Hall, home to the massive Corliss Steam Engine. Standing 40 feet tall, it powered many of the machines on display and became a symbol of industrial progress.

Corliss steam engine, Late 19th century

Visitors also encountered inventions that would soon change everyday life. Alexander Graham Bell demonstrated the telephone. The Remington No. 1 typewriter showed how written communication could become faster and more efficient. Thomas Edison also presented his automatic telegraph system.

Late 19th century Remington typewriter

Together, these displays helped show that the U.S. was becoming a major center of invention and manufacturing.

How the fair influenced immigration to the U.S.

The Exposition drew nearly 10 million visitors, including foreign dignitaries, journalists, and prospective settlers. For many international visitors, the fair offered a vivid picture of life in the U.S. It suggested that hard work, innovation, and opportunity could open new paths for families seeking a better future.

The fair also reflected the diverse labor force behind American growth. Some exhibits highlighted the work of immigrants whose labor supported the country’s expanding industries. State pavilions from western territories such as Kansas and Colorado promoted farmland, resources, and economic opportunity. These displays encouraged European farmers and workers to consider building a new life in the American West.

How to trace ancestors who arrived after 1876

For many families, the years after 1876 were part of a larger story of migration, settlement, and change. People who came to the U.S. during this period often left a paper trail in passenger lists, census documents, naturalization papers, and other historical records.

On MyHeritage, users can explore historical records to learn when ancestors arrived, where they came from, and how their lives changed after immigration. Building a family tree can also help connect those records to relatives across generations and reveal a broader family story.

The lasting legacy of the Centennial Exposition

The Centennial Exposition closed in November 1876, but its influence lasted well beyond that year. It helped present the U.S. as a country shaped by industry, ambition, and new ideas. It also stood at an important moment in the history of immigration, when many families began new chapters in America.

Today, the fair remains relevant not only as a historic event, but also as a point of connection for family history research. Its legacy lives on in the stories of the people who visited, settled, worked, and built lives in the years that followed.

For anyone interested in family history, the Centennial Exposition offers more than a look at the past. It offers context for understanding why so many people came to the U.S. and how their journeys became part of the American story.

FAQs about the 1876 US centennial exposition

What was the 1876 Centennial Exposition?

The 1876 Centennial Exposition was the first official World’s Fair in the United States, held in Philadelphia to celebrate independence and showcase American industry, innovation, culture, and national progress confidence.

Why was the Centennial Exposition important?

The fair signaled that the United States was emerging as a modern industrial power after the Civil War, influencing international perceptions and reinforcing national pride, ambition, and economic confidence abroad.

Which inventions stood out at the fair?

Major attractions included the Corliss Steam Engine, Alexander Graham Bell’s telephone, the Remington No. 1 typewriter, and Thomas Edison’s automatic telegraph, all representing major technological change for visitors at home.

Did the fair affect immigration to the U.S.?

Yes, the Exposition gave many international visitors a vivid picture of opportunity in America, helping encourage immigration by highlighting jobs, land, industry, and the possibility of upward mobility for families abroad.

Why is the fair relevant to family history?

The fair provides historical context for understanding why many families came to the United States in the late 19th century and what opportunities, pressures, and hopes shaped migration patterns afterward.

How can someone research ancestors from this era?

Researchers can start with passenger lists, census records, naturalization papers, city directories, and other historical records. A family tree can help connect documents and reveal relationships across generations more clearly.

Yan Sandler works in the Marketing department at MyHeritage. A passionate genealogy enthusiast, Yan specializes in Eastern European and Jewish heritage. He enjoys helping others to uncover their roots, turning complex archival fragments into meaningful family stories for researchers worldwide.

The post How the 1876 Centennial Exposition Shaped the American Dream and Immigration appeared first on MyHeritage Blog.

Francis Rapin

Since my retirement in 2014, I have dedicated a great deal of time to researching our family and its broader history. I regularly visit cantonal and municipal archives, where I continue to make valuable discoveries. Alongside this, within the “Rapin of Switzerland” association, we created a genealogy workshop and hold an annual session for those interested. Through this initiative, I have introduced many others to MyHeritage and encouraged them to begin their own research.

It was during this work that I came across a story that deeply moved me.

A child found on a windowsill

While conducting research for my family, I was searching through the baptismal records of the parish of Saint-Maurice, whose church is located in Champagne. There, I found an entry that stood out immediately.

“An infant left on the window ledge of the ground-floor corner room of the Saint-Maurice rectory on March 18, 1796.”

An artistic depiction of of Saint-Maurice Church in Champagne, Switzerland, as it looks today

The record explained that the relevant authorities reported the matter to the Bailiff, and their Excellencies replied that the child should be placed in foster care until her biological parents could be found. She was placed with Jean Isaac Vautravers, a master carpenter, and his wife Anne Marie Marguerite, née Pochon, who served as her wet nurse. Baptized on April 24, 1796, the baby was given the name Marie. The Vautravers acted as her godfather and godmother.

In the margin of the baptismal register, I noticed an additional note. It stated that the surname “Saint-Maurice” was given to this girl by decision of the Petit Conseil on February 15, 1812.

Wanting to understand more, I turned to the Cantonal Archives, where I discovered that her story had continued to resonate years after her birth. In 1812, the Petit Conseil took steps to formally record her among the foundlings, but only after carrying out an investigation to confirm her identity. The records trace a series of exchanges between officials — requests for extracts from the baptismal register, details of her placement with the Vautravers family, and confirmation that she was still alive. One document even referred to “the child abandoned shortly after her birth in Saint-Maurice in March 1796,” indicating that her story was known, and must have moved many people at the time. 

The Council decided to give her a surname: “Saint-Maurice,” the place where she had been found. I find it remarkable that such care was taken. Even then, there was a real effort to ensure that she would not remain without an identity. 

Reconstructing her life

From there, I continued my research through parish and civil records to see what became of her.

Marie Saint-Maurice married Nicolas Turin on February 24, 1820, in the church of Saint-Maurice. Together, they began a family, but their life was marked by hardship.

Their first child, born in December 1824, unfortunately died at only 18 days of age.

A record of the death of Marie’s firstborn son on MyHeritage

Less than two years later, in July 1826, Marie’s husband, Nicolas Turin died at the age of 32. Marie had to welcome their second son, Louis Nicolas, to the world without his father just weeks later.

Despite these losses, Marie’s story did not end there. She continued her life in Valeyres-sous-Rances, where she died on June 1, 1851. Her story must have left a mark on the region, as the pastor mentions it in the death register of the Rances parish and refers back to the birth register of the Saint-Maurice parish. There must have been a moment of great emotion during the funeral service.

A life that continued

Through her son Louis Nicolas, Marie’s line continued. He married and had children, though, like many families of that time, they experienced repeated losses in infancy.

The marriage of Marie’s son, Louis Nicolas, to Louise Augustine Décoppet is announced in this 1855 marriage bann on MyHeritage

The family moved between several villages, and over the years, more children were born. One of her grandsons later married in 1893. Life went on.

Why this story stayed with me

What began as a chance discovery during my work on my own family tree became something much more. Marie Saint-Maurice was not part of my lineage, but her story reminded me why I do this work.

From a single note in a register, it was possible to follow her life: from an abandoned infant to a woman whose story was remembered decades later. I find that extraordinary.

The family tree of Marie Saint-Maurice that Francis built on MyHeritage

Every record, every name, every marginal note holds the potential to reveal a life with its struggles, its losses, and its moments of dignity. And sometimes, it reveals something even greater: the enduring human need to belong, to be remembered, and to be given a name.

I am grateful to the Cantonal Archives and to MyHeritage, which allowed me to find and reconstruct the story of this child.

Many thanks to Francis Rapin for sharing this fascinating story with us. If you’ve made an incredible discovery with MyHeritage, we’d love to hear about it! Please send it to us via this form or email us at stories@myheritage.com.

The post A Story Hidden in the Records: The Baby Left on a Windowsill in 1796 appeared first on MyHeritage Blog.

That question drove Maya Geier, Product Manager at MyHeritage, to create a video tribute to her grandfather. Her video inspired Tribute Reel, a new feature that transforms a loved one’s photos into a touching video that celebrates their life.

Tribute Reel animates the scene in each photo into a short 5-second clip and then weaves them together into a single video, complete with music and optional text. This turns treasured memories into a beautiful video you can watch, share, and revisit for years to come. Whether you’re honoring a grandparent on their 90th birthday, creating a centerpiece for a golden anniversary, or preserving the memory of a beloved family member you’ve lost, Tribute Reel creates an engaging, emotional experience that you can share with your family.

Back in 2024 we released LiveMemory, which enables anyone to take an old photo and bring the scene to life, evoking a strong sense of nostalgia. Tribute Reel stirs up the same warm feelings and gentle joy, and builds on that experience by enabling you to celebrate a whole life, not just a single moment. 

Try Tribute Reel now 

Watch the video below to see how Tribute Reel works:

Tribute Reel is currently available on the MyHeritage website on desktop and on mobile web browsers. Support on the MyHeritage mobile app will be added in the future. 

Examples 

Example 1

Roberta Estes from DNAeXplained was deeply moved by the following Tribute Reel which features her mother, Barbara: 

Example 2 

Randy Seaver, author of the Genea-Musings blog, was touched by this Tribute Reel featuring his mother, Betty: 

Example 3

Gal Zrihen, Lead Product Manager at MyHeritage, created the Tribute Reel below of her grandfather, Yaakov. 

How it works 

Tribute Reel uses AI to animate a set of photos and simulate the scenes depicted in them realistically. After the photos are uploaded, the AI analyzes each one to determine the best way to reenact the scene. Each photo is then transformed into a 5-second video clip, and Tribute Reel stitches the clips together into a final video. Your original photos in your family site will remain as-is and untouched. 

How to create a Tribute Reel

MyHeritage users can access Tribute Reel from the Photos menu on the website: 

Accessing Tribute Reel from the main menu (click to zoom)

If you’re new to MyHeritage, you can access the feature by visiting the new landing page on myheritage.com/tribute-reel: 

Tribute Reel landing page (click to zoom)

Click “Create Tribute Reel” to get started. If you already have a family tree with some photos on MyHeritage, Tribute Reel will offer suggestions for relatives in the family tree whose video you may want to create. Click on a suggestion or enter the name of anyone whose Tribute Reel you’d like to create (marked below in red). This can be any individual, even if they aren’t in your family tree. 

Tribute Reel: Selecting a person

Click “ADD PHOTOS”.

Tribute Reel: adding photos (click to zoom)

You can use photos that you’ve previously uploaded to MyHeritage where that individual is already tagged, upload new photos, or both. Your video can include between 5 and 15 photos. We recommend using at least 10 to create an engaging video. When you’re finished, click “Done” at the bottom of the screen. 

Tribute Reel: selecting photos (click to zoom)

The next step is to customize the video. First, use drag and drop to sort the photos to reflect the order you want them to appear in the video (e.g., chronological). 

Tribute Reel: sorting the photos for the video (click to zoom)

At this stage, you can add more photos, if you wish. You can add opening text and closing text to personalize the video. At the bottom of the page, the estimated video length is shown, based on the number of photos. When you’re ready, click “Continue”. 

The last step is to customize the video. 

Tribute Reel: customizing the video (click to zoom)

Select a soundtrack to accompany your video from the options provided, or if you prefer, keep it silent. Finally, you can tell Tribute Reel to colorize and enhance all of the selected photos in the video. If you choose that option, it applies only to the video output; your original photos on MyHeritage will remain unchanged. Once you’re done with these selections, click “Create Tribute Reel”. 

MyHeritage will email you as soon as the video is ready. 

Tips for best results

Here are several tips for selecting photos that will yield the best possible video: 

• Choose photos that show a person at different stages of their life, from childhood to adulthood, to give a full sense of their life journey. 
• Include photos with the people dear to them: parents, siblings, a spouse, children, or close friends. 
• Photos depicting a scene or interaction tend to create better animations than posed group photos. Outdoor photos, candid moments, or photos with expressive faces work especially well. 
• Not every video comes out perfectly on the first try. If you aren’t happy with the result, you can replace one or more photos, add more photos, or change the order, and then generate a new video. 

Sharing

Tribute Reels are great for sharing on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, and other social media platforms. We encourage you to share your videos with the hashtags #MyHeritage and #TributeReel. You can download your videos to your computer or mobile device, and share them later however you’d like.

To share your video from the website, click one of the icons below the video player. 

Tribute Reel: Downloading and sharing (click to zoom)

Privacy

Any photos you upload for the Tribute Reel feature will be stored in your MyHeritage account. You can delete your uploaded photos at any time.

The Tribute Reel feature uses technology provided by a third party that does not obtain rights to your photos or to the resulting video. Before your video is generated, we’ll ask for your explicit consent to allow MyHeritage to process your photos for this purpose.

Responsible use

Please use Tribute Reel responsibly. Do not upload trademarked photos, or photos that depict violence, pornography, or any offensive subject matter. Please do not upload photos of military scenes, or scenes with wounded or dead people. Do not share results that may offend anyone, and do not remove the AI symbol from the resulting videos. We thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Cost

Anyone can create one Tribute Reel for free. To create more videos, a Photo plan or Omni plan is required. The Photo plan provides access to all of the other MyHeritage photo features including MyHeritage In Color, Photo Enhancer, Photo Repair, Deep Nostalgia, LiveMemory, and the Photo Scanner. You can learn more about the MyHeritage Omni plan here. 

FAQ

How long does it take to create a Tribute Reel?

Creating a Tribute Reel can take between a few minutes up to a few hours depending on server load. You’ll receive an email when your video is ready with a link to view it.

Can I create a Tribute Reel for a living individual?

Yes. A Tribute Reel is a beautiful way to celebrate anyone’s life, making it very appropriate as a gift for birthdays and anniversaries of your loved ones. It can also be used to commemorate a loved one who has passed away.

Can I edit the Tribute Reel once it’s ready?

Not at the moment. However, if you want to remove a specific scene from your video, you can generate a new video from the same set of photos, minus any ones you want to remove, and try again. 

When I create a Tribute Reel, who owns the copyright to the video?

MyHeritage doesn’t own the resulting video; it belongs to you. MyHeritage only creates it for you. The same applies to photos you upload to MyHeritage: you own them, not MyHeritage.

Why is there a MyHeritage logo on my Tribute Reel?

There is a watermark of the MyHeritage logo on the bottom left corner of the videos, so that if you share a Tribute Reel, others will know where to find the feature.

Why is there an AI symbol on my Tribute Reel?

The video clips created by Tribute Reel are simulated by AI; they are not authentic videos. As part of MyHeritage’s commitment to responsible AI, an icon labeled “AI” is added to the bottom right corner of all Tribute Reels to distinguish them from authentic videos.

Create a Tribute Reel today! 

Some memories deserve more than a still photo. Tribute Reel gives you a meaningful way to revisit a loved one’s life: to see them move, to bring to life the moments that made them who they were, and to share that experience with the people who loved them too. We invite you to try it today and share the videos with your loved ones.

The post Introducing Tribute Reel: Turn a Loved One’s Photos Into a Heartfelt Video appeared first on MyHeritage Blog.

Many British families were affected by the war in some way. Some ancestors served in the military, while others supported the war effort at home, experienced loss, or lived through the challenges of wartime Britain. Today, MyHeritage makes it easier to explore your family history and uncover these wartime stories through billions of historical records.

Key takeaways of U.K. military genealogy

• VE Day is an opportunity to explore how World War II shaped your family’s history. 
• MyHeritage offers access to billions of historical records that can help trace British military ancestors. 
• Military collections can reveal service details, medals, honors, prisoner of war records, and war memorial information. 
• Historic newspapers on OldNews.com can uncover personal wartime stories, promotions, and announcements. 
• Records such as the 1939 Register can help place ancestors in the wider context of wartime Britain. 
• Building a family tree on MyHeritage can help connect military discoveries with the rest of your family history.

Using indexes to find service records

MyHeritage offers access to extensive military historical records that can help you trace relatives who served during World War II and earlier conflicts. Collections such as “United Kingdom, Royal Navy Ratings’ Service Records, 1853-1928” and “United Kingdom, Royal Marines’ Service Records, 1842-1925” allow users to search for military ancestors by name, birth year, and other identifying details. These collections can reveal when an ancestor enlisted and provide the reference number needed to locate their full service record at The National Archives, where many records can be downloaded for free.

For example, records for Seaman Arthur Leonard Percy, born in Grimsby, Lincolnshire on April 24, 1917, provide details of his naval service during WWII. Historical records on MyHeritage can also help grow your family tree and place your ancestors’ military experiences into the wider context of their lives.

Tracing medals and military honors

Many individuals who served during World War II received campaign medals or military honors. Collections such as “United Kingdom, Index of Merchant Seamen’s Campaign Medals, 1939-1945” can help uncover these achievements. The indexes typically include a person’s name, date of birth, discharge number, and record reference number, along with links to documents held at The National Archives. Another valuable collection is “United Kingdom, Recommendations for Military Honours and Awards, 1935-1990,” which documents recommendations for military distinctions and awards.

One example is Edwin Alan Barlow, a Captain in the Royal Regiment of Artillery, who was recommended for appointment as a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) on April 19, 1945.

Victoria Cross recipients

The Victoria Cross, Britain’s highest military decoration for bravery, was awarded 182 times during World War II. Recipients can be researched through the “Victoria Cross Recipients, 1854-2006” collection on MyHeritage. Results may include a recipient’s full name, birth and death details, burial information, photographs, and descriptions of the actions that led to the award.

One remarkable example is Royal Navy Acting Captain Edward Stephen Fogarty Fegen, who had previously served during World War I. At age 49, he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross after sacrificing his life to help save nearly all members of his convoy during an attack at sea. Although his body was never recovered, he is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial in Kent.

Record of Edward S.F. Fagen in Victoria Cross Recipients, 1854 – 2006

Discover more about prisoners of war

Prisoners of war often left behind detailed documentation that can provide valuable insights into their wartime experiences. Collections such as British Empire Armies and Other Land Forces – Prisoners of War, 1939-1945 and British Army Prisoners of War Held in German Camps, 1939-1945 contain a wide range of information. These historical records may include a soldier’s name, rank, regiment, army number, prisoner number, internment location, and camp details.

One example is Vernon O’Shea of the Gordon Highlanders, who was held at Stalag VIII-D Teschen during the war.

Remembering the fallen with war memorials

For ancestors who lost their lives during the war, several collections on MyHeritage can help preserve and honor their memory. These include United Kingdom, War Memorials, 1914-1949, British Army Roll of Honour, 1939-1945, and Commonwealth War Graves, 1914-1921, 1939-1947. One entry from the latter collection documents Sergeant Sydney Frederick Osmond of the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, who died on April 17, 1943 at age 20.

Attached documents and images include his Graves Registration Report Form and entry in The War Dead of the Commonwealth Register. These historical records reveal additional family details, including the names of his parents, Garland Frederic and Kathleen Ann Osmond, along with his service number, 1391764.

You can explore billions of historical records on MyHeritage to continue uncovering stories like these.

Record of Sydney Frederick Osmond in Commonwealth War Graves, 1914-1921, 1939-1947

Newspapers can reveal hidden stories

Historical newspapers can add valuable context to military research by revealing promotions, awards, casualty notices, and local wartime stories. OldNews.com by MyHeritage includes access to publications such as The London Gazette, the official journal of record for government affairs in the U.K.

For example, an edition published on VE Day itself records that Major G. R. Hawkins retired due to age, while Temporary Lieutenant W. A. Hipwell was promoted to Acting Temporary Major.

Fragment of page of The London Gazette from May 8, 1945 in OldNews.com

Discover more in other wartime records

World War II affected everyday life across Britain, and many additional collections on MyHeritage can help uncover how families lived during the period. The “1939 Register of England & Wales” serves as a substitute for the missing 1941 census and provides a snapshot of households at the outbreak of war. Entries include names, addresses, birth dates, occupations, and marital status. Later updates made by the NHS can also reveal surname changes, including those resulting from marriage.

Other collections can help trace important family events during the war years, including:

• England Births and Christenings, 1538-1975 
• England Marriages, 1538-1973
• England Deaths and Burials, 1538-1991

Together, these collections can help place ancestors’ wartime experiences into context. They may reveal where military relatives served, where prisoners of war were held, what honors were awarded, and how families continued their daily lives during a time of uncertainty and sacrifice.

This Victory Day is an opportunity to discover more about the wartime experiences of your ancestors and preserve their stories for future generations.

FAQs about UK military genealogy

How can I find British military ancestors on MyHeritage?

MyHeritage offers access to a wide range of military historical records, including service records, prisoner of war collections, medal indexes, and war memorial databases. Searching by name, birth year, or location can help uncover details about an ancestor’s wartime experiences.

What military records are available for World War II research?

Collections available on MyHeritage include Royal Navy and Royal Marines service records, military honors and awards, prisoner of war records, Commonwealth war graves, and wartime newspaper collections.

Can I find information about medals and military honors?

Yes. Collections such as “United Kingdom, Index of Merchant Seamen’s Campaign Medals, 1939-1945” and “United Kingdom, Recommendations for Military Honours and Awards, 1935-1990” can reveal campaign medals and official honors awarded during and after the war.

What is the 1939 Register of England & Wales?

The 1939 Register was created at the outbreak of World War II and serves as a substitute for the missing 1941 census. It includes names, addresses, occupations, marital status, and birth dates for millions of people living in England and Wales at the time.

Can I research prisoners of war records on MyHeritage?

Yes. MyHeritage includes collections documenting British and Commonwealth prisoners of war held during World War II. These records may include camp locations, regiments, army numbers, and internment details.

How can newspapers help with military family history research?

Historical newspapers can reveal promotions, casualty notices, honors, retirement announcements, and local wartime stories. OldNews.com by MyHeritage provides access to millions of newspaper pages that can add valuable context to family history research.

What details can war memorial records reveal?

War memorial and Commonwealth war grave collections may include burial locations, service numbers, family member names, military units, photographs, and memorial documentation.

How do I start building a family tree for military research?

Starting a family tree can help organize discoveries and connect military ancestors to earlier and later generations. MyHeritage allows users to build a family tree while exploring related historical records and newspaper collections.

Chloe O’Shea is an English genealogy specialist with an MA in Museum Studies and founder of The Past Revealed. She has authored several books, including Tracing your Staffordshire Ancestors (2025), and is a regular contributor to “Who Do You Think You Are?” Magazine, Family Tree, and Dorset Magazine.

The post Discover Your British Ancestors’ WWII Stories for VE Day appeared first on MyHeritage Blog.

Creating a family tree often involves spending many hours entering small details: names, dates, relationships, milestones. Photos are then added to enrich the family tree. But the details and the photos often don’t successfully capture the richness and beauty of a person’s life story. That’s what makes Family Infographics so special.

Family Infographics uses the power of AI to turn the information you’ve gathered into a meaningful work of art that you’ll be proud to share, display in your home, or give as a gift. It’s perfect for celebrating the life of a loved one, as a birthday or anniversary gift, or in memory of someone you miss. Whether you share it with relatives, print it as a keepsake or simply view it to enjoy a family story in a new light, each Family Infographic offers a powerful way to experience your heritage.

Family Infographics is available on the MyHeritage website on the desktop and mobile browser. It will be added to the MyHeritage mobile app soon.

Try Family Infographics now

How Family Infographics works

This feature builds on AI Biographer, a feature we introduced at the end of 2023 which creates a Wikipedia-style article about the life of an ancestor. Family Infographics take that idea a step further by presenting similar information visually in an infographic, combining text and imagery to show a person’s life story at a glance.

Once you select a person from your family tree, and pick one of the 15 beautiful styles available, the Family Infographic is automatically generated. It is created based on their key life details, as well as information about their parents, spouses, siblings, and children. AI is used to turn all that data into a beautiful image.

The process combines multiple elements. Profile photos are transformed into stylized artistic renderings. Facts such as names, dates, and locations are incorporated into the design. Visual cues are added to reflect aspects of the person’s life, such as where they lived or what they did for a living. All of this is arranged into a structured layout according to the style you selected, centered around the featured individual.

Because the Infographic is based on your existing data, the more complete the information in your tree, the better the results. Adding missing dates, places, life events (especially occupation, education and immigration), and high-quality photos — especially for the featured person, their parents, and their spouse — leads to a richer and more detailed infographic.

How Family Infographics came to be

Family Infographics is the brainchild of our AI concept manager Golan Levi. Looking to gauge its value to our users, he teamed up with Senior Product Manager Itay Sobol to test the concept. First, we created personalized Infographics as a surprise for some of the guests at MyHeritage’s annual Family Day, where employees invite their parents or other relatives to visit our headquarters. The response was immediate and emotional. Then, we created several thousands of Family Infographics and emailed them to some of our users who have used the AI Biographer feature, as a surprise gift, and asked them to share their feedback. Responses were overwhelmingly positive, as was the feedback we got when we brought the concept to our booth at RootsTech 2026.

Family Infographics presented at the MyHeritage booth at RootsTech this year

Based on this response, we decided to build this feature into MyHeritage. Itay and our talented team of designers and developers then developed Family Infographics into an easy-to-use feature that is now available to everyone.

Creating a Family Infographic

Creating a Family Infographic is simple and quick, especially if your tree already has high-quality photos and lots of details about the family member’s life.

To get started, visit myheritage.com/family-infographics (also known as the landing page for this feature), or select Family Infographics from the “Family tree” menu on the navigation bar.

The Family Infographics landing page (click to zoom)

Click “Create now”. Then enter the name of a person in your family tree, or select from among the suggested relatives.

Selecting a person to create a Family Infographic (click to zoom)

You can also create a Family Infographic from the left-hand panel in your family tree (shown below) or from the profile page of the individual under “Additional actions.”

Accessing Family Infographics from the left-hand panel in the family tree (click to zoom)

Select one of the 15 Infographic styles, and click “Continue”:

Selecting a style for the Family Infographic (click to zoom)

Next, review the selected relative’s photo and details, obtained from your tree. This is your opportunity to make some improvements. You can change the photo, edit information, or fill in missing facts. Any changes you make here will be saved to your family tree as well.

Family Infographics: Reviewing and editing details (click to zoom)

Note that the more information you include, the richer and more detailed your Infographic will be. You can create a Family Infographic with just a photo and a few details, but for best results, we recommend including:

• High-quality photos of the individual as well as their parents and spouse(s)
• Dates and places of birth, death, and marriage for the individual and all immediate family members
• Any information you have on the individual’s occupations, education, immigration, residences, and/or military service

When you include details such as places, occupations, and immigration information, your Infographic will be automatically enriched with visual elements and scenes that illustrate them, such as the city where the person was born, the ship they traveled on when immigrating, the factory where they worked, and so on.

After clicking “Continue,” review and edit the information of the featured person’s immediate family members, including photos for the parents and partners.

Family Infographics: Reviewing the details of immediate family members (click to zoom)

Finally, click “Create Infographic.”

Before you create your first Infographic, you’ll need to give your consent.

The Infographic will be ready within a few minutes. There’s no need to stay on the page while it’s being created — MyHeritage will send you an email to notify you when it’s ready.

The email includes a small thumbnail preview of the Infographic. Click the thumbnail or the “View and download” button to view the full-size image.

Viewing the full Family Infographic (click to zoom)

Click “Download” to download it as a high-resolution image. You can also share a link to the Infographic on social media or privately by clicking “Copy link” and pasting it wherever you like.

Sharing and printing Family Infographics

Our beta testers have described family members reacting with great emotion when they saw a loved one’s Family Infographic. We encourage you to share them on social media as well, so others can enjoy the beautiful results and try it out for themselves.

Many users choose to turn their Infographic into a poster, framed print, or canvas to display at home or give as a gift. Family Infographics are generated in high resolution with a 4:3 aspect ratio (landscape orientation). You can print them at home or use a global online printing service such as Vistaprint.

For a perfect edge-to-edge fit, we recommend choosing print sizes that match the 4:3 ratio, such as 24×18” or 40x30cm. However, you can also print on popular sizes like A3, A4, or 16×20”. Just make sure to check the preview on the printing website before checking out to ensure that nothing important will be cut off in the final print.

Examples

Below are a few examples of Family Infographics in the styles available:

The Golden Age style (click to zoom)

The Brushwork style (click to zoom)

The Sketch style (click to zoom)

We’ve also experimented with turning Family Infographics into short animated videos that bring a person’s story to life in a dynamic way. This feature isn’t currently available, but we’re considering adding it in the future. Here’s an example of what it could look like:

Would you like to see us add this capability? Let us know!

FAQs

Can I create a Family Infographic for a living person?

Yes! Family Infographics make a wonderful personalized gift for birthdays, anniversaries, and family reunions. You can generate them for your living relatives too.

Where are my Family Infographics saved, and how can I view them?

All Infographics you generate are automatically saved to your MyHeritage account. You can find them in the “My Photos” section either in the private album named “Family Infographics” or under the name of the specific relative you created the artwork for. You’ll also receive an email with a direct link to view each Infographic as soon as it is ready.

Why is it that sometimes, a face in the Infographic does not look exactly like my relative?

This feature uses AI to generate an artistic representation, and AI isn’t perfect. This may happen if the profile photo in your family tree is in low resolution, or contains multiple people. To fix this, replace the person’s profile photo with a better photo, and generate the Infographic again. Sometimes, it can also be resolved simply by regenerating the Infographic or choosing a different style.

Cost

Anyone with a family tree on MyHeritage can create their first Family Infographic for free.

To create additional Infographics, a MyHeritage Complete or Omni plan is required.

Privacy

Family Infographics are generated using the photos and data in your family tree, and your privacy is fully protected.

The information is used solely to create your Infographic and is not shared with third parties to train external AI models. Your Infographics are saved privately in your account, and you retain full ownership of both your photos and the resulting images.

Please use Family Infographics and all AI features responsibly, and avoid uploading materials that others may find offensive.

Summary

Family Infographics transform information in your family tree into a beautifully designed poster illustrating a person’s life. They integrate photos, relationships, and key life details into a single composition. With Family Infographics, you can share your relatives’ stories with others and turn your research into something tangible, whether as a personal keepsake or a meaningful gift.

Family Infographics reflect MyHeritage’s commitment to leverage the latest technology to help you explore and celebrate your family history in new ways. We hope you enjoy it!

Try Family Infographics now

The post Introducing Family Infographics: Turn a Loved One’s Life Story into a Beautiful Work of Art appeared first on MyHeritage Blog.

While V-E Day marked the end of the struggle in Europe, it was followed by Victory over Japan Day (V-J Day) on August 14, 1945, which signaled the total conclusion of World War II. Millions of American families were forever changed by these events, with ancestors serving on the front lines, supporting the “Arsenal of Democracy” at home, or awaiting the return of loved ones. Today, MyHeritage provides the tools to uncover these American wartime stories through a vast collection of historical records.

Key takeaways of U.S. military genealogy

• V-E Day offers a dedicated time to explore the personal impact of World War II on your American family history.
• MyHeritage hosts billions of records, including enlistment files, draft cards, and casualty lists, to help trace U.S. service members.
• Draft Registration Cards (the “Old Man’s Draft”) can provide physical descriptions and employment details of ancestors.
• Navy and Marine Corps Muster Rolls allow you to track the exact ships and stations where your relatives served.
• Newspaper archives on OldNews.com can reveal local accounts of a soldier’s homecoming, promotions, or even letters sent from the front.

Discovering enlistment and draft records

To start you off on your search, MyHeritage offers the United States, World War II Army Enlistment, 1938–1946 collection. This collection contains over 9 million records that reveal an ancestor’s Army Serial Number, enlistment date, and even their civilian occupation and education level.

Another essential resource is the United States, World War II Draft Registrations, 1940-1947, which covers men born between 1897 and 1921. These cards are a genealogical goldmine, often featuring the ancestor’s handwritten signature, place of birth, and physical characteristics such as height, weight, and eye color. The latter collection contains fascinating example records of men who served America like the Hollywood actor Charles Bronson. Born Charles D. Buchinsky, Bronson enlisted in 1943 and served as a Boeing B-29 Superfortress aerial gunner with the Guam-based 61st Bombardment Squadron, which conducted combat missions in the Japanese archipelago. He flew 25 missions and received a Purple Heart for the wounds he sustained in battle.

First page of draft registration card of Charles Bronson 

Tracing naval and marine service

For those whose ancestors served at sea, the U.S. World War II Navy Muster Rolls, 1938–1949 are invaluable. These records track personnel as they moved between ships and stations, providing a chronological map of their service. You might find details of an ancestor’s presence on a specific battleship during a major Pacific campaign or their transfer to a naval hospital.

Reserve corps

During World War II, the U.S. Army Organized Reserve provided roughly one-quarter of all Army officers. The World War II Reserve Corps Records collection recounts the era between 1938 and 1946 and comprises records of thousands of men and women who enlisted in the United States Army, including the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps, which was the first U.S. Army unit to allow women to serve in non-combat roles. These servicewomen served as clerks, drivers, and cooks to free up men for combat.

Prisoners of war

During World War II, over between 130,000 to 140,000 U.S. Army and Army Air Forces personnel were captured, with nearly 94,000 of them held in Europe. The collection US World War II Prisoners of War, 1941 – 1946 includes information about U.S. military officers and soldiers as well as U.S. and some Allied civilians who were prisoners of war between December 7, 1941 and November 19, 1946. Using copies of reports from the International Committee of the Red Cross, the records in this collection contain priceless information about captured American servicemen, like serial number, branch of service, grade, race, state of residence, and place of capture.

Honors, awards, and the fallen

Many American service members were recognized for their bravery. MyHeritage includes collections such as United States, Index of Navy and Marine Corps Awards, 1925-1994, which can highlight specific citations and medals earned during the conflict.

For families who lost a loved one, several collections help preserve their memory:

• American Overseas Military Burials, 1917-1974: Documents the service and sacrifice of Americans who served in World War I and World War II, who are interred in American military cemeteries on foreign soil.
• Arlington National Cemetery: Headstones from Arlington National Cemetery, located in Arlington County, Virginia, close to Washington, D.C., are included in this collection. American veterans and a few members of their families have mausoleums and burials in the cemetery. The deceased’s complete name, date of birth, date of death, date of burial, branch of service, and military rank are all included in the records. Section, grave, court, column, and niche numbers are examples of information that may be provided concerning the grave.

Newspapers and daily life

Wartime research isn’t limited to military files. OldNews.com and MyHeritage’s newspaper collections can add rich detail to your family tree by uncovering casualty notices, promotion announcements, or local stories about life on the home front or even after returning to civilian life. These articles often capture the local atmosphere of V-E Day celebrations in American cities, from conga lines in Washington, D.C. to prayers in small-town churches. One example of this are the multiple mentions of Charity Adams Earley, the first African-American woman to become an officer in the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps and the highest-ranking African-American woman in the army by the completion of the war.

Newspaper snippet mentioning Charity Adams Early on OldNews.com

This Victory Day, take the opportunity to connect your family’s military legacy with the broader story of the United States. By building a family tree on MyHeritage, you can organize these discoveries and ensure that the sacrifices of your “Greatest Generation” ancestors are never forgotten.

FAQs about U.S. military genealogy

How can I find American military ancestors on MyHeritage?

MyHeritage offers access to a wide range of military historical records, including enlistment records, draft cards, and award indexes. Searching by name, birth year, or location can help uncover details about an ancestor’s wartime experiences.  

What military records are available for World War II research?

Collections include Army enlistment records, Navy and Marine muster rolls, military honors and awards, and wartime newspaper collections.  

Can I find information about medals and military honors?

Yes. Collections documenting recommendations for military honors and awards can reveal official distinctions awarded during and after the war.  

What is the “Old Man’s Draft”?

This refers to the 1942 draft registration for men born between 1877 and 1897. It provides a snapshot of men who were recruited at the outbreak of the war, including their addresses, occupations, and birth dates.  

Can I research prisoners of war records on MyHeritage?

Yes. MyHeritage includes collections documenting prisoners of war held during World War II. These records may include camp locations, regiments, and internment details. 

How do I start building a family tree for military research?

Starting a family tree on MyHeritage helps organize discoveries and connect military ancestors to the rest of your family history. You can build your tree while exploring related historical records and newspaper collections. 

Maor Malul started his career at MyHeritage by joining its DNA Support team at MyHeritage at its inception in 2016. An informatics engineer passionate about Sephardic history and culture, he onboards and manages the growing community of contributors at the MyHeritage Wiki. Since 2005, he has been a regular contributor to the Wikimedia movement, having written over 2,000 articles in different Wikipedias (Spanish, English, Portuguese, Ladino, Wayuunaiki, Hebrew) and is currently an advisor to the Affiliations Committee of the Wikimedia Foundation. Apart from being a certified teacher of Ladino, Maor’s short stories have been published on Sephardic magazines and journals and he is working on his first novel, all in this language.

The post Research the History of Your American Ancestors in WWII for VE Day appeared first on MyHeritage Blog.