Stories That Live In Us

Serena never spoke of her life before she married into the Hochhauser family. They knew she was from Eastern Europe and based on her age and the timing of her immigration, they knew she had suffered through the events of the Holocaust and survived. But, how she did so was a story that was never told.
Nearly two decades after Serena’s death a set of historical records from the Red Cross International Tracing Service became more widely available and by piecing together several records from that collection and connecting them to immigration and citizenship records on Ancestry, a story emerged that shocked her family.
My guest, Howard Hochhauser, has been the Chief Financial Officer at Ancestry since 2009. Join me as we explore his journey into his grandmother’s past and how knowing her story has changed their family narrative.

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Please rate and review this podcast and then share it with your family and friends.
For ideas on how to connect more deeply with your family through family stories, follow Crista on Instagram @CristaCowan.

How did a simple search on Ancestry.com spark a lifelong passion, a stronger mother-daughter bond, and a stint as a host on a popular genealogy television show? Tune in to find out.

As we celebrate Independence Day, join me as I chat with Mary Tedesco, the dynamic co-host of PBS's Genealogy Roadshow. Discover how her initial curiosity about her Italian grandparents' immigration story blossomed into a fulfilling genealogy career. From tracing her mother’s extensive family across 27 states to uncovering her Revolutionary War patriot ancestor, George Brenner, Mary’s journey is a vibrant reflection of America itself—a rich tapestry interweaving past and present.

An active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Mary also shares her experiences within this iconic organization, highlighting impactful community service projects, particularly during the pandemic.
With “America 250” on the horizon, her enthusiasm for commemorative efforts is palpable and infectious, urging us all to preserve our heritage and inspire future generations to cherish our shared American story.

Celebrate lineage and liberty this Fourth of July by delving into a story that bridges generations and ignites patriotic spirit.
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Mary's Bio:
Mary Tedesco is a professional genealogist, speaker and former Co-Host of the PBS television series “Genealogy Roadshow.” She actively volunteers with the Daughters of the American Revolution, currently serving as the National Chair of the Insignia Committee and Massachusetts State Vice Regent. Other volunteer positions include: Councilor of New England Historic Genealogical Society and Texas Genealogical College (TGC) board member and chair of the Scholarship Committee. Mary holds an MBA from the University of Notre Dame, a BA in Mathematics from Boston University and a certificate in Genealogical Research from Boston University’s Center for Professional Education.

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Please rate and review this podcast and then share it with your family and friends.
For ideas on how to connect more deeply with your family through family stories, follow Crista on Instagram @CristaCowan.

Have you ever wondered about the faces in those old family photos tucked away in grandma's attic? Join me as Eric Allen (Vice President of Marketing at Ancestry) and I explore the power of pictures in helping us to discover, preserve, and share our family stories.
Whether it's a box of grandpa's slides from the 1940s or mom's photo album from the 1970s, every image holds a story that can connect us.
So, dust off those family albums and join our mission to keep family stories alive—one photo at a time.

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Please rate and review this podcast and then share it with your family and friends.
For ideas on how to connect more deeply with your family through family stories, follow Crista on Instagram @CristaCowan.

Ruth Hale, an icon in Utah's theater world, always knew she was adopted. But, it wasn't until her grandson, actor Will Swenson, decided to take a DNA test at the urging of my producer, Lisa Elzey, that the mystery of her parentage had a hope of being solved.
And, you won't believe what we uncovered!
Listen in as Lisa and I share the story of sealed adoption records, scarce DNA matches, and a five year puzzle. Then, hear Will's reaction to the "cosmic" discovery we made about his grandmother's biological family.
This story isn't just about uncovering the past—it's about the profound connections and heartfelt moments that remind us why understanding our family stories can be so incredibly meaningful.

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Please rate and review this podcast and then share it with your family and friends.
For ideas on how to connect more deeply with your family through family stories, follow Crista on Instagram @CristaCowan.

When an unexpected email unearthed irreplaceable family heirlooms, it reminded me that people—including our own relatives—are often not quite what they seem.

My grandpa’s youngest sister, Aunt Madeleine, was always a bit of an enigma within our family—emotionally distant and reserved. More than once she said things that left us all a little stunned. Yet, certain discoveries suggest that perhaps family mattered to her more than I ever realized.

Family treasures not only tell stories; sometimes, the paths these treasures take are stories in themselves. Do you have a silent treasure keeper in your family? Join me as we explore the hidden depths and unexpected legacies that shape our family narratives.

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Please rate and review this podcast and then share it with your family and friends.
For ideas on how to connect more deeply with your family through family stories, follow Crista on Instagram @CristaCowan.