Mystery Solved!

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Vectors by Vecteezy



We've mentioned Genealogical Crime Mysteries, a genre of fiction that is becoming very popular. We have introduced several of our favorite authors and even talk about our favorite protagonists and anxiously await their newest exploits.

It is in this same genre that I have recently read two non-fiction genealogy mysteries and the arduous tasks of sorting out the facts among the brick walls the authors had to overcome.


Buried Secrets: Looking for Frank and Ida by Anne Hanson, New England Books, LLC; Copyright 2022 addresses the brick walls caused by half truths, omissions and deliberate misinformation. Coupled with research prior to online indexes and records, the author and other family researchers were faced with a nearly insurmountable task in finding Frank and Ida Hanson.

"After so many years of flailing in the genealogical wilderness, . . " Anne hardly dared believe when she finally made a breakthrough. She had become so accustomed to failure.  Even with that first success, it took several years of research to find Frank and Ida and to ultimately write their story.

This is a touching story of buried secrets and their effect on family relations for several generations. It is also a good reminder of the perseverance it takes to uncover the truth.



The second book is Revelation: A Memoir of Deep Family Secrets, Discovery, and Identity by Richard Gary Kaye and Annette Schwarz Kaye; Gershon Press LLC, Copyright 2022.  

When Rick and his wife Annette took DNA tests with other members of their synagogue including Rick's sister, it was for fun, a whim. But they were surprised to learn that not only was Rick not 100% Ashkenazi Jewish as expected, neither was his sister. And they were only half siblings with different fathers.

Rick and Annette take us through the practice of artificial insemination decades ago and, with the prevalence of DNA testing and online posting, the effects of finding half siblings.

Both books present good research methods as well as perseverance.  They are available to read for free at Kindle Unlimited.

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Attention SKCGS members: May 20, 2023 is the SKCGS Annual Meeting. Members in good standing will be voting on two items--Budget for fiscal year 2023-2024 and election of president and treasurer.  

Nominee for president is incumbent Valorie Zimmerman. Valorie has been president for two years.  Previously she served as vice-president and publicity chairperson.

Nominee for treasurer is incumbent Michele Mattoon.  Besides serving as treasurer, Michele has helped with seminar registration, annual financial review and budget planning.

Nominations remain open until the election at the annual meeting. Contact nominating-committee@skcgs.org to make additional nominations.

MaryLynn Strickland        



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