In this episode of the "Local Genealogists Speak" podcast series, George, a local genealogist, shares about ancestral travel, archival research, genealogy books, and more. He also shares about his favorite part of U.S. history in honor of America250, a celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of Declaration of Independence.

The "Local Genealogists Speak" podcast series is an opportunity to hear from local genealogists as they share their experiences with and knowledge about family history research. Each episode contains tips and suggestions which may be helpful for your own research and/or stories that may inspire you to dig more deeply into your roots.

Titles mentioned in this episode:

• She Has Her Mother's Laugh: The Powers, Perversions, and Potential of Heredity by Carl Zimmer
• Redlined: A Memoir of Race, Change, and Fractured Community in 1960s Chicago by Linda Gartz
• Futureface: A Family Mystery, an Epic Quest, and the Secret to Belonging by Alex Wagner
• What Hath God Wrought: The Transformation of America, 1815-1848 by Daniel Walker Howe
• American Republics: A Continental History of the United States 1783-1850 by Alan Taylor

This week Hannah recommends Olivia Laing's The Silver Book, a gripping love story and thriller steeped in the vibrant world of 1970s Italian cinema.

Check out Olivia Laing's The Silver Book from the Library.

Readers' Advisor Hannah shares three 2025 titles to enjoy during the holidays.

Titles mentioned in this episode:

• The Gingerbread Bakery (Dream Harbor, #5) by Laurie Gilmore
• A Case of Life and Limb: The Trials of Gabriel Ward by Sally Smith
• Good Spirits by B.K. Borison