"Readers may find themselves ordering their own DNA testing kit upon finishing this." —Publishers Weekly "The Soul of the Family Tree posits that a spiritual grounding in one's family history can combat 'historical amnesia' and nurture a sense of belonging." —Foreword Reviews Growing up in a passionately Norwegian-American Iowa town, Lori Erickson rolled her eyes at traditions like Nordic Fest and steaming pots of rømmegrøt. But like many Americans, she eventually felt drawn to genealogy, the "quintessential hobby of middle age." Her quest to know more about the Vikings and immigrants who perch in her family tree led her to visit Norse settlements and reenactments, medieval villages and modern museums, her picturesque hometown and her ancestor's farm on the fjords. Along the way, Erickson discovers how her soul has been shaped by her ancestors and finds unexpected spiritual guides among the seafaring Vikings and her hardscrabble immigrant forebears. Erickson’s far-ranging journeys and spiritual musings show us how researching family history can be a powerful tool for inner growth. Travel with Erickson in The Soul of the Family Tree to learn how the spirits of your ancestral past can guide you today.

First Families of Tennessee is a tribute to these men and women who established the state.

For those who have ever wondered where their relatives served in World War II, where they were on D-Day, or what medals and awards they received, this reference provides strategies for uncovering the details of family members' experiences during the war. Divulged are the keys to discovering personnel and medical records, casualty reports, WWII draft registrations, burial sites, military honors, and unit and ship histories. Information is included on using many different types of resources, including military, state, and federal records; service numbers; national cemeteries; and division reunion associations.