genealogy

DNA is all the rage. Television commercials promise us that we can determine our precise ancestral origins. But it’s not quite that simple. People take DNA tests for a variety reasons. Some are looking for ethnicity estimates. Some are looking for health reports. Adoptees might be looking for biological family members. In terms of genealogy,… READ MORE

Writing down your memories helps bring your family history to life. But your family history journey also requires some research. If you are looking to document the homes and addresses of your family members, the U. S. federal census is a good place to begin. READ MORE

When visiting your deceased family members, there are a few things to remember. In Japan, there are customs for washing the stones, burning incense, and offering food to the ancestors. Even if your ancestors’ remains are in the U.S., there are some tips to remember. READ MORE

For Nikkei, finding those immigrant ancestors on passenger records is a good way to begin reconnecting with the past. Do you know when your Issei ancestors arrived in the U.S.? Did they come first to Hawai‘i? Or did they arrive in another port, such as Vancouver, Canada; Seattle; Portland, Ore.; Los Angeles; or San Diego?… READ MORE

February is a time for contemplation in the Nikkei community as we reflect upon the signing of EO9066. This was the order that paved the way for tens of thousands of Nikkei to be unjustly incarcerated, for our loved ones to be detained, for our family members to lose their homes and possessions, and for… READ MORE