With the help of DNA testing, the remains were identified as Deborah Mitchell Cordier, the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office. Photo from Sonoma County Sheriff's Office Nearly three decades after a woman’s body was found drifting in the Pacific Ocean off the California coast, it’s been identified, deputies say. With the help of DNA testing, the remains were identified as Deborah Mitchell Cordier, the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office said in an April 2 Facebook post.

The remains of a woman were found “floating in the Pacific Ocean, several miles off the Point Reyes Peninsula” in January 1998, deputies said. The woman’s body was badly decomposed, making it difficult to identify her, deputies said. Despite investigators’ efforts to identify the woman, she would remain nameless for decades, deputies said. Then, in 2023, deputies said they partnered with the California Department of Justice and Othram Inc. with their sights set on using forensic genetic genealogy to identify the woman.

Genetic genealogy uses DNA testing coupled with “traditional genealogical methods” to create “family history profiles,” according to the Library of Congress. With genealogical DNA testing, researchers can determine if and how people are biologically related. Deputies said they sent forensic evidence to Othram. There, scientists built a “comprehensive DNA profile” that was used in genetic genealogy investigation to create new leads, Othram said in a news release.

After a family member submitted a DNA sample to the Richmond Police Department, criminalists had “a pivotal breakthrough,” deputies said. Sheriff investigators then confirmed the woman’s identity as Cordier “through a meticulous fingerprint comparison,” deputies said.

Cordier would have turned 46 years old in July 1998, according to deputies.

Point Reyes is about a 60-mile drive northwest from San Francisco.

The free-to-use Irish Genealogy website has been updated to include even more Irish birth, marriage, and death records.

The historic Irish records being launched are the Birth register entries for 1924, Marriage Register entries for 1949, and Death Register entries for 1974.

These entries show important information that are often vital in helping people to find out about their ancestry, the Department said on Wednesday.

Every year an additional year of Birth, Marriage, and Death entries are added to the Irish Genealogy website which is free to use - no subscription or registration is required.

Following the latest update, the years now covered on the Irish Genealogy website are births from 1864 to 1924, marriages from 1845 to 1949, and deaths from 1871 to 1974.

However, the Department notes that Civil Registration of Marriages in the Roman Catholic Church only commenced in 1864, and the Civil Registration Service is currently working on updating the remaining records of Deaths dating back to 1864.

Minister for Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan, welcomed this latest release: “This release of an additional year of register data by the Civil Registration Service is part of the ongoing partnership between my department and the Department of Social Protection.

“The aim of this continuing project is to make all these historic records freely and easily accessible to all members of the public and broader diaspora via the IrishGenealogy.ie website.

“I’m sure both new and returning visitors to the site, will welcome the addition of these records for continued research.

“I know that this annual update is eagerly anticipated and will be of great benefit to anyone carrying out research on their Irish ancestry.”

Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary added: “I am delighted to make these additional records available to the Department of Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport so that members of the public and the Irish diaspora can access records to support family history research.

“These records of civil registration in the State are a very rich source of information.

“At this time of year we are particularly reminded of our predecessors who have emigrated and established lives across the globe. These valuable records enable that connection to remain strong.”

The Department highlighted some notable additions that are part of this year's refresh:

Birth 1924: Patrick Christopher "Christy" O'Connor (21 December 1924 – 14 May 2016)

Patrick Christopher "Christy" O'Connor (21 December 1924 – 14 May 2016) was an esteemed Irish professional golfer, widely regarded as one of the leading figures in British and Irish golf from the mid-1950s. Over his illustrious career, he won more than 20 tournaments on the British PGA and was a consistent top performer in the Open Championship. O'Connor also achieved significant success in senior golf, winning the World Senior Championship twice, and played in 10 consecutive Ryder Cup matches, contributing to Ireland's victory in the 1958 Canada Cup alongside Harry Bradshaw.

Born in Knocknacarra, Galway, O'Connor developed an early passion for golf, initially caddying at local clubs. He turned professional in 1951 with support from Tuam Golf Club and quickly made a mark with a strong showing in the Open Championship. His first professional victory came in 1955 at the Swallow-Penfold Tournament. Throughout the 1960s, he maintained remarkable consistency, winning at least one professional event each year on the British Tour.

O'Connor’s career was defined by his participation in the Open Championship, where he played 26 times, with his best finish being a tie for second in 1965. He also achieved great success in team events, competing in 15 Canada Cup/World Cup matches and setting a record for the most Ryder Cup appearances (10) by an Irish golfer.

In his later years, O'Connor excelled in senior golf, securing six PGA Seniors Championships and two World Senior Championship titles. He was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2009. A beloved figure in the golf community, O'Connor was known for his professionalism, consistency, and dedication to the sport.

O'Connor married Mary Collins in 1954, with whom he had six children. He passed away at the age of 91 on 14 May 2016.

Birth 1924: Thomas Joseph Clancy (29 October 1924 – 7 November 1990)

Tom Clancy was one of eleven children born to Johanna McGrath and Bob Clancy in Carrick-on-Suir, County Tipperary.

Tom Clancy was a key member of the Irish folk group The Clancy Brothers, known for his powerful voice. He was also an actor, performing with Orson Welles in King Lear and in various TV shows and films. he joined the Royal Air Force during World War II and later worked as a radio operator. After the war, he pursued acting and moved to the United States, where he joined his brothers in New York.

In 1956, Tom and his brothers, along with Liam Clancy and Tommy Makem, formed The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem. Tom was a lead vocalist in many of the group's famous songs like "The Rising of the Moon" and "Carrickfergus." After the group disbanded in 1976, they reunited in 1977, and Tom continued to perform with them until his death.

Tom also maintained an acting career, appearing in films like "The Killer Elite" and TV shows such as "Little House on the Prairie." His Broadway comeback in 1974 in "A Moon for the Misbegotten" was well-received.

Tom Clancy passed away in 1990, survived by his wife Joan.

Deaths 1974: Austin Clarke (9 May 1896 – 19 March 1974)

Austin Clarke was a prominent Irish poet, playwright, novelist, and memoirist, known for his innovative use of classical Irish poetic techniques in English. He was influenced by W. B. Yeats but distinguished himself by focusing on themes of Irish history, legend, and Catholic guilt. His first book, "The Vengeance of Fionn" (1917), garnered critical acclaim, marking the start of his literary career.

Clarke co-founded the Lyric Theatre in Dublin and wrote several plays between 1938 and 1955, while also working as a journalist and hosting a poetry program on RTÉ radio. After a period of personal crisis, he returned to poetry with the 1955 collection Ancient Lights, shifting toward more modern themes, such as satire of the Irish church and state, as well as explorations of human sexuality and personal experiences. His later works were influenced by avant-garde poets like Ezra Pound and Pablo Neruda, reflecting looser formal structures.

In addition to his poetry, Clarke published three banned novels and two memoirs. His personal life included a marriage to Cornelia Cummins and later, a marriage to Norah Esmerelda Patricia Walker, with whom he had three sons.

Clarke's reputation rests on his poetry, which earned him lasting recognition in Irish literature. After his death, the Templeogue Bridge in Dublin was renamed Austin Clarke Bridge in his honour. Austin Clarke passed away on March 19, 1974, aged 77.

Deaths 1974: Erskine Hamilton Childers (11 December 1905 – 17 November 1974)

Erskine Hamilton Childers (1905–1974) was an Irish Fianna Fáil politician who served as the fourth President of Ireland from 1973 until his death in 1974, the only Irish president to die in office. He also held various key governmental positions, including Tánaiste (Deputy Prime Minister), Minister for Health, Transport, Power, and Posts and Telegraphs, and served as a TD from 1938 to 1973.

Born in London to an Irish republican father, Robert Erskine Childers, and an American mother, he grew up in Ireland after World War I. He was educated at Gresham's School and Trinity College, Cambridge, and worked for Éamon de Valera’s newspaper before entering politics in 1938. Childers’ career was marked by both successes and controversies, including his opposition to Charles Haughey during the Arms Crisis.

In the 1973 presidential election, Childers, nominated by Fianna Fáil, defeated Fine Gael's Tom O'Higgins to become president. During his presidency, he played a significant behind-the-scenes role in Northern Ireland's peace efforts. He died suddenly of heart failure in November 1974 while attending a conference, and his state funeral was attended by prominent world leaders.

Childers was married twice and had five children. His second wife, Rita Dudley, outlived him, passing away in 2010. His presidency remains notable for his personal popularity and the challenges he faced in a largely ceremonial role.

The following is a press release from WikiTree:

April 2, 2025 – WikiTree, the free, community-driven genealogy platform, has reached a groundbreaking milestone: 500,000 interconnected African-American family members. It is the largest public free database of connected African-American families.

This achievement reflects the ongoing dedication of thousands of genealogists, volunteers, and researchers who are working together to connect Black families across generations and break through historical barriers in research caused by slavery, migration, and record loss.

“When we started the US Black Heritage Project in 2020, I had no idea we would come this far this quickly,” said project leader Emma MacBeath, “but thanks to the help of all of WikiTree, we've not only met all of our goals, but far exceeded them. What this database means to us is easy access to accurate family tree information for all descendants. It means reconnecting many families in a tree who haven't been connected for many generations.”

The US Black Heritage Project has an extraordinary offer: volunteers will help any African-American research their family tree.

The Falmouth Genealogical Society will hold its monthly meeting on Saturday, April 12, from 10 AM until noon in the Hermann Foundation Meeting Room of the Falmouth Public Library at 300 Main Street.


Tina LaFreniere, founder and CEO of the Related Faces website, will discuss (via Zoom) how facial recognition works and provide pointers on photo restoration. She will provide practical information on decision-making and the use of Related Faces Resemblance Numbers and Pairings, combined with family knowledge, to recognize and identify the “unknown” people in family photos.

Ms. LaFreniere began her genealogical journey more than 15 years ago and, along the way, has inherited thousands of photos from her family, hundreds of which are unidentified. These photos inspired Related Faces, and the site was launched in 2022. Ms. LaFreniere is a member of the Genealogical Society of Collier County, Florida, the National Genealogical Society and The Photo Managers Group.

This talk is free and open to the public. It is also available via Zoom. For the Zoom credentials, contact fgspresident@gmail.com by April 11.

Falmouth Genealogical Society meetings are free, open to the public and held monthly. The group also hosts a weekly help desk session, Tuesdays from 2 to 4 PM at the Falmouth Public Library where society volunteers help individuals with their genealogical research at drop-in, complimentary sessions.

The group’s calendar, program information and other resources can be found online at falgen.org.

Visit Fort Wayne is excited to welcome the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies (IAJGS) to Fort Wayne for their 2025 Annual Conference. Most recently held in Philadelphia in 2024 and London, England in 2023, the group comes to Fort Wayne with an expected 1,000 attendees. 

Registration opens today, Tuesday, April 1 for the August 10 – 14 conference held at the Grand Wayne Convention Center. IAJGS invites those interested in Jewish genealogy to sign up for the educational conference “to learn, to research, and most importantly, to share.”

The Genealogy Center at the Allen County Public Library is world-renowned for its physical collection of genealogical items as well as its professional Genealogists on staff, led by Curt Witcher, Director of Special Collections and former president of both the Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) and the National Genealogical Society (NGS), and the founding president of the Indiana Genealogical Society.

This asset in the Fort Wayne Community was the linchpin to hosting this highly acclaimed conference here in our city. “IAJGS is no stranger to the Genealogy Center at ACPL with its global status and reputation, so presenting the complete package with the award-winning hosting capabilities at the Grand Wayne Convention Center made a strong case for bringing their 2025 event to Fort Wayne,” said Josie O’Donnell, Senior Sales Manager at Visit Fort Wayne, who started talks with the organization in 2021 to secure this year’s conference. 

Special thanks to the local Northeast Indiana Jewish Genealogist Society (NEIJGS) Chapter with representative Irv Adler, who was instrumental in bringing this event to Fort Wayne. Adler says, "Embark on a transformative journey at the 45th IAJGS International Jewish Genealogy Conference in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where the past comes alive. Delve into the rich tapestry of your ancestry, gain exclusive insights from world-renowned experts, and connect with a dynamic community dedicated to preserving the legacy of Jewish heritage. This is your chance to turn curiosity into discovery and stories into treasured memories." 

The 2025 keynote speaker will be CeCe Moore, a prominent American genetic genealogist, most recently known for her work on Finding Your Roots. Moore is also recognized for assisting law enforcement agencies in over 300 cold cases of high-profile human identification cases using DNA and genetic genealogy.

Learn more and sign up for the conference at IAJGS2025.org.

• Findmypast is encouraging family historians to trace their ancestors’ stories from the eve of war to victory in the run up to VE Day 80^th anniversary 

• From 1 April until 9 May, you’ll be able to access the 1939 Register free on the site 

• Discover where they were living and their wartime contributions through unique details like Civilian Occupations, exclusive to Findmypast 

• From here, delve deeper into their experiences through over 90m newspaper pages, millions of military records, and historical photographs

• Plus, help tell the nation’s wartime stories by contributing to specially created new Collections showcasing VE Day celebrations across the country

In the run up to the 80^th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, Findmypast is inviting the public to delve into their family’s wartime experiences from the eve of war to victory. From 1 April to 9 May, Findmypast will provide free access to the 1939 Register, enabling users to uncover where their ancestors were living during the early stages of World War II and discover their unique contributions to the war effort.

The 1939 Register, often referred to as the 'wartime census’, is a valuable resource that provides a snapshot of life on the eve of the Second World War. In particular, members can explore their ancestors' wartime roles through detailed civilian occupation data exclusive to Findmypast and learn more about their lives on the home front.

Once they have uncovered their family in the 1939 Register, members can delve deeper and trace their family in over 90 million newspaper pages, an extensive collection of military records, and poignant historical photographs. These records enable everyone the opportunity to understand their ancestors’ experiences of war, whether they were ARP first responders battling the Blitz, land girls keeping the country fed, or soldiers facing the enemy in battle.

Findmypast is also inviting members to participate in preserving the memories of VE Day by contributing to newly created Collections showcasing wartime celebrations across the UK. Launching at the end of April, these special Collections will highlight the personal accounts, photographs, and memories of VE Day as experienced by families across the country.

How to Access the Free 1939 Register:

• Free access to the 1939 Register is available from 1 April until 9 May on Findmypast’s website.

• Simply visit Findmypast.com and sign up for an account to begin exploring your family’s wartime history.

Sarah Bush, Managing Director of Findmypast said: “VE Day marked a momentous victory, but it was also a testament to the resilience, sacrifices, and spirit of families across the UK. Start your journey of discovery by searching in the 1939 Register for free to find your ancestors on the eve of war. Then delve deeper into your ancestors’ wartime experiences within Findmypast’s vast archive of newspapers, military records, and photographs, and gain a deeper understanding of how this turbulent period shaped their lives.”

Pope Francis has appointed Archbishop Giovanni Cesare Pagazzi as the new Archivist and Librarian of the Holy Roman Church. The announcement, made on March 28, follows the retirement of Archbishop Angelo Vincenzo Zani, who recently turned 75 after three years in the role.

This appointment entrusts Archbishop Pagazzi with the stewardship of the Vatican Apostolic Archive and the Vatican Library—two of the most prestigious institutions preserving centuries of Church history, theological scholarship, and cultural heritage. His academic background and deep engagement in theological studies signal a continued commitment to the intellectual and educational mission of the Church.

Born in Crema, Italy, on June 8, 1965, Giovanni Cesare Pagazzi was ordained a priest on June 23, 1990. His early ministry included serving as a parish vicar in Lodi before pursuing advanced theological studies. He earned his licentiate and doctorate in theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, establishing himself as a distinguished scholar.

Over the years, Archbishop Pagazzi has held teaching positions at various academic institutions and played a pivotal role at the Higher Institute of Religious Sciences «Sant’Agostino,» serving dioceses including Crema, Cremona, Lodi, Pavia, and Vigevano. His expertise in ecclesiology and family studies led to his appointment as a full professor at the Pontifical John Paul II Theological Institute for the Sciences of Marriage and Family in Rome, where he also coordinated research initiatives.

His leadership and theological acumen caught the attention of Pope Francis, who appointed him Secretary of the Dicastery for Culture and Education on September 26, 2022. In recognition of his contributions, the Pope elevated him to the rank of archbishop in November 2023, assigning him the titular see of Belcastro. Archbishop Pagazzi received episcopal ordination on February 10, 2024, from Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça, the Prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education.

Now, as the Vatican’s chief custodian of its vast archives and library, Archbishop Pagazzi steps into a role that bridges the Church’s past and future. His task will be to safeguard invaluable historical documents while ensuring they remain accessible to scholars and researchers worldwide.

The Vatican Library and Archives hold some of the most precious manuscripts and records in the world, spanning centuries of Church history, diplomacy, and theological thought. The role of the Archivist and Librarian of the Holy Roman Church is not merely custodial but deeply intertwined with the Church’s mission to preserve and disseminate knowledge.

Given his background in theology, education, and family studies, Archbishop Pagazzi’s appointment suggests a continuity of Pope Francis’ vision—one that emphasizes intellectual depth, cultural engagement, and a commitment to making the Church’s historical and theological treasures more widely available.

Non-paying Gemini users can now play around with Google’s newest model, the experimental version of Gemini 2.5 Pro. The company announced this weekend that it’s making Gemini 2.5 Pro (experimental) free for everyone to use, albeit with tighter rate limits for non-subscribers. Google introduced Gemini 2.5 Pro just last week, touting it as its “most intelligent AI model” yet, and rolled it out to Gemini Advanced users first. It’s available now in Google AI Studio and the Gemini app.

While free users can now try it out too, Google added that “Gemini Advanced users have expanded access and a significantly larger context window.” Gemini 2.5 Pro (experimental) is the first of Google’s Gemini 2.5 “thinking” models, which are said to deliver more accurate results through reasoning. In a blog post, the company explained that this “refers to its ability to analyze information, draw logical conclusions, incorporate context and nuance, and make informed decisions.”