Hawkins Wilson, a Texas freedman, was sold away from Virginia as a young boy. Time and distance did not dim his memories of childhood family and friends nor his emotional connection to them. Twenty-four years later, he wrote to his "dearest relatives" through the Freedman's Bureau, introducing himself to them, not as the boy they had known but as the man he had become. His letters, forwarded to the bureau agent in Caroline County, Virginia, remain in whole files, suggesting that Wilson's kinfolk were never found.

Until one of them started a family tree on Ancestry. And then - 155 years later – Hawkins Wilson's letters finally reached his descendants.

For Kelley Dixon-Teeler and her mother, Alva Marie Jenkins, the letters of their ancestor have inspired perseverance and helped make sense of a journey of faith. Together, they share their hopes for the future, emphasizing the importance of family unity and ensuring Hawkins Wilson’s legacy continues to inspire and connect generations.

Watch the film:
A Dream Delivered: The Lost Letters of Hawkins Wilson

Visit Kelley's website to learn more about honoring the past, preserving the legacy and forging a brighter future:
Hawkins Wilson Legacy

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For ideas on how to connect more deeply with your family through family stories, follow Crista on Instagram @CristaCowan.

We commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day sharing the deeply moving story of Second Lieutenant William Joseph McGowan. The life of this young pilot ended on D-Day. In 2019, his remains were located in a field in France by a team from Nova Scotia and then delivered to a lab in Omaha where he was finally identified after 75 years, missing in action.

Emily Paulson, a former family history intern at Ancestry, now contributes her expertise as a contractor with the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA). The mission of the DPAA is to “provide the fullest possible accounting for our missing military personnel to their families and the nation.” There are more than 81,000 military personnel from World War II through the Gulf War still missing - nearly 72,000 of those from World War II alone. Emily shares details about the massive, ongoing efforts to bring closure to families and honor the memories of those who paid the ultimate price.

There is a heavy toll for the enduring hope for peace.

DPAA Service Casualty Office

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For ideas on how to connect more deeply with your family through family stories, follow Crista on Instagram @CristaCowan.

When an unexpected email unearthed irreplaceable family heirlooms, it reminded me that people—including our own relatives—are often not quite what they seem.

My grandpa’s youngest sister, Aunt Madeleine, was always a bit of an enigma within our family—emotionally distant and reserved. More than once she said things that left us all a little stunned. Yet, certain discoveries suggest that perhaps family mattered to her more than I ever realized.

Family treasures not only tell stories; sometimes, the paths these treasures take are stories in themselves. Do you have a silent treasure keeper in your family? Join me as we explore the hidden depths and unexpected legacies that shape our family narratives.

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For ideas on how to connect more deeply with your family through family stories, follow Crista on Instagram @CristaCowan.

Serena never spoke of her life before she married into the Hochhauser family. They knew she was from Eastern Europe and based on her age and the timing of her immigration, they knew she had suffered through the events of the Holocaust and survived. But, how she did so was a story that was never told.

Nearly two decades after Serena’s death a set of historical records from the Red Cross International Tracing Service became more widely available and by piecing together several records from that collection and connecting them to immigration and citizenship records on Ancestry, a story emerged that shocked her family.

My guest, Howard Hochhauser, has been the Chief Financial Officer at Ancestry since 2009. Join me as we explore his journey into his grandmother’s past and how knowing her story has changed their family narrative.

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For ideas on how to connect more deeply with your family through family stories, follow Crista on Instagram @CristaCowan.

Genealogist Sunny Morton didn’t even know someone was missing from her family tree until a single mention in an obituary led her to a Nun.

Sister Mary Bertilla. This single name sparked a long search that culminated in the discovery of a remarkable, yet nearly forgotten, woman who dedicated herself to faith and service. Her story, encapsulated in a touching obituary, highlights the silent sacrifices she made.

Across the U.S. there are records in forgotten archives for more than 350,000 Women Religious - sisters and nuns - whose quiet contributions have deeply shaped our nation. These women, often overlooked in family histories because they have no descendants, have stories that deserve to be told.

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For ideas on how to connect more deeply with your family through family stories, follow Crista on Instagram @CristaCowan.

Imagine sitting down at a family dinner where every bite is seasoned with laughter, love, and connection. You're invited to a conversation with my sister-in-law, Shelly Cowan, about an overly large family table and the powerful traditions it supports.

The mother of five boys, Shelly didn't just build a table with her dad, she crafted a space of profound gratitude and deep connection for our family.

I hope you'll discover the subtle art of turning daily habits into treasured traditions and be inspired to create your own gathering places.

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Please rate and review this podcast and then share it with your family and friends.

For ideas on how to connect more deeply with your family through family stories, follow Crista on Instagram @CristaCowan.

Raised in the New York foster care system, Kevin Giddins knew his biological mother's name but not much else. But, an AncestryDNA test led him to her doorstep and an extraordinary reunion. His daughter Camlyn, caught the whole thing on film.

The three of us have a meaningful conversation about the essence of these family relationships and the roles they play in shaping who we are. We delve into the spiritual lessons learned and the impact that understanding our ancestors can have on our personal narratives going forward.

When uncovered, hidden family history can turn into powerful shared stories that move us from being 'secret keepers' to 'story keepers.'

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Please rate and review this podcast and then share it with your family and friends.

For ideas on how to connect more deeply with your family through family stories, follow Crista on Instagram @CristaCowan.

Cultural nuances, defining moments, and raw honesty. My conversation with my dear friend, Sunny Mahe has all of these things. We also dive deep into the power of faith and family.

From her Tongan heritage to her ten children, I am so inspired by the way that resilience and friendship flourish within the walls of her home.

The stories that live there - all of the stories - define them as a family and give them hope as they move forward together in life and beyond.

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Please rate and review this podcast and then share it with your family and friends.

For ideas on how to connect more deeply with your family through family stories, follow Crista on Instagram @CristaCowan.