WELCOME!

If you found yourself here and are a novice family historian then you are at the right place. What is
the Genealogy Happy Hour you ask? Well, it is actually a podcast with a blog that helps newbie genealogists get started on the right track and that means DOCUMENTATION. Sure it’s fun to follow the shaky leaves and the smart matches but how do you know it’s really your ancestor? By following along with the Two Blondes you will be able to locate records and documents to prove your ancestral line.
And the best part is, it’s Happy Hour! That means you will be happy with what you find about your family, hopefully, and when you are done for the day it is time for that goblet of wine. The wine is to help you celebrate as well as getting over some frustration. The Two Blondes, while not being wine experts by any stretch of the imagination, will be offering up some of their favorite wines and ones they have tried along the way. Feel free to make a suggestion.
Cheers! The Two Blondes

Amy Crabill Lay

I’m the owner of Heirs & Ancestors, LLC, a genealogical research company with focus on research throughout the Eastern United States, particularly the South and Midwest, as well as, probate records, and courthouse research.   I am a certified Florida Pioneer Researcher and currently the Chair of the Florida State Genealogical Society’s Pioneer Descendant Certification Program.  Following in my great grandaunt’s footsteps I’m a proud and active member of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.

My article, “The Successful Pioneer Application,” was published in the December 2013 edition of the The Florida Genealogist.  and my lecture “Florida Pioneers:  Conquistidors, Colonialists & Crackers” was given through the Florida State Genealogical Society’s webinar series in 2013, as well as at the University of South Florida’s OLLI program.

 Some of my favorite places to research are the National Archives (Washington, DC & Morrow, GA), Family History Library, Florida State Archives, Virginia State Library, and the DAR Library.  It is with deepest gratitute to many dedicated volunteers that I have researched in some amazing local history centers, libraries, museums, and, even, attics.

​In addition to a B.A. (Art History) University of South Florida, I have studied at the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research (IGHR) at Samford University.

Penny Burke Bonawitz

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Hi. I’m Penny Bonawitz, genealogist always in training. My grandmother used to tell family stories to me as a child and I was always fascinated by the tales. This led me to genealogy and I have been uncovering my extended family history for the past 20 some years. Oh how I wish those ancestors could come back, just for a few, and answer some of my brick wall questions. Alas, I will have to continue to play detective and hopefully find the answers for myself one day.

 I am one of the Two Blondes of Genealogy Happy Hour, co-founder of Ancestor Hunters (local genealogy group), an FSGS (Florida State Genealogical Society) Pioneer Reviewer,  a member of DeSoto Chapter of the DAR, Chandler Family Association,  the Florida Genealogy Society Tampa and the Ohio Genealogical Society. I also help others in their family history research and genealogy training. It always amazes me what I learn when helping someone else track down their family history. Always something new.

 I live in Tampa, FL with my wonderfully supportive husband Kevin. We have two fabulous kids who have moved out and on with their lives and at the moment do not share my passion but I am always hopeful. We also have a handsome English Bulldog Dexter who loves to sit by me while I research. My kids think I have replaced them, maybe…

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