If you find that you have hit a brick wall in your family history research, don’t despair!!! Here are numerous avenues that are open to you in order for you to break down that wall!

Why not write a life story of one of your favorite ancestors? Gather information, ask questions, and incorporate photos and quotes. You can even publish it and share with your family members!

We present to you 10 women from history whose Footprints will continue to inspire our world for generations to come.

I may not have been brought up in a traditional family setting. In fact, my dad was a house husband before being a house husband was…

I will be the first to admit that starting a Memoir can be a daunting task. But with the help of these thought-provoking questions, getting over that initial hump might be easier than you think!

If you’re one of the lucky families that aims to bring a unique sense of home into your house, here are a few tips to get started writing your family’s story.

Search for family history writing tips on the internet and you’ll come across numerous articles that teach you how to write compelling stories. Unfortunately, the posts all suggest composing a…

When we make the decision to preserve our stories, it’s never easy figuring out where to begin. But there is one simple thing you can do that will instantly make this daunting task much easier to tackle.

Panic set in as beta readers began reading chapters for my upcoming memoir “From Metal to Rhinestones,” the story of my teenage quest for a beauty pageant crown. What if the readers…

A friend of mine once told me that he had started writing letters to his grandchildren once or twice a year soon after the first one was born. I thought it was a brilliant idea, as I had already begun to realize how…

Long-term care can seem like a distant concern. But the majority of us will be forced to rely on it at some point in life. Here are some tips to help you get started!

If you’re an older adult, you may not be quite as active or mobile as you once were, but that doesn’t mean you can’t continue to lead a healthy, balanced life.

As the world becomes more and more digital, it is getting easier and easier to preserve family photos forever. Paper photos can be easily destroyed, and although it seems…

Now celebrating his 100th birthday, he certainly has his share of stories for the dinner table. And one might even say he has earned the right to share them.

They provided food, shelter, support, and so much more throughout your entire childhood. Now you are a grown adult with a good head on your shoulders, and a…

Do you cringe during Valentine’s Day because true love isn’t really celebrated? This year, do something different.

Last Thanksgiving will go down in history as a weekend I won’t soon forget. Now being labeled a ‘hero’, I have come to understand why this is a status I just don’t want.

Take the time now to make a plan to celebrate, preserve, and discover more about your rich family heritage. Do any of these 5 things and you will have an amazing year in family history!

Imagine getting in a van one day to embark on a year-long journey across all 50 states on a mission to find a bone marrow donor who can save your life and thousands of others. That’s exactly what these two sisters set their sights on!

I wasn’t born with hatred. Instead I inherited it from the one man in my life who I am supposed to look up to. This is the short story of why I hate my dad, and why I love what he taught me.

The American Civil War was a horrific and bloody conflict, pitting brother against brother in some instances. Despite the deep political schisms that tore families apart, some stories attest to…

Find out from family historian Gael Gilliland why you need to start writing your story – today!

If you think life is tough today, take into consideration the challenges our ancestors faced back in the 1500’s.

Written by: Joe Fiduccia Planning for one’s death is probably not on your “Top 10” list of water cooler topics, or even your top 50. With the stresses and chaos of day-to-day living, most of us prefer to spend whatever downtime we have focusing on positive and enlightening topics. Avoiding the inevitable question of ‘what […]

As a fairly new player in town, we get a lot of questions from our visitors. As people continue to learn more about America’s Footprints, they discover a platform that is both new and very intriguing…

Most of us know a friend or family member who has been diagnosed with a terminal illness. And sometimes we struggle to find the perfect gift for them. So here are five amazing gift ideas to start with!

Look around the place you call home. What treasures do you find? These 10 tips will help you write your story using these treasures.

Would you like to keep just one New Year’s Resolution in 2016? Here’s one you can keep right now, and finish in less than a few minutes. Check out Devon’s recommendation!

If you are interested in preserving your life story, here are three 3 quick tips that can help you get started!

From burnt turkeys to minor injuries, our Hallmark holidays are often imperfect. If you find yourself in an unfortunate situation this season, we hope you’ll find joy in these hilarious holiday disasters.

Tell us: Have you ever had a holiday go wrong?

Written by: Joe Fiduccia 30 years from now, what will you think of when people mention the year “2020”?  Will you think of your job? Or perhaps the job loss you suffered as a result of a worldwide pandemic? Will you think of all the plans you had at the beginning of the year? Or […]

How do you go about preserving your family’s history? Here are several resources that can help you get started!

Is there anyone who has lived into middle age or beyond, who hasn’t at least had the passing thought that “there is something in my story worth preserving”? Most people find reasons to push…

Ever hear the expression “a simple act of kindness will be rewarded back to you tenfold?” Well that’s exactly what happen to this woman. Except her return on investment was astronomically greater!

Creating a Final Will can be a daunting and expensive task that many decide to do on their own. So we have put together five simple tips to help you get started!

More than 600,000 older Americans are treated each year in hospital emergency rooms for injuries at home. That is why we created this top 10 checklist to help keep our older generations safe!

Here are five short stories about people who made history, and yet we don’t even know their names.

Time to pay homage to the men and women who helped create the long-lasting legacy that M*A*S*H is so well known for!

Have you ever looked at your child while playing, or watching a movie they’ve seen a million times or lost in the spark of creativity by letting their imagination run wild on an adventure only they can go on?

Last Thanksgiving, Knight Rider’s K.I.T.T. and his buddy the General Lee decided to “make a difference” for some young kids, and give them a reason to be thankful on a holiday where they otherwise wouldn’t be.

America’s Footprints did some statistical research to better gauge just how far we’ve really come in the last 100 years. And some of these facts will amaze you!

The genealogy world is at a crossroads right now. Some purists continue to avoid adapting modern tech innovations into their research procedures, while others have…

Do you have a dusty box full of stories waiting to be shared? This Holiday Season is a great reason to share them with your family and friends. And here’s why!

Here are some helpful tips to prepare for research at the archives or special collections library.

When you can determine why you’re having a hard time sleeping, you can address those issues and start getting the sleep you need!

Few people take the time to preserve their memories, so we conducted a short survey to find out why. Here are five common excuses we received, and my rebuttal to each and every one.

When was the last time you genuinely spoke the words “thank you” to someone…and not just as a formality? Thanksgiving Day is notoriously known as the only major day we “give thanks”. But here are 5 very unique ways you can say “thank you” to the people in your life, the other 364 days a year.

Despite the signs, there are those who still believe certain events in life are merely a coincidence. That the people we meet are by chance, not by fate. And that we control every aspect of who we meet and where we end up. Well, to those who still doubt the power of the universe and how it guides us through life, I invite you to read the following short story.

All of us are familiar with the famous Cruise Line disasters such as Titanic. But what about the stories that have faded with time? Take the Morro Castle for example…

The Gentleman’s Club is the newest addition to Memminger Elementary School in Charleston, South Carolina. Led by Raymond Nelson, the club has one…

It’s interesting how a photo can bring the memories flooding back. Almost like you were there again. But are you using them to preserve your story?

Growing up my mom would always tell me: “enjoy these years. They are the most stress-free years of your life.” But with the constant barrage of…

This particular story hit me deep, part in frustration, and part because it made me aware that surrounding yourself with the right people is crucial to…

October is officially designated as Family History Month in the United States. It is a time to create memories with family, and to remember our roots, and our heritage, But what if we come from a broken family. What if we don’t have any blood relatives to celebrate with? I believe we can still find a way to celebrate family, and here’s why.

Capturing the true character of a person can be difficult with simple descriptive words. Describing their physical features and mentioning where…

When I became a parent, I was introduced to a whole new world. I went from hanging out with friends at 2:00 AM to getting no sleep while changing diapers. Instead of enjoying lunch in the city with my…

The reality of life is quite simple – in time, you will be forgotten. But now there is finally something can do about it.

Many people think of a Last Will and Testament as being the one and only thing we need to worry about when finalizing our affairs. In a way, that might be accurate. But even in a Last Will & Testament, many things are often overlooked. Here are three examples:

Continuing our tradition of preservation, here are 5 more people who made history…and we are willing to bet you have never even heard of them.

Judy Garland is most famous for her role as Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz”. But despite the joy you may see on the outside, Judy’s short life story may come as a surprise.

My love for family history manifests itself in genealogy. If you are like me, the biggest appeal to genealogy is the mystery, the detective work, and finding that next bit of…

As we continue to pursue our interest in genealogy and ancestry, we are increasingly reminded of the importance to not only document our OWN journey, but to be cautious of what we share. Because the reactions from our future descendants may not be what you’d expect.

You may have noticed lately that many well-known celebrities are announcing the release of professionally written memoirs about their life. Books are selling by the millions, as it seems like…

Why should I bother writing a memoir or keep a diary? I haven’t done anything special,” said Elizabeth, a Baby Boomer from South Carolina with brown skin with cool, jewel undertones and an…

Whether or not we realize it, the journey of our life is an important part of history that our children and grandchildren will long to know more about. But there are..

The best thing you can do during retirement is to become proactive regarding your overall health and wellness. Here are some fantastic tips!

Recently I enjoyed some drinks and a conversation with a good friend of mine who I hadn’t seen in quite a while. We were catching on the small talk of life, and spent hours…

“I would never do such an idiotic stunt.” Those are the words of my teenage daughter when she was in a group interview and asked a ‘thought provoking’ character…

When starting family history research, it is always best to start by writing down what you know about your relatives, such as birth and marriage dates. You can then move on to asking your…

Do you see great stories on the news or even on America’s Footprints and feel, “I Don’t Have Great Stories?” Fear no more, Devon Noel Lee has a great piece of advice, and it came from her mother.

What are the life lessons that we can help pass down to our children? Here are my top three. What are yours?

Here are some fun ways you too can preserve your history and celebrate Family History Month with some family history activities!

It doesn’t matter how unhappy you are life. If you want change but you let fear hold you back, you will never know what it’s like to live. Check out how Nancy Seibel conquered those fears, and see what her advice is to others who fear any type of life change.

Here are 5 ways to squeeze some family history fun into your summer time downtime, compliments of family historian Shannon Combs-Bennett!

America’s Footprints surveyed 100 baby boomers across the US, asking them to share one piece of advice about life with the younger generations. And some of their answers will shock you!

“Live life to its fullest.” “Make the best of any situation.” “Cherish time with family and friends.” These are the bits of wisdom we all try to instill and pass down to our children. But what if I asked you to dig deeper? If death was knocking on your door sooner than you expected, what would you really want to pass on to your children?

When I worked as a newspaper writer, I had to interview two 90 year old women who had been friends their whole lives. Both women lived on their own and their minds were still sharp. Their good health was…

If you are looking for additional tips to help tackle the challenge of story preservation, without losing your mind, here are five more tips you can add to your arsenal!

When was the last time you took a phone call that made your heart skip a beat and literally stop the momentum of your life in its tracks? Rebecca decided to share that very moment with us today!

The 20’s can be characterized by prosperity and independence. But when we think of that decade, the word ‘cool’ doesn’t likely won’t to mind. These fun photos may change that perspective!!

Ten years ago, if you were to ask me whether I believed my life was worth remembering, I would have said “probably not”. But that all changed when I decided to try an experiment for two months, and then revisit those results five years later. See what I did, and how that experienced changed my perspective on life.

My daughter is in third grade and generally excels in most subjects. She is a quick learner and likes to take on new projects. She recently brought home some test…

If you currently find yourself at a dead end in life, this story about an entrepreneur’s decision will likely resonate with more than just a few of you.

There is nothing more precious than watching your little one sleep. From the moment your children are brought into this world, there is something magical about seeing them close…

My ancestor Eleanor Scrivener, who had married Edward Campion on July 2, 1795 in Potterspury, Northamptonshire, England had always been something of a…

In May 1998, country music star Clay Walker released his 16th single entitled “Ordinary People” but it was the worst performing song he ever had. Despite failing to resonate with…

For these 5th grade students at Peoria, Illinois, recess is an option they would rather give up in support of a fellow classmate. Find out what they have chosen to do instead!

It can be very frustrating when you are researching someone and you need that information from the 1890 U.S. census to provide additional evidence of where she/he was living and with…

Some aspects of mental health care are covered and some are not, so using Medicare effectively and efficiently depends to a large degree on knowing where to turn for information.

In no particular order, here are five uniquely amazing acts of kindness we recently wrote about this year that we believe deserve the spotlight once again.

Have you ever looked around your house, let out a hearty sigh, and just left the room? The clutter, the amount of “stuff” in general, or maybe even the task of organization just…

No matter how you slice it, parents play a vital role in our lives. This is a story about why it’s important to cherish those special moments with your parents now. Because as it is for me, the day will come where all you’ll have left are memories.

Through my own experience, these are five tips I would offer to anyone seeking to trace immigrant ancestors:

Fans across the globe have been inspired by the messages and special effects seen in each of the Transformers films. But one Pennsylvania dad took his love for one of the movie characters to a level no one else in the world has been able to accomplish!

See how a Pennsylvania father took on the challenge of building the world’s first Transformers Prime Megatron costume…with no experience or background in costume-making…all so he could inspire his young son that anything is possible!

We were honored to get a call from our local Elementary School asking if Notchback KITT would be interested in coming by for a day during their Fun Festival. It is a one-day event held each year that brings the kids outdoors for some fun and activities. And there is no way we would turn down such a great opportunity to inspire our younger generation!

Meet the Band Of Heroes – everyday citizens who become superheroes in the form of volunteer cosplayers. From volunteering at Make-A-Wish events to…

There’s nothing better than getting an ice cold glass of lemonade. Especially when all of the proceeds are used to help keep someone alive.

When a 4-year-old with Down Syndrome couldn’t find fitted clothes, her 65-year-old Ggrandma decided to take action.

When shopping for groceries, we typically don’t expect to meet someone who will change your life forever. Especially not someone who is only 16 years old.

Imagine coming face-to-face with the man who literally brought you back to life almost 25 years ago. That’s exactly what happened to Josi Aponte at her High School graduation ceremony!

This is the type of story that will undoubtedly bring out a smile…and some inspiration!

It’s not often that you see people in their 90’s outside mowing their lawn. But when this 93-year-old woman was struggling to finish cutting her yard, it caught the attention of a college student from Bermuda.

A cancer diagnosis was a difficult blow for this married couple. Then they received a call from Capital One Bank regarding fraudulent activity on their account. But what happens next will blow you away!

The 9-year-old Cleveland resident began collecting Pokemon cards when he was only 6 years old. When he was walking to a friend’s house another boy…

As parents we are obligated to protect our children. It is our responsibility to ensure they are safe, and to help them understand the potential dangers that…

Allow us to introduce to a 5th-grader named Cody Dortch. Late in 2015 he made the decision to start saving his money. All because he wanted to…

The men and women who suffer from PTSD after their service in the military can have a negative impact on not only them, but their families as well. See how one dad decided to help his family understand what was happening, and how his story has now helped thousands of others.

Do you remember your very first car? Sam has never forgotten the 1931 Ford Coupe that he restored with his father growing up. Sam’s Wish of a Lifetime was to take a ride down memory lane!

This 28-year-old loves walking. And with the help of Traci Cellona, a caregiver from Service Alternatives, he has found a way to keep the bills paid while doing it.

Things are about to change dramatically for this bullied Turlock, California eighth-grader who contemplated suicide earlier this year. And we think you’ll be pleasantly surprised to hear what those changes are.

The Pocono Mountain Harley Davidson announced an upcoming charity ride in memory of fallen veteran Billy Brockett. As a family, we love participating in these types of events and helping these folks raise money for a good cause. And though we recently sold our motorcycle, we still had KITT. So we decided to contact the …

Many of us can relate to the exhausting hours of a full time job. Take Andrew Lumish for example, who only gets one day off each week. Yet despite his lack of downtime, Lumish spends his only day off honoring the our veterans in a very unique way.

Given all of the new standards for development in recent years, American children now only get approximately 24 minutes of recess per day. In fact many experts believe this lack of time…

Super Landon has unfortunately been battling a sudden and unexpected cancer. But that’s when NJ State Trooper Andrew Silipino stepped forward to give him a lifetime of memories.

If you are like most families, your children likely play at least one sport after school or on the weekends. Tennis, football, baseball, softball, and…

When you were in college, you likely developed at least one special bond with a professor. Maybe it was someone whose teachings changed your outlook on life, or maybe it was…

Valentine’s Day is the couple’s holiday, when two sweethearts show their undying love for each other through a combinations of gifts and…

Pro wrestler’s live a very hectic life. Between time spent in the ring, in the gym, travel, and promotions, they barely have enough time to close their eyes for a short nap. Yet see how one well-known WWE star MAKES the time for a children’s organization, and in the process has far surpassed any other celebrity appearance record.

33-year-old Miguel Alvarez had never worked in a senior care home. The only reason he took the janitor job at Valley Springs Manor several years ago was to save money for Christmas gifts for his children. But after a state-ordered closure, Alvarez soon became the hero to the dozens of seniors who were left there.

Teenagers are very impressionable young adults. They are in a stage of their life when choices become an integral part of their future as an adult. And sometimes those choices are so astounding, they deserve a moment in the spotlight.

There are a plethora of reasons why building a memoir or creating a Footprint of your life story is worth considering. But writing a short story of your life is a task that many people have no interest in

Have you ever heard of a road made of corduroy? Neither had I…until recently. I immediately thought of the obnoxious sound corduroy pants make when you are…

In recent years the bad-ass motorcycle clubs that everyone feared has shifted for the better. Bikers are becoming known for the good deeds they do for others, like this international organization known as…

Think the exams our children bring home from school are tough for us (as adults) to pass? You haven’t seen anything yet! Put your skills and knowledge to the test and see if you have the answers to this 8th grade exam from 1895!

Collecting oral history is important for anyone who assumes the task of being a family historian or genealogist. Here are some tips on how to get started!

Here are the 5 questions we consider to be the most crucial for those who would like to write an autobiography, but don’t know how to get started:

What life messages are we truly leaving behind for the future generations of our family? See some of the responses we received from our members!

83-year-old veteran Eugene Ward is a resident of Heber City, Utah. And while he may be getting up there in age, that doesn’t mean he intends to slow down.

When high school senior Austin Roberts died, it shook up the close knit wrestling community. Weeks later, his would-be opponent Amed Castro-Chavez did something shocking that no one was expecting.

When you were growing up and managed to save a piggy bank full of cash, what was one of the first things you spent it on? Well those purchases don’t even come close to the generosity of this young boy!.

Tragedies occur all the time. But sometimes a touching story emerges from those tragedies that deserves the spotlight.

Do you remember the first time riding a bicycle? Even as grown adults, we can still look back on this experience as one of the first life challenges we ever conquered. And thanks to one organization, special needs children can enjoy that same feeling.

Mark Harmon is best known today for his role in NCIS. But even his most faithful followers will be shocked at this short heroic story from 1996.

Connor “The Crusher” Michalek was a WWE superfan and, later, a WWE Hall of Famer who received considerable media attention after a social media campaign for him to meet his hero and favorite wrestler, Daniel Bryan. See the incredible experience in this first-hand video documentary.

I am certainly not the first parent in the world to be surprised at some of the things a child says. But on very rare occasions, their words will resonate so deeply as to remain with you for the rest of your life. And that is exactly what happened to me a few days ago.

When America’s Footprints sees a story that truly puts veterans in the spotlight, we jump all over it. Check out what this organization is doing for our country’s veterans – 100% free.

Most dads will likely agree that having a daughter introduces you to an entirely new world of fashion. From the colorful wardrobe options to the fancy makeup styles, learning how to get your child ready for school can become quite the challenge sometimes. Florida resident Philippe Morgese…

Imagine finding yourself in a situation with two young children, and no having no way to provide food or even a basic shelter. The only safe place to sleep was the lobby of a jail cell. That’s what happened to Tierra Gray and her family, until a local Deputy stepped in to help.

Imagine hearing a special message from your father long after his passing. Well that’s exactly what happen to Jace Lenfert on his 30th birthday, 16 years after his father died. See their story!

This Louisiana worker’s dedication to a preschool class caught the attention of several parents. And one parent in particular showed her appreciation in a very unique way!

When you are driving down the road and see a potentially dangerous situation such as a gas station fire, what’s the first thing you do? Most would grab their camera phones for some live pictures of the inferno. But for two brothers from Portland, saving a woman’s life was much more important.

This man was in a line of busy traffic, stuck behind a stalled truck at an intersection. But when it was his turn to pass, he stopped too. See what caught his attention!

Another police officer is in the spotlight again. This time from Roeland Park, Kansas!

Home is where you hang your hat. Home is the birthplace of more than 50% of the memories you will create in your lifetime. Home is where the heart is. But for one Los Angeles lawyer…

By definition, a firefighter is a person a person whose job is to extinguish fires. Nowhere in the job description does it say…

When you enter a courtroom, you typically don’t expect to see a familiar face sitting behind the bench. But that is exactly what happened to Arthur Booth, a burglary suspect from Miami, Florida.

Working undercover, Hosley would soon learn why this sting operation would only bring out the complete opposite of what they hoped for.

Meet the father from Westland, Michigan who made it a point to spread the word about an officer’s random act of kindness that brought him to tears!

“In 1971, I stepped on a land mine in Vietnam and lost both legs above the knee. For the past two years, I have been waiting to receive a new wheelchair from the Veterans Administration. In addition, I have been told that I am not entitled to a spare wheelchair. On July 7th, my wheelchair fell apart again, while shopping at…

We’ve read the comics. We’ve watched the movies. And we’ve seen plenty in costume. But now a man in Birmingham, England is bringing the heroic acts of “Spiderman” to whole new level.

For David, his dream vacation of touring the country is now becoming a reality. But it isn’t just for fun. He’s traveling coast to coast because…

When Tanner and Chase Brownlee lost their father in the line of duty, they did everything possible to keep their father’s memory alive through the items he left behind. But when his car was lost at auction, they never expected what happened next.

The definition of a ‘hero’ is a person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities. And today, 19-year-old Ashley Aldridge of Auburn, IL has rightfully earned that title. Find out why!

Have you ever felt a calling? That higher power you can’t explain, and the voice which consumes your every thought? Few people in life can honestly say they have found their…

Too often people underestimate the power of a smile. We walk the streets virtually everyday seeing nothing but somber faces. And that’s why we would like to introduce to you 6-year-old Jaden Hayes, who has made it his mission in life to bring out the smile that he knows everyone is capable of.

Most people would never think of a senior class giving up a milestone moment in their high school journey for their principal. But this group did. And when you hear why, you’ll be astonished.

25-year-old Cesia Abigail is the owner of Abi’s Café in Minneapolis. One day a homeless man named Marcus walked into the café asking for spare change. Now in many cases…

Even though we all know our journey in life will eventually come to an end, most people believe there is still ‘plenty of time’ left. But nothing else can change your entire perspective on life than the loss of a loved one.

Meet a college student who’s random act of generosity ended up saving a stranger’s life!

Have you ever experienced superhuman strength? That tense moment when your adrenaline is pumping so hard and…

Meet Amy and Emma Bushman. Intrigued by the idea of starting their own business while also helping others, these twin sisters decided to give departing shelter families a jar of cookie mix so that they could inaugurate their new home by making cookies together…

If your car is stolen, you might immediately start a mission to get it back. But for Derk West, his mission turned out to be our dose of inspiration. Take a look!

The legend of artist Kurt Cobain and the mysteries surrounding him remain just as intriguing to some as the Titanic disaster of 1912. Here are 12 little-known facts about this 90’s sensation!

A recent visit to our Advance Auto store should have involved a simple in-and-out parts replacement. But manufacturers don’t always make it that easy. See what this one employee did to make things right … and what I was able to do for HIM in return.

Check out what these incredible young girls did for their dying father

Often we don’t realize the impact our words can have. But when those words were written for someone special 20 years ago, and never seen until now, that same impact can double in intensity. Watch the moment a daughter opens a letter from her mom, 20 years after it was written.

Even the most stoic person might shed a tear at the goodness found in a group of boys. After the group of fifth-grade football players from Massachusetts found out their 6-year-old water boy was being teased for his attire and speech, they played great defense and showed him their support.

How far would you go to be there for a friend? These ladies take it to the extreme. They dedicated this moment to be an everlasting part of the legacy…

Caitlin Prater-Haacke is a high school student in Alberta, Canada. Sadly she was the victim of a significant bullying incident that may have forced some people into depression. How did Caitlin respond? I’ll sum it up in two words: “grace and maturity”. See for yourself.

Meet Allan Munroe – an 87-year-old Red Sox diehard. Still grieving over the recent passing of his wife, watching the Red Sox was his…

10-year-old Xavier Elliott is your ordinary child. But when he isn’t at school or playing with his friends, Elliott stays busy donating his…

She was only 13-years-old. But MacKenna ran 118 miles. And she did it again the following year! Find out why…

Many of us look forward to those milestone birthdays: turning 18, 21, 25, 30, etc. But we don’t usually think about doing something extra special on those “in-between” birthdays. Yet when you hear the story of this father and daughter from England, you might just decide to change your plans for the next birthday celebration.

Young Athena Orchard was an old soul inside a 12-year-old body. Unfortunately she was diagnosed with bone cancer and died shortly thereafter. But hidden behind her bedroom mirror was a message that will carry on her legacy for a long time to come.

If you are planning a trip to Reno, Nevada in the near future, make sure you plan a stop at the New York style pizzeria that has made national headlines recently!

Jessica Cox was born without arms. But that hasn’t prevented her from pursuing the same passions and dreams as those around her, as she shows us at a recent meeting with an armless 3-y.o.

After her passing, the gift of my mother’s voice has sadly become a distant memory. Realizing the importance of our gift as moms, see what steps I am now taking to ensure my son will never have to experience the same void.

Have you ever been asked to share a story from your family’s past, and then suddenly yourself struggling to recall the details you thought you’d never forget? Yep – we have to!

Admittedly, trips to the Return Department in most stores have gotten a little better. Many of the big chains no longer hassle you when you…

27-year-old Kaylee Goemans of Barrie, Canada was at home with her newborn baby, enjoying the calm. But her day would soon take on a new meaning after a surprise call from her family doctor.

If you are interested in preserving your life story, but struggle to find a way to get started, here are five tips that can help!

Was this man an angel from the heavens above, or was he just in the right place at the right time? You decide after reading this short story.

Meet Veronika Scott – a woman who grew up in the toughest of circumstances, and decided to change the world because of it.

Three years after he was the recipient of a random act of kindness, see how this homeless man would pay it forward in a VERY big way.

A local crossing guard fell on some hard times. So these fathers banded together and gave him a reason to smile once again!

When Cayden Taipalus was waiting on the lunch line at his elementary school in Howell, Michigan, he was presented with something…

Judy is one of the strongest people we have ever met. But this strength wasn’t always there. See what she did to stare fear in the face…and win.

Rachel was just your average 9-year-old girl who had a heart that wanted to solve every problem she saw in this world. So when she heard a man give a talk about how kids her age in Africa didn’t have clean water to drink, she immediately decided to help.

Last week, the nation said farewell to Leonard B. Robinson, better known as the Route 29 Batman. So today we would like to honor his legacy by introducing you to the man behind the mask.

Few teens get the spotlight of being crowned prom queen. But this story of an Oregon high school senior who was voted as the school’s prom queen has an extra twist.

Heather McManamy was a 36-year-old mom who died from cancer. But before saying goodbye, she decided to write a hilarious letter to her family that she hoped would bring a smile through the tears.

When you notice someone muddling their way through a garbage can or dumpster, it may not be for the reasons you think. Meet a man who finds trash from local dump sites and uses it to build shelters for the homeless!

Looking back on the hundreds of lessons we have learned in life, we sometimes see beneath the surface and beyond the horizon, far past what our young children are usually capable of. These are some of the things I see differently when I look at my son with “x-ray eyes.”

If you see an 8-year-old boy from New Haven, Michigan dressed up as Superman, watch out! Because this young man is taking the status of superhero to the next level!

When your child gets good grades at school, how do the teacher’s reward them? Well we can guarantee that none of those rewards come close to this system!

Today we would like you to meet a Virginia resident names Gail, who shares a personal experience with us that taught her about inner strength, and how it can help you get you through any situation.

It is never easy losing someone, but losing someone to something like cancer is terrifying. That is what I had said to myself a few years ago when my stepdad lost…

Do you know who this is a photo of? Chances are you don’t. But he is a national hero, and his story is so incredible that I bet if you wrote a movie script based on it Hollywood would reject it as being too far-fetched.

Think your Last Will and Testament is enough? There is something else you are forgetting, and it’s arguably just as important as those legal papers!

PJ’s wife, 39-year-old Tracy Spraggins, has been struggling to battle a life threatening disease since she was six. She was diagnosed with Lupus, which is a chronic inflammatory disease that…

11-year-old Allison was the target of bullying at her local school. But that would soon change when a complete stranger would donate something very special to help protect Allison from her enemies.

Adrenaline can run high when a group of teens are in the middle of a basketball game. Frustrations mount and personalities collide, as opponents from each team…

Flint, Michigan has been dealing with a water contamination crisis since April of 2014. As a result of corrosive water from the Flint River, upwards of 12,000…

Did you see a postal worker today? Well whatever they were doing, we guarantee it doesn’t even come close to the actions of this USPS letter carrier!

It’s no secret that life almost seems to enjoy the barrage of challenges it throws our way every day. Some we win, and others we lose. But with every challenge comes another bit of wisdom we rightfully earn. This week in particular has far surpassed what I consider to be a fair share of challenges…

There are many firsts with our children that we often take for granted. And we don’t always realize how difficult it is for some new parents to experience the joy of pushing their baby in a stroller. See what one teen is doing to help change that for new parents around the world.

If you live anywhere near Baltimore, Maryland, you recently experienced a snowfall that shocked everyone – dumping more than 27 inches across..

You don’t have to go very far to see notice someone who is living on the street. Sometimes might stop and help, while others will just keep on walking. But see what one woman has started that now gives the homeless a reason to catch the bus!

Meet Dalton Shaw – a five year old boy from Savanna, Illinois who recently celebrated his birthday with a party at their local bowling alley. Shaw still had several new…

Millions of children around the world grow hungrier every day. So when we discovered a great grandmother from Washington state who is trying to lower those numbers, we just had to share her story. Check out what she did all summer long to help the kids in her county!

True love conquers all, but sometimes it needs a little help. A Fond du Lac man who spent nearly 56 years with his wife, didn’t want to let her memory go. Meet Bud Caldwell, and 82-year-old man who has a routine that he sticks to…every single day. One this specific day, weather prevented him from doing so. Or did it? Take a look at what two park employees did that brought them all to tears.

A tribute to the Footprints that became part of America’s history. And most of them you have likely never even seen before!

We recently shared a story about a few students from a local university who raised funds for a coffee shop employee to live out her dream of visiting…

I unwillingly woke up at 5:20 AM this morning to the noise of the alarm clock buzzer. Wanting desperately to get just 10 more minutes of shut eye, I succumbed to the fact that responsibilities were waiting, and that I had no choice but to…

Attempting to summarize a life story that spans almost an entire century is quite a challenge. But for Louisville teen Zach Belden, it was a challenge he was willing to take on in a modern way.

So where were you this past weekend? Judging by the $250 million dollars in revenue, you were probably doing the same thing as everyone else: enjoying a $15.00 bucket of popcorn while watching the new generation of Jedi masters.

There’s an unwritten code that best friends should always be there for each other no matter what. And when that bond was put to the test for these two lifelong friends, a new page was added to that code.

Family traditions are a fantastic way to link generations together. But what if our family’s beliefs are the reason we are unhappy? You are not to blame for being unhappy. And here’s why!

Do you remember the story about a Michigan teenager who walked 40 miles holding his brother on his back? Well the 15-year-old is in the spotlight once again. But this time, it’s for something he helped build in his own hometown.

97-year-old Vivian Bailey of Maryland has enjoyed quite an amazing life, filled with world travel and stories that she could talk about for months straight. But nothing can compare to her first-ever field trip that she made with a group of 4th graders.

The name Tom Shadyac may not immediately ring a bell. But his movies most certainly will. Yet it’s what he did behind the scenes that will instantly shock you. For Mr. Shadyac’s life went from one extreme to the other…by his own choice.

Growing up, many of us will remember the fun times we had harvesting a few crops in our backyard gardens. But this young girl took her new found love for gardening to the extreme, starting an enterprise that today supplies over 3,000 pounds of produce for families in need.

When local Detroit officials take action to help young teens turn their lives around, and better the city, it creates a story worth spotlighting. Detroit was having difficulty finding new recruits for their fire departments. So the mayor and fire commissioner tried something new: tapping into…

“In 1995 I had $7 bucks in my pocket and knew two things: I’m broke as hell and one day I won’t be.” – Dwayne ‘The Rock’…

While hiding from German forces, Anne Frank was gifted a diary by her father when she was 13. Years later, this diary served as a unique eye-witness…

When your name is chosen as the “Greatest Person of the Day”, you have earned the right to brag. But for Aria Novak and her anti-bullying campaign, it was an honor that simply helped bring more attention to a campaign that she hopes will spread across the nation.

As children we want to see our parents happy. We look forward to the comfort they bring to our home. But when you see your loved one continue in an abusive and potentially dangerous relationship, their problem becomes your problem. Or does it?

Sometimes all a child wants to do is read. But there are plenty of children who don’t even have that luxury. Yet when a young boy reading junk mail caught the attention of a local postal employee, the mailman reached out to his friends on social media. And the result – astonishing!

Andi Davis was hiking down a deserted trail in Phoenix enjoying open air and surrounding beauty. But when she turned the corner on a rocky trail, she never expected a site that would change her life forever.

When you have those moments of doubt…those times in life where everything seems to drag you down to a bottomless pit…I want you to remember the story of Lucas Hobbs. A young boy with a dream, who didn’t let anything stand in his way. Check out his amazing story!

Brendan Garn wrote a 400-word essay about his physically challenged mother, entering it into a contest in hopes of winning a new wheelchair-accessible vehicle. Though she did not win the contest, a stranger decided to make her a winner in his own special way.

Every child deserves a voice. Yet the reality is that many children don’t have that luxury. And those around them don’t always understand why. Meet an organization in the Lehigh Valley who is on a mission to bring awareness and perhaps change the future for these amazing kids.

Sometimes it’s hard to get to know someone when neither party speaks the same language. Often those types of conversations are short…and result in both parties going their separate ways soon after. But not this couple. See the lengths they went to for just one thing: true love!

911 certainly gets their share of unique phone calls. But not only was the call from 81-year-old Clarence Blackmon a first, it also yielded an unexpected act of kindness by the operator who took it.

See how one Pennsylvania man and his Knight Rider K.I.T.T. replica went above and beyond to bring a life-long smile to a young girl.

They were contacted by a family who’s son is one of the biggest Knight Rider fans in the world. When the family asked if they would make the drive with KITT to surprise little Enzo, it was an offer they gladly accepted!!

The Fiduccia family took it upon themselves to not only build a working version of the famous K.I.T.T. car from the 80’s TV show Knight Rider, but they also have started a mission to use their KITT replica for good…continuing the legacy Knight Rider left behind over 30 years ago.

Part of the problem with memory keeping is that we try to do it in big chunks when we ‘remember’ to. How sad! Just as sap comes out of a maple tree one drop at a time until a bucket is full, some of the best moments happen in flash but are soon forgotten. If we do not capture them bit by bit, then our bucket does not fill.

It takes a lot to surprise Riesel, Texas resident Gerry Suttle. But when a group of young boys came to her aid after she received a warrant for her arrest, this 76-year-old was left speechless.

Imagine losing your vision and not having the financial stability or insurance coverage to get it back. But thanks to Operation Saving Sight, low income patients are getting the surgery they need to see again. And that’s not even the best part.

Our high school prom is one of the biggest highlights of Senior Year. The planning and shopping and time with friends becomes a lifetime memory like no other. But for this 17-year-old, planning for her prom resulted in an act of kindness she never expected.

At just fifteen years old, Vancouver high school student Nicole Ticea seems to have done the impossible. After countless years of research and rejection, she is on track to develop an affordable and over-the-counter early detection test for the HIV virus.

Today we would like to introduce you to Pennsylvania resident Beverly O. Beverly agreed to sit down with AmericasFootprints.com and give us a small glimpse into her past, sharing a moment in her life that she has rarely spoken about.

In this clip, Beverly tells us about how she made the difficult decision to give up her newborn son for adoption, and helps us understand the emotions that were involved. But the story does have a happy ending, where she is once again reunited with her son years later.

To all of you who believe that your story is insignificant and that you don’t have anything to tell, I say you DO. And here’s why:

An 84-year-old woman finds herself in high school again…after an invitation from the school’s students. Take a look at what she does to give these kids a smile everyday.

A Calgary man who recently won a $40-million lottery prize has kept it a secret…until now. What will he buy? What will he pay off? What will he bank? Take a look at a decision that is sure to shock you!

What do today’s date, Niagara Falls, and a 63-year-old school-teacher celebrating her birthday all have in common? The ride of a lifetime! See how Mrs. Taylor faced fear in the eyes…and conquered it!

Mimi Haist is an 87-year-old woman who used to volunteer at an LA Laundromat…surviving only on tips from patrons. Well it turns out that Zach Galifianakis was one of those patrons…long before his rise to fame. But his success did not stop him from doing what he could to give Mimi a new outlook on life.

This week my son experienced a proud milestone in his life that I will forever remember. So today I will not only share it with our friends and family, but will also be adding it to his Footprint for the future world to see one day.

This woman was about to arrested by stealing food from a grocery store. But what this police officer did instead will most certainly put a smile on your face!

Now here’s a philosophy about aging that we should ALL live by. See what Meryl Streep has to say about it!

How far would you go to put food on the table for your family? To provide a roof over you head and a comfortable bed to sleep in at night? This young boy does whatever he can…and I am glad I was able to help him.

I will be the first to say that it takes a lot to make me emotional. Well 3 German students brought it out in me today. See the simple act they did for this homeless man. An act that literally brought tears to my eyes.

Veteran’s Day has come…and gone. It has sadly become a “single day” of reflection, where much of mainstream society will go back to their normal routines the very next day and not give it any more thought until next year. But our Veterans deserve more, and today we honor them by celebrating the anniversary of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Recently in Sydney, Australia, the team from a company called Bookworld built some pop-up bookshelves at a bus stop, filled them with books, set-up the cameras, and stood back! This is what happened.

Bus stops are usually incredibly bland and boring. When this old woman started playing this piano, however, she transforms her sidewalk performance into a beautiful recital. It is almost like she is telling her life story with the keys. Beautiful!

Ambulance response times can vary depending on so many factors. And sometimes a matter of minutes can determine the difference between life and death. But what if those precious minutes were given back? What is response times were faster? What if a paramedic could save someone’s life…long before they even step in the door? See how this one man is making this idea…a reality.

Practice Kindness is an organization founded in 2013, with the simple goal of spreading kindness through random acts that inspire others. Check out what they do for random shoppers during the holiday season in 2013!

Margaret Loughery is one of Northern Ireland’s biggest ever lottery winners. What does she plan to do with the money? Her answer will shock you!

Today we’d like to remember the legacy of the legendary Samuel Clements…also know as Mark Twain. He was a man who’s life started one way, and ended another. He was a man who pursued his passion until his final hour, and never stopped doing what he loved. He was a man that history should never forget.

See how one Australian man has single-handidly saved over 2 million unborn babies!

Julia Brecht, an 86-year-old great-grandmother, was shopping at a Target store when her purse was snatched from her trolley. And that’s when two police officers went way beyond the call of duty to help after her purse was stolen.

Ann Smarty is enjoying an explosive career in digital marketing. So today, AmericasFootprints.com would like to share a small piece of her story of how she got started and became such an inspiring success.

Follow the Fiduccia family and Notchback KITT as we continue our Make-a-Difference campaign with a stop at the Pocono Raceway festival in East Stroudsburg, PA!

Today we would like to give a special honor to 6-y-o Jesse Lewis, who was one of the 20 children lost in the Sandy Hook Elementary tragedy on December 14. His final act of bravery is one that has now defined his life legacy.

When 73-year-old widow Dorthy Shepard, who is recovering from recent knee and back surgeries, needed help — she found it in a Texas police officer. For the last six months, Officer John Holder has driven her to nearly every doctor’s visit and grocery run — on his own time.

Each year in Kansas City, Missouri, a “secret Santa” hands out over $100k to random people. This year however, he’s decided to work together with local law enforcement to makes people’s Christmas merrier. Watch as many of the people stopped are actually brought to tears.

What a wonderful thing to do for people who he doesn’t even know, the World needs a LOT more kindness like this!

Glenn Miller was the biggest star on the American pop-music scene in the years immediately preceding World War II, and was a man who set aside his brilliant career right at its peak in 1942 to serve his country as leader of the USAAF dance band. It was in that capacity that Captain Glenn Miller boarded a single-engine aircraft on this very day in 1944, and would sadly never be heard from again.

Tupac wasn’t always recognized for his ‘charity’ work. Which is why many of you might be surprised to hear the following short story.

It’s another cold, winter day in the city of Lowell, Michigan. As always the police are out and about doing what they can to keep their community safe and performing their routine traffic stops. But today they take things a step further. Take a look at what these officers did for their community…and spread the word that not all cops are out to get you!

On this day in 1918, the 26-year-old collegiate and amateur ice hockey star Hobey Baker was killed in a plane crash. Upon America’s entry into World War I in 1917, Baker enlisted in the U.S. Army as a….

Meet a young dog named Cropper. Six years ago, Cropper was found abandoned after a brutal dog fight. Injured and very ill, this unkownn man took it upon himself to nurse Cropper back to health. Offering up a…

With swaths of damning evidence around him and no support behind him, Richard Nixon stared into a television camera August 8, 1974, and announced his resignation. It wasn’t supposed to be that way. That was plan B. Click to see an excerpt from a second draft of his speech, where Nixon vowed to continue fighting for his job.

On February 2nd, Lena Mae Beasley, 87, honored her late husband’s birthday and her son’s cancer battle by participating in a “Fun Run for Cancer.” Beasley, who has dementia, left her…

After an apparent attack by a fox, a street cat named Bob was found injured and curled up in the hallway outside of a support housing flat in Tottenham were James Bowen, a recovering heroin addict and homeless busker, was staying. James took…

January 8th was one of the coldest mornings we’ve had so far this winter in northeast Pennsylvania. Wind chills were -20, and schools had a delayed opening. And that’s when young Ryan Fiduccia decided to do a random act of kindness for the people who do so much, and yet get so little in return.

Phoenix Police Sgt. Natalie Simonick, 46, was on patrol around 11 p.m., when she saw a young man named Christian Felix walking alone in a dark and desolate area who she thought might be violating curfew. Her next move would become a kind gesture that will remain with him forever.

Does music play a part in your life? Do you have a favorite song that brings you back incredible memories? We can’t deny that music has the power to soothe, and this clip shows us just that.

After his wife passed away, 81-y-o Grand Rapids resident Tony Trapani was cleaning out one of her old filing cabinets when he came across a hand-written letter. It was a message believed to have been hidden by his wife for decades. It would also become something that would change his life – forever. See the story of this incredible reunion between and father and his son.

Josh’s dad passed away and shortly afterwards, the bullies were making his life impossible at school. So his mom decided she would move them to a new home and school district in hopes that Josh could grow up as a normal teen and simply start over.

At his new school, Josh was initially stereotyped as the ‘weird doorman’. But within a single year, his life changed forever as he was granted the new beginning his family longed for.

See Josh’s story and discover another great moment that inspires each of us to perhaps do a little more for someone.

Today we would like you to meet Knoxville, Tennessee resident Tricia Somers. Tricia is the administrator of a Facebook page titled Random Acts of Kindness. This page recently caught our attention because unlike make of the other pages that are similar, it was not trying to promote a brand or business. They are legitimately focused on just one thing: making a positive difference in our world. So in appreciation for her efforts, we decided to turn the tables and shine the spotlight on HER.

Bruce would be the first person to tell you he is just your regular, average teacher. But in just a few minutes you will see he is SO much more. Every year he gives his students an assignment that will forever become a part of their life…20 years after taking his class.

Ward Clapham, now a retired RCMP officer from Richmond, BC, was worried about all the negative attention kids were getting from cops, yet nothing for doing something good like wearing their bike helmet or crossing at the crosswalk. So he decided to change that, hoping to “promote the good” instead of punishing the bad.

The Amazing Kreskin is a man who has countless stories like no other. He has traveled around the world and astounded audiences with his incredible capabilities, many of which few others in this world have come close to. But when did his journey begin? What happened in his life that made him realize the power of the human mind, and the potential he has to harness that power? In this short video, Kreskin tells us about that very moment. A moment that he has never spoken of before.

Today we would like to introduce Pennsylvania resident Joe Fiduccia, owner of AmericasFootprints.com, and also a loving husband and father. Joe agreed to share a story from his Footprint about a moment in his past that very few people know about. It goes back to a time when he was just a young boy, and a time that changed his life – forever.

Today we would like you to meet Miami, Florida resident Maria Florio. She recently sat down with AmericasFootprints.com and told us about a milestone moment in her life that few others know about. She agreed to publicly share this one story in the hopes that she can inspire others to never lose faith. Because through this experience she has learned that no matter how dark or desperate a moment seems to be, the universe will find a way to get you through it.

In honor of Black History month, we would like to take a moment to reflect on the progress we have made in the past 150 years, and to make sure we never forget the faces of those that never got the opportunity to enjoy freedom as we know it today.

London, Kentucky Police officer Justin Roby received a shoplifting call from a Kroger grocery store. Was it just another call where an arrest would be made and summons issued? Far from it! The manager of the store didn’t want to press charges, and Officer Roby agreed. What changed their minds? See the story!

Raising a child alone is a very hard task. Whether you are a single mom or dad, sacrifices have to be made. Our parents sacrifice their happiness just to make us happy. They sacrifice their freedom just to see you do whatever you want in the future. We should always be grateful and appreciative towards our parents, for we don’t know half of what they have done for us.

This short video will hopefully help put things in perspective for many of us. Our children are the world. Give them everything you’ve got…but never stop there.

Jerry Evans, 72, would watch as kids and moms waited for the city bus in front of his home on a tiny strip of sidewalk in front of his Brooklyn Center home on Brooklyn Boulevard, a street known for its busy traffic. He couldn’t believe how dangerous it was to be so close to cars whizzing by. So Evans took matters into his own hands and did something that became a first for the residents in Brooklyn.

Continuing to honor America’s past during Black History Month, we would like to introduce you to young Ruby Bridges. From the photo alone, you might think her childhood was a happy one. First impressions though are not always accurate. Take a look at the brief journey of Ruby and the experiences that make up her life story.

Earlier this September in Albuquerque, New Mexico, officer Hector Marquez Jr. was dispatched to solve a family dispute in the home of a 63-year-old grandmother. Once the situation settled down, Officer Marquez went beyond the badge and offered up his own random act of kindness.

A kind Ruby Tuesday waitress recently proved that there IS such thing as a free (and incredibly inspiring) lunch.

A fire broke out early one morning, threatening the lives of everyone inside. But here’s a classic example of a small, selfless act that made a world of difference for everyone involved.

Siobhan Gill, Lee Kelly, and her brother James McDonald were driving towards Langley across the Greengate roundabout when they spotted a person on the bridge. Unless every other car that was just speeding by, they decided to turn around and help the teenage girl in need.

See how a Colorado Springs homeless man named Shelby Hudgens has an amazing turn of events simply because of a decision to help some motorists get up an icy hill. It changed his life literally overnight.

Today we would like you to meet a Nottoway High School senior named Tommy Adams. He is your ordinary teenage boy focused on all the things Seniors in high school love most (friends, cars, college, etc.). But it’s what he does outside of school that speaks volumes about his character.

Here in northeast PA, and like many other areas of the northeast, 2015 has yielded a pretty intense winter season. The snow continues to fall and the cold continues to keep everyone indoors. And today I was faced with a situation that we have all found ourselves in at some point. Deciding whether or not to help a neighbor that has done nothing positive since the day we moved in.

Famous entertainers meet Presidents all the time. But what makes this story so fascinating is the events leading up to the meeting. Here’s the short story about the meeting between President Richard Nixon and young entertainer Elvis Presley.

Kara Tippets is dying of stage 4 metastatic cancer. All the while, she is living life to the fullest. This beautiful wife and mother of four is on a journey to find beauty in the midst of suffering.
In her blog, Kara wrote a heartfelt letter to 29-year-old Brittany Maynard…who is also dying of cancer and had posted a video expressing her plan to commit doctor assisted suicide on Nov 1st. See the short but heartfelt letter Kara sent her.

We’ve all seen our fair share of images from World War II, but color images from the era are a lot more rare – especially when they were taken by the first female photojournalist at LIFE magazine – Margaret Bourke-White. See a short story of her journey and the legacy she now leaves behind.

As you might expect, Craigslist experiences can vary, often times riddled with spam and sometimes, resulting in terrible experiences for both a buyer and a seller. And after selling items on Craigslist for years, I have certainly had my share of both. But today’s transaction was an absolute game changer for me. Find out why.

Finding employment after being in prison can be next to impossible. But in Little Rock, Ark., see how one woman has given thousands of former inmates a second chance to contribute to society.

These middle school football players intentionally missed a touchdown by one yard. But the reason why will instantly restore your faith in our youth…and in humanity.

A young boy with special needs was on a mission to collect nearly 50,000 bottle caps for charity. See how he did it, and how his efforts contributed to dozens of vaccinations!

You know the old saying: “what goes around comes around”? There are plenty of those who doubt it. And yet here’s an incredible story that represents a perfect example of this very phenomenon. Remember: the fate of our future is unpredictable, but karma is not always a coincidence.

Sometimes it’s the smallest acts of kindness that can make a significant change. And these two young girls only had one thing in mind – helping others feel good about themselves.

Despite 3rd degree burns over more than half her body, Dana is one of those incredible people who did not let depression and fear set in. And now she hopes that by sharing her story, others will gain a new respect for themselves on the inside, and look beyond physical appearances.

Noah Galloway, a contestant on the TV show Dancing with the Stars, blew the judges away when he performed the tango, but nothing compares to he recent performance to Toby Keith’s “American Soldier”…a selection that has personal meaning to Mr. Galloway. See what he does that brings the crowd to a roar!

We’ve likely all heard the story about the RMS Titanic, and the epic disaster that resulted in the loss of hundreds of lives. Well here’s a short story about the youngest body pulled from the waves – that of a young baby boy.

An Ohio boy finds $20 on the floor of a restaurant. But what he decided to with it next makes this story remarkable.

Many believe that the stories of cops caught on camera doing good things are strictly for show. And when the cameras are off, the good deeds suddenly stop. But as this Bridgeport Office proves, helping the community is just part of what he does…cameras rolling, or not.

We live in a world where coffee shops are on every corner these days. But the fierce competition didn’t stop this couple from opening a shop that stands out from all the rest. See how their vision is one that no other major coffee chain can compete with!

For the past 15 years, Eric has been spotted on various subway trains in NYC. But what makes him stand out? The answer may surprise you!

With all of the corruption going on and the negative press surrounding virtually every police force these days, it’s great to see a young boy take it upon himself to simply say ‘thank you’ to a random stranger in uniform.

Meet a grandmother of two who spent most of her life volunteering and raising a family, who finally got the chance to realize her childhood dream. And though it took the better part of 70 years to get there, the experience made it well worth the wait.

Discover the amazing organization that has given young teens a change to find a new passion in life, while also helping them learn what it means to do what you can for those in need.

See the story of an 8-year-old boy who was so moved by a television commercial for St Jude’s that he decided to grow 40 inches of hair in two years, making a difference in his own special way.

Once a single mom herself, Melissa Power knows what it’s like to live on a low budget. And for many in the same situation, the first “life luxury” that usually gets cut is doing laundry. See what Melissa did to turn things around for both herself and others all over town.

Every once in a while we meet someone who unexpectedly gives us hope for a better tomorrow, and inspires others to follow in the footsteps they leave behind. And in this story, that “special someone” is a small group of 5th grade boys from Franklin Elementary school in Mankato, Minnesota.

Why are so many people going beyond the existing family photo albums and attic memorabilia in search for the bigger picture? Is it curiosity? It is boredom? Or something else? See some of the responses in an attempt to find out the answer!

Never take for granted the good times you get with family…especially the times with your nieces and nephews. Because I now realize that there is always a possibility of families dividing. but even though our fun times together came to a screeching halt, I still have a message I would like to give you.

Veteran Dennis Joyner was drafted in to the U.S. Army in 1968 at the age of 20 and reported for duty on December 10, 1968. He was immediately sent to Fort Jackson for eight weeks of basic training and three weeks of infantry training. Next stop: Vietnam…

In hospice care, Bud’s last dying wish was a trip to “visit the Navy in San Diego.” So after an email and phone conversation with former Marine sergeant, Mrs. Mandy McCammon, Bud was granted access to a “windshield tour” of the current USS Dewey (DDG 105)…

A down-on-his-luck man living on disability after a tragic accident stumbled upon a family heirloom that netted him more than he bargained for. Take a look at his story and watch his reaction as the bids keep going up, and up, and up. Guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.

If we take a moment to stop and think about the memories of our past, we would certainly have enough to keep us sitting down for quite some time. We have all lived an incredible life, filled with ups, downs, accomplishments, successes, and

The oldest living crew member of the battleship USS Arizona to have survived the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor has died in Northern California at the age of 100. Retired Navy Lt. Cmdr. Joseph Langdell died Feb. 4 at a nursing home in Yuba City, according to his son, Ted Langdell. A tally maintained by the…

Creating a memoir of your life is no easy task. When we think about all of the experiences we’ve gone through: the successes, the hardships, the milestones…it becomes almost overwhelming trying to figure out a way to to summarize it all…

Today we would like to introduce you to Pennsylvania resident Craig O. Craig agreed to sit down with AmericasFootprints.com and give us a small glimpse into his past, sharing a moment in his life that he has rarely spoken about.

In this clip, Craig tells us a story about Vietnam that began to haunt him long after his service ended. Diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress, he had to go through years of professional counseling in an attempt to work through many of the issues he surpressed.

Most of us see homeless people and will walk right past them. Some of us don’t. And who better to set the bar in helping our homeless than NYC Police Officer Carlos Ramos.

Saturday’s event found this 11-year-old actress, Princess Jackson, and a group of supporters delivering more than 1,000 pairs of socks to adults and children in downtown Houston.

Walking down the streets we have become so focused on where we’re going, what we’re listening to, and what others are doing on social media. Consequently we’ve become oblivious to our surroundings and the people around us…

His son made a promise…and kept it. In just 30 seconds this dad’s day was from ordinary to extraordinary. What an awesome gesture…and the perfect example of a moment in his life he will always remember…and want to pass on as part of his life legacy…

This young boy (on the left) completed a massive scavenger hunt contest, collecting a very large sum of money as the winner. Does he spend it on himself?…

This motorcyclist was trapped underneath that burning car. Onlookers rushed in to lift the car and pull him out. If they hadn’t risked their own health and well-being to do so, well… you can probably imagine how this would have turned out…

Christian Lunsford – at only 15, you have already created a legacy that is more deserving of recognition than some who are 5 times your age. You are the leader of the tomorrow, and should never stop inspiring ALL of us…young and old…

Meet Norman Borlaug…a scientist whom you’ve probably never heard of. His work on selective breeding and crossbreeding has so far saved…

Faced with potentially hungry — and grumpy — passengers, a Frontier Airlines pilot recently treated them to pizza when storms diverted a Denver-bound flight to Cheyenne…where the plane was stuck for a couple of hours…

Police officers always seem to get a bad rap. But next time you feel the urge to bash these men and women, consider the fact that there…

Meet Grace Rieflin. At age 15, she is preparing new drivers as early as possible. She has hosted two “tire and oil” workshops that teach young drivers…

Take a look at what TD Bank in Canada turned its ATMs into for a day… giving some of their regular customers a life-changing surprise…

This remarkable man (Alaa Basatneh) feeds the homeless cats of war-torn Syria. While most humans have abandoned Masaken Hanano due…

Sometimes history forgets our heroes. It forgets our names, our faces, and our stories. But even still, there remains a few shreds of evidence…

Many of you may remember Robert Patrick as the T-1000 in Terminator Two. One thing you probably didn’t know is that he was involved in a boating accident…

Dream Fulfilled… for a long time George, a resident at Elmcroft, wanted to donate much needed crayons and coloring books to the children…

If you haven’t watched this 3-minute story of Trenton & Lindsay Cochran, stop what you’re doing and push play. While both of them are just…

Why do you want to write the story of your life? Every person has an interesting
story to tell and writing your autobiography is a great way to share it with people.
But why do YOU want to do it?

Here is another trip down memory lane, where we spotlight several historical photos from our past that most have rarely seen. We regularly add more to this page, so be sure to bookmark us and check back often!

Davis was given his first trumpet on the day he turned 13. Within just two years, he was a card-carrying member of the local musicians’ union in Saint Louis, Missouri. He left St. Louis for New York City in 1944 to pursue a degree in music at Juilliard…

Monroe’s given name was actually Norma Jean Mortenson. Her mother was emotionally unstable and frequently confined to an asylum. So Norma Jean was raised by a succession of foster parents and in an orphanage. Interested in pursuing an acting career…

A little known fact about Bird – after graduation, he received a scholarship to play for legendary coach Bobby Knight at Indiana University, one of the finest teams in the country. However, Bird was homesick and uncomfortable in the spotlight. So he left…

Let’s face it – our life is complicated. There are a myriad of successes, failures, lessons, and milestones that create the tangled web we call “our life story”. There are days when we struggle to make it through, and then there are those days we wish would never end…

This photo was taken on August 22, 1969. It represents that last (known) photo of all four Beatles together.

Christopher was born on this very day in 1952. He had various stage and television roles before becoming universally known as the star of Superman and its sequels (1978, 1980, 1983, 1987)…

Billie Jean King is a U.S. tennis legend and the winner of 20 Wimbledon titles. She famously beat Bobby Riggs in 1973 for a $100,000 prize…

Manny Pacquiao began his life with a troubled background growing up in the Philippines, but ended up working his way to stardom in the boxing ring…

My name is Joe Fiduccia, a father and family-man living in northeast Pennsylvania. I am also the owner of one of the greatest TV cars ever made: K.I.T.T. from the 1980’s television show: Knight Rider. And today I would like…

The smallest actions can set off a chain of happiness. If people give just a moment, or even a small gift, then perhaps that chain of kindness will continue. Take a look at what happens to this construction worker…who unknowingly sets off a chain reaction.

Meet Jono Lancaster, a man from Yorkshire, England who flew to Australia to meet a child. Why would he take such a long flight to meet a complete stranger? The answer will instantly restore your faith in humanity.

On this day in 1873, Willa Cather was born in Winchester, Virginia. And today we’d like to honor the legacy she left behind.

Grandson of publishing magnate Joseph Pulitzer, Peter Pulitzer had to be bailed out financially by the husband of his ex-wife. According to Forbes…

Mr. Wayne came to be known for his conservative political views. He produced, directed and starred in The Alamo (1960) and The Green Berets (1968), both of which reflected his patriotic, conservative leanings. In 1969, he won an Oscar for his role as a drunken, one-eyed federal marshal named Rooster Cogburn in True Grit. Wayne’s last film was The Shootist…

Meet Jonas Salk, a scientist who chose not to patent his 1955 polio vaccine…making it more affordable for the millions of people who needed it…

An aviator with big dreams since the he was 20, Lindbergh convinced the St. Louis Chamber of Commerce to sponsor the first nonstop transatlantic flight, flying 1,960 miles from Newfoundland to Ireland with a budget of only $15,000. The Ryan Airlines Corporation…

Today marks a very important moment in the history of the Vietnam War. On Aug 11, 1972, the last U.S. ground combat unit in South Vietnam, the Third Battalion, Twenty-First Infantry, departed for the United States. Those who survived were finally able to come home to their families…

Back on this day in 1951, the former middleweight champion defeated Randy Turpin to win back the belt in front of 61,370 spectators at the Polo Grounds in New York City. But…it wasn’t an easy win getting there…

Today was the birthday and the well-known comedian and actor John Ritter. For those that don’t remember John, he made guest appearances on The Mary Tyler Moore Show and The Waltons in 1970, Hawaii Five-O in 1971 and M.A.S.H. in 1973 before landing his most popular role of Jack Tripper in Three’s Company…

Would you believe this entire creation in this picture has been made from scrap metal and garbage!? A beautiful creation of the amazing…

“In our ‘not my problem every man for himself’ society, there are still those who help people. Not because they’re friends or family…

Take a look at the work Paul Smith can create using methods that most of us would deem impossible. Trust me – you will be blown away within…

Keanu Reeves came from a problematic family. His father was arrested for dealing drugs and his mother was a stripper. His family moved to Canada…

Mantle made his debut for the Yankees in 1951 at age 19, playing right field alongside aging center fielder Joe DiMaggio. That year, in Game 2 of the World Series, Willie Mays of the New York Giants hit a pop fly to short center, and Mantle sprinted toward the ball. DiMaggio…

“My dear girl, the day you see I’m getting old, I ask you to please be patient, but most of all, try to understand what I’m going through. If when we talk, I repeat the same thing a thousand times, don’t interrupt to say: “You said the same thing a minute ago…

Elwood Haynes was an engineer who born in Portland, Indiana in 1857. Tired of commuting to work uncomfortably, he revolutionized the world with his new invention…

Meet Melvyn Amrine…a married man of man of 60 years, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s 3 years ago. It’s been especially difficult for his wife Doris to watch, but she was recently reminded that the man she loved is still in there. Melvyn turned up missing one day, but not for the reason you’d expect. “He was a man on a mission.” And the story gets even better from there. Take a look!

While John Z. DeLorean’s instant celebrity status from “Back to the Future” did not do much to revive its creator’s fortunes, it granted him a permanent footnote in pop-culture history. But the unfortunate incident that occurred on this very day back in 1982 will forever remain part of his legacy.

AmericasFootprints.com is proud to continue honoring America’s heroes…long after Veteran’s Day is over. Today we share the story of Craig – a Veteran from Vietnam who recounts his personal experience and gives us a tiny glimpse into a story that changed his life forever.

1994 MVP Hakeem Oujuwon released a shoe for $35 instead of endorsing a shoe from Nike or Reebok because he said poor single moms wouldn’t be able to afford $120 shoes for their kids.

Ryan is a homeless man who has lived on the streets for over 30 years. And though he’s never had a lesson in his life, his gift for the piano is absolutely mind blowing. Just take a look at what he can do!

This woman bought two meals from a street vendor and gave one of them to this homeless man. She went as far as to sit down with him, introduce herself, and talk about his life. For that moment she was his equal, and just wanted to express inclusion to a fellow human being.

Meet Joe and Helen Auer…a couple who was married for 73 amazing years. But it’s how their story came to an end that will leave you absolutely speechless.

11-year-old Zack Francom is not your ordinary child. This child launched a charitable lemonade stand when he was 6 years old. Now finishing its fourth…

Officer Ben Hall found himself in a situation where a mother did have the proper car seat for her child. So what did he do? Most would believe me if I said he wrote a ticket…and then went on his way. But not Ben. What he did may surprise you!

Change your words. Change your world.

This is a very touching experience. Too many people look in the mirror and aren’t happy with what they see. The all female band “The Mrs.” decided…

October 1, 1940: A line of soldiers march on their way to a waiting train as five-year-old Whitey Bernard tugs away from his mother’s hand to reach out for his father.

Let’s never forget the sacrifices these men (and women) made…

This soldier in Iraq asked his wife to send him dirt (U.S. soil), fertilizer, and some grass seed so that he can have the sweet aroma, and feel the grass grow beneath his feet. When the men of this squadron have a mission that they are going on, they take turns walking through the grass and the American soil — to bring them good luck.

Today back in 1930, construction of the Hoover Dam began! After 5 years of intense labor and a total of 21,000 men working ceaselessly, it became known as the largest dam of its time, as well as one of the largest man-made structures in the world…

The All England Croquet and Lawn Tennis Club began its very first lawn tennis tournament at Wimbledon back on this very day in 1877. After several rounds and matches, only two competitors were left come July 19 – William Marshall and W. Spencer Gore…

Richard was born in Cambridge, England, the son of Mary Clegg, who was one of the founders of the Marriage Guidance Council, and Frederick Levi Attenborough, a don at Emmanuel College…

Here’s a woman named Karah going on a ‘kindness tour’. Today’s she gave cold drinks to road workers on a hot afternoon. They got so excited and happy they started calling over all of their buddies…stopping production for a few minutes…

A visually-impaired man was paused at a crosswalk when a police officer pulled over, got out of his car, and helped him cross. You have to love everyday…

Meet Harry Bernstein…and man who wrote 40 books but destroyed the manuscripts after they were all rejected by publishers. When his wife of 67…

In 1955, at the age of 67, Emma Rowena Gatewood became the first woman to hike the entire 2,168 mile (3,489 km) Appalachian Trail — wearing sneakers and carrying…

Warren Buffet was the second richest person in the U.S. He made the largest single charitable contribution ($2.1 billion) to the Bill and Melinda…

Meet J.W. Gibson. 30 years ago he purchased land that grows sweet white corn . As a young boy, Gibson grew up hungry. And he said he never wanted…

Retired Costco CEO Jim Sinegal paid his employees $17.00 / hour on average…plus benefits. He earned less than $500K and refused Wall Street demands…

Paul Walker was in a jewelry store when he noticed a U.S. military veteran with his fiancé shopping for a wedding ring. Without hesitation, Paul went to the…

American aviator Wiley Post accomplished the challenge of flying solo around the world in 7 days, 18 hours, and 49 minutes. He flew a total of 15,596…

This young boy (on the left) completed a scavenger hunt contest and collected a very large sum of money as the winner. Did he spend it on himself? Did he buy…

Blind man Daniel Kish learned how to ride his bike in traffic by clicking his tongue and listening to the echoes. But that is just the beginning…

Norman Borlaug was a scientist who’s work on selective breeding has saved more than one billion people from starvation. He didn’t want praise…

A 13-year-old boy from South Carolina called police saying he was upset after fighting with his mother and that he didn’t want to live there anymore. The officer…

Baltimore City Police Officer Dan Waskiewicz was first to respond to a call who responded to a call about a vicious pit bull who was supposedly chasing…

Babe Ruth rose to fame from an orphanage, where he stayed after his father died while he was still a child. Starting from his early struggling life at the reformatory…

Also know as “the first lady of civil rights”, the African-American Rosa Parks was a pioneer of civil rights in a racially segregated Alabama in 1950s. In 1955, she refused…

Breaking through the trap of poverty until she finished writing her first book for the Harry Potter series, J.K. Rowling has now sold 400 million copies…

Margaret Thatcher was loved and hated equally for some of her controversial policies but she never gave up. She was known as the ‘Iron lady’ for her uncompromising politics…

Helena Rubinstein emigrated to Australia in 1902 without any money or the ability to speak in English. Despite it all, she founded one of the world’s first cosmetic…

Amelia Earhart was the first woman to ever fly solo across the Atlantic in 1932 and she became the first woman pilot in 1935 after flying solo from Hawaii…

Stephen Hawking refused to let his disability hold him back … gaining worldwide fame for his sizeable contribution to science. He has written bestselling…

Malawian teenager William Kamkwamba still had a hunger for learning. One day he visited a local library … and after reading a book…

Martin Luther King used the power of speech and peaceful protest to spearhead the civil rights movement in the United…

In his first training session as an 18 year old rookie, Michael Jordan took part in a mini game where the losing team would have to run laps as a punishment. He practically…

After a back injury, Bruce Lee was once told he could never practice martial arts again. But through dedication and perseverance, he was able…

Neil Armstrong attempted his first lunar landing with blaring warning alarms in the cockpit, a landing site that was full of giant boulders, and a computer…

Despite suffering from both Hodgkin’s Disease and Askin’s sarcoma, Sean Swarner defied all the odds and miraculously survived. And not only…

Despite his school struggles, Richard Branson dedicated himself to becoming a self-made entrepreneur by 17 years old. Only 8 years…

Winston Churchill lived each day with a “never-say-die” attitude. His belief in resilience and perseverance was summed up with one of his most famous quotes…