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Think your family stories are wild? Let’s prove it.

Whether you're stuck at a dead end or just getting started, I'll help you uncover the roots, records, and relatives that you carry with you.

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What I Offer

What I Offer

You don't have time to spend in the archives, matching records to people who spelled their names differently depending on how they parted their hair that day. But I do. I live for it

Here’s how I can help:

  • The first look at the people you come from. Names, birthdates, where they lived, who they married, and what they did for work.

    Tell me who you want to find and what you already know. I’ll send back a plan and a price, then get digging and keep you posted along the way.

    Projects start at $2,000 for one family line.

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  • Seasoned researcher or just getting started? I’ll develop your research plan for you, including resources and more for you to begin (or continue) building your family tree.

    You’ll know exactly where and how to start researching your roots.

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  • Did an Ancestry or other DNA test and need help understanding your results and matches? I’ll help you make sense of all of those cousins!

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  • Looking to apply for dual citizenship and need an ancestor’s birth record or other document as part of your application? I locate hard-to-find documents (often in foreign languages) and deliver translated, organized records.

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  • Ask me anyway. If I can’t help, I probably know the genealogist who can, and I’ll send you straight to them.

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Get Started

GET STARTED

GET STARTED


Let’s Chat

Want to chat it out, human to human? Cool. Snag a spot on my calendar and let’s talk about your mystery person, your brick walls, the origin of your last name, and how I can help with your research.

Send a MESSAGE

Prefer ask your questions from behind the keyboard while wearing pajama pants and eating cold spaghetti? I respect it.

Use the form to tell me what you’re curious about. I’ll point you in the right direction.

  • Curious why your last name sounds like a sneeze and means “goat fortress”?

  • Want to know where your weird love of pickles came from?

  • Wondering if “mysterious stomach thing” runs in the family? (It does.)

  • Want stories that make Thanksgiving way more interesting?

  • Secretly hoping that you descended from royalty (or pirates)?

  • Feel oddly drawn to the 1800s? Might be time to check your reincarnation receipts.

  • Need a reminder you come from badass survivors and not just beige casseroles?

  • Want to know if that scandalous family tale is true... or way worse?

  • Find out who actually came over on the boat and who stayed behind

  • Lowkey hoping your ancestor invented something weird and profitable, like the spork?

  • Need an excuse for your inability to make eye contact or your deep love of wool coats?

  • Trying to figure out where the family curse started? (Same.)

  • Think you might be related to someone famous? Or infamous? Let’s find out.

  • Feel comfortable sending nudes? Find out if it runs in the family.

  • Want receipts for that “we’re part Cherokee” claim? Let’s fact-check Grandpa.

  • Just want to settle once and for all if your great-uncle actually robbed a brinks truck?

  • Looking for proof that you come from extremely resilient women?

  • Want to prove once and for all that your dramatic flair is genetic?

  • Need to know if your ancestors were witches, farmers, or just really intense bakers?

  • Looking for the original source of your family’s love of arguing and soup?

  • Secretly hoping you’re descended from a scandal? Same. Let’s go.

  • Grandpa was on trial for what? Find out the real details.

  • Wondering if that creepy house in your hometown used to belong to your people?

  • Looking to win family dinner forever with a mic-drop origin story?

  • Want to name your baby after someone badass instead of your cousin Kyle?

  • Guess What? Your civil war reenacting uncle gerald doesn't know everything. There is more to your family history.

  • Who in your family made the headlines for more than just growing the largest pumpkin?

  • Find out what was in their wills: the money, the horsehair beds, and what was mysteriously referred to as 'the egg.'

FAQs

you have the question - I have the answers

  • When you hire a professional genealogist, you’re paying for their research time and expertise. Nobody can promise a set number of records or generations, because entire cities burned (looking at you, Thessaloniki) and some ancestors dodged paperwork like your cat dodges the carrier.

    What I can promise: I’ll dig through every place your family could have left a trace, keep you updated as I go, and work to hand you details you’ve never seen before. And unlike your great aunt’s armoire that weighs 400 pounds, doesn’t fit through any door in your house, and everyone feels guilty about getting rid of, you’re never locked into something that isn’t working.

  • Schedule a call to talk through your family and your project. We’ll make sure we’re a good fit for one another! I am excited to get to know you and uncover your ancestors and their stories.

  • Everyone’s tree is different! It depends on your specific research question(s), what records are available, how quickly an local archive can provide requested details, and other factors.

    A good rule of thumb? Book me at least 6 weeks before you need results, especially if a birthday, baby shower, or family reunion is on the calendar.

  • I research all areas and have access to worldwide records. I have spent the most time researching Ashkenazi Jewish families and connecting these present day Americans to their European roots. Jewish research is a bit of a sweet spot, but there isn’t an area I don’t love to dive into.

  • Just what you know, even if it’s one name and a story you remember your grandma saying one time while she peeled a potato. The smallest details can open doors!

  • While not required, DNA testing can provide many wonderful insights by connecting you to close and distant family. It also supports the paper trail of records.

  • Yes, if adopted a DNA test will likely need to be performed to find your genetic matches.

  • We will discuss the level of visibility you’d like to have with your tree. Many clients want their tree to be public in hopes of extended family finding it and reaching out. Others ask for their tree and research to be private and not accessible to others. I’ll follow your lead.

  • I can reach out on your behalf, coach you through making contact yourself, or we can do absolutely nothing. Your family, your rules.

Let's Find Your Roots

What they said behind my back

  • "I am blown away with the stories that Joanna uncovered. Her research methods are top notch. She knows how to find the good stuff!"

    - Amber

  • "I am so impressed! Joanna was a joy to work with from start to finish. She stays in touch the entire time and celebrates your family as if it is her own."

    - Maura

  • "There were so many mysteries in my family. Joanna worked quickly to escavate them and bring my ancestors to life. I feel more connected to them now than ever before. I would highly recommend working with Joanna"

    - Karen