As part of my Black History Month series, Black Excellence in My Family, I’m honoring the everyday excellence found in my own family history. My 3× great-grandfather, Rev. Robert Hatchett, was Black excellence under circumstances that were designed to deny him. Though he was enslaved, he served as a Baptist minister, performing marriages and leading... Continue Reading →
Celebrating Black History Month – Black Excellence in My Family: Gus Hatchett
As part of my Black History Month series, Black Excellence in My Family, I’m honoring the everyday excellence found in my own family history. My grandfather, Gus Hatchett, was Black excellence in more ways than one. He was a member of the singing group The United Harmonizers, who made history as the first African American... Continue Reading →
Celebrating Black History Month – Black Excellence in My Family: Gladys Denson Mays
February is the shortest month of the year and often the coldest, but it has always been my favorite. It’s the month we celebrate Black History Month and recognize Black excellence. Through my family history research, I’ve learned that Black excellence doesn’t require wealth, fame, or celebrity. It shows up in everyday choices—especially the courage... Continue Reading →
Start Planning Your RootsTech 2026 Experience Now – Class Schedule and Speakers Now Available
RootsTech 2026 will be here before you know it. The RootsTech 2026 class schedule is now available online at rootstech.org. You can also download the official RootsTech app on your smart phone for easy access. Whether you’re just starting your genealogy journey or you’re a seasoned professional, there’s something for everyone at this year’s conference.... Continue Reading →
RootsTech 2026 Keynote Speakers
Each year, the keynote speakers help ground the conference in something deeper than records and research techniques. They remind us that family history is about people, lived experiences, and the stories that connect us across generations. Reminding us why we do this genealogy work. This year is no different with a lineup of keynote speakers... Continue Reading →
The Question of 2026 – Do You Know Where Your Ancestors Were in 1776?
As we begin 2026, a year marking the 250th anniversary of the United States, I have found myself with a simple, yet not so simple question - Do you know where your ancestors were in 1776? For some families 1776 represents independence, military service, or the beginning of opportunity. But for others, it represents slavery,... Continue Reading →
52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks 2025 – Week 52: Memorable
NOTE: I accepted the 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks challenge headed by fellow genealogy blogger Amy Johnson Crow. The idea behind this challenge is that you will receive email prompts, a word or phrase, every week, and you find something about your research or family history to write about. Click HERE to read my first... Continue Reading →
RootsTech 2026 Theme
RootsTech has announced the theme for 2026, and it is one simple but powerful word - Together. Genealogy brings us together; together with our ancestors, together with our living relatives, and together to a larger community of researchers who understand the emotional weight of discovery. RootsTech is the largest genealogy conference in the world. RootsTech... Continue Reading →
12 Days of My Family History Discoveries – Day 3
I’ve always felt deeply connected to my family through cherished photos and memories. My official research journey didn’t begin until 2011. In these past 14 years, I have made some wonderful discoveries that I will be sharing to celebrate the holiday season One of the people I wanted to learn about the most when I... Continue Reading →
52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks 2025 – Week 49: Written
NOTE: I accepted the 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks challenge headed by fellow genealogy blogger Amy Johnson Crow. The idea behind this challenge is that you will receive email prompts, a word or phrase, every week, and you find something about your research or family history to write about. Click HERE to read my first... Continue Reading →