I don't remember a time when I wasn't interested in Genealogy. I grew up walking cemeteries with my maternal Grandmother and Great-Grandfather in search of long lost (but not forgotten!) family members grave sites and hearing stories about long past family members.  As time passed, I started understanding how truly unique it was that I knew many of extended family members on my maternal side. However,  I often wondered about my paternal side. The family lore was that our surname had been changed but it was so long ago that nobody remembered what it had been.  All attempts at further conversation on the subject were met with a firm taciturn. 

I was in my thirties when my Aunt unexpectedly passed away.  While at the wake, my Dad turned up a lead on what was thought to be our original surname. He wrote it down phonetically on a piece of paper which he gave to me later that night asking if I could "maybe find out something about it -since you have always been interested in that kind of stuff". The next week I walked into the Genealogy division of the Indiana State Library for the very first time. That was when I  started a quest that turned into learning not only about my own family but, that I had found that I love to help others learn about their family history and to help preserve our history. 

 I served several years as Research Chairperson and Head Librarian for a local Genealogical Society and Indiana (Charter) Chapter President for an ethnic-based International Genealogy Society. Also, I  have independently worked to preserve historical records of Fraternal Clubs and Funeral Homes.  I maintain membership in several Genealogical and Historical Groups and I served as Indiana Chapter Secretary and two consecutive terms as President of the Indiana Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists ending in 2018. 

 

I have researched for Individuals, Historical Societies, Funeral Homes, Private Detectives, Authors, Doctorate Students and Ancestry ProGenealogists. 

 I attend multiple Genealogical lectures each month in person or webinar to continue to hone my skills aspiring to become a Board Certified Genealogist.  In June 2018, I completed "Mastering the Art of Genealogical  Documentation" course lead by Thomas W. Jones, Ph.D., CG. CGL. FASG, FUGA, FNGS at the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  Currently, I am enrolled in the American Genealogical Studies series of courses offered by the National Genealogical Society.