About

Welcome to Smart Family History! I’m glad you’re here.

I am an archivist and cultural heritage professional with over 20 years of experience preserved in the stacks, digital repositories, and historical records of major institutions. My career has been dedicated to the meticulous care of the past, ensuring that stories aren't just saved, but are accessible, authentic, and enduring.

Why Smart Family History?

While my professional life is spent managing institutional archives, I am also passionate about genealogy and family history. I know firsthand that tracing your lineage can be as overwhelming as it is rewarding. Between messy digital folders, faded physical letters, and the endless "hints" on research sites, it’s easy to feel lost in the data.

I created this site to bridge the gap between professional archival standards and personal family research. My goal is to provide services and resources that make it easier for you to do genealogy—and, more importantly, to do it well.

What I Bring to Your Journey

Doing family history "well" means more than just finding a name on a census record; it’s about context, preservation, and organization. I leverage my two decades of expertise to help you:

  • Organize with Intent: Move beyond the chaos of random files and learn to manage your research like a pro.
  • Navigate Complex Records: Use my experience as an archivist to dig deeper into historical records and understand the "why" behind the documents.
  • Preserve Your Legacy: Get guidance on how to digitize and store your family’s physical treasures, photos, letters, and heirlooms, so they last for generations.
  • Apply a Professional Lens: Ensure your family tree is built on a foundation of evidence and sound research methodology.

Let’s Discover Together

Genealogy is more than a hobby; it’s a way to connect with the people and places that made us who we are today. Whether you are just beginning to look for your great-grandparents or you’re a seasoned researcher looking to professionalize your collection, I’m here to help you work smarter, not harder.



Disclosures