Where Do We Come From? Finding Your Roots with Modern Genealogy

Episode description:  

As a nation of immigrants, we’ve long been interested in genealogy, curious about our home countries, the families we left behind, and what motivated them to come to America. In recent years, genealogical research seems to have taken off as a hobby, with the availability of internet resources and DNA technology. It’s particularly popular among older people, who enjoy the challenge and activity—it’s also a good way to keep your brain sharp. But researching family history can be frustrating; there are so many blanks you often must fill in. In today’s episode, I talk with Kerri Tannenbaum, a genealogist who has turned her passion into a dynamic—and often surprising—profession as the owner of Family Dot Connector. Kerri will explain how modern genealogy has developed into much more than DNA tracing through Ancestry.com or 23andme, providing a range of specialties in areas like geographical or ethnic searches.  She’ll tell us where to find resources to get started on your genealogy journey; when and how to hire a professional; and what kind of training and education it takes to become a pro. Most of all, she’ll share an array of compelling stories about her detective-like work with families, helping them find the clues they need to reveal long sought-after pieces of their history. “As people get older,” Kerri says, “they want answers. I like to give them answers.”

Guest description: 

Kerri Tannenbaum is a professional genealogist and researcher who works with people looking to learn more about their family history. Kerri specializes in New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Irish research. She is a graduate of Boston University’s Certificate Program in Genealogical Research and the ProGen Peer Study Groups. Kerri serves as contributing editor of the Irish Family History Forum newsletter, an award-winning newsletter honored by the National Genealogical Society. She also serves as a guest lecturer and research consultant for several genealogy societies and gives presentations on a variety of genealogy topics at libraries and other organizations. Kerri founded her company Family Dot Connector LLC in 2018 and has served hundreds of clients since then. She lives on Long Island with her husband and two daughters.

Contact: kerri@familydotconnector.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/familydotconnector/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerri-ross/