Anders Genealogical Services

We've been uncovering hidden stories in Rice County's history that reveal surprising truths about our community's diversity and identity. Now, I'm excited to share some of these stories and create art to commemorate the lives of these early African American residents. In partnership with the RICE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY and sponsored by Springboard for the Arts as part of their Rural-Urban Solidarity project, I'm leading workshops that combine art and genealogy. At each session, we create mosaic flowers to honor these ancestors while I share stories about their lives. One such story is that of Dr. Walter B. Holmes. He and his brother seem to have been the first Black graduate of Faribault High School and one of the first four Black graduates from the University of Minnesota (by 1894). His obituary described him as "British-American" with no mention of his race. Research shows that white-passing may have allowed him to become a prominent doctor in Ada, MN, but also exemplifies how parts of our diverse history have been obscured. As I shared in the article, I believe that "by knowing our history, we understand that diversity isn't new to our area. It's part of who we are, and knowing this helps us stay welcoming and accepting." Want to hear these hidden stories and create mosaic art to commemorate forgotten lives? Join my upcoming workshops at Carleton College on Thursday, Oct 17: 2 PM and 5:30 PM. What stories might be hiding in your family tree? Let's honor them together! #mediamondays #inthenews #hiddenstories https://lnkd.in/gR5Dpb2r

So, who else is sorting through all the family stories they heard around the table yesterday? Holiday gatherings are when so many family stories come to life - around dinner tables, looking through old photos, or just catching up between dessert and coffee. ?? What's the most interesting (or surprising!) thing you learned about your family during your gathering? Share in the comments below! Was it: - A family recipe's secret ingredient? - The REAL reason Great-Uncle Joe moved to California? - That cousin who supposedly dated a celebrity? - Or maybe you're still trying to figure out if anyone's version of that family legend is actually true? This is exactly why I love what I do - turning family tales into verified family history. Because while those conflicting stories can be fun (and sometimes frustrating!), there's nothing quite like uncovering the real story in the records. Ready to turn your family's tales into verified history? Let's work together to uncover the true stories behind the memories. Book a consultation through the link in my bio. #FamilyHistory #HolidayStories #Genealogy #FamilyStories #Ancestry #HeritageStories #ThanksgivingStories

Whether you're prepping dinner or relaxing over dessert today, some of the best family stories come out in these casual moments. Quick tip: Set your phone to record and place it face down nearby. Let the stories flow naturally as you gather, cook, and connect. If you have privacy or ethical concerns, just let everyone know you're recording- then listen as the stories start flowing! These recordings become precious treasures - imagine being able to hear Grandma's laugh as she tells that favorite cousin story years from now, or sharing Great-Uncle's voice with the next generation. #FamilyHistory #Genealogy #HeritageStories #ThanksgivingStories #oralhistory #professionalgenealogist

Excited to share my recent conversation on "A Journey Through Nature and Science" podcast! In Episode 14 "Genetics and Ancestry: Who Are We?", I joined host Don Murphy to explore how DNA, historical records, and genealogical research work together to uncover our ancestors' stories. We discussed: How genetic markers and mitochondrial DNA reveal family connections The role of forensics in solving historical mysteries Ways ancestry research shapes our understanding of identity Curious about the science behind genealogy? Listen to learn how we piece together family histories using both traditional research and cutting-edge genetics. Listen now! https://lnkd.in/gr-FNakB #mediamonday #geneticmarkers #mitochondrialdna #familyconnections

Ever wondered if your wanderlust comes from your ancestors? I recently traced a client’s family line back to a Sagittarius great-great-grandmother who left her small town in 1885 to see the world. Through a series of ship passenger manifests, mentions in various newspapers, and census records from a variety of states, we were able to follow her solo travel adventures.? Learning more about this amazing trailblazing woman, who the client only knew of by name, was inspiring! Especially because he loved to travel too!! Whether your ancestors were globe-trotters or hometown heroes, their journeys have shaped your path. Ready to chart the adventures in your family history? Comment with a ?? if you're a Sagittarius or have a wandering spirit in your family tree! #fridayfunnies #sagittarius #sagittariusseason

Sometimes a single census page can reveal complex human stories that remind us why thorough research is so important. What caught my attention on this Mississippi census record wasn't just what was written—it was what was crossed out, rewritten, and how it changed from one record to another. This kind of documentation gives us glimpses into the complicated lives our ancestors lived. As genealogists, we're not here to judge but to understand. Each record tells part of a story, but rarely the whole story. That's why I always emphasize the importance of looking at multiple records across different time periods. What you find in one document might be very different from what you find in another. These records aren't just data points—they're windows into real lives, real relationships, and real human experiences. They remind us that our ancestors' lives were often complex, shaped by the social dynamics and circumstances of their times. This is why I love what I do: every document has the potential to deepen our understanding of our ancestors' lives and the times they lived in. ??Have you ever found unexpected details in census records that changed your understanding of your family's story?

I thought my name "Mica" was unique enough... until I found another "Micah" Anders! Just discovered someone whose name is *almost* identical to mine - just one letter different. And it got me thinking about one of the biggest traps in family history research: assuming similar names mean you've found your family. Here's the deal: Even when names look nearly identical, they can belong to completely unrelated family lines. As a professional genealogist, I see this all the time – researchers getting excited about finding what looks like "their" family member, only to discover they've been climbing someone else's family tree! This is exactly why I'm such a stickler for: ? Proper source citations ? Following the Genealogical Proof Standard ? Cross-referencing multiple records ? Verifying relationships beyond just similar names Your family deserves careful, thorough research that proves every connection! Ready to make sure you're following the right family line? Let's work together to verify your family connections and uncover your true ancestral story. Link in bio to learn more! #tuesdaytips #tipoftheday #nameconfusion #researchmistakes

"It's just a fun gift" - Is that what you're thinking about giving a DNA test kit this holiday season? Here's why you might want to reconsider! Many clients come to us after receiving DNA test results, unsure how to process unexpected information or connect with newly discovered relatives. The truth? While DNA tests can be exciting, they're not always the straightforward, fun gift people expect. For instance, we recently worked with a family who gifted their grandmother a DNA test. They were excited to learn more about their ethnic background, but the results revealed a long-held family secret: their grandmother had been adopted. This discovery led to a rollercoaster of emotions and raised many questions about their family history. In situations like these, we guide families through the process of understanding their results, connecting with newfound relatives sensitively, and integrating this new information into their family narrative. We work together to turn potentially unsettling discoveries into opportunities for growth and connection. Think about the potential impact: discovering unknown siblings, uncovering family secrets, or connecting with long-lost relatives. It's not just about ethnicity percentages - it's about people's lives and identities. Let's explore whether a DNA test is the right gift for your loved ones. Book a consultation today. We'll discuss the pros and cons, and I can guide you through alternative genealogy gifts that might be a better fit. If you do decide on a DNA test, I'll be there to help you navigate the results, whatever they may reveal. Have you ever given or received a DNA test as a gift? Share your experience in the comments!

I've talked to so many people who feel stuck in their research. Whether in my one-on-one sessions or just chatting with fellow genealogy enthusiasts, I notice a similar pattern... They've looked on Ancestry and maybe even FamilySearch, but haven't gone too far beyond what shows up in hints or the main search page. And you know what? They're just seeing the tip of the iceberg. Here's the thing - there are so many amazing resources we often overlook. Places where I've helped clients uncover incredible stories about their ancestors, even from before 1870. Whether you're just starting to explore your family tree or you've been at it for years, there's always more to discover. That's why I've created this free guide revealing 7 often-overlooked resources that could help you break through your toughest research challenges. ?? Get your free guide through the link in comments

Ok y'all! It's finally happening. A lot of you have asked when I'm going to be offering virtual classes and the first one is ALMOST live! ?????? Want to stay in the loop and be the first to know when it's available? Sign up for the wait-list (link in comments)