At Dunham Genealogy Services, I believe that every family has a story worth discovering and preserving. Whether you are searching for your ancestors, trying to break through a genealogical brick wall, understanding your DNA results, or preserving treasured family heirlooms and photographs, my goal is to help you uncover the people and stories that shaped your family.
Genealogy is more than names and dates on a chart—it is the story of who we are, where we came from, and the legacy we leave for future generations.
My love of family history began in childhood. Growing up, I was surrounded by stories about my ancestors and the communities in which they lived. As I grew older, I realized that every family photograph, document, and cherished heirloom represented a piece of a much larger story waiting to be told. Researching my own family history became a lifelong passion and eventually led me to establish Dunham Genealogy Services, where I have the privilege of helping others discover and preserve their own family histories.
My ancestry reflects the rich and diverse heritage of many American families. My family lines include early New England settlers as part of the Great Migration, French Canadian immigrants, and families of English, Irish, and Welsh descent. My ancestors were farmers, railroad workers, nurses, canal laborers, military veterans, and community builders whose lives helped shape New York State and New England.
Their stories inspire the work I do every day.
I specialize in:
Every research project is approached with careful analysis, thorough documentation, and adherence to professional genealogical standards.
I am proud to be a member of numerous professional and historical organizations, including:
Continuing education and professional development are essential parts of my work, allowing me to stay current with evolving research methods, historical resources, and advances in genetic genealogy.
Family history research is about more than discovering ancestors. It is about understanding the experiences, struggles, and achievements of the people who came before us. Their stories provide context for our own lives and create meaningful connections between generations.
I have seen firsthand the joy that comes from discovering an immigrant ancestor's homeland, helping an adoptee find their birth family, identifying a long-forgotten photograph, reconnecting distant relatives, or preserving a treasured family story before it is lost.
These moments remind us that we are all part of something larger than ourselves.
Whether you are beginning your family history journey, need assistance with a challenging research problem, want to understand your DNA results, or hope to preserve your family's stories and heirlooms for future generations, I would be honored to help.
Together, we can uncover the people, places, and stories that make your family history unique and ensure that your legacy is preserved for generations to come.
Typical Genealogy Research Projects Include:*
• Review and Analysis of Previous Research (if any)
• Precise Research Plan
• Targeted Online Research
• On-Site Repository Research (when requested and feasible)
• Family Member Interviews (when requested and feasible)
• Itemized Research Findings
• In-Depth Evidence Analysis with Historical Context
• Full Citation of Sources
• Transcriptions of Documents (when necessary and/or requested)
• Document Images (if available and unrestricted by the repository)
• Recommendations for Further Research
I successfully completed the Genealogical Research Certificate program through Boston University’s Center for Professional Education in 2018, and am a ProGen 42 Alumni. I hold a B.A. in Music and English. Before establishing Dunham Genealogy Services I spent the 40 years in the IT industry with some of the largest companies in the world.
For further information please refer to: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanndunham/.