A place for curious minds, family mysteries, and honest answers – no gimmicks, no fluff.
I’m Lori Samuelson, a nationally recognized professional genealogst, educator, and published author with decades of experience helping people like you uncover lost stories, break through brick walls, and reconnect with your roots.
Whether you’re brand new to genealogy or deep into the archives, you’re welcome here. I offer guidance grounded in accuracy, empathy, and real-world experience—not false promises or bloated trees.
What I Offer
NEW: Roots Dig-In – A 6-Month Guided Research Circle
If you’re stuck on a tough question—or just craving community while you research—Roots Dig-In is a small-group experience designed for you.
- Six one-hour sessions (monthly via Google Meet)
- One “deep dig” case per session + Q&A with Lori
- Peer collaboration, shared resources, and gentle accountability
- Includes Lori’s Roots Toolkit PDF + access to shared group doc
- Because genealogy doesn’t have to be lonely—and breakthroughs are better together!
Starts January 2026 | $500 | Limited to 6–8 participants
Email GenealogyAtHeart@gmail.com to join the interest list.
Brick Wall Circle – A Continuing Group for Alumni
Graduates of Roots Dig-In are invited to stay connected through Brick Wall Circle, a continuing group for deeper research, stronger community, and shared breakthroughs.
- Monthly sessions with rotating “hot seat” cases
- Tools and support for advanced projects and lineage applications
- Member-led discussions and resource swaps
- Discounted loyalty pricing for returning participants
$400 for 6 months | $750 for full year
Conference Meetups
For those attending national conferences like RootsTech (April) or NGS (May), Lori hosts optional in-person meetups—an easy, welcoming way to connect face-to-face with your research circle.
Other Offerings
Coaching & Mentoring Feeling stuck? Get a 1-on-1 virtual, phone, or in-person consultation (Ft. Wayne area) that gives you immediate next steps tailored to your problem. $75/hour | First hour includes prep time & follow-up
Personalized Education Want to start from scratch or sharpen your skills? My 3-hour Finding Your Family course is designed to fast-track your success. $150 | Virtual or in-person
Custom Research Packages Includes research + a free consultation + a full written report with source log and pictures of important documents. Beginner: 5 hours/3 generations – $300 Intermediate: 10 hours – $500 Advanced: Lineage society prep – Contact me
Lectures & Workshops I speak internationally (virtually and in person) on over a dozen engaging genealogy topics -from AI tools to heirlooms to DNA. Perfect for libraries, societies, and heritage groups.
Don’t see what you need? I’m happy to customize a talk or workshop just for you.
- Artificial Intelligence & Ancestry: Navigating the Future of Genealogy
- Fun Finds on FamilySearch.org
- Genealogy Inspiration – Creative Family History Ideas
- Honoring Heirlooms – Preserving the Stories and Items of Your Family’s Past
- Hot Cocoa and DNA – A Beginners Journey Using DNA
- Migration Trails Across the U.S.
- Numbering Your Genealogy
- On the Road Again: Best Practices When Going On a Genealogical Adventure
- School Daze – Important Family Information Resides in Educational Records
- Skeletons in the Closet – How to Handle Sensitive Genealogy Discoveries
- The Ins and Out of Interviewing: How to Conduct an Interview With Family
- Uncovering Genealogical Gems: Finding Records in Atypical Places
- Using Genealogy Software: A How To for Family Tree Maker, Legacy Family Tree, and RootsMagic
Half Day Workshops are also available:
- Gen 101 – Beginning Family History Research
- Gen 102 – Intermediate Family History Research
Other Services
- Look-Up Services – Local archives in Allen, DeKalb, LaGrange, Noble, Steuben, & Whitney Counties (IN) + Defiance, Paulding, & Williams (OH).
- Gift Certificates – A meaningful gift: the story of who someone is and where they came from
- Youth Workshops – Brownie Try-Its, Boy Scout badges, 4-H, and more!
Wy Work With Me?
- Certified teacher and counselor with a heart for helping
- Featured in The Washington Post, APG Quarterly, and Family History Daily
- Author of books and journal articles used by both beginners and professionals
- Experienced in sensitive topics, tough records, and lineage society applications
- Trusted by clients, libraries, and national genealogy organizations
I’m Not Just a Researcher – I’m a Realist.
Ancestry tools break. DNA tests can surprise. AI gets things wrong. But your story still matters! I’ve been there – and I’ve helpd hundreds of others get through it. If you’re tired of canned webinars and overpriced promises, let’s work together instead.
Email me at GenealogyAtHeart@gmail.com
As a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists I adhere to the Code of Ethics. References available upon request.