Welcome to the Dedicated Family Historian

 

Hello and welcome! I’m Mandy Simmons, the heart behind The Dedicated Family Historian. Whether you’re just beginning your family history journey or looking for ways to organize and share what you’ve already discovered, I’m so glad you’re here.

With over 20 years of experience in family history and a background in digital marketing, I’ve helped individuals move from feeling overwhelmed to feeling empowered. Maybe you’ve wondered how to begin researching your roots, how to make sense of the records you’ve found, or how to write a biography that does your ancestor justice. I’ve been there—and I’ve walked alongside others through those very same questions.

This blog is here to offer simple guidance, practical tips, and encouragement to help you:

• Use genealogical tools like FamilySearch, Ancestry, and Find A Grave more effectively

• Organize your growing research without the chaos

• Write meaningful family stories, biographies, or even start your own autobiography

You don’t have to have a Ph.D. in history or spend hours every day to do this well. My goal is to make family history accessible, manageable, and rewarding for everyday people—especially those just getting started.

You’ll also find resources here related to:

• Research strategies

• Organizing your records and notes

• Writing and preserving personal histories

• Exploring real examples and stories 

If that sounds like what you need, I invite you to explore the blog, check out my YouTube channel, and follow my socials. I’d love to walk with you as you uncover and preserve your family’s story—one step at a time.

Let’s get started!

Warmly,

Mandy