Currently accepting clients for...

• Family History Research
• Writing /Publishing

I connect individuals with their heritage and help clients bring their genealogical past to light. I accomplish this using thorough and accurate document research, by expertly connecting generations, and by identifying living relatives and ancestors through the use of DNA.

My passion for family history began with my ancestors, Swedish and British immigrants to the United States who settled in New York and the Southern U.S. I love introducing my clients to their own immigrant ancestors.

Specializing in Northeastern and Midwestern research in the United States; extensive experience with Swedish genealogies. 

Lineage society specialties include First Families of Ohio and Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).

I am currently the editor for the Genealogical Magazine of New Jersey - please contact me if you are interested in writing an article!

Geographic Specialities

• Florida
• New Jersey
• New York
• Ohio
• Sweden

Testimonials

• "I was so impressed with DEK Genealogy and Research Services. I was expecting to wait weeks before receiving results back but within the first week, Deanna was sending me my family history. I've been doing my family genealogy for over thirteen years but when I found out about my Scandinavian side, I got stumped. There are Swedish websites out there but it takes time learn your way around. I had a really hard time. I found Deanna to be a wiz with it and she knows the ropes well. She's so dedicated and really enjoys the research. She was always there to answer questions. I won't hesitate to use her again. I highly recommend her services and I know others will too." - Laura Kristine
• "If you are not afraid of uncovering skeletons in the closet, I recommend Deanna and the wonderful research she does. I love her enthusiasm when she discovers long past stories that we as bratty children didn't pay attention to when our elders spoke of it. Check out your past. You may be surprised by what is found... like a potential half-uncle who was born on the same day as your aunt... half-twins?" - Becky Mahovlich
• "I used DEK Genealogy and Research services to learn more about my husband's Irish roots as a present for him. Deanna was very responsive, explained the process, and brought me a lot of information much faster than I thought possible. By talking to Deanna, you can really feel how passionate she is about her work and how much she enjoys it. She is extremely dedicated, professional, and I highly recommend her! I definitely will be using her services again." - Monica Lynch

Publications/Media

• "Working With an Editor: Ways to Streamline the Editing Process," article, APG Quarterly, September 2024, Vol. XXXIX, No. 3, p. 25-27
• "Genealogical Research in Ohio by Kip Sperry," book review, National Genealogical Society Quarterly, September 2024, Vol. 112, No. 3, p. 236-237
• "Growing a Genealogy Career: Ever Considered . . . Editing?," article, APG Quarterly, September 2023, Vol. XXXVII, No. 3, p. 19-22
• "American Tapestry: Portrait of a 'Middling' Family, 1746-1934 by Pat Speth Sherman," book review, National Genealogical Society Quarterly, March 2023, Vol. 111, No. 1, p. 75-76
• "The Winding Road to the American Dream for One Swede," case study, Crossroads, Winter 2022, Vol. 17, No. 1, p. 19-28
• "A Practical Guide to Swedish Church Records for Genealogy and Family History by Geoffrey Fröberg Morris," book review, National Genealogical Society Quarterly, September 2021, Vol. 109, No.. 3, p. 238-239
• "The Lost Family," book review, APG Quarterly, September 2020, Vol. XXXV, No. 3, p. 44-45

Lectures

• Unlocking & Researching Your Swedish Family History
• Swedes in Connecticut & Beyond
• Swedes in Wisconsin & Beyond
• Researching Central Ohio
• Tips & Tricks for Lesser-Known Record Types

Repositories

• Marietta College - Special Collections
• Ohio History Connection
• State Library of Ohio
• Ohio Genealogical Society (OGS) Library

Research Time Periods

• 21st Century
• 20th Century
• 19th Century
• 18th Century
• 17th Century

Languages
English (fluent), French

Certificates

• Certificate in Genealogical Research (Boston University)
• ProGen 46

Affiliations

• Association of Professional Genealogists
• National Genealogical Society
• New Jersey Genealogical Society
• New York Genealogical & Biographical Society
• New England Historic Genealogical Society
• Ohio Genealogical Society
• Orange County (New York) Genealogical Society

Degrees

• Master of Science (Information Resources Management), Syracuse University
• Bachelor of Arts (Advertising), Syracuse University
• Bachelor of Arts (Psychology), Syracuse University