John M Daskalakis
- DNA
- Family History Research
- Speaking / Presenting
- Writing /Publishing
- Other Speciality
- Document Retrieval / Record Agent
- Dual Citizenship
- Ethnicity / Religion
- Family History Research
- Heraldry / Lineage Societies
- Immigration / Naturalization
- Military
- Family History Research
- Technology
- Available for in-person events
- Available for virtual events
- Author/Writer
- Document Translation
- Dual Citizenship
- Web Design
John M. Daskalakis is a distinguished genealogist, educator, and researcher with over two decades of experience specializing in Greek and Greek American history, with particular expertise in the Aegean Islands. A recipient of the Marquis Who's Who in America for 2024-2025, he founded Rízes Hellenic Genealogy Research (@RizesGen) to help clients explore their ancestral roots and preserve their heritage.
His connection to Greek history is deeply personal. He traces his lineage to several notable historical figures, including Daskalogiannis, who led the Orlov Revolt (1770-1771), Georgios Tsontos, a leader during the Cretan Revolt (1866-1869), and the celebrated Zakynthian poet Dionysios Solomos. These ancestral ties have fueled his dedication to historical research and preservation.
John is spearheading several groundbreaking initiatives. He leads "The Sacred Records of Chania," a digital preservation project establishing the first comprehensive documentation system for Greek Orthodox church records in the region. This system combines traditional archival preservation with modern digital access methods. His work on the Omaha, Nebraska, Greek Orthodox Church Community Archive further demonstrates his commitment to preserving vital community records.
His scholarly work includes From Omaha to Selma: Greek Americans and the Evolution of American Diversity, a presentation exploring Greek-American discrimination and resilience, which examines pivotal events like the 1909 Omaha Greek Town Riot and Archbishop Iakovos' civil rights advocacy. He is also completing The American Nightmare of John Petro Forakis, a three-year investigation into a tragic case of ethnic bias in the American justice system. Additionally, he collaborates with Irene Peros of the PanCretan Association of America on "Unsung Heroines," documenting Cretan women's contributions during World War II.
John holds a Master's in Elementary Education from Dowling College, New York, and a Bachelor's in Adult Education from St. Joseph's University, New York. He is also a graduate of Boston University's Genealogical Research Principles Program and earned a certificate in Applied Genetic Genealogy from the Applied Genealogy Institute (AppGen Institute).
He is pursuing graduate studies at the University of Pittsburgh, where his doctoral research will examine anti-Greek sentiment in the United States since the 1800s and Greek Americans' role in the Civil Rights Movement. His work focuses on the experiences of over 400,000 Greek immigrants who sought opportunity in America.
Through his company, Rízes Hellenic Genealogy Research, John Daskalakis continues to serve the global Greek community by combining his genealogical, educational, and technological expertise to preserve crucial historical narratives for future generations. His work spans archival management, historical documentation, community engagement, and digital preservation, establishing new standards for genealogical research and cultural preservation.
Greece, Cyprus, United States
Dr. Mike Epitropoulos, Senior Teaching Professor, University of Pittsburgh
August 18, 2023
John Daskalakis has been a great family history and genealogical researcher with whom I have worked with online as a consultant to courses in diaspora, immigration and family history at the University of Pittsburgh. John is a very helpful and accessible resource in both getting the novice started and taking other, more advanced people to the next level. In my case, my own Greek, Dodecanese roots and my Balkan and East European teaching territories mesh well with John's wheelhouse and that has been a blessing for the direction that I am working in. I highly recommend John Daskalakis for work and guidance in the areas of genealogical and family history research.
Carol Kostakos Petranek, Citizen Archivist at The National Archives, Washington DC, and Co-Director of the Washington DC Family History Center
October 9, 2021
John is very active in the genealogy and historical research community. His area of expertise is Greece (Crete) and the United States. He has completed professional genealogy training and works with Greek records. His expertise has enabled him to help many people with honesty and trustworthiness.
Honored Listee in Marquis Who's Who in America
2024 - 2025 Credential ID: 1e310abe8bc94402aca82f8b106fbee2d8c59bc9b805404a9103c7587f9fb4fd
https://www.24-7pressrelease.com/press-release/509207/marquis-whos-who-selects-john-m-daskalakis-for-dedication-to-genealogy-research
Unsung Heroines: Honoring Cretan Women's Contributions in World War II
Mar 2024 to present
The American Nightmare of John Petro Forakis: Death, Bigotry, Sadness, and the Total Disregard for the Burden of Proof.
Jun 2022 - Mar 2024
PhD Dissertation - The Anti-Greek Sentiment in the United States Since the 1800s and How Greek Americans Participated in the American Civil Rights Movement.
Nov 11, 2024
From Omaha to Selma: Greek Americans and the Evolution of American Diversity
first presented to the Association of Professional Genealogists Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee (APG DEI) in 2024.
This lecture explores Greek-American experiences of discrimination and resilience and examines their significance in modern DEI conversations and genealogical research. Through pivotal case studies, including the John Forakis trial, the 1909 Omaha Greek Town Riot, and Archbishop Iakovos' civil rights advocacy, this presentation illuminates the complex history of Greek immigration and integration in America.
The lecture demonstrates how understanding Greek-American history enriches contemporary DEI initiatives while providing practical insights for genealogical research, including methodologies for tracking name changes, preserving oral histories, and analyzing cross-cultural documents. By challenging conventional narratives of privilege and examining forgotten chapters of ethnic violence, this presentation offers valuable perspectives on American diversity and practical strategies for preserving diverse histories in genealogical research.
Greek, English, Spanish, Portuguese,
- Applied Genetic Genealogy, Applied Genealogy Institute, 2023
- Genealogical Research, Boston University. 2021
- National Genealogical Society (NGS) Utah Genealogical Association
- Association of Professional Genealogists (APG)
- International Society of Genetic Genealogy (ISOGG)
- PanCretan Association of America (PAA)
Earned
M.S.Ed., 2004. Dowling College
B.A.Ed.,1997. St. Joseph's University
Prospective
M.A./Ph.D. in History, University of Pittsburgh