Lineage by Lauryn

03/08/2026

Rooted Genealogy is now Lineage by Lauryn!

I'm so excited to announce this next step in my business. This last year has been filled with so much learning and growth, and I'm so glad you've been here with me for the journey.

As my work has evolved, I realized I needed a name that reflected the deep, narrative-driven research I’m doing today. Lineage by Lauryn is a reflection of that shift—moving toward a boutique, expert-led approach to uncovering your history.

Whether I’m helping you prove Canadian citizenship under Bill C-3, solving a complex DNA mystery, or documenting a family line with archival precision, my mission is to turn ancestral puzzles into a verified portfolio of proof.

These changes are mostly cosmetic, so you can still expect the same expertise I've offered for the last year.

Thank you for trusting me with your history. I can’t wait to see what we uncover together in this new chapter!

Explore the new site here: https://www.lineagebylauryn.com

01/17/2026

Sharing this article I wrote a few months ago. In light of recent political affairs concerning indigenous communities, specifically entitlement to ancestral lands and treaty rights in the context of separatist provincial movements.

I'll scream from the rooftops: if you aren't Indigenous, you're an immigrant. We've all contributed to the ongoing systemic abuse and mistreatment of Indigenous communities.

I've been able to trace all of my family lines to the point when they came to Canada. I land somewhere between being a third and 10th generation Canadian depending on the line, but most of my ancestors immigrated between 1890-1925. This was Canada's most significant period of immigration before recent years. I'm willing to bet the majority of my followers can trace their family only a few generations back to being newcomers to Canada in this era.

Acknowledging your place in this history, especially as someone of European descent, is important. It's the beginning of actually reconciling this history in our country and personally in our daily lives.

Start with you. Recognize your place in these atrocities, and ask yourself, how can I be more compassionate and empathetic?

Exploring how European settler ancestors, from Ontario Loyalists to Jamaican slave traders, contributed to colonization and its lasting impacts.

11/11/2025

Did your ancestor serve in WWI or WWII? You might be surprised how many free resources are available online to help you learn more about their service — from attestation papers and draft cards to war memorials and service files.

These records have helped me learn about several ancestors, including my 2nd-great-grandfather, Reuel Clarke, who was a pilot in the Royal Air Force during WWI.

My latest blog post explores all of the best free military research resources for Canada, the US, and the UK. Link in the comments below!

Do you have a veteran ancestor? I'd love to hear their story in the comments!

Explore personalized genealogical research services to start or deepen your family history journey. Book your free consultation today.

09/10/2025

Last month I came across Rufus Avery’s claim of living to 110, I knew I had to put it to the test. Using newspapers, censuses, land records, and lots of cross-checking, I built out the real story.

Swipe through this 5-step checklist to see exactly how I fact-checked his claim. And if you haven't already, check out the full article about Rufus on my blog. Link in the comments!

Have you ever uncovered a family story that wasn’t quite what it seemed? Share your best discoveries in the comments. I’d love to hear them!

09/07/2025

My sister recently called me to ask when our European ancestors came to Canada, and where they settled. She just started a new Indigenous studies college course, so we had a quick chat about some of our ancestors in this context.

The call really got me thinking... What was the impact of my settler colonizer ancestors in the context of Indigenous peoples?

In my latest blog post, I explore the various ways that my ancestors perpetuated colonialism with global impacts:
https://www.rootedgenealogy.com/blog/ancestors-colonization-reflection

If you're of European descent like me, it's important to understand your family history in this context. Have you ever reflected on your ancestry in this way before?

Exploring how European settler ancestors, from Ontario Loyalists to Jamaican slave traders, contributed to colonization and its lasting impacts.

08/25/2025

Not all DNA matches are equal, especially when it comes to small DNA matches.

In my latest blog post, I get into all things small DNA matches and what they mean for your research. These matches have the power to break down brick walls. But without knowing how to use them, you could quickly derail your research.

Learn about the nuances and make the most out of your cousins matches under 20cM. Read it now:
https://www.rootedgenealogy.com/blog/small-dna-matches-genealogy

Small DNA matches can be confusing for family historians. Are they valuable clues to your ancestors, or just false positives that waste research time? In this guide, you’ll learn what a small DNA match really means, when to trust it, and when to ignore it. With practical examples and tips, discove...

08/23/2025

Two new winners have been selected! Be sure to check your email inboxes and spam folders to see if you're one of the lucky winners 👀

08/23/2025

Good morning everyone!

Sadly two of the contest winners, the 1st place $299 Lineage Discovery package and 3rd place $50 gift certificate winners, did not get back to me to claim their prizes. So, I will be re-drawing two winners today and sending out emails to the new winners! You will have until Tuesday, August 26th to reply and claim your prize.

Keep your eyes open for an email from [email protected] with details about the prize. This is the ONLY email address associated with Rooted Genealogy, aside from the Squarespace newsletter I send from my website.

I'll keep redrawing until the prizes are claimed! I'm bummed that the original winners didn't get back to me, but there's still a chance for everyone else.

08/18/2025

It's time for another free provincial resource guide! This time we're heading to my current home province, Alberta 🇨🇦

I've put together a list of all of the best free Alberta genealogy resources for beginner family historians. Check it out on the blog now! Link in the comments.