Descent Detective

02/09/2026

Ken Salazar's History Colorado contributions shine light on Borderlands - History Colorado ❤️❤️❤️

Ken Salazar embodies southern Colorado history. He just gave boxes of it to History Colorado’s Borderlands project.

06/14/2025

🔍 Coming Up June 21st! 🗂️

I'm excited to present Research Plans and Source Documentation for the Larimer County Genealogical SocietyLarimer County Genealogical Society on Saturday, June 21st, at 10:00 a.m. Whether you're just getting started or want to sharpen your research skills, this program will help you stay organized, avoid unnecessary detours, and properly cite the sources that support your family story.

📍In-person in Larimer County
💻 Also available via Zoom
✅ Free and open to the public

📌 Non-members must register here on or before June 19th:
https://lcgsco.org/events/program-research-plans-source-documentation/

Hope to see you there—online or in person!

05/24/2025

You can't help but be curious when you are a genealogist. 🕵🏻‍♀️

05/15/2025

🧐 Did you know census records can uncover more than names and ages? Look closely, and you might spot an unexpected family member - or a missing one!
In this case, the wife, whose name is missing, was not the mother of the children and had only been in the household for less than a year. The husband or the wife would have easily known her name and age. But what about the children? While it is possible that the youngest daughter might not know how old her stepmother was, she most definitely was old enough to know where she was born. While the 1920 census doesn't ask if the children were in school, we can assume that no one was at home and that a neighbor provided the information on this household. So, how much weight do we give this evidence in our analysis?

What’s the most surprising find you’ve uncovered in a census record?

05/06/2025

More than margaritas and mariachi, Cinco de Mayo commemorates the 1862 Mexican victory at the Battle of Puebla—a moment of resistance, pride, and resilience.

For many families, especially in the American Southwest, it’s also a day to celebrate cultural heritage and honor the stories of those who came before.

🌿 If you're exploring Mexican or Hispanic family history, start with oral histories, church records, and local traditions—they’re often the keys to the past.

05/05/2025

You don’t need to be a Skywalker to explore your legacy. But if you do have a mysterious ancestor and a family lightsaber… I’m listening.

Whether your family saga spans galaxies or generations, the Force of family history is strong with you.

🧬✨ May the Fourth Be With You!

05/03/2025

🧬 Genealogy FAQ Friday: Funny (But Real!) Questions We Get Asked

Ever wonder what kinds of questions professional genealogists hear on the job? Here's a few that made us smile (and yes, they're all real!):

❓“Can you find out if I’m related to royalty... or at least someone interesting?” ❓“Do you think I was Cleopatra in a past life?” ❓“Is it possible my family tree is just a tumbleweed?”

We love the curiosity—and the humor—that people bring to their family history. Every tree has surprises (and a few nuts 🍃😉), and no question is too weird when you're digging into the past.

Have you ever asked a wild question about your roots? Drop it in the comments—we promise we’ve heard it all!

04/26/2025

🍌✨ Happy National DNA Day! ✨🍌

Did you know we share over 60% of our DNA with bananas? 🍌 That means your great-great-grandmother and a bunch of fruit have more in common than you’d think! 😆

But it’s that other 40%—the twists and turns of your unique genetic code—that holds the clues to your family’s story. From eye color to health traits to the deep roots of your ancestry, your DNA is a living link to the past.

What surprising family traits or connections have you discovered through DNA? 🧬🍌👇

04/25/2025

❤️ Rest in peace, Sgt. Orace J. Mestas.

An example of the continual dedication to leave no soldier behind.

U.S. Army Sgt. Orace J. Mestas, of Trinidad was killed during the Korean War.

04/22/2025

🌸🐣 Easter Monday Reflections 🐣🌸

As we celebrate Easter Monday today, I’m reminded of this family photo I believe was taken around Easter time. The bare trees, the little bit of snow in the yard, and the family’s dressed-up attire all point to a typical spring day in Denver — where Easter Sunday can bring either sunshine and 70 degrees or a surprise blizzard! ❄️☀️

In 2020, I wrote a blog about this photo and which brother I thought was missing. It’s amazing how much family history can be tucked into a single snapshot. 💖 I've updated the blog, so if you're curious about the story behind this snapshot, check it out here 👉 https://www.descentdetective.com/post/photographs

Do you have a favorite Easter family memory? 💖

04/15/2025

Some stories don’t make it into the history books—but they live on in letters, census records, photographs, and the memories we preserve.

That’s why I do this work: to help people write what should not be forgotten. 🖋️

What piece of your family history are you determined to pass on?

04/10/2025

I always say DNA doesn’t lie—but sometimes it sure likes to surprise us. 🤯🤯🤯

A huge thank-you to Perl Mack for inviting me back to teach DNA Basics and Your Genetic Family Tree again this year! It is always a pleasure to meet folks curious about their roots and ready to dive into the fascinating mix of science and family history.

Whether discovering a long-lost cousin or confirming a family story passed down through generations, DNA can be a powerful tool when paired with good old-fashioned research. 🧬

Grateful for the warm welcome—and looking forward to the next time!