Hi! I’m Marilyn. Some of my friends and family call me Mare, for short. Thanks for stopping by.

I’m a California girl, born and raised, and a valley girl to boot–from San Fernando Valley in the south to Sacramento Valley in the north. I am full German on my father’s side, and “Heinz 57” on my mother’s side (her words, not mine). Learning about my ancestors, their homelands, their stories, their joys and sorrows, their tragedies and triumphs, had to be put on the back burner for most of my career–37 years as a public school teacher (all grades K-12, but that’s a whole nother story).  In the fall of 2014, almost two years into retirement, I set a new goal for myself–become a certified genealogist. Since then I have undertaken several courses, attended conferences, enrolled in institutes, met some amazing people, traveled around the country, located family I never knew existed, discovered ancestral homelands, began placing my ancestors in historical and social context, and so much more. Certification is still the goal, but until then, I plan to enjoy the journey.