About

Photo of Jamie

 

Hi! I'm Jamie,

Owner & Researcher at

Shifting Sands Genealogy

 

     I've been doing family history research for about 25 years. My interest in genealogy started at a young age, as I listened to stories (some true, some not so true!) from my grandpa about his parents, who were poor immigrants from Ukraine. I interviewed my family for a family history project in third grade and went on my first genealogy research trip when I was about 12 years old. As a lover of history and culture, I was easily hooked on genealogy. 

     I started Shifting Sands Genealogy in October 2020 so that I could help others learn more about their own family history! Why "Shifting Sands"? I grew up near the shores of Lake Michigan, with its massive dunes, dense forests, and sprawling beaches. Just like the winds coming off of the lake can cover up or expose driftwood, shipwrecks, and other hidden treasures, I love the challenge of uncovering long-forgotten pieces of family history. Imagine what could be waiting to be discovered in your own family tree!

My Resume

 

Education & Conferences

  • Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology with a Minor in International Relations
  • Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy, Certificates for "Evidence-Based Writing," "Fundamentals of Forensic Genealogy," and "Mother Russia: Research in the Former Russian Empire & USSR"
  • National Institute for Genealogical Studies, Certificates for "US Court Records," "Nuts & Bolts of Reporting Research," and "Lives of Our Ancestors"
  • Association of Professional Genealogists' Professional Management Conferences

  • Barbara J. Brown Family History Seminars

  • Lansing Family History Center's Michigan Family History Conference & Virtual Seminars
  • Western Michigan Genealogical Society Got Ancestors Seminars
  • New York State Family History Conferences

  • Foundation for East European Family History Studies Conferences

  • Ukrainian History & Education Center's Nashi Predky Conference
  • Board for Certification of Genealogists Discussion Group

 

Distinctions

  • American Society of Genealogists, 2023 Grant for Continuing Genealogical Research Projects
  • Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy, 2021 First-Time Attendee Scholarship Winner
  • NextGen Genealogy Network, 2021 Scholarship Winner

 

Experience & Special Skills

  • 25+ years of genealogy research
  • 10 years as a museum professional
  • 2 years as a freelance writer for an educational history app
  • 2 years as a personal assistant and organizer
  • 2 years of Latin (great for reading old church records!), 2 years of Spanish, 1 year of Ukrainian, 1 year of Māori

 

Publications & Podcasts

  • "The Lost Village: From Ukraine to Michigan and Back Again," Michigana (Quarterly Magazine of the Western Michigan Genealogical Society), Vol. 67: Issue 1 (No. 269), 2021.
  • "The Value of Social Media in Genealogical Research," Michigana, Vol. 67: Issue 2 (No. 270), 2021.
  • Guest on The Essential Genealogist Podcast, February 2022 (Episode 28).

 

Affilations & Memberships

  • Association of Professional Genealogists
  • Western Michigan Genealogical Society (Board Member and Delegate to the Michigan Genealogical Council)
  • Newaygo County Museum & Heritage Center (formerly the Newaygo County Society of History and Genealogy)
  • New York Genealogical & Biographical Society