Through The Trees

Named an “essential blog for genetic genealogy education” by the Board of Certification for Genealogists, Through The Trees is a blog for genealogy enthusiasts seeking to locate and leverage new tools and emerging technologies to break through genealogical brick walls.

The blog’s author, Shannon Christmas, a genetic genealogy influencer, educator, practitioner, and thought leader featured on BBC, NPR, Radio Sweden, and The Atlantic, finds family as a Research Manager for Ancestry’s research arm, AncestryProGenealogists. A professional genealogist and biological family reunification specialist with over a decade of experience and deep roots in Virginia and The Carolinas, Shannon employs expertise in genetic genealogy, adoption/unknown parentage research, kinship determination, colonial American and African American genealogy to identify genetic ancestors (including unknown parents), solve genealogical mysteries, and facilitate the development of lineage society DNA evidence policies. Shannon’s technology consulting background informs his work advising direct-to-consumer DNA testing and genealogy technology firms on product development.