Hello, World! A New Chapter Begins

Welcome to Ancestors & Annotations; Same Passion, Fresh Start

Hello, World!

If you’re a programmer, you know those two words mark the beginning of something new. If you’re a genealogist like me, you know that every family story also has a beginning: that moment you first discover a name, a date, a place that sparks an obsession that never quite lets go.

Welcome to Ancestors & Annotations, a new digital home for my ongoing journey through the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of family history research.

A Little About Me

For those who are new here, I’m Shannon Combs-Bennett, a professional genealogist, researcher, author, speaker, and (most importantly) someone who genuinely believes that the stories of ordinary people are worth telling.

I came by this passion honestly. My father was a history teacher, and every family vacation, trip to the grocery store, or drive past a historical marker became an impromptu lesson. As a child, I was the kid lurking at the edges of adult conversations at family reunions, soaking up every story, scandal, and half-remembered rumor about the people who came before us.

Fast forward to 2010, when an elementary school family tree project showed up at my house. That simple homework assignment was the spark that ignited what has become a full-blown career and calling. I went from casual family historian to professional genealogist, researcher, and educator ... and I haven’t looked back.

Along the way, I've published books and articles, spoken at conferences, and pursued advanced research in the field. But credentials aside, what drives me is the same thing that kept me eavesdropping at those family reunions: the stories.

Where I've Been

Some of you may know me from my previous blog, Trials and Tribulations of a Family Historian, which I started back in 2011. That blog became a space for me to share research discoveries, conference coverage, tips and tricks, and the occasional confession: yes, I, too, have completely demolished a cherished family myth with a single archival find. (It happens to the best of us.)

I also had the privilege of serving as the second Family Tree Firsts Blogger through Family Tree University from 2011 to 2012, writing weekly posts about my experiences as a developing genealogist. That year of writing pushed me to dig deeper, learn faster, and share more openly.

Over more than a decade of blogging, I've covered everything from DNA testing and research methodology to conference packing tips and the emotional rollercoaster of connecting with newly discovered relatives. If there's one thing I've learned, it's this: genealogy is never boring.

Why a New Home?

So why the move? Sometimes a fresh start just feels right. A new website, a new platform, and a renewed commitment to sharing this journey with all of you. The passion hasn't changed. I'm still chasing ancestors through courthouse records, deciphering old handwriting, and getting unreasonably excited about finding a new census entry.

But I wanted a space that better reflects where I am now in my career and research and where I'm headed next.

What to Expect Here

If you choose to follow along, here's what you can look forward to:

• Research Stories & Discoveries: The wins, the brick walls, and the “wait, WHAT?” moments that make this work so fascinating.

  
  

• Education & Tips: Practical advice for researchers at every level, from beginners to seasoned professionals.

  
  

• Conference Coverage: Recaps, insights, and highlights from genealogy events.

  
  

• Family Stories: Because every family tree is full of characters worth meeting.

  
  

• The Occasional Myth-Busting: Sometimes the truth is even more interesting than the legend.

Come Along for the Ride

Genealogy isn’t just about collecting names and dates; it’s about understanding who we are by discovering where we came from. It's messy, surprising, sometimes heartbreaking, and always worth the effort.

I'd love for you to join me on this next chapter. Follow along and don't be a stranger. I genuinely enjoy hearing from fellow researchers, whether you’re just starting out or have been at this for decades.

Here's to new beginnings, old ancestors, and all the stories waiting to be found.

Happy researching!

Shannon