Hi, I'm Rhonda!
I’ve been following my passion for genealogy for more than 35 years. Now I use that passion to teach, inspire, and help others uncover the stories hidden within their own family history.
I’m a Louisiana native who now calls North Carolina home. My journey into genealogy began after both of my parents had passed away by the time I was in my early twenties. My passion was ignited when I began searching for the truth behind a family secret that had been taken to the grave. At the same time, I was drawn to discover the origins of my German roots. I quickly learned that you never realize how important family history is until there is no one left to ask.
My experience is diverse: uncovering family mysteries, writing heritage cookbooks, organizing large family events and reuniting adoptees with their birth families.
My lectures are unique because they are built on my own personal case studies and span a wide variety of subjects, including German research, military history, heritage travel, slavery, DNA, cemetery research, and more. Through these real-life stories, I have engaged thousands of genealogy enthusiasts, inspiring them to dig deeper into their own history and uncover the fascinating stories within their families.
Whether I’m speaking at a local library, a regional conference, or the world-renowned RootsTech conference, my goal is to help you engage with your own family’s story.
My biggest thrill is hearing listeners say they are inspired to begin researching, take that extra step, and uncover the family stories that can lead to life-changing connections.
Learn more about me by clicking one of the buttons below.
- Rhonda Roederer, Founder & Genealogist, Heritage With Heart
Book me for a lecture or seminar.
I'd love to speak to your organization or group! I can also help you bring genealogy to community education or library programming. Whether you choose a Family History Detective masterclass or the Coming to America Lecture Series, it’s sure to attract a crowd.
What attendees have to say.
a real contribution
"The Coming to America series is a real contribution to any community as it not only honors the immigrants and their families that share their stories, but it also helps to remind us that we are, perhaps more than others, a country of immigrants.”
– Brian Altobello, Author (Attendee, Coming to America Lecture Series)
contagious enthusiasm
"Rhonda’s enthusiasm is contagious… a very determined seeker. She does whatever it takes to complete her quest. As she relates her adventures, you are swept up in her family story. It inspires you to pursue your family ancestors as fervently as she does.”
– A. Thibodeaux (Attendee, Family History Detective)
no stone unturned
"With knowledge, patience, creativity, and the art of listening to her clients, Rhonda yields great results and leaves no stone unturned. A detective indeed, her dogged determination often reveals unexpected gems of information.”
– D. Ursin (Family History Research Client)
her presentation was the 'why'
"I enjoyed all the talks. The main presentation each night was the “how” of family research. Rhonda’s presentation was the “why…” relating stories of the past is the reason I do what I do."
professional & interesting
"Thank you for your time and effort. The presentations were very professional and interesting. It helped motivate me to move forward in my own search."
a whole new way to see my ancestors
"Thank you for sharing your work with us. It certainly has given me a whole new way to see my ancestors – real vibrant people – not a collection of dusty, boring facts."
Read the blog.
Check out the blog for new genealogy stories, tips, and insights.
Get your free Family History Brainstorming Sheet.
No matter how uninteresting you believe your family to be, there is a saga waiting to be discovered!
Professional genealogy research is unique to each family, depending on location, time period, and records. The availability of vital records varies from region to region. And family research is never really done. The answer to one question can raise even more.
YOU ARE IN CONTROL of just how far down the proverbial rabbit hole your research project will go. Having an understanding of what you’d like to know will narrow the scope of work.
YOU CAN ALSO HAVE A SPECIFIC QUESTION IN MIND. This yields highly achievable results.
Get your FREE Family History Brainstorming Sheet by clicking below.
