On Thursday, May 2, 2024, Katy Bodenhorn Barnes, the Director of Genealogical Programs and Services at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania (HSP) appeared on the Tamron Hall Show. Katy unveiled her extensive research findings on the maternal family history of the show's host, Tamron Hall.
Katy's investigation into Tamron’s genealogy included a trip to Texas, Tamron's home state, where she delved into historical sources. Her research process included combing through newspapers preserved on microfilm and examining census records and draft cards.
Through her efforts, Katy unearthed a significant discovery: Tamron's great-great-great grandfather decided to change the family surname following a period of enslavement. Tamron became emotional as she absorbed the significance of Katy's discoveries. Watch both of Katy's segments on the episode here.
If you are on a family history journey or interested in getting started, we invite you to connect with Katy and HSP’s expertise through the following services:
Individual Genealogical Consultations will help you figure out the next steps in your family history research. Designed for beginner and more experienced genealogists alike, these one-on-one conversations with Katy will provide you with the advice you need to develop a research plan. 60-minute appointments are available throughout the week, either virtually or onsite at 1300 Locust Street, Philadelphia.
Let Katy Bodenhorn Barnes research your family history in Pennsylvania and beyond, with specialized knowledge and access to millions of records. Upon completion of the project, you’ll receive not only personalized research, but a written report, copies of documents and/or photos found, and a tree and charts illustrating our findings. An optional, private post-project video call with the researcher to talk through the results will also be available.
If you are unable to visit HSP's library, HSP's Research by Mail service can help! For a pre-paid fee, a skilled staff researcher will work on your research topic and search through our extensive archives. HSP holds records for Pennsylvania, as well as for most of the colonies and states east of the Mississippi River. Frequently used sources include probate records, newspapers, church records, deeds, genealogical research files, and manuscript collections. Learn more here.
HSP often offers genealogy programs, classes and seminars on various topics. Our current genealogy webinar series, Peopling Pennsylvania, explores how to research ancestors from six of the most common historical migrant groups to Pennsylvania.