  Step #2 After You've Found a Living Descendant: Let Them Know How You're Related Right Away
To hopefully break the ice, and get them to be more willing to give you information, let them know exactly who you are right away, and how you are related to them. Also make sure you can give their parents', and at least grandparents' names, and further if possible. Then tell them your line, and exactly how that line fits into their family tree, so they know it's not a scam. 😉 Follow more descendancy research tips below, and other research tips in Genealogy Research Tips. Rule #1 of Finding Living Descendants in Your Family Tree Rule #2 of Finding Living Descendants in Your Family Tree Rule #3 of Finding Living Descendants in Your Family Tree Step #1 After You've Found a Living Descendant Step #3 After You've Found a Living Descendant P.S... My older site theme does not support the "Leave a Reply" field labels; if you'd like to leave a comment on a blog, the fields are : Name, Email, Site (if you'd like), and Comment, the standard fields 😉
0 Comments
  Step #1 After You've Found a Living Descendant: Connect
After you've found a living descendant, you can write a letter, email, message them on Facebook, or call them. Even though the preferred method is to write a letter, so they have a little time to decide if they want to reach out to you, I seem to always call because it's the quickest method, and to be honest (even though it's sad), who writes letters anymore. 😊 Follow more descendancy research tips below, and other research tips in Genealogy Research Tips. Rule #1 of Finding Living Descendants in Your Family Tree Rule #2 of Finding Living Descendants in Your Family Tree Rule #3 of Finding Living Descendants in Your Family Tree Step #2 After You've Found a Living Descendant Step #3 After You've Found a Living Descendant P.S... My older site theme does not support the "Leave a Reply" field labels; if you'd like to leave a comment on a blog, the fields are : Name, Email, Site (if you'd like), and Comment, the standard fields 😉
Out of all the Genealogy Lost and Found Cases I've Done, this was probably my most interesting one, because of how different it was! I've never had a time capsule case before! This was one of my most memorable cases, not only because it was unique, but because it went so viral and spread all throughout the world! I'm so glad I was able to locate the original time capsule owner, and in only a couple hours! :)
You can check out the original post here: https://www.facebook.com/mikell.edens/posts/3842846385736175  About the Author, Diane Henriks Many people have asked how I started this work and what led me to where I am today. For a long time, I didn’t think my story mattered—I focused more on solving problems than talking about myself. But I’ve learned that genealogy is just as much about connection as it is about research, so here is a little more about who I am and why I do what I do.
Hi, I’m Diane Henriks—a professional genealogist, speaker, author, investigator, and the founder of Know Who Wears the Genes in Your Family. I’m extremely passionate about family history and thoroughly committed to helping people discover, document, and preserve their stories. My approach is grounded in careful analysis, logical reasoning, and a methodical way of thinking that guides every case I take on. I specialize in descendancy research, living people search, brick wall research, and unknown parentage research. Many know me as “The Descendant Detective”, a name that grew from my long-standing focus on tracing living descendants and reconstructing complex family lines. My work often blends traditional and genetic genealogy, and I’ve collaborated closely with private investigators on difficult searches and background investigations in both civil and criminal contexts. Along with core research services, I also offer:
I’ve been researching genealogy for well over a decade—close to twenty years—working on both my own ancestral lines and the many families I’ve assisted along the way. I’m a proud member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, the Genealogical Speakers Guild, the Southern California Genealogical Society, and the Utah Genealogical Association. At the encouragement of colleagues at SCGS, I began publishing my work several years ago and have since authored multiple books in my specialty areas. Outside of research and my family, some of my favorite things include tea (especially chai lattes), pumpkin and lemon everything, fog, bridges, and—of course—genealogy. What started as a small hobby, after receiving a hand-drawn family tree from my father, has grown into a lifelong dedication to helping others uncover the people and stories that shaped them. If you ever have a question or need guidance, feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to help. Follow along on my blog, Facebook, YouTube, and Pinterest—and if you’re ready to begin your own family history journey, I’d love to work with you. Updated: 11/18/2025 I gave the Original Post Owner/ Diary holder the phone number for the living descendants I spoke with, and she messaged me back and said the lady I had spoken with ( and her son) sounded like she was about to cry because she was so happy! The lady I had spoken with on the phone, messaged me back after I sent her a pic of the post, and was shocked at how well kept the 151 year old diary was! she Said, "What a treasure!" She told me she wished her mother in law, who had passed away (a few years ago I found), could have seen it. Her mother in law was the granddaughter of the original diary owner. She is quoted as saying, "My mother in law was a wonderful woman. Strong and fierce mother. And the best friend any could have. I love and miss her very much. Thank you for the connections. And I just spoke with ... Thank you again." The original post owner will be mailing them out the diary...again, such a cool find, and so glad I was able to reunite this 151 year old diary with her great grandchildren and her great great grandchildren! 
So glad that I was able to track down the few living descendants to this awesome find posted in one of my Genealogy groups this morning, Family Treasures Found! This is an awesome Facebook Group that helps people reunite with lost items, and also posts a lot of photos they've found, in which you may find your family members! Check them out on Facebook! A diary! How cool is that! If my great great grandmother had a diary, I'd definitely love to have someone track me down and give it to me! It took me all but 15 minutes to track down all of her only living descendants, which weren't many...she had 3 children, and only 1 of them had children, and only 1 of those children, had children, thus the ONLY living descendants! All that in 15 minutes, but took me about another 45 minutes to find working numbers, as they were all disconnected, and A LOT of moving around, but finally got one of an ex, whose kids were all there when I called(in their 30's, not little kids )...they were so excited, and can't wait for the diary!!!!
Publishing Your Family History
Genealogy Jamboree 2021 | Publishing Your Family History | Diane Henriks Jamboree is the largest "single society" conference in the U.S., and draws family historians and professional genealogists from all over the world! Register for the Southern California Genealogy Jamboree 2021, and come hear my presentation on Publishing Your Family History! My presentation will be held on Friday June 11th. There will be so many wonderful speakers from all over, including Ancestry.com, MyHeritage.com, FamilySearch.org, FamilyTreeDNA.com, FindaGrave.com, National Geographic Genographic Project, and many more! Registration begins January 11th 2021! Follow Genealogy Jamboree and learn about more fantastic genealogy events, classes and presentations in Genealogy Events. Rule #3 of finding living descendants in your family tree: Fan out and rework your way forward again
Start with the 1st child of your starting ancestor, then fan out, and repeat with each child. Continue this process for each of their children, and do the same for siblings and possible siblings, while using the same research methods. As you get closer to living relatives, use public online directory records, genealogy message boards, alumni and school sites, public record search databases, public profile records/social media (my preferred method), Google and other search engines, or seek out a private investigator. Don't forget to document all you find on family group sheets! 😊 Follow more descendancy research tips below, and other research tips in Genealogy Research Tips. Rule #1 of Finding Living Descendants in Your Family Tree Rule #2 of Finding Living Descendants in Your Family Tree Step #1 After You've Found a Living Descendant Step #2 After You've Found a Living Descendant Step #3 After You've Found a Living Descendant P.S... My older site theme does not support the "Leave a Reply" field labels; if you'd like to leave a comment on a blog, the fields are : Name, Email, Site (if you'd like), and Comment, the standard fields 😉 |
Author, Diane HenriksHi, I'm Diane Henriks, a professional genealogist, speaker, author, investigator, and the founder of Know Who Wears the Genes in Your Family who... Know Who Wears the Genes in Your Family: Family History and Genealogy BlogI hope my family history and genealogy blog on genealogy research tips, resources, events, and more, along with my own genealogy journeys, will help you in your research and in building your family tree to learn more about your ancestors and family history to preserve for future generations to come! Categories
All
Featured
Top Posts
BlogrollEvalogue.Life, Heart of the Family, Molly's Canopy, Climbing My Family Tree, DNA Breakthroughs, Ancestral Findings, Genealogy Tip of the Day, Family History Daily, Heart of the Family Blog Party, Genea-Musings, Best of the Genea-Blogs, Genealogy à la carte, Empty Branches on the Family Tree
Come visit me at Know Who Wears the Genes in Your Family if you're interested in starting your family history journey, booking me for your next speaking event, or family history and genealogy heirloom products!
          Archives
November 2025
|
RSS Feed
Ready to Discover your family's Story? Start Your journey Today! |
|
📌 Quick Links💡 Tips & Resources⚖️ Legal |
🧬 ServicesGenealogy Research | DNA Research | Brick Wall Research | Heir & Living People Search | Unknown Parentage Research | Ancestor Biographies | Publishing | Coaching | Workshops | Speaking
📚 Products |
📬 Stay Connected🕒 HoursMon–Sun: 8am – 8pm
🗺️ Map
|
|
Member of the Association of Professional Genealogists |
✨ Commitment
Know Who Wears the Genes in Your Family is dedicated to promoting family history and genealogy, while maintaining commitment to client care and professional service, and adheres to the Code of Ethics and Professional Practices put forth by the Association of Professional Genealogists.
© 2016–2025 Diane Henriks | Know Who Wears the Genes in Your Family. All rights reserved.