Discovering the Past. Empowering the Present. Honoring the Ancestors.

Tracing family roots is more than uncovering names and dates—it’s about reclaiming stories, preserving legacies, and building a bridge between past and present. My passion lies in illuminating the histories of African American families, with a focus on the descendants of the enslaved, whose narratives are often hidden or forgotten.

About Me

I’m LaTonya Lawson Jones, a dedicated genealogist with more than 20 years of experience helping families uncover their unique heritage. Inspired by my own journey of exploring my ancestral roots, I specialize in reconstructing family trees, interpreting historical records, and piecing together the legacies of those who came before us. My primary mission is to help descendants of the enslaved reconnect with their origins and honor their ancestors’ resilience and strength.

As the founder and Project Director of the Nomini Hall Slave Legacy Project, I have devoted my extensive knowledge of historical records and archives and my passion for uncovering hidden family stories of the formerly enslaved. With my assistance or guidance/training, you’ll be able to trace your family’s roots back through generations and connect with your ancestors in a meaningful way.

Genealogy Services Provided

• Comprehensive family tree research
  • Full-service genealogical research utilizing historic records such as birth, marriage, and death certificates, census records, military records, and immigration records. This service is tailored to your specific needs and goals, whether you’re looking to trace your family tree back several generations or uncover a specific family secret. Detailed reports and analysis of the findings are made available, as well as personalized consultations to help you understand the results
• Genealogy Coaching/Training
  • Personalized coaching/training sessions are tailored to your specific needs and goals, whether you’re a beginner just starting out or an experienced researcher looking to take your skills to the next level. Coaching can help you navigate the complex world of genealogy research and provide you with the tools and resources you need to succeed.
  • Periodic training classes to include online courses, webinars, and in-person workshops that cover a wide range of topics, from basic genealogy research to advanced techniques for uncovering hidden family secrets
• DNA testing and personalized consultations to help you understand your results and ways to connect with living relatives.
  • Unlock the secrets of your family’s past with DNA testing services.
• Family History Interviews
  • Specializes in conducting personal interviews with your family members to gather valuable information about your ancestors and their stories.
  • Has the skills and experience to ask the right questions and uncover hidden details that can help you piece together your family’s history. Understands that personal interviews can be a sensitive and emotional process, which is why it is important to approach each session with care and respect.
• Pedigree Chart Design and Printing
  • Customized pedigree charts or family trees
• Record retrieval
  • Can help you obtain copies of historical records, such as wills, deeds, and probate records, that can provide valuable information about your ancestors.
• Lineage society applications
  • Can help you prepare and submit applications for membership in lineage societies, such as the Daughters of the American Revolution or the Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War.
• Personalized Consultations
  • Can provide personalized consultations to help you understand your research findings and develop a research plan to continue your family history research.

Why Focus on Descendants of the Enslaved?

The legacies of the enslaved are a critical part of American history, yet their stories are often difficult to trace due to systemic erasure and fragmented records. My work centers on filling these gaps, not only to empower families with their histories but to contribute to a broader understanding of our shared heritage. Let me help you uncover the secrets of your family’s past and connect with your ancestors in a way that honors their legacy.

Everyone deserves to know their family’s history and heritage. Schedule a consultation today to learn more about my genealogy services and start your journey.