About Tracing Ancestors
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring names, stories, and dignity to families whose histories were erased, overlooked, or forgotten.
Our Mission
Tracing Ancestors exists to restore names, stories, and dignity to families whose histories were erased, overlooked, or forgotten. We believe that every family deserves to know their history — and that access to genealogical records is a matter of equity and justice.
Through genealogy research, military history, and community partnerships, we give families the evidence they need to reclaim their heritage. We focus on families whose records were often deliberately destroyed, withheld, or never created — restoring what was lost and making it accessible to all.
Our work spans digitization of historical documents, publication of research guides, educational programming, and the Eternal Valor Network — a collaborative consortium dedicated to preserving the memory of military service.
Our Story
Tracing Ancestors was founded in Kansas City, Missouri, by genealogist, author, and speaker Kathleen Brandt. For 20 years, Kathleen led a3Genealogy, a professional research firm specializing in family histories, military records, and historical documents from around the world. In 2025 she retired a3Genealogy's client research services to focus on teaching, writing, and building Tracing Ancestors.
Today, Kathleen shares that expertise with the wider genealogy community as a keynote presenter for societies and conferences, as the author of Behind the Uniform, and as host of the Hittin' the Brick podcast. Kathleen Brandt, President of Tracing Ancestors, has granted the nonprofit permission to share the a3Genealogy blog and Hittin' the Brick podcast archives as a resource for our community. This content is written, produced, and owned by Kathleen Brandt (dba a3Genealogy), a separate entity from Tracing Ancestors, and is shared here with permission.
Tracing Ancestors builds on that legacy as a nonprofit, with programs, publications, and partnerships, including the Eternal Valor Network, that help families everywhere reclaim the histories that were lost, withheld, or never recorded.
Kathleen no longer accepts private research clients. Keynotes and presentations are booked through a3Genealogy at a3Genealogy@gmail.com.
Our Nonprofit Status
501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Organization
Tracing Ancestors is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. This means your donations are fully tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.
As a tax-exempt organization, we are committed to transparency and accountability. All funds raised go directly toward our programs: genealogy research, digitization projects, educational resources, and community outreach.
We operate under the oversight of our board of directors and comply with all IRS requirements for nonprofit organizations.
Organization Details
- Legal Name:
- Tracing Ancestors
- Status:
- 501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Nonprofit
- Location:
- Kansas City, Missouri
- Mailing:
- P.O. Box 414640, Kansas City, MO 64141
Support Our Work
Your tax-deductible donation funds research, digitization, education, and community programs. Donate via Zeffy (fee-free) or Zelle — every dollar goes directly to the mission.
Donate NowWhat We Stand For
Preserve the Records
We digitize and safeguard birth certificates, military records, and family documents that might otherwise be lost forever — making them accessible to researchers and families for generations to come.
Honor Military Service
We uncover the stories of soldiers and veterans — from the Revolutionary War through modern conflicts — whose service and sacrifice deserve to be remembered and honored.
Connect Families to Their Past
Through research tools, publications, and community partnerships, we give families the evidence they need to reclaim their heritage and understand who they are and where they come from.
Our Leadership
Kathleen Brandt
Kathleen Brandt is a professional genealogist, author, and educator with decades of experience in genealogy research and military records spanning families worldwide. She is the author of Behind the Uniform and the host of the Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen podcast.
Her research has helped hundreds of families uncover records and stories that were thought to be lost forever. She is widely recognized as one of the most respected voices in the genealogy community.
Get in Touch
Have questions about our work, want to collaborate, or need help with your own genealogy research? We'd love to hear from you.