The Boomer Woman’s Podcast, episode 273
What Will Your Great-Grandchildren Know About You? A Conversation About Family Stories, DNA & Legacy with Mica Anders
Many of us become curious about our family history later in life. We wonder where we came from, who came before us, and whether those well-loved family stories are actually true.
Professional genealogist Mica Anders explains why genealogy is about much more than names on a family tree. It’s about understanding the people behind those names, preserving stories before they’re lost, and leaving something meaningful for future generations.
Together we explore:
- how DNA testing can uncover unexpected family connections
- why family myths often contain kernels of truth
- the surprising records many people overlook
- adoption, donor conception and DNA discoveries
- preserving photographs, letters and family treasures
- why every one of us will one day become someone else’s ancestor
- simple ways to begin recording your own story today
Whether you’ve already built a family tree or have never looked beyond your grandparents, this conversation is a reminder that our stories matter.
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Agnes - in conversation with Mica Anders
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About the guest: Mica Anders
My journey into genealogy began with a simple question about my own family’s past, and it’s grown into a 15-year passion for uncovering forgotten stories. I’m Mica L. Anders, a professional genealogist and artistic placemaker, specializing in African American and Midwestern U.S. genealogy.
My unique approach combines rigorous historical research with creative storytelling. I don’t just build family trees; I breathe life into ancestors’ stories, helping people connect with their roots in meaningful ways. This blend of history and art stems from my background – I hold an MFA in visual art, which I use to create compelling visual representations of family and community histories.
Over the years, I’ve developed expertise in navigating the specific challenges of African American and Caribbean genealogy, particularly in tracing lineages beyond the 1870 brick wall. I’ve also become adept at using DNA testing to break through family research roadblocks, a skill that’s become increasingly crucial in modern genealogy.
My work has led me to some incredible opportunities. I was honored to be the first-ever history fellow at the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum, where I conducted pioneering research on early African Americans in Southeast Minnesota during the 1800s. This work later earned me the Minnesota Genealogical Society’s Pioneer Award.
But what really drives me is the impact this work has on individuals and communities. I’ve seen how uncovering lost stories can reshape a person’s sense of identity and place in the world. It’s not just about the past – it’s about understanding our present and shaping our future.
I believe that every family has a story worth telling, and every community has hidden histories waiting to be discovered. My goal is to empower people with the tools and knowledge to explore their own roots, and to help communities reclaim and celebrate the diverse narratives that make up their shared heritage.
Whether I’m working with individual clients, collaborating with museums on exhibits, or speaking at events, my mission remains the same: to illuminate the rich, often overlooked stories of our past, and to show how these stories continue to shape us today.
Continue Your Journey…
If you’re curious about how DNA can reshape identity:
Al Isaacs — A life-changing DNA discovery revealed a family secret that rewrote his understanding of who he is.
If you’re wondering how family history shapes who we become:
Jodi Vandenberg-Daves — A conversation about identity, family history and the generations that quietly influence our lives.
If you’re thinking about the stories you’ll leave behind:
Nancy Jasin Ensley — Why preserving memories and sharing our stories may be one of the greatest gifts we leave our families.
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