Mica L. Anders: A Professional Genealogist Bridging the Past and the Present
Mica L. Anders, the owner of Anders Genealogical Services, is a dedicated genealogist based in Minnesota, committed to helping individuals uncover the complexities of their family histories. With a full-time focus on genealogy, Anders has made it her mission to reconnect people with their ancestral roots and provide insights that can shape their understanding of identity and heritage.
Describing her work, Anders states, “That could mean building out a family tree, verifying stories that have been passed down, or finding details about an ancestor’s life that have been forgotten or erased.” Her services encompass a broad array of genealogical research techniques, including the analysis of archival records, census data, vital records, newspapers, and oral histories. She often incorporates DNA analysis as a vital tool to uncover hidden family narratives.
The significance of genealogy extends beyond mere historical curiosity for Anders. She emphasizes the transformative power of understanding one’s heritage, noting, “It’s about understanding how the choices, struggles, and strengths of your ancestors shaped who you are today.” This is particularly relevant for Black and multiracial families, as much of their histories have been obscured or outright erased. “When we reclaim those stories,” she explains, “we don’t just restore the past—we restore pride, belonging, and connection.”
Anders’ foray into genealogy began during her childhood as she grappled with the gaps in knowledge about her own family’s history, particularly on her father’s side. “I had very little—just a single photo of my grandma and a few stories my dad had shared about growing up in Missouri.” This personal experience ignited her interest and underscored the fact that many individuals face similar challenges, especially within the Black and mixed-race communities.
Officially establishing Anders Genealogical Services in 2014, Anders built her expertise through professional development focused on genealogical research methods. This knowledge was foundational to her master’s thesis in Visual Arts, where she developed innovative projects that interwove genealogy with art. Her “heraldic geneagraphs,” textile-based representations of family histories, utilized diverse cultural symbols to recount each family’s unique narrative. “By combining European heraldry, West African textile traditions, and Cherokee beadwork, I could represent all aspects of a family’s heritage equally,” she adds.
Anders’ clients benefit from a spectrum of services: from comprehensive research conducted by her team to workshops where she assists individuals in overcoming research obstacles. She is particularly adept at addressing contemporary family mysteries, utilizing both traditional records and DNA when necessary while educating clients on privacy concerns related to genetic testing.
Her community engagement is robust. Anders creates traveling exhibits and leads large-scale projects aimed at rediscovering lost African American histories for historical societies and museums. Currently offering both remote and in-person services, she extends her expertise beyond U.S. borders, assisting clients with ancestry that traces back to Jamaica, the UK, and Argentina.
Anders encapsulates her professional philosophy succinctly: “For me, it’s about more than records—it’s about restoring legacies, reconnecting people with the stories and ancestors that shaped them.” For further insights into her genealogical services, visit Anders Genealogical Services and follow her on Facebook.
