Black and white vintage photographs spread on a white windowsill, with three potted plants in terracotta and glass containers nearby.

ABOUT US

Rediscovering Ancestors.
Reviving Stories.

Honoring history with detailed and compassionate research.

It's all about blending rigorous research with storytelling. We dig deep into archives, pore over old documents, and piece together the puzzles of the past.

Then we transform those findings into something special – whether that's a family history narrative that brings your ancestors to life or a museum exhibit that reshapes how we see our local history.

Memberships & Affiliations

Logo of the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society (AAHGS), featuring a stylized map of Africa and a tree, with the organization's name and abbreviation.
ProGen Alumni logo with stylized open book and maroon text.
APG Member logo on a black and white background.
A woman with dark hair tied back, wearing a black top with buttons and red hoop earrings, standing outdoors with green trees in the background, smiling at the camera.

MEET THE FOUNDER

Mica L. Anders

Mica is passionate about uncovering the rich, often overlooked stories of our past. With a focus on African American and Midwestern U.S. genealogy, she has worked with clients and organizations in the U.S., Canada, Jamaica, and the UK, bringing underrepresented stories to light. 

As a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, the first ever history fellow at the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum, and recipient of the 2023 Minnesota Genealogical Society Pioneer Award, she upholds the highest standards in her research. Her dedication and expertise make her a sought-after collaborator for projects that bring forgotten histories to life.

Featured In

  • Saharan Journal logo with a red stylized 'S' and the words 'sahan journal' in red below.

    Sahan Journal

    Giving people their history back’: Genealogist helps BIPOC Minnesotans trace ancestral roots.

    Read Here
  • Two women sitting at a table with a laptop and documents, engaging in a discussion. One woman (Mica Anders) is smiling and holding a newspaper or printed material, while the other woman is listening.

    Speak On It

    African Americans in the Midwest.

    Listen Here
  • Logo for Minnesota Live, with the word 'Minnesota' in cursive and 'LIVE' in bold capital letters

    Minnesota Live

    Exploring your family’s ancestry.

    Watch Here
  • Black background with white text reading 'CANVAS REBEL'

    Canvas Rebel

    Meet Mica L Anders.

    Read Here
  • Logo for KFAI radio station featuring a lightning bolt, radio tower, and the station's frequency details and locations in Minneapolis and Saint Paul.

    KFAI Radio

    MinneCulture | The Healing Place

    Listen Here
  • A graphic displaying the words 'LIFE KIT' in bold black letters inside a white square. The graphic has a grid background with the NPR logo at the top left corner.

    National Public Radio - Life Kit

    Piece together your family tree.

    Listen Here
  • NPR Life Kit logo on a checkered background.

    National Public Radio - Life Kit

    How to deepen your connection with your ancestors.

    Listen Here
  • Press Citizen logo with the words 'Press' in blue and 'Citizen' in black

    Iowa City Press Citizen

    I've been able to create the path that doesn't exist': Iowa City native merges public art, history

    Read Here
  • KARE 11 logo with blue background and white text.

    Kare11

    Think African Americans arrived in Minnesota in the 1900s? Think again.

    Watch Here
  • Logo for the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery featuring a black and white spiral design.

    Minnesota African American History Museum and Gallery

    Meet MAAHMG History Fellow Mica L. Anders

    Watch Here
  • Logo of Minnesota Public Radio with colorful dots above the text

    Minnesota Public Radio

    What You Need to Know About At-Home DNA Kits.

    Listen Here
  • Minnesota Public Radio logo with colorful circles above the text

    Minnesota Public Radio

    The Consequences of DNA Kits.

    Listen Here
  • The word 'INSIDER' in white capital letters on a black background.

    Insider

    The 4 most accurate DNA test kits and which one has a history of selling health data for profit.

    Read Here

Our Vision

A world where every person feels deeply connected to their heritage and proud of their ancestral stories, fostering a greater sense of identity and community.

Learn Your Family Stories
Black and white photograph of two children standing outside in a garden, with trees and a house in the background. One child is wearing a striped shirt and shorts, the other is wearing a cap and overalls.
A stack of old, yellowed papers tied with a black string, a vintage pen, black ink bottle, and scattered black and white photographs on a light-colored surface.
Two women sitting on a white sofa, reviewing information on a pink laptop.

Our Mission

We help folks connect to previous generations and revive family stories so they can understand who they are through the ancestors who came before them.

HISTORY

AWAITS

Choose Your Path

Two vintage black-and-white photographs of African American men, one seated in a chair in a uniform, and the other three standing in front of a building with a vehicle, all wearing coats and caps.

Family Research

Start Your Journey
People gathered around an exhibit display about the life of a Pullman Porter at a museum or train station. The display includes historical photos and text about train porters, supported by organizations like the Minnesota Transportation Museum.

Community History

Partner With Us
A woman giving a presentation on Civil War pension files, standing in front of a projection screen, smiling, with a laptop on the desk.

Learn and Grow

Explore Our Programs
Two women are sitting together and looking at printed materials, one woman is holding a laptop.

Ready to Explore Your History?

Whether you're tracing your family roots, uncovering community stories, or leveling up your research skills, we're here to guide you.

Start Your Historical Journey

  • "OMG Mica! My goodness, there are no words!!! I so appreciate what you have done for my mom. And we may be back to do the next level “digging” and I’m gonna talk to her about the cemetery and headstones. You ROCK!!!!"

    L.R.

  • "CONGRATULATIONS, Mica!!!! You saved me by producing a wonderful ‘take-away’ product for the soon-upcoming [---] Family Weekend!!!! I love it; and I know the family will love it too!"

    P.G.

A hand holding a black-and-white photo of three children in front of a fenced yard, with a house in the background.
A black-and-white photo of a group of women and children gathered outside a house, some sitting on chairs and others standing, smiling and holding drinks.

NEWSLETTER

Join the A-List

Sign up for our bi-monthly newsletter where you'll hear about past clients, upcoming workshops, and other insider tips and stories.