Heidi Blanton

Description

Heidi Blanton is a professional genealogist specialising in records and family history research for England, Ireland, Germany/Prussia, and the United States. Originally from Ohio and now based near London’s major archives, she combines rigorous documentary research with DNA evidence to solve complex cases of identity, kinship, and migration.

With a background in User Experience (UX) Design and Library and Information Science, Heidi bridges the gap between archival scholarship and clear, accessible storytelling. Whether helping to break down “brick walls,” reconstructing multigenerational family lines, or documenting citizenship-by-descent applications, she provides structured, fully cited research designed for both individuals and fellow professionals.

Services

• Genealogical Research: Careful, evidence-based research using parish registers, civil registration, census, military, and probate records. Heidi handles projects ranging from targeted look-ups and single-line investigations to multi-generation family reconstructions.
• DNA Analysis: Using test results and related tools alongside traditional records to test hypotheses, clarify relationships, and strengthen conclusions in her research.
• Family Trees and Visual Work: Drawing on her design background, Heidi can create clear, visually coherent family trees and summaries that help clients see at a glance how generations connect. This includes cleaning and documenting existing online trees or producing new, well-cited charts and diagrams.
• House and Location History: Tracing how properties and neighbourhoods have changed over time. By linking historical maps with local records, she situates families within their broader social landscapes to uncover the “hidden connections” that shaped past communities.
• Archive and Specialist Support: Conducting on-site research at The National Archives (Kew) and London repositories, helping with immigrants to America and Irish citizenship by descent documentation, and providing advisory sessions for clients who prefer to be actively involved in their research.

Academic Background

• Postgraduate Diploma in Genealogical, Palaeographic and Heraldic Studies (PgDip) | University of Strathclyde (Glasgow)
• Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) | Wayne State University (Detroit)
• Dissertation: “Who were the residents of Bursledon, Hampshire, 1840–1921?” A property-focused study using mapping software (GIS) and spatial data to explore community structure. By matching individuals to specific locations along the River Hamble, the research revealed how long-lasting kinship ties and social networks provided essential resilience for working-class families over time.