ABOUT
ABOUT ME
Hey, I’m Jes. Pisces sun, Virgo rising. I was raised on soup beans and cornbread in West Middletown, Ohio, and both sides of my family are from Eastern Kentucky. I have no title besides Mama and am an expert at exactly nothing. I’m just a curious person who loves exploring interesting topics in depth. I first got into genealogy at around age 11 after a family tree project at school, and I have since enjoyed trying to piece together my ancestors’ stories. The struggles they faced and the strength they found through it all amazes and inspires me. You can call me a weirdo, but I talk to and dance with my ancestors regularly.
I’m a descendant of Melungeons, and it’s a hard truth to process that there could be no “trace” clues of that ancestry in the DNA of generations beyond mine. For that reason and others, I feel strongly that it’s my life purpose to rediscover and reclaim our family’s heritage before it is completely lost to time and to share that journey with others doing the same. <3
ABOUT THE PROJECT
After discovering my Melungeon ancestry and trying to learn more about this mysterious mixed-ethnic people online, I started feeling confused and discouraged, not knowing which sources to trust and what to believe. My spirits lifted when the Melungeon Voices podcast (presented by the Melungeon Heritage Association) started airing in 2020. I really appreciate their efforts to explore our ethnic identity and history. It’s a great way for descendants to reconnect with our forgotten/hidden heritage and to learn about current issues. They speak with a diverse group of guests, covering a wide range of related topics, and share some pretty fantastic resources!
Inspired by the work of the MHA, I started gathering a list of all the resources I could find on the Melungeons and any related groups, including those from origin theories. I also gathered resources on African American, Native American, and regional history and traditions, mixed-race studies, genealogical research, and other related topics. My Zotero reference library became so large that I needed a better way to sort through things and more space for notes. Soon after, the idea for the Melungeon Roots website was born.
PROJECT STATUS
Bare bones. The website has most of its structure in place but very little content. That will change quickly if you show me this is sustainable! After several years of work and expense to figure out, design, and then build the site, I need to ask for your help. The Melungeon Roots project is at risk of going offline without funding. If you love the vision and want to see this become a reality, please consider becoming a member and/or contributing to our pre-launch campaign today.
PROJECT MISSION
– To gather, organize, and make accessible all relevant resources about the Melungeons & their descendants, as well as all related peoples, places, and topics.
– To present the information in a way that allows you to explore relationships and connections and to find the most relevant resources for your research.
– To host a safe community space where we can celebrate our heritage, honor our ancestors, and share our stories and research.
CURRENT GOALS
– To continue working through all the resource, ancestor, surname, place, people, etc. pages, verifying and sharing all the information you need on one site.
– To work with organizations such as the Melungeon Heritage Association to bring you additional resources, news, and events.
– To secure funding to save this project from end-of-life so that I can continue to share resources and research as a lifelong commitment.