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Our Formidable Genealogists
Jen Shaffer
I was born in Iowa and live in St. Paul, Minnesota. I have a lifelong love of history and have been a professional genealogist since 2017. I wake up excited every day that I get to do this as my full-time job.
I am a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists and also serve as their Booth Coordinator for in-person and virtual genealogy events.
I teach many online webinars coordinated through my own site and through Community Ed programs.
I have a very broad knowledge base for many times, places and languages. I have a Russian Language degree and adore working with any Slavic or Scandinavian records. I have a definite talent for looking at 75 people named John Smith or something similar and being able to tell you exactly which one is the RIGHT one.
I love attending genealogy conferences and institute courses and always wish there were more hours in a day.
Contact me at theformidablegenealogist@gmail.com
Jen in the News
In December 2024, I was interviewed by Callan Gray at KSTP Twin Cities (ABC) about the impact a TikTok ban would have on small businesses like my own. Recording is HERE.
In December 2024, I went on Minnesota Now on MPR to discuss the impact a TikTok ban would have on small businesses like my own. Recording is HERE.
In September 2024, the show "Relative Secrets" was announced by AMC and Acorn TV. Deadline article is HERE. I was a genealogy researcher on the show and will be interviewed by the host onscreen. Air date coming in later 2024.
In July 2024, I was invited by TikTok to attend a TikTok Sparks Community Event in Minneapolis for media outlets to tell my story about how TikTok has helped my business grow. You can find the story and the evening news segment HERE with WCCO's Esme Murphy.
In April 2024, I was interviewed by Babs Santos at Twin Cities Fox 9 regarding the potential impact of a TikTok ban on my business. Story and news segment can be found HERE.
In March 2024, I was interviewed by Esme Murphy at Twin Cities WCCO regarding the potential impact of a TikTok ban on my business. Story and news segment can be found HERE.
In April 2024, I was interviewed by Ana Radelat at MinnPost regarding the potential impact of a TikTok ban on my business. Article can be found HERE.
In April 2024, TikTok put out an independent economic impact report about American businesses. I was highlighted on the Minnesota page. It can be found HERE.