Guest Contributor Spotlight: Tracy Zappala

The FamilySearch Center is pleased to feature Tracy Zappala as a guest contributor and respected voice in African American genealogy.

An Accredited Professional Genealogist® specializing in African American research and U.S. Mid-South genealogy, Tracy is passionate about helping families reconnect with enslaved ancestors, uncover long-hidden stories, and preserve their heritage for future generations.

As founder of Gen-X-Genealogy, Tracy has helped hundreds of clients break through challenging research barriers. Her previous work with Ancestry included serving as lead genealogist for Who Do You Think You Are? episodes featuring Regina King and Allison Janney, as well as supporting BBC projects exploring Windrush ancestral migration to the United Kingdom.

Tracy’s expertise is also showcased in the acclaimed Juneteenth documentary A Dream Delivered: The Lost Letters of Hawkins Wilson, produced with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. The film highlights the transformative power of historical records and genealogy to reconnect families, restore identities, and bring forgotten stories to light.

Through her dedication and scholarship, Tracy continues to inspire researchers and families alike to discover the stories that shaped their past and preserve them for generations to come. The Washington DC FamilySearch Center is honored to welcome her as a guest contributor and partner in helping others uncover their own family stories.