Welcome to Roots To Return
Reclaim your history, reconnect with your heritage, walk your legacy as an act of remembrance, and return home to who you truly are.
Meet Your Genealogy Guide
Hello! I'm Kelly McCoy, and I'm truly excited to be your guide as you embark on your family history journey. Together, we'll uncover the stories, connections, and meaning that are woven into your unique heritage. Imagine tracing your origin story, where discovering your ancestral roots transforms your understanding of self. Through exploring and reclaiming family histories, this journey goes beyond the past—we unveil the powerful bonds with our ancestors, living forces within us who shape who we truly are.
With over 20 years of experience in researching and studying family history, as well as planning ancestral and cultural heritage travel, I assist individuals and families on a meaningful journey to explore their roots and preserve their family heritage. My experience lies in uncovering the rich tapestry of diverse backgrounds, with a particular focus on Black ancestry and history in the Midwest and Western United States. Driven by curiosity and a passion for historical research, I am dedicated to uncovering roots, illuminating hidden stories, documenting ancestral legacies with care and precision, and curating personalized travel itineraries to ancestral locations.
Discover your ancestral heritage and experience the profound sense of identity, belonging, rootedness, and connection it brings. Uncover your family's history with my guidance, gain the tools and confidence to explore your roots, and understand how your heritage shapes your life today. This understanding can provide a grounding for living forward.
Whether you're ready to trace your roots, build your family tree, or visit ancestral homeplaces, this experience will be enlightening and transformational. Together, we will honor your heritage and create a legacy for future generations. Start your journey today by booking a free 20-minute “Discovery Call”—an unforgettable first step to understanding your past and shaping your future.
I am committed to elevating our stories, making space for every voice, preserving and honoring the rich tapestry of Black history alongside all our histories. Together, we strengthen our legacy and keep our heritage alive and growing.
Core Values
Integrity & Intention
I am transparent and truthful in all communications and findings. And ensure that your family's goals are the driving force behind our purposeful actions.
Dignity & Respect
I value the emotional bonds that individuals share with their families and respect the diversity of their backgrounds.
Compassion & Empathy
I foster a nurturing and respectful environment where individuals can explore their family history, uncover insights about their origins, and effectively navigate the emotional complexities that may arise from their discoveries.
Quality & Excellence
I tailor my work to honor your specific goals, ensuring that research is focused and expectations are consistently met. We take the time to thoroughly research and understand each family's history. I uphold the highest ethical standards and strive for exceptional quality in all I do.
My promise is to unearth your roots, honor your family history, and help you return to your ancestral places.
