Allison Barnhart
Family historian, designer, and author of The Record Keeper: The Unfolding of a Family Secret in the Age of Genetic Genealogy
The Record Keeper—a memoir exploring a 60-year-old secret that shook the roots of a family’s tree.
When Allison gives her father the gift of an at-home DNA test, it triggers the unraveling of their once solid family history. She enters unknown territory to begin reconciling the story of Evelyn, the grandmother she thought she knew everything about, to an unexpected family narrative that sends her on a life-changing investigation to illuminate her family’s true identity.
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Latest Posts
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Make the World Go Away
My first book is a memoir about family, DNA, identity, secrets, Swedish heritage, and a few bizarre circumstances.
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How We Met: Part Ten
Part Ten of the story of how my husband and I started out. Engagement to marriage 2005-2006
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How We Met: Part Nine (The Proposal)
Part Nine of the story of how my husband and I started out. He proposed to me in Pittsburgh in December 2005.
Lisa Louise Cooke
Genealogist, Speaker, Author, Podcast Host/Producer
“Looking for a compelling read that blends mystery, family history, and genetic genealogy?
Check out The Record Keeper…“
-in “Lisa’s Picks” column of the Mar/Apr 2025
issue of Family Tree Magazine
Ron Williams
Author of The Lost Fifty-Seven
“A suspenseful, personal account of DNA discovery exposing long-held family secrets, The Record Keeper features one surprise after another, leaving readers engaged fully until the very end. Lawrentz Barnhart does a supreme job sharing her sensitive discoveries and challenging conundrums while delivering potentially bombastic news with close family members. This is a heart-warming, true account of the shock of discovery followed by the power of family and acceptance.”
Sarah M. Wells
Author of Ordinary Time and American Honey
“This is such a great and wild story exploring family history and sorting out fact from fiction… with the benefit of modern genealogical research paired with family stories and hidden gems discovered. An excellent read!“
Chad Johnston
Author of Nightmarriage
“Curiosity propels the reader along at a brisk pace, and Barnhart delivers the goods every time. It helps that the work is driven not just by the author’s obsessiveness but by an endearing sense of interiority. Barnhart seemingly offers her inmost thoughts to the reader, and the resulting intimacy makes the whole shebang inescapably personal and completely compelling.”
Thomas M.
“Fascinating…hard to put down. Terrific book!”
Ashley B.
“This compelling narrative makes me want to dive into my own family history. A must-read!”
Aimee B.
“Captivating… I read this book in one sitting — and when finished, I immediately began to explore my own family’s history. This is a powerful read that leaves a lasting impact.“
Carrie G.
“Humor, emotion, history, passion, forgiveness and grace… all woven together. A book that I couldn’t put down and gave me the urge to explore my own family history at greater depths!”
Need a speaker?
I am available to give presentations for genealogical society meetings, podcast episodes, or book club gatherings—online or in person.
allison@allisonbarnhart.com
