Kari Meyer is an Accredited Genealogist® and professional researcher with Legacy Tree Genealogists, where she has been part of the team since 2024. Her personal and professional experience in family history spans nearly two decades, with more than ten years dedicated specifically to African American and French genealogy. Kari’s passion for research began during her college years when a visit to the Family History Library revealed a gap in her own ancestral line—an unanswered question that ultimately led her to pursue formal training in genealogical research.
After returning to school to strengthen her skills, Kari successfully solved the mystery that first sparked her curiosity, tracing her ancestry back to the colonial era, including connections to Jamestown and an enslaved African ancestor. That experience shaped her commitment to helping others uncover the stories and identities that may have been lost or hidden within their own family histories.
Education and Training
Kari holds a Bachelor’s degree in Near Eastern Studies and has completed graduate coursework in technical writing. To deepen her genealogical expertise, she earned an Associate Degree in Family History from Brigham Young University–Idaho, where she focused on research methods for the U.S. South. Kari is accredited in Gulf South research through the International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists (ICAPGen).
In addition to her research work, Kari serves as an adjunct instructor for Brigham Young University–Idaho, teaching online family history courses and contributing to curriculum development for the Family History program. She has also volunteered with ICAPGen as part of their presentation team and mentored participants in ICAPGen study groups.
Specialties
Kari’s areas of expertise include:
African American genealogy
Deep South United States research
Gulf South and Southern U.S. records
Colonial Virginia lineage research
French genealogy
Her work is especially focused on complex research challenges that require careful analysis of historical context, migration patterns, and underutilized record sets.
Beyond the Research
Before joining Legacy Tree Genealogists, Kari spent nearly a decade working with private clients, guiding individuals and families as they uncovered their ancestral roots. She is an active member of the Texas State Genealogical Society, the Arkansas Genealogical Society, and the Colonial Dames lineage society, where she previously served as chairman of lineage applications for the Star of Destiny Chapter.
Kari is driven by a deep belief that genealogy is more than research—it is a way to restore identity, connection, and understanding across generations. When she isn’t researching or teaching, she enjoys oil painting, raising pigs, and spending time with her family as they travel and explore new places together.
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