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Sarah Dery
Director of Research & Library Services
Rhode Island
Connecticut
French-Canada
Sarah has been a valued member of American Ancestors since 2017, working closely with the Chief of Research and leading the day-to-day operations of the Research & Library Services team. In her role, she oversees team operations, supports researchers and genealogists, manages client communications, and coordinates complex research projects. Known for her collaborative spirit and willingness to assist wherever needed, Sarah plays an integral role in ensuring the success of both the team and its clients.
Sarah applies her extensive genealogical expertise to assist clients in person and virtually, with specialized knowledge of families with roots in Rhode Island, Connecticut, and French Canada. Her ability to combine strong organizational leadership with genealogical research expertise makes her an invaluable resource for both colleagues and patrons.
Sarah earned a B.A. in Anthropology and English Literature from Rhode Island College in Providence. Her passion for anthropology was sparked during a week-long archaeological excavation at James Madison’s Montpelier in Virginia, an experience that deepened her interest in history, culture, and family connections.
Following a year-long research project examining the ancestry of Associate Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, Sarah developed significant expertise in researching enslaved individuals and African American families, particularly in the Southern United States. She also contributes to the 10 Million Names initiative, a project dedicated to recovering the names and stories of the estimated 10 million men, women, and children of African descent who were enslaved in the territory that became the United States between the 1500s and 1865.
- Cleaning Graves for a Worldwide Audience (AAM, Summer 2022, Vol. 23, No. 2)
- “The dream and the hope” (Vita Brevis, July 11, 2022)
- Caring for the land (Vita Brevis, September 28, 2020)
- Behind the Scenes with NEHGS Research Services (AAM, Spring 2019, Vol. 20, No…
- Row on row (Vita Brevis, May 27, 2019)
- Two souls (Vita Brevis, November 12, 2018)
- Never too old to celebrate (Vita Brevis, October 31, 2018)
- Lost to history (Vita Brevis, July 25, 2018)
- Filles du Roi (Vita Brevis, February 16, 2018)