My Story
About Kelly Noonan
A professional genealogy research practice built on a lifelong passion for family history, rigorous methodology, and deep respect for every story I uncover.
Where Passion Meets Precision
Sacred Jewels Genealogy was founded on a simple but profound belief: every family's history is a sacred inheritance — a jewel worth preserving, polishing, and passing down. What began as a personal obsession with tracing family roots grew into a professional practice dedicated to helping others discover the stories woven into their own heritage.
I bring the same care to every client's research that I bring to my own — treating each name in a census record, each signature on a deed, each face in a faded photograph as a real person whose life mattered and whose story deserves to be told.
B.A. in American History
Undergraduate degree providing deep historical context for genealogical research across American records and archives
20+ Years of Experience
Over two decades of dedicated genealogical research spanning colonial American records, immigration, and beyond
Lineage Society Specialist
Extensive experience with DAR, SAR, Mayflower, and Colonial Dames applications
FamilySearch Certified
Recognized expertise in FamilySearch records and Family Tree
Multi-Region Research
Specializing in US, UK, and European records across multiple centuries
Meet Kelly
Kelly Noonan
With an undergraduate degree in American History and over 20 years of dedicated genealogical research experience, I bring both academic grounding and deep practical expertise to every project. My history background gives me a genuine understanding of the world your ancestors lived in — the laws, migrations, social conditions, and historical forces that shaped their lives and choices.
My research spans colonial American records, European immigration, African American genealogy, and beyond. I understand that genealogy is not just about names and dates — it is about uncovering the full human story behind each entry in a ledger or line on a census page.
My approach combines meticulous archival research with a narrative sensibility — the ability to take a collection of documents and weave them into a story that feels alive. Clients consistently describe my work as thorough, thoughtful, and deeply personal.
How I Work
My Research Methodology
Good genealogy is built on evidence, reasoning, and honesty about what we know and what we don't. I follow the Genealogical Proof Standard — the professional benchmark for genealogical research — in every project I undertake.
Discovery Consultation
I begin every engagement with a thorough conversation about your family, your goals, and what you already know. This shapes the research plan and ensures I focus my efforts where they will have the greatest impact.
Research Planning
Before touching a single record, I develop a written research plan identifying the most promising sources for your specific family lines, time periods, and geographic regions. No guesswork — just a clear, strategic path forward.
Archival Investigation
I work with original records wherever possible — not just indexed transcriptions. This means accessing physical archives, microfilm collections, and specialized databases that most researchers never reach.
Evidence Analysis
Every piece of evidence is evaluated for its source quality, information type, and evidential value. I apply the Genealogical Proof Standard to ensure my conclusions are well-reasoned and defensible.
Documented Reporting
You receive a detailed written report of all findings — positive and negative — with full source citations, analysis of the evidence, and clear recommendations for next steps. Nothing is left unexplained.
What Sets Me Apart
The Sacred Jewels Difference
Honesty About Uncertainty
I tell you what the records say — and what they don't. I never speculate beyond the evidence or present uncertain conclusions as proven facts.
Original Source Research
I go to the primary sources, not just the indexes. This means more accurate results and discoveries that online-only research misses entirely.
Deep Historical Context
My American History degree and two decades of research experience allow me to place your ancestors in their world — understanding the events and forces that shaped their lives.
A Personal Partnership
You are never just a project number. I communicate throughout the research process, share discoveries as they happen, and treat your family's story with the reverence it deserves.
Let's Uncover Your Story Together
Whether you're just beginning your genealogy journey or have been researching for decades, I'd love to be part of your discovery.