The Story Behind Ancestral Wanderlust
This isn’t just a business. It’s personal.
Meet Charlie—Founder, Researcher, Fellow Mystery-Solver
I know what it feels like to have a question that won’t let you go.
For years, there was a mystery in my own family—a puzzle that tugged at me, unanswered. And I know the restless feeling of not knowing. The wondering. The searching.
I also know what happens when you finally find the truth.
The calm. The relief. The quiet excitement of pieces finally falling into place. That moment when your family’s story suddenly makes sense—and so does a little piece of yourself.
That feeling? It changed me. And it’s what I want to help you experience.
From Curiosity to Calling
My love for family history started young—growing up surrounded by stories, inspired by my mom’s adventures, and endlessly curious about where we came from. Over time, that curiosity became a passion. Then a skill. Then a calling.
I’ve traveled to 19 states and 4 countries (and counting!) for both personal adventures and family research. I’ve built my own family tree to over 700 relatives. But what excites me most isn’t the spreadsheets or the records—it’s the moment someone connects with their ancestors.
That’s the magic. That’s what this work is really about.
Understanding Where You Come From Helps You Understand Yourself
I’ve seen how getting lost in the world can happen when you don’t know your own story. Not only have I seen it, I’ve experienced it myself. It’s so easy to drift down paths that aren’t true to who you really are.
Heritage is an anchor. Knowing where you come from gives you roots—something to hold onto when life feels uncertain. It helps you show up more fully, give back more generously, and live a life that actually feels like yours.
That’s what I want for you. That’s what drives everything we do at Ancestral Wanderlust.
What We Believe
Your history is worth knowing. Every family has stories that deserve to be uncovered, honored, and passed down.
Research is about more than records. Names and dates are just the beginning. We connect you to the context—the places, the circumstances, the humanity behind the records.
Some communities need this most. For African American and Indigenous families who’ve experienced systematic erasure, rebuilding connection to roots isn’t just meaningful—it’s an act of reclamation. We’re committed to focusing on this work.
Heritage travel transforms. There’s something that happens when you experience the places your ancestors called home. It’s not just information anymore—it’s felt. In your body. In your heart.
How We Work
Client-Centered
Every journey is tailored to your family story, your interests, and your pace. No cookie-cutter tours. No one-size-fits-all approaches.
Culturally Respectful
We research and honor the history and traditions of the places you visit—approaching every community with care and humility.
Accessible & Inclusive
Heritage travel should be meaningful for everyone, regardless of mobility, ability, or background.
Rooted in Joy
This work can be emotional, but it should also be joyful. We bring warmth, curiosity, and genuine care to every project.
A Little More About Me
When I’m not researching family histories or designing unforgettable journeys, you’ll find me in all the places that keep me grounded: quality time with my wife, board games with family, dinner with friends, hosting trivia for my community, or finding solitude in nature.
These moments fuel the creativity and care I bring to this work. Because at the end of the day, Ancestral Wanderlust is about connection—to our pasts, to each other, and to the places that shaped us.
Ready to Solve Your Own Mystery?
Whether you’re just starting to wonder about your roots or you’ve been researching for years, I’d love to help you take the next step.
Let’s uncover your story—together.
Book Your Free Consultation