Currently accepting clients for...

• DNA
• Family History Research
• Speaking / Presenting
• Writing /Publishing
• Other Speciality

John M. Daskalakis is the founder of Rizes Hellenic Genealogy Research, also known as RizesGen, a U.S.-based Greek genealogy research service specializing in Greek-American family history, Greek records research, ancestral village identification, and Greek citizenship-by-descent documentation.

His work focuses on connecting Greek-American families with records in Greece through civil and municipal records, family registrations, male registers, church records, immigration and naturalization records, DNA evidence, and U.S.-to-Greece record correlation. He has particular experience with the Aegean Islands, Greek diaspora research, name changes, village identification, and incomplete family documentation.

Through RizesGen, John assists clients with family history research, retrieval of Greek records, document analysis, lineage reconstruction, and genealogical documentation for citizenship-by-descent and heritage research cases.

Geographic Specialities
Greece, Cyprus, United States

Testimonials
Dr. Mike Epitropoulos, Senior Teaching Professor, University of Pittsburgh
August 18, 2023

John Daskalakis has been a great family history and genealogical researcher with whom I have worked with online as a consultant to courses in diaspora, immigration and family history at the University of Pittsburgh. John is a very helpful and accessible resource in both getting the novice started and taking other, more advanced people to the next level. In my case, my own Greek, Dodecanese roots and my Balkan and East European teaching territories mesh well with John's wheelhouse and that has been a blessing for the direction that I am working in. I highly recommend John Daskalakis for work and guidance in the areas of genealogical and family history research.

​Carol Kostakos Petranek, Citizen Archivist at The National Archives, Washington DC, and Co-Director of the Washington DC Family History Center
October 9, 2021

John is very active in the genealogy and historical research community. His area of expertise is Greece (Crete) and the United States. He has completed professional genealogy training and works with Greek records. His expertise has enabled him to help many people with honesty and trustworthiness.

 

Publications/Media
Honored Listee in Marquis Who's Who in America
2024 - 2025 Credential ID: 1e310abe8bc94402aca82f8b106fbee2d8c59bc9b805404a9103c7587f9fb4fd
https://www.24-7pressrelease.com/press-release/509207/marquis-whos-who-selects-john-m-daskalakis-for-dedication-to-genealogy-research

Unsung Heroines: Honoring Cretan Women's Contributions in World War II
Mar 2024 to present

The American Nightmare of John Petro Forakis: Death, Bigotry, Sadness, and the Total Disregard for the Burden of Proof.
Jun 2022 - Mar 2024

PhD Dissertation - The Anti-Greek Sentiment in the United States Since the 1800s and How Greek Americans Participated in the American Civil Rights Movement.
Nov 11, 2024
 

Lectures

From Omaha to Selma: Greek Americans and the Evolution of American Diversity 
first presented to the Association of Professional Genealogists Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee (APG DEI) in 2024.
 

This lecture explores Greek-American experiences of discrimination and resilience and examines their significance in modern DEI conversations and genealogical research. Through pivotal case studies, including the John Forakis trial, the 1909 Omaha Greek Town Riot, and Archbishop Iakovos' civil rights advocacy, this presentation illuminates the complex history of Greek immigration and integration in America.

The lecture demonstrates how understanding Greek-American history enriches contemporary DEI initiatives while providing practical insights for genealogical research, including methodologies for tracking name changes, preserving oral histories, and analyzing cross-cultural documents. By challenging conventional narratives of privilege and examining forgotten chapters of ethnic violence, this presentation offers valuable perspectives on American diversity and practical strategies for preserving diverse histories in genealogical research.
 

Languages
Greek, English, Spanish, Portuguese,

Certificates

• Applied Genetic Genealogy, Applied Genealogy Institute, 2023
• Genealogical Research, Boston University. 2021

Affiliations

• National Genealogical Society (NGS) Utah Genealogical Association
• Association of Professional Genealogists (APG)
• International Society of Genetic Genealogy (ISOGG)

Degrees
Museology / Museum Studies, Northwestern University
Genealogical Research Principles, Boston University
M.S., Elementary Education, Dowling College
B.S., Adult and Continuing Education, St. Joseph’s University, New York