Currently accepting clients for...

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

**Reem Awad-Rashmawi, JD** is a genealogist and community historian specializing in U.S. genealogical documentation, DNA research, oral history interviews, adoptees and unknown parentage, dual citizenship, and Arab and Arab American genealogical and historical research. Reem holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in International Relations and Sociology from the University of California, Davis, and a law degree (JD) with a focus on international law. Reem has researched her own family since the 1980s and opened "Photographs and Memories by Reem" in 2019, offering genealogy consulting and research services.

Her career as an immigration attorney for almost 30 years makes her detailed oriented research ideal for uncovering complex family histories, resolving genealogical mysteries, and providing comprehensive support for individuals seeking to connect with their heritage or provide documentation for legal matters. It is also important to Reem to tell a story, by incorporating and encouraging the understanding of the historical framework of family narratives, in addition to finding creative ways to share those stories with others.

As the founder of the National Society for Arab and Arab American Genealogy (NSAB), Reem is excited to enhance the resources, understanding and appreciation of Arab and Arab American family histories. She writes a genealogy blog and lectures at societies and conferences nationwide. She presented on the topic at the NGS 2022, RootsTech 2024 & 2025, the Arab American Public History Conference, and others.

Reem is on the board of the National Genealogical Society (NGS), currently serving as the Genetic Genealogy Working Group Chairperson and ithe Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee Interim Chairperson.

Reem works with clients on all stages of research - those just starting out and those reaching out after years of research. Although residing in California, Reem has had clients from all over the United States and internationally that have led her research to many geographic regions. 

Geographic Specialities
Arab American
Arab
Middle East (MENA) (SWANA)
United States
Western Region
California (all state; Yolo, Sacramento, Placer; El Dorado, Solano, San Joaquin, Contra Costa, Alameda, San Francisco, Sonoma)
Oregon

Additional specialities or search keywords
Arab, Middle East (MENA), Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, Ottoman, Recording Stories, Archives

Publications/Media
Awad-Rashmawi, Reem. “Arab American Genealogy Research as a Form of Public History.” Edward E. Curtis IV, ed. Arab American Public History. Philadelphia: Temple University Press, 2026. Pages 151–173.

Lectures
Lectures include related topics:

• Arab American Genealogy Research
• Ottoman Census Records
• Oral History/Family Interviews
• Immigration/Naturalization Records
• Genealogy and Public History
• Caliofrnia Archives
• FOIAs
• Genealogy 101
• Creative Research Strategies
• Organizing Your Family's Records
• Use of Technology to Share Family Stories

and more.

Research Time Periods

• 21st Century
• 20th Century
• 19th Century
• 18th Century
• 17th Century
• 16th Century and Earlier

Languages
English, some Arabic

Certificates
Certificate in Genealogical Research (Boston University)

Affiliations
National Society for Arab and Arab American Genealogy (NSAB)
Association of Professional Genealogists (APG)
National Genealogy Society (NGS)
Oral History Association (OHA)
California Genealogy Society
Davis Genealogy Club (DGC)
Member of many other local, state and regional clubs and associations.

Degrees
BA (International Relations)
BA (Sociology)
JD (Law Degree)