Currently accepting clients for...

• Family History Research
• Speaking / Presenting
• Writing /Publishing

With a focus on sociobiographical storytelling, Susan helps clients understand not just who their ancestors were, but why they made the choices they did.
She specializes in adding social and historical context to family narratives, with particular expertise in maritime genealogy, American industrial history, and migration patterns.

Susan's own immigrant heritage, ancestors from County Cork, Ireland, and Italy's Molise Region who arrived in the 20th century, informs her empathetic approach to tracing family journeys across borders and generations.
Formerly a staff researcher and genealogist with the New England Historic Genealogical Society, she continues collaborative work with American Ancestors while maintaining active involvement in projects that advance family history. She holds degrees from Simmons College and Boston University's Professional Genealogy program, and is a member of both the Association of Professional Genealogists and the National Genealogical Society.

 

 

Geographic Specialities
Medieval Scotland
New England
Colonial New York
New Netherland
Massachusetts 
Oregon
Appalachia
Providence Plantations
 

Additional specialities or search keywords
Migration routes; Maritime history; Industry; Family business/occupation

Publications/Media

Select Publications:

Heraldry in the Howard Cox Family (Newbury Street Press, 2025): An illustrated genealogical study exploring the heraldic heritage of Howard Cox, 4th great-grandson of Chancellor Robert Livingston, who administered George Washington's presidential oath. The work documents coats of arms across Cox's ancestral lines with detailed visual presentation.

The Ancestors and Descendants of William Joseph Finn (Newbury Street Press, 2023, co-author): A multi-generational study beginning with Peter Finn, an Irish tenant farmer (ca. 1800–1847), and tracing the family's journey from County Longford to Massachusetts, where descendants worked in Canton's textile mills and Stoughton's shoe manufacturing industry.

Lectures
Webinar: Out to Sea: Researching Mariner Ancestors in New England, AmericanAncestors.org

Repositories
New England Historic Genealogical Society; Connecticut State Library; American Antiquarian Society; New York Genealogical & Biographical Society; Worcester Public Library; Massachusetts Archives; Berkshire Athenaeum; Smith College; New York Historical Society. Many New England repositories, libraries and historical societies. 

Research Time Periods

• 20th Century
• 19th Century
• 18th Century
• 17th Century

Certificates
Certificate in Genealogical Research (Boston University)

Degrees
B.A .(English Literature) - Simmons College, Boston, Massachustts