Hello and welcome! I’m Mary, the heart behind Past Portraits. With over 30 years of genealogical research experience, I’ve turned a lifelong passion into a professional service dedicated to helping others uncover and understand their family histories.

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My love for history and storytelling led me to earn degrees in History and Art History, followed by a Master’s in Library Science. I spent two rewarding decades as a librarian, working in public, school, and historical libraries - each role deepening my skills in research, documentation, and preserving the past.

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Throughout those years, I was also quietly piecing together my own family tree, tracing my roots on all sides back to the 1600s. Eventually, I retired from librarianship to pursue what truly brings me joy: helping others bring their family stories to life.

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At Past Portraits, I don’t just deliver names and dates—I craft a vivid picture of your ancestry. Whether you're searching for a single missing piece or hoping to trace your lineage across generations, you’re in the right place.