The Mobility of Our Ancestors

One of the sessions I attended during RootsTech 2026 was titled “From Virginia to Guam: Tracing a Black Family via DNA and Maritime Records” by Andre Kearns, Founder & CEO of Black Ancestries.

Before attending this session, I considered other options during that time slot. However, I was drawn to this one because of my personal ties to Virginia. What I experienced was a powerful reminder: throughout history, our ancestors were far more mobile than we often assume; they were not always sedentary.

Growing up in the Philadelphia, PA region, I knew that my grandparents migrated from Virginia to Pennsylvania in the early 1900s. However, I didn’t give much thought to my ancestors’ mobility beyond that move. In hindsight, I realize I was judging historical movement through a modern lens. Because of that, I often dismissed records of potential ancestors who appeared in unfamiliar locations.

That was a major oversight.

Sometimes paper records don’t tell the full story of our ancestors’ journeys, but DNA can help fill in the gaps.

This was evident in Andre Kearns’ research. Through DNA testing, he discovered that his Virginia-based family had ties to Guam dating back to the early 1800s. While DNA did not provide a step-by-step travel log, it revealed a genetic pathway to a once-lost chapter of his family’s history.

DNA is a powerful tool for genealogists, but it works best when paired with curiosity and an open mind.

Another key takeaway from this session was the role of Black individuals in the maritime industry. Andre introduced records from maritime sources, an often overlooked but valuable resource for tracing Black ancestry.

In my own research into my Virginia roots, I had identified ancestors who were oystermen and others listed as sailors. However, I limited their movements to local rivers and the Chesapeake Bay. That assumption, I now realize, could easily lead to unnecessary brick walls.

This session challenged that thinking.

It reminded me that opportunity, necessity, and circumstance have always driven movement, even across vast distances.

Key Takeaways from This Session:

• Our ancestors were mobile.
  Migration, commerce, and employment routes shaped their lives more than we may realize.

• Black history includes maritime movement.
  Our ancestors were not only on land—they were also on the seas, pursuing opportunity and survival.

• Expand your research beyond traditional records.
  Don’t rely solely on sources like the U.S. Census. Explore maritime, railroad, military, and employment records.

• Follow every lead.
  Use a combination of paper trails, DNA evidence, and historical context to uncover the full story.

I am grateful that I attended this session by Andre Kearns and highly recommend exploring his work through Black Ancestries.

Have you discovered unexpected locations in your family history? Share your story—I’d love to hear how mobility shows up in your research.

Stay tuned for more reflections from RootsTech 2026.