Where It Started

My interest in family research began at a young age, listening to my grandfather and my mother bicker family facts during long video calls during the 1990s. The stories fascinated me, and even when they disagreed, the back-and-forth planted a seed of curiosity in me. After my grandfather passed, my mom kept researching, often reaching out to relatives to fill in gaps as I helped when I wanted too. As a teen, I wasn’t always interested in joining her, but her persistence left a lasting impression. By 2019 she began slowing down and I began picking it up slowly, and after her stroke in 2021, she no longer continue. That’s when I took on the responsibility to carry the title family history but I was still ways away from doing that.

Diving In (2022)

In the winter of 2022, I decided to just fully committed to building my own family tree. What I discovered right away was how many inconsistencies existed in the stories I’d been told or overheard so I dig deeper and sort fact from memory.

Paternal Side

My father's Filipino roots remain one of my most challenging and rewarding lines to research. Documentation is limited, records are often in languages I'm still learning to navigate, and the paper trails can be thin. What I do know centers around my great-grandmother, Bruna, who serves as my anchor point for this line. Much of what follows her is still built on working theories, but I'm actively developing the skills and sourcing the tools to push further. The challenge is part of what keeps me going.

Maternal Side

My mother’s side, however, quickly became a rabbit hole of discoveries. I grew up knowing names like Noah Alonzo Greer and Bertha Marie Larson, and I even inherited handwritten letters from ancestors. But the real mystery was my great-grandfather John Larson. No one seemed to know much about him, and the few photos I received were actually of his children.

The Larson Mystery

With the help of distant cousins, DNA testing, and a new relative-turned-friend in Norway (“Rine”), I began piecing together the Larson line. Rine’s ability to translate Norwegian records was invaluable, and together we uncovered:

John Larson’s likely parents, Edward and Sofia (Ingeborg) Larson.
A surprising Norwegian heritage (after always being told I was Scotch-Irish and Filipino).
Connections spanning Norway, the Netherlands, England, and the U.S.

Through census records, baptism registries, bygdebøker (Norwegian local history books), and DNA results, we started unraveling multiple generations. What had once been a dead end became a sprawling, migraine-inducing puzzle and I loved every moment of it.

Expanding My Work (2023–2025)

Once I broke through my own brick walls, I realized I had developed skills that could help others. I started close to home by researching for other relatives and friends and their friends, solving mysteries, documenting their trees, and answering questions. By 2024, this grew toward helping strangers every now and then who's stories become a part of me.

By 2025, I expanded into volunteering with my local historical museum, where I assist with research projects, help honor fallen service members by tracing their stories, collaborating with a Universtity in Japan, and more.

Now in 2026, I've launched my own website and began putting my research on a showcase. As well as taking research requests.

What began as a way to honor my grandfather and continue the work for my mother, these family stories have become something much bigger. Doing this research is no longer just my hobby, it’s my way of connecting with people and connecting them to their roots, exploring history, and chasing down mysteries.

All for curiosity,

Meghan.

Family Farm Books I Purchased

FAQ

1. Who is conducting this research?

All research is completed by me, with occasional assistance from my husband, Michael. While not certified genealogists, we follow ethical standards, respect privacy, and handle all information with care and responsibility.

2. What is the purpose of Memoria Manus?

The goal of this work is to help individuals explore ancestral connections, interpret shared DNA matches, build or expand family trees, and gain insight into historical questions.

3. What does "Memoria Manus" mean?

Memoria Manus comes from Latin, meaning “Memory” and “Hand.” Together, the phrase symbolizes the memories carried through time and the hand that records them. It reflects the idea that our stories endure because someone takes the care to write them down, preserve them, and bring them forward.

4. Can I change my mind about sharing my DNA data?

Yes. You may revoke consent at any time by emailing mmresearchwork@gmail.com, and you will receive a full report confirming what was removed and/ or linked to me.

5. Is the information I share with you secure?

All areas and accounts are protected with two-factor authentication and strict sharing controls. While no digital system can be guaranteed completely secure, every reasonable effort is made to safeguard your data. You will be notified immediately if a breach is confirmed or even suspected.

6. Is my data shared or sold?

Never. Your information is only used for Memoria Manus research and stored securely.

7. Do you charge for research?

Fees vary by project, depending on the scope and depth of the request. I provide estimates on a case-by-case basis and offer options for those who qualify for financial assistance. Fees are kept as affordable as possible.

Have more questions?

Feel free to send us an email at mmresearchwork@gmail.com.