About
Careful genealogy grounded in evidence, ethics, and clarity
I'm Denise Meyer, founder of Backstory Badger LLC.
I approach genealogical research with a focus on evidence, methodology, and clear reasoning. My work centers on complex research problems, including long-standing brick walls, early American ancestry, and cases involving incomplete, conflicting, or ambiguous records.
I work with clients who value accuracy over speed and careful analysis over speculation. Many come to me after years of research, when the remaining questions require structured evaluation rather than additional record gathering alone.
DNA evidence is often part of this work, but never treated as a shortcut. When used, it is integrated thoughtfully with documentary research and historical context.
How I approach genealogical problems
I approach genealogy as an analytical discipline.
Every project begins with a clearly defined research question. From there, I evaluate existing evidence, test assumptions, and build conclusions only when they are supported by records, DNA evidence, or a combination of both. When the evidence is incomplete—as it often is—I am careful to distinguish between what can be shown, what is likely, and what cannot be known.
My background in linguistics shapes how I work. Training in language and structure develops a comfort with ambiguity, close analysis, and competing interpretations—skills that are directly applicable to genealogical research. It also informs how I communicate my findings. Clients receive clear explanations of both the conclusions reached and the reasoning behind them.
Professional background
There is no single academic path to becoming a professional genealogist. Competence is built through formal education, institute coursework, mentorship, and experience doing the work.
I hold an MA in linguistics from Cornell University. I also earned a BS from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, with a triple major in English language and linguistics, linguistics, and classics. I have completed extensive genealogical coursework through professional institutes and have been conducting client research since 2021.
My work reflects established professional standards: careful source evaluation, clear documentation, respect for uncertainty, and ethical handling of sensitive information—particularly when living individuals and DNA evidence are involved.
Backstory Badger LLC is fully insured, including professional liability (errors & omissions) coverage.
The kinds of problems I am best suited to address
I am particularly well suited to research involving:
- early American families and pre-1800 research
- long-standing brick walls
- missing or uncertain parentage
- conflicts between documentary and DNA evidence
- record loss, migration, or name variation
These are often cases where clients have already done substantial work and need an experienced researcher to evaluate the evidence, determine what can realistically be learned, and identify a productive path forward.
Why this work matters to me
My interest in family history began early, shaped by the stories, silences, and unanswered questions passed down through generations. That perspective continues to inform how I approach research today: with patience, curiosity, and respect for the people behind the records.
My goal is not simply to provide answers, but to help clients understand what the evidence supports, what remains uncertain, and why.
Working together
My clients value accuracy, documentation, and transparency. They understand that good genealogical research takes time and that honest conclusions are more important than convenient answers.