John Philip Colletta, Ph.D.

Searching for ancestors is a journey of self-discovery.  As you learn who they were, you discover more about who you are.  The journey is not only enlightening, but great fun, too! My teaching focuses on seeing every ancestor as a distinct individual living in a particular place at a particular time.  Classes are interactive; I respond to participants’ questions as they arise. My goal is to help family historians optimize their efforts to uncover and write the stories of their forebears, and to enjoy all along the way the pleasure and humor of the journey.   

John Philip Colletta is one of America's most popular genealogical lecturers.  Entertaining, knowledgeable and experienced, he is based in Washington, D.C., where for 20 years he conducted workshops for the National Archives and taught courses for the Smithsonian Institution.  Today he lectures nationally, teaches at local schools, and is a faculty member of the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research at Samford University (Birmingham, AL) and the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (Salt Lake City).  He has also been an instructor and course coordinator for the National Institute on Genealogical Research (Washington, DC), the Genealogical Institute of Texas (Dallas), and the Genealogical Institute of Mid-America (Springfield, IL).  His publications include two manuals -- They Came in Ships: A Guide to Finding Your Immigrant Ancestor's Arrival Record and Finding Italian Roots: The Complete Guide for Americans -- and numerous how-to articles .  His latest book -- Only a Few Bones:  A True Account of the Rolling Fork Tragedy and Its Aftermath -- is a history of the German-speaking merchants of the Mississippi Delta during Reconstruction.  It is written around the mysterious destruction of his great great grandfather's country store, and its five unfortunate inhabitants.  Dr. Colletta has appeared on local and national radio and television, is featured in Episode Four of "Ancestors," the ten-part KBYU-TV series, as well as its sequel aired in 2000.  He has received many honors in his field, including fellowship in the Utah Genealogical Association and distinguished service awards from the Dallas Genealogical Society and the National Society, Daughters of Colonial Founders and Patriots.