I’ve been fascinated by the past since childhood and began exploring family and community history in the late 1990s, starting with a quest to learn about a great-grandmother, who was born in a planned Irish settlement in Atlantic Canada. Since then, my interests have expanded to include understanding the deep connections between people and their landscapes.
I’m a proud Mainer. My parents’ ancestors have lived in Greater Portland and other communities along Maine’s coast for many generations. Other places of ancestral origin include Atlantic Canada, England, and Ireland.
I do local and family history, with a specialization in Irish family history. Yet I have broader knowledge of the communities and their inhabitants in the locations where I do research. I like to understand the bigger picture. Over the years, I’ve had the honor of giving talks on DNA, genealogy, and history that have helped shape our communities at libraries, historical centers, and conferences in the U.S., Atlantic Canada, and Ireland. I served as a researcher and author for several ArcGIS StoryMaps as part of the History in Stones project, led by Dr. Kimberly Sebold of the History Department at the University of Maine at Presque Isle. Previously, I was Administrator of the Maine Gaeltacht DNA Project, a genealogy researcher, and a member of the Advisory Council at the Maine Irish Heritage Center. In the late 1990s, I was a member of the Portland Irish Roundtable, a small genealogy group led by (the late) David Soule, a founding member of the Maine Irish Heritage Center before it existed, and we held meetings at his house in South Portland.
In addition to decades of experience as a local and family history researcher, I hold a B.A. in History from the University of Maine at Presque Isle, where I graduated summa cum laude and was a nominated recipient of the University’s “Outstanding Achievement in History” award. I’ve completed some coursework towards obtaining an M.A. in History.
Outside of historical research, I love creating things. I enjoy painting with oil and acrylic, sketching, crafts (including natural fiber felt), photography, poetry, and weaving on portable and floor looms. Some of my artwork has been exhibited in local galleries, and some are held in private collections across the U.S. I’ve won a couple of photography contests. I am a published poet as well. Check out “Remembering Nanny Knitting” on The Cafe Review Art & Poetry Quarterly Journal website to read my grandmother poem. “Cold War Relic” is the first one I posted here on this site. “Yellow Tulips” is the first oil painting post. So, be sure to keep an eye out for the occasional Creative Things posts!
I’m married, have four adult children, and a cute little pup named Rollo.
How can I help you?
If you’re looking for help researching your ancestors or you just have a genealogy or family history question, let’s connect!
✉︎ mainegeni@me.com
Thank you for visiting.
♥︎ Krista
Krista Luttrell 