Ruth D. Hunt
Family Historian • Genealogist • Talk Show Host
Ruth D. Hunt was inspired by Alex Haley's "Roots"
Inspired by Alex Haley’s groundbreaking Roots miniseries, Ruth D. Hunt began a lifelong journey into genealogy. Like Haley, she seeks to awaken a deeper consciousness around ancestry—encouraging people of all backgrounds to explore their roots and the connections that bind us all.
Ruth D. Hunt
Family Historian, Research Specialist
& Talk Show Host
Ruth D. Hunt is a veteran family historian and research specialist with more than four decades of focused genealogical investigation. Her work spans the 1600s through the 19th century, tracing ancestral lines with precision and restoring the stories of those whose voices were nearly lost.
Through exhaustive research and intimate family interviews, she has documented and authenticated slave narratives connected to her second great-grandparents from Southwest Virginia—preserving a legacy that anchors her family’s history to the broader American story.
One of her most extraordinary achievements came long before modern DNA tools: the discovery of her half-brother, Barry Hunt, born in England during World War II. Their reunion, accomplished through persistence and intuition rather than technology, remains the crown jewel of her research life. That journey forms the heart of her forthcoming book, The Scent of My Father, a true account of searching, finding, and reuniting a family divided by war, distance, and time.
Ruth has also contributed meaningfully to the genealogical community. From 2017 until the COVID-19 pandemic, she led monthly genealogy workshops at the New York City VA Medical Center, equipping veterans with the skills to trace their own family histories. Her service to the veteran community earned her formal recognition from the U.S. Department of Defense.
She is a proud member of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society, the Saint Andrew’s Society, and several other heritage organizations—reflecting her steadfast commitment to historical preservation and ancestral truth
Genealogy Is More Than a Family Tree
Genealogy:
Family History – The Study of Families and the Tracing of Their Lineages
Genealogy is the study of one's origins.
Some folks are eager to understand their genealogy and others prefer to forget their family history. However, knowing one's genealogy can have real advantages, especially medical – knowing your genetic history can help you maintain your health and take steps for prevention and early detection.
"My fondest hope is that "Roots" may start black, white, brown, red, and yellow people digging back for their roots. Man, that would make me feel 90 feet tall."
Explore Your Roots
Get Started on your Path of Discovery!
If you’re interested in learning more about your family history or would like to explore how I can assist you, please complete the form below. I look forward to connecting with you.