Family Historian & Professional Genealogist
Ruth D. HuntRuth D. Hunt, a distinguished family historian and research specialist, has dedicated over 40 years to the intricate and rewarding pursuit of genealogy. Her passion for tracing family roots has led her to uncover her ancestry as far back as the 1600s, 1700s, and 1800s, meticulously piecing together the stories of her forebears. Through diligent research and heartfelt family interviews, Ruth has been able to document and establish compelling slave narratives for her second great-grandparents from Southwest Virginia—an endeavor that honors their lives and preserves their legacy.
Among Ruth’s remarkable discoveries, her most treasured find was locating her long-lost half-brother, Barry Hunt, born in England during World War II. This extraordinary reunion occurred long before the advent of widely accessible DNA matching services and online genealogical platforms, marking it a truly miraculous achievement. Ruth is channeling this profound experience into her forthcoming book, *The Scent of My Father*, which chronicles her journey to find her brother and the emotional resonance of their reunion.
Beyond her genealogical pursuits, Ruth has made significant contributions to the field. From 2017 until the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, she spearheaded monthly genealogy workshops at the New York City VA hospital, offering veterans the tools and guidance to explore their familial histories. Her efforts in this sphere earned her recognition from the U.S. Department of Defense for her unwavering commitment to the State of New York's veterans.
Ruth is an active and proud member of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, one of the nation’s oldest and most esteemed genealogical organizations. Her involvement extends to other prominent organizations, including the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society and the Saint Andrews Society, among many others, showcasing her dedication to historical preservation.