.jpg)
About
American-Archives.com is a free, online chronicle devoted to historical preservation. The site shares photographs, files, archival collections, and stories, highlighting interesting and unusual tidbits of interest to both genealogists and historians. Please Join my New England Genealogy and History Group with over 14,500 members-Click the link on the box to the left. Thank you and Welcome!
Americana-Archives.com’s curator is Melissa Davenport Berry, a historical and genealogical researcher and writer specializing in New England. A blogger for GenealogyBank.com, Melissa has written for newsletters, newspapers, and magazines—including GenealogyMagazine.com. She is also a research assistant for the Heritage Collectors Society—buyers, sellers, and consignors of fine historical documents and autographs. Melissa's professional background also includes tracing the provenance of a antique objects and historical artifacts for private collectors and auction houses. She is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution Phoebe Bayard Chapter. See her profile on Linkedin.
Testimonals
"I have used Melissa's services for my publications and collections and highly recommend her. Also, she has a unique and interesting style of writing and blogging that gives her stories a hometown appeal. Through careful research, she blends historical information and genealogy in a way that brings her subjects to life."
Gary Sullivan, American antique clock/furniture expert, author, exhibit curator, and a regular appraiser on the PBS series Antiques Roadshow
"Melissa Davenport Berry has been producing a series of excellent articles for the GenealogyBank Blog. She has proven to be an experienced, solid researcher and an adroit writer, whose flair and creativity have resulted in a loyal readership. Melissa has numerous connections to family historians and genealogy associations, which contribute to the authenticity of her articles."
Anthony Pettinato, GenealogyBank Blog editor
"Melissa is an accomplished historian and writer. Her interest in the field of genealogy and history makes her stories compelling to read. I would highly recommend her."
David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of New England Historic Genealogical Society
"I love reading Melissa’s articles on the history of New England and our ancestors. She has always been willing to help me with our research at the Massachusetts State Police Museum and Learning Center (MSPMLC) and through her writings and research she continues to preserve American history in a colorful and thought provoking way."
Ron Guilmette, retired Lt. Colonel and researcher at the MSPMLC
“At a time when it is easy to lose touch with our roots, and the countless men and women who came before us, it is wonderful to read and enjoy the varied writings of local historian, Melissa Berry! In particular, Ms. Berry seizes those stories that oftentimes bring a smile and a chuckle to the reader of tales from long past.”
Peter Hoyt, educator and former president of the Bartlett Museum, Amesbury, Mass.
"Melissa doesn't just research, she also finds the human story behind the dry facts. She's also not afraid to write about fun happenings or obscure events that no one else notices. I've learned a lot about early times in the Newbury-Ipswich area, for instance, the time people thought the British were coming."
Merrily Buchs, former news editor of The Daily News of Newburyport
“Melissa's is an exceptional researcher and writer of American history. She has proven her ability to make American history both interesting and informative without inserting myth or mystery into her writing. This talent makes each of her papers something to look forward to.”
David C. Garcelon, historian, author, land surveyor, civil engineer, and expert in antique surveying instruments, instrument makers, surveying and mapping.
"Melissa Berry has assisted me in countless ways in my family history research. She’s guided me to many online resources, books, and news clippings that have been invaluable in helping me flesh out my family trees, including research on my Salem Witch Trial ancestors, and my Mayflower ancestors, neither of which I knew anything about. Her research found news clippings that brought to life stories about my ancestors, and the life they led. I would not have proven my Mayflower ancestry without her first mentioning the value of using probate records. She has also written and published some great articles about my Stearns family. And to top it off, if it weren’t for Melissa, I’d never have had the chance to not only find, but visit, the old Stearns family home, where four generations of my family resided, more than 100 years. Thanks, Melissa!"
Ruth Stearns, Lincoln, Nebraska
Melissa worked hand in hand with me completing a now successful GSMD application that had been stalled and would have remained in that status if I had not met her; she gave completely of her time, service and friendship throughout and would never give up or allow me to do so. Throughout the process I was able to learn so much more by exposure to her wealth of knowledge of broad base of articles and writing materials and ability to research and find so much that seems hidden to many of us and it is wonderful to share the humor and joy she employs in all her efforts. I look forward to another adventure with Melissa!
Kay Ermao, New Hampshire
Disclosure of Material Connection: Americana-Archives.com receives complimentary copies of books and samples of products and services mentioned on its sites with the understanding that it will be considered for review by the editors. The editors will only recommend products which they feel are of benefit to the site’s readers. This disclosure is made in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” Some of the links in the posts on Americana-Archives.com are “affiliate links,” meaning that if a site user clicks on the link and purchase the item, Americana-Archives.com will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, we will only recommend products or services that we would personally use and believe will add value to our readers. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”