Professional Genealogist  |  Madison, Wisconsin

I’m Bob Rettammel, a professional genealogist based in Madison, Wisconsin, specializing in German-American research. I hold a master’s degree in Sociology from Marquette University, which gives me a sociologist’s eye for how families, communities, and migration shaped the lives of our ancestors.

How My Journey Began

My interest in genealogy began when I was a teenager, sparked by the original 1977 Roots mini-series and by an uncle who shared boxes of old family photographs and stories with me. Those days with my uncle, nearly five decades ago, brought to life relatives I had never met and gave me a window into my own place in history.

Research and Client Work

My research focuses on German-American families, and I continually expand my knowledge of U.S. record sources and databases. My primary research home is the Wisconsin Historical Society Library and Archives on the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus.

For more than a decade, I have helped clients with a wide range of research projects. My work includes research for two episodes of the TV series Who Do You Think You Are?, and I was credited in Season 8, Episode 5 (2017).

Leadership and Professional Development

I currently serve as Vice President of the Wisconsin State Genealogical Society (WSGS) and served three terms as President of the Dane County Area Genealogical Society (DCAGS) from 2016 to 2024. I am a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG) and the National Genealogical Society (NGS), and I am a 2018 graduate of ProGEN, an 18-month professional study program.

Presentations

I enjoy teaching others and give presentations to genealogy groups on topics including:

• Why the Genealogical Proof Standard matters for reliable, well-documented research
• Getting started in genealogy research
• Writing your family history
• Finding collections and records in FamilySearch and archives
• Beginning research on German ancestors and finding their place of origin in German-speaking lands