Kenneth R Marks
Background
I’m Kenneth R. Marks, founder of The Ancestor Hunt, a leading online resource for genealogy and newspaper research. Based in Arizona, I’ve dedicated the past two decades to helping family historians uncover their ancestors’ stories.
I was born and educated in the San Francisco Bay Area. I have resided in Los Angeles, San Diego, Silicon Valley, Seattle, Northern Virginia, DC, Saudi Arabia, and now Arizona.
Education
- California State University, East Bay
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of Southern California
Bachelor of Science, Mathematics, 1968
Experience
Before genealogy, I built a long career in Information Technology, including executive roles with Boeing, Pearson, and NASA, retiring in 2004.
Personal Genealogy Research
In 2002, I joined Ancestry.com out of curiosity. What began as casual research quickly grew into a passion: uncovering not just names and dates, but the life stories of my ancestors. That passion transformed me into an “Ancestor Hunter,” eager to share what I learned with others.
Genealogy Career and The Ancestor Hunt
The Ancestor Hunt, founded in 2008, is dedicated to helping genealogy and family history researchers of all levels.
- Expertise in historical newspaper research
- Over 275,000 links to free online genealogy and newspaper collections
- 130+ Quick Reference Research Guides to improve results
I am an expert in newspaper research. I learned early on that in order to discover my ancestors’ stories, I had to become adept at researching historical newspapers. I have been an evangelist for newspaper research and stories ever since.
The Newspaper Research Academy exists to help people uncover and understand their family stories through the power of historical newspapers. Every project — from Research Guides and Video Tutorials to Keyword Compendiums and Mapping Tools — is designed to make newspaper research clearer, faster, and more rewarding. My goal is to remove barriers, demystify the process, and give researchers of all experience levels the tools and confidence to discover the lives, voices, and events that shaped their families’ past.
Publications & Speaking
I’ve authored four genealogy reference books, including guides on newspaper research, free archives, and obituaries. I also present webinars for genealogical and historical societies and libraries nationwide, focusing on newspaper research skills and techniques.
Community and Reach
Today, The Ancestor Hunt reaches more than 100,000 family historians through social media, guides, newsletters, and presentations.
Claim to Fame
Kenneth R Marks, founder of The Ancestor Hunt and the Newspaper Research Academy, is a leading expert in newspaper genealogy research.
Ownership and Authorship
Kenneth R. Marks is the Publisher and Website Owner.
Kenneth R. Marks is the Primary Author and Content Creator
Biography
Kenneth R. Marks’ biography can be found at https://theancestorhunt.com/biography.html