Speaking

Sandy Patak, owner of Ancestry Roads, is a professional genealogist and webcaster.  

Based in Southern Appalachia, Sandy is an Appalachian storyteller, genealogist, and historian dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich heritage of the region. Through her webcasts, podcast, and educational programs, she brings to life the stories of Appalachian families, coal company towns, mountain communities, and the people who shaped the region's history. Her mission is to replace stereotypes with authentic stories that celebrate Appalachia's resilience, diversity, and enduring culture.

Sandy is a sought-after speaker and consultant on Appalachian genealogy, local history, one-place studies, and cultural heritage. She enjoys helping researchers connect family stories to the places where they lived, worked, and built their communities, inspiring others to discover and preserve their own Appalachian roots.

You can usually find her traveling the backroads of her ancestors with her husband, their yorkies, a bag of Crab Chips and a Cheerwine. .... or at a Hockey game.