Branch Discoveries, LLC
Preserving Family Legacies
With her vast experience in family history instruction and research methodologies, Melissa Tennant Rzepczynski brings her knowledge, strong customer service skills, and expertise in family history research to those interested in learning more about their family.
Melissa created Branch Discoveries, LLC in 2022, offering consultations, document retrievals, research services, presentations, and much more. Her knowledge and analytical skills are from decades of experience in research, including families in the Midwest and Southeast United States, immigration and migration, property and probate records, African American, female ancestors, and more.
Melissa has been a genealogy and local history librarian for the Genealogy Center at the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne, Indiana; the Hillsborough County Public Library in Tampa, Florida; and now the Marshall District Library in Marshall, Michigan.
Melissa has presented at numerous events, including RootsTech, Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) Conference, Ohio Genealogical Society (OGS) Conference, and was an instructor for the Midwest African American Genealogy Institute (MAAGI). She is a current member of the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG), the APG Great Lakes Chapter, and the US 12 Heritage Trail Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).
Experience & Professional Expertise
With more than 25 years of research experience as a genealogical librarian, I provide expert research services, analysis, and record discoveries to uncover the unique narratives of your family history.
Regional Specialist
My broader research specialty extends across the Midwest and Southeast United States. I provide comprehensive genealogical research for families whose stories span these expanded regions.
Record Pulls
Direct access for on-site record retrieval and local lookups, primarily focused within the courthouses and historic archives of Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio.
All Skill Levels
Whether you’re just getting started or need professional assistance on a complex problem, I am here to support your search.
A Scholarly Perspective
Rooted in 25 years of genealogical librarianship, my approach focuses on verified records and analysis. I specialize in Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio record pulls, guiding researchers of all levels to discover authentic narratives hidden within complex documents—far exceeding the reach of simple online searches.
Client Stories & Testimonials
Uncovering the forgotten narratives of the past through professional mastery. These testimonials reflect our commitment to accuracy and the profound stories discovered within the records.
"Thank you so much for the work you did on my family history! I shared the news with my dad and brother and they were blown away by what you were able to find. I am excited to continue trying to learn more. It is an incredible feeling to have this hole in our family tree cleared up."
Robyn T., St. Louis, MO
Family History Research
"You provided a lot of valuable information, countless documents with different things I can focus on as I continue building out my family tree. I am definitely going to use your services again."
T., Chicago, IL
Family History Research
"The wealth of knowledge and expertise you brought to your topic kept your audience engaged. We are all thankful for the extent of your list of resources; it will keep us searching and reading for some time. And, as a result of your efforts, hopefully some will be led to a new bit of family history to add to their family puzzle."
Betty B., MI
Speaking Engagement
Research conducted on artist, poet, and musician, Ted Joans' family, was featured in Steven Belletto's 2025 book, Black Surrealist: The Legend of Ted Joans.
Steven B., Easton, PA
Family History Research