Julie Kathleen Johnson
AGRA Associate
I am a PhD student, writer, speaker, and workshop presenter with over two decades of experience in historical and genealogical research. My journey began in the late 1990s, sparked by a fascination with local history and the vivid stories passed down through generations, accounts of fortune, fame, achievement, and the occasional scandal. Though these narratives have evolved over time, I’ve never tired of hearing them. What truly captivated me was discovering documents that either confirmed long-held beliefs or corrected cherished myths.
One of my most formative experiences was my first visit to the London records office, before the Internet became widespread. There, I obtained my first vital certificates, which helped solve puzzles and led me to uncover a long-lost branch of my family. That experience ignited a lifelong dedication to archival research.
After more than twenty years of independent study and several online courses to refine my expertise, I recognised the value of formal academic training. This led me to enrol in the MSc programme in Genealogical, Palaeographic & Heraldic Studies at the University of Strathclyde, which I completed between 2021 and 2024. I now hold a Master of Science degree in this field and am currently pursuing a PhD in History. My doctoral research focuses predominantly on Suffolk workhouses and the transformations brought about by the 1834 Poor Law Act.
I am a full member of the Register of Qualified Genealogists, a public directory of professionals who have achieved accredited qualifications in genealogy and related disciplines. I am also a recognised Associate of the Association of Genealogists and Researchers in Archives (AGRA).
In addition to my academic and professional credentials, I serve as a trustee of the Suffolk Family History Society, where I contribute to preserving and promoting the county’s genealogical heritage. I maintain full insurance and comply with data protection regulations, and I am an active member of various local and national history societies.
As a regular contributor to magazines, I write on topics that blend historical insight with personal narrative. I also deliver talks and host workshops that explore genealogy, archival research, and social history, bringing the past to life for diverse audiences. Through these events, I’ve proudly supported many local charities, helping raise awareness and funds for community initiatives.
Contact Julie Kathleen Johnson
Email: contact@back-to-your-roots.co.uk
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Ipswich
Suffolk
“I was adopted as a baby and at age 63, following my sister making enquiries about her birth family, I decided to explore finding details about my birth family.
Julie at Back-to-your-roots encouraged me and suggested I do a DNA spit test to assist in finding connections in my Tree, as I had no idea where to start.
I applied to get records from Social Services at the Council, but that took time. In the meantime, Julie had done some research and thought she had found two possible families. When eventually I managed to get my birth surname, it matched one of the family trees Julie had found. Then the miracle occurred, on 11 June 2019, a match came back for my DNA test, a possible second cousin in Canada. I contacted them by email and discovered that her father was my cousin and that she knew my mother and also informed me I had two full blood siblings. My birth father had later married my mother. Everything happened quickly and by the following day I was speaking to my Sister and then my Mother. On 20 June, only nine days later I travelled to see my mother and brother and two days after that my sister.
Without Julie’s help and advice this may never have happened. She not only produced my family tree, which all my new-found family were given copies, but enabled me to meet my mother sixty-three years after she had to give me up for adoption, and siblings and their families. We all meet up now regularly and have been on holidays together.
I have since met many of my cousins including my cousin from Canada and his daughter, with whom I DNA matched.
I totally recommend Julie’s Back-to-your-roots business to help you discover your roots.”
Robert Whitehead
“I had spent many years without success trying to identify my biological father with only a photograph to work on.
However, this age old problem was solved when Julie came on board to help me. Utilising her excellent analytical skills, including DNA data, she traced my paternal linkage from the 1820s until the present day. She kept me fully informed of progress with good communication skills.
Without hesitation. I would highly recommend Julie to anyone seeking answers to their family history and/or heritage.”
Alex Sibbald
