Filip Genealogy

I started my journey with a family tree…

When I was young, my family tree seemed simple. My parents divorced early, so I mostly knew my mother and her parents. Oh, and I had another set of grandparents too. Although my father was never part of my life, his parents were.


That’s when I started building my family tree seriously. My mother wasn’t very helpful—she just said we were a mix of “mutts from Europe.” I did get some basic details from my grandparents, but by the time I got serious about research, they had passed away.

Then things got complicated. I heard whispers that my father had been adopted. Thanks to DNA testing, I was finally able to solve that mystery. Now I have two family trees: one biological, based on DNA, and one familial, the tree I began as a child.

I created this site to share my ongoing journey and to inspire others to explore their own family histories and preserve the stories they uncover along the way.

Discover Your Heritage, Even if You’re a Complete Beginner!

Start with the Beginner’s Guide, then explore Family Stories!

Beginners Guide
Read My Family Stories

Simple guides, actionable tips, and resources to help you trace your ancestors and preserve your family’s legacy.

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FilipGenealogy Forums

FilipGenealogy Forums is your friendly community space to ask questions, share those tricky brick walls, and celebrate your genealogy success stories! Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned family history researcher, our forums are the perfect place to connect, learn, and grow together.

To join the conversation, we invite you to register as a member on our site. It’s quick, easy, and completely free! Becoming a member not only gives you full access to post and reply but also helps us keep the community safe and spam-free, so everyone can enjoy a positive and supportive environment.

By registering, you’ll be part of a vibrant network of fellow genealogists who are eager to share tips, resources, and encouragement. Dive into discussions, ask for help breaking down your research barriers, or inspire others with your discoveries. Your journey matters, and here at FilipGenealogy, you’re never alone.

Join us today and start exploring the rich stories waiting to be uncovered — together!




About Russ Filip and FilipGenealogy

I am now retired and living in Florida, but my passion for history and genealogy dates back to my youth in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Over the years, I have built a large family tree with thousands of DNA matches, using a variety of research methods to expand and verify my findings.

My genealogical research focuses on three main areas:

Maternal Line: Rooted in Western Europe

Paternal Line: Centered on Eastern Europe, especially the Czech Republic and surrounding regions

DNA Match Groups: Exploring connections among DNA matches with Western European roots who also share strong African ancestry

Through this journey, the biggest insight I’ve gained is that the world is truly one big family. My curiosity drives me to understand how we all fit together across time and geography.
I hope this site serves as a helpful resource for genealogists at every level—whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience—and inspires you to discover your own place in this vast family tree.

Ancestors & Relatives I Have Discovered In My Family Tree

Latest Posts – guides, stories, and tools to support your research

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