Faces of NextGen: Meet Dustin Austin

Dustin Austin, Ohio

What five words would you use to describe yourself? Enthusiastic, funny, energetic, friendly, outgoing.

Why genealogy? It’s just a lot of fun! I live in a small and rural farming community, and almost everyone in the area is related in some way. It is a lot of fun learning about the families around you, and what they contributed to make the world what it is today. Since this hobby/addiction started I have realized I am never bored, or looking for something to do, as there is always something to do, someone to visit, or something to research.

 What’s the coolest discovery you’ve made? So far one of the coolest, and one of my favorites, was one of my first cousins (four times removed). He invented and manufactured the ice cream cabinet. In the process, he was able to amass great wealth and drive for success in his descendants, who have been a great joy to work with and get to know.

What are you working on this week? I am putting the final details together for our Northwest Ohio Genealogy Seminar in June 2016, which is a one day seminar with two big name speakers coming.  I have been organizing this seminar to be hosted by seven local genealogy chapters.  

What’s the number one secret to your success in genealogy? Source, source, source!!! After this important item, I would say personal interviews, which have helped immensely.

What superpower would you want to help you uncover your family history? I would love to be able to have a time machine to where I could travel back in time to meet all these awesome people, and while I am back in time of course asking for help with those brick walls!

What are we most likely to find you doing when you’re not researching family history? I am usually volunteering with a project, family history related or within my community. I can also be found attending a local genealogy class or teaching one!

Anything else you’d like to share? I love connecting with other young genealogists and sharing ideas, plans, research, and traveling. I am taking a trip this fall to Salt Lake City, and am very excited to learn what all this wonderful library has to offer. If you are in Ohio or close by and want to meet up, give me a shout out!


The NextGen Genealogy Network is made up of young genealogists with diverse backgrounds, interests, and experiences. Faces of NextGen showcases a different member of our community each month. If you would like to be considered for an upcoming feature, simply complete our questionnaire and submit a selfie.

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