Robert Hanna: A Life Forged in War and Resilience
Welcome!
Whispering Leaves Genealogy is the story of my ancestors—of lives once lived, battles fought, and legacies nearly lost to silence. What began as a search for names has grown into something far deeper: a reckoning with truth, a reclaiming of stories, and a refusal to let history fade quietly into the past.
Through records, letters, and long-forgotten whispers, I’ve uncovered not just facts—but the resilience, pain, and strength woven through generations. Here, I don’t just tell stories—I put them into context. I examine the patterns, the power dynamics, the social and emotional realities that shaped the people who came before me. This is how we move from memory to meaning.
This isn’t just about genealogy. It’s about bringing the past to light, honoring what was hidden, and making sure those who came before me are not just remembered—but understood.
Along the way, I may share pieces of my own story too. Because history doesn’t only live behind us—it lives through us. And while I don’t know exactly where this path leads, I know one thing for sure:
The silence ends here.
Blog Highlights
Resources
Genealogy and Family History Blog
These are snapshots from my search through family roots—quick reflections, small discoveries, and quiet realizations. Each post is a piece of the bigger picture, and sometimes they’ll link to more detailed ancestor stories when there’s more to tell.
Detailed Ancestor Narratives
These are the deeper stories—the ones that take time and space. Here, I explore the full weight of family history with honesty, emotion, and reflection. Some are linked from shorter blog posts—because sometimes, the story doesn’t fit in a single page. This is where the whole truth lives.
Research Tips
These posts offer practical guidance from my own experience digging into family history—what worked, what didn’t, and what I wish I’d known sooner. Sometimes these tips will link to deeper guides or tools I’ve found helpful along the way.
Book Recommendations
These are the books that stayed with me—memoirs, histories, and family stories that helped me think differently about legacy, trauma, and belonging. Some posts link to longer reflections when a book hits especially close to home.
Disclaimer: I deeply respect my family’s privacy. No names or personal details will be shared without their consent. Additionally, due to degrees of separation, some stories may omit certain information to ensure privacy is maintained.