Guadalupe Vanderhorst Rodriguez has spent over 40 years as the Tann Family Historian, uncovering the deep roots of her family’s heritage. Her passion for genealogy and her dedication to preserving the family’s stories have made her an invaluable resource for the Tann descendants, especially those eager to learn more about their ancestors.

​

Guadalupe’s journey into genealogy started innocently enough, with childhood stories shared around the dinner table. Growing up, she was fascinated by the tales her father spoke about their family, particularly about his parents, John and Emily Tann Vanderhorst, who hailed from Dorchester County, South Carolina. These stories were more than just entertainment—they were windows into the past, filled with lessons, values, and a sense of belonging. Little did she know that these tales would spark a lifelong passion.

​

Guadalupe remembers one particular evening when her father shared a story about how John Vanderhorst, her grandfather, had once walked miles to help a neighbor in need, despite having little himself. "He wasn’t rich in material wealth," her father said, "but he was rich in spirit." That moment stayed with Guadalupe, inspiring her not just to learn about her family but to understand their character and resilience.

​

As Guadalupe grew older, her curiosity deepened. She realized there were gaps in the stories and pieces of the puzzle missing. While she had heard many anecdotes, there was little concrete documentation about her family’s history. This led her to delve into genealogy research, and what began as a hobby soon became a passion, evolving into a serious mission to preserve her family’s legacy.

​

Her research started locally, visiting courthouses, libraries, and cemeteries in South Carolina, where her grandparents had lived. She remembers the thrill of the first time she found an old record with her grandparents’ names. "It was like they were speaking to me from the past," Guadalupe recalls. "Seeing their names written down made them feel so real, like I was connecting with them across time." It was a powerful moment that fueled her desire to continue digging.

​

But the journey wasn’t always easy. Genealogical research, especially for Indigenous families with roots in the South, is often fraught with challenges. Many records were destroyed, lost, or simply never kept in the first place. Guadalupe found herself hitting dead ends on numerous occasions. Yet, her persistence always paid off. "Whenever I hit a wall, I would take a deep breath and remind myself that every piece of the puzzle counts," she says. "Even the smallest clue could lead to something bigger."

​

Over the years, Guadalupe’s dedication paid off in spades. She has now uncovered countless documents, including birth and death certificates, land deeds, and even military records, all of which provide rich details about the Tann family’s history. One of her most rewarding discoveries was finding her grandfather John’s military service records. John Vanderhorst served in World War I, and discovering this piece of history gave Guadalupe a profound sense of pride. "To know that my grandfather served his country during such a pivotal time in history is something I’ll always treasure," she says.

​

​As a direct descendant of John and Emily Tann Vanderhorst, Guadalupe takes great pride in knowing that she is helping preserve the memory of her grandparents and their contributions to their community. "I feel like it’s my duty to honor them by sharing their story with the world," she explains. "They weren’t famous, but they were remarkable in their own way. And their legacy deserves to be remembered."

​

Guadalupe’s role as the Tann Family Historian has also allowed her to connect with distant relatives who she might never have met otherwise. Thanks to her research, she has been able to reunite family members from all over the country, helping them understand their shared heritage. "It’s such a joy to see the look on people’s faces when they learn something new about their family," she says. "There’s this sense of belonging and connection that’s hard to put into words."

​

One of the most touching moments in her journey came during a family reunion when she presented her findings to the larger Tann family. She had compiled all her research into a detailed family tree and shared stories about their ancestors, including anecdotes about John and Emily’s lives. "It was emotional for everyone," Guadalupe recalls. "People were laughing, crying, and just overwhelmed by the depth of our family history. It made all those years of research worth it."

​

As she continues her work, Guadalupe hopes to inspire the younger generations of the Tann family to take an interest in their heritage. She often shares stories with her grandchildren, hoping that they, too, will carry on the legacy of the family historian. "I always tell them that history isn’t just something in the past," she says with a smile. "It’s alive in us. We are living history, and it’s our responsibility to keep it alive."

​

In addition to her personal research, Guadalupe has also become a valuable resource for others interested in tracing their family roots. She often gives advice to those just starting out in genealogy, encouraging them to be patient and persistent. "Genealogy isn’t just about finding names and dates," she says. "It’s about uncovering stories, understanding the lives of those who came before us, and how their experiences shaped who we are today."

​

Looking back on her 40-year journey, Guadalupe feels a deep sense of fulfillment. "This work has been a labor of love," she says. "I’ve learned so much about my family, but I’ve also learned a lot about myself. It’s been an incredible journey of discovery, and I’m grateful for every step of it."

​

As the Tann Family Historian, Guadalupe Vanderhorst Rodriguez has not only preserved her family’s past but has also created a legacy for future generations to cherish. Her passion, perseverance, and dedication continue to inspire those around her, reminding us all of the importance of knowing where we come from.