Hollis Gentry

Hollis Gentry is a genealogy specialist at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History & Culture Library. She provides genealogical and historical reference services; develops and implements genealogy instruction, programs, and presentations; and serves as a genealogy consultant on the National Museum of African American History and Culture’s special projects. She worked for the National Daughters of the American Revolution for eleven years working as Special Projects Researcher and Genealogists. She recently testified as an expert genealogy witness before the Task Force to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans. Ms. Gentry says that working at the museum is the realization of a dream she’s had for more than two decades: to provide reference assistance to staff, scholars, and the public on subjects related to African American history, culture, and genealogy. She loves research and enjoys helping other researchers find the information they seek. She also enjoys being amongst colleagues who have a passion for their work, learning from them and with them, and enjoying the numerous opportunities for professional and personal development that are available at the Smithsonian. Over the years, she has advised the leadership of Sons & Daughters of the United States Middle Passage in the creation of its genealogy standards and other issues.