International speaker and author

Dr. Penny Walters, PhD, MSc, BScHons., PGCert. Genealogy, FHEA

Dr. Penny Walters has been a University lecturer for 30 years, teaching Masters’ Business studies at British Universities. Penny's interest in genealogy started after having her first child, and then wondering about her own biological parents, as she was adopted. Penny has six mixed race children, who have all been fascinated with discovering their roots through DNA ethnicity results - there were very mixed feelings about discovering enslaved ancestors. Penny’s two ethnicities were revealed as half Irish and half Welsh, which again caused mixed feelings with the discovery of ancestors fleeing the Irish Famine. This wealth of experience has inspired all of Penny’s presentations: adoption, unknown ethnicities, ethical dilemmas, being English but discovering Irish and Welsh ancestors, and wondering about the psychology behind searching. Being British gives her great insight into records available in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Penny lectures internationally in-person including throughout the UK, Ireland, America, and Australia; writes articles for a variety of magazines; is sought after for a wide range of webinar topics; and is a regular consultant on television and radio programmes. Penny has authored the books: 'Ethical Dilemmas in Genealogy' (2019) and ‘The Psychology of Searching’ (2020) available on Amazon.