Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nancy Benz. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Nancy, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you tell us a bit about who your hero is and the influence they’ve had on you?

My greatest influence and one of my heroes is my great-aunt Dorothy. Though she passed away more than a decade ago, the lessons she taught me as a child still shape my life today. She inspired my love for learning, encouraged my curiosity, and, most importantly, loved me for who I am.

While she dreamed I’d follow in her footsteps as a university professor, I believe she would be proud of my career as a historian. In my own way, I’m still teaching—just in a different capacity.

Nancy, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’ve always admired my friends who started their own small businesses and thought, I can do that—what can I offer my community? With over 10 years of experience in the public history field, I noticed a real need for accessible historians and museum professionals in my area. Many people here either rely on the state historical society or archives—over two hours away—or struggle to get appointments with local organizations that are often short-staffed.

After discussing the idea with entrepreneurial friends and trusted colleagues, I decided to take the leap and create Tracking Your History: Family and Historical Preservation Services. My goal was simple: to help individuals and families connect with their personal histories while preserving the stories that matter most to them.

One of the most important factors behind my success is authenticity. Being genuine allows me to really connect with my clients and community. I started small, doing historical research and genealogy work for family and friends for free, but I realized there was a real demand for these services. Living in an area rich in history, I saw how many people were curious about the past but didn’t know where to start—or had hit roadblocks in their research. That’s where I step in, helping clients uncover the stories they’re searching for.

Of course, there are challenges. Not everything or everyone from the past is well-documented, and that can be frustrating for clients and for me. But those moments are balanced by pieces that are discovered—whether it’s piecing together a family tree or shedding light on an untold story.

The past inspires me every day. I love that I’ve built a career centered around sharing our collective history, sparking curiosity, and inspiring others to explore their own roots. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing someone make an emotional connection to a story or piece of history I’ve helped uncover.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

I’ve always been passionate about history and the stories that connect us as humans. I wanted a career that would allow me to share our past in a creative, engaging way, which led me to the field of public history. For 6 years I worked as a curator of collections and exhibits at a local museum and most recently I’ve accepted a Museum and Collections Manger role at my local historical society. Designing exhibits and creating content that sparks curiosity brings me immense pride. Seeing people connect with the work I’ve created—whether it’s through a display or a piece of content—makes me feel like I’m making an impact, inspiring others to explore history for themselves.

I’m most proud of how my work encourages people to dig deeper into their own histories and communities. The conversations, curiosity, and connections sparked by my work mean the world to me. For potential clients and followers, I’d want them to know that I approach each project with care, passion, and a dedication to uncovering and sharing the stories that matter most to them.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was tying my self-worth to how much I could juggle. In grad school, I hit a breaking point that completely shifted how people—and I—perceived myself. It’s deeply personal, so I’ll spare the details, but I was going through an incredibly tough time. My dad was seriously ill, I was working three jobs, attending grad school full-time, and driving four hours a day between Quincy, Hannibal, and Macomb. It was overwhelming, and eventually, it all caught up with me.

I felt like a complete failure. I remember sitting there, staring at paperwork, convinced my life was falling apart. After several heartfelt conversations with my professors, my then-boyfriend (now husband), and close friends, I realized I needed help. I decided to go to therapy to learn how to manage my stress and emotional responses—and honestly, it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

This experience taught me the importance of taking a breather and listening to my body. When it’s telling you to slow down and process, don’t ignore it. If I could pass on one lesson, it’s this: prioritizing your mental health isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s an act of strength. And it’s something I’m proud to have learned.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://trackinghistorydotblog.wordpress.com
• Instagram: @trackingyourhistory
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrackingYourHistory
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-benz/

Image Credits

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