Reviving Heritage,
Connecting Cultures

Helping descendants of French emigrants uncover their roots through expert archival research by a French genealogy specialist.

Your French genealogy expert

My name is Isabelle Nichele. founded and I am the founder of RFMM.

I have always been fascinated by the people who left. Not only where they settle but why did they leave, what memory or tradition do they carry with them.

Perhaps this is because migration was already part of the family’s history. On my father’s side, some of my ancestors left Italy generations ago and made a life for themselves here in Burgundy where I grew up. My family history is running through France, Italy, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Austria.

About five years ago, I began helping people, often based in the US and UK, who were researching French ancestors. I realized how much context was lacking in many cases, both in terms of historical context and French Archives. This is why I created Refrench My Memory. Today, I help descendants of French emigrants both with advice on their own research and with actual research and documentation if they so desire.

When your ancestors left France, they carried invisible threads with them.

Tracing those threads back to their source, and helping you reconnect with a part of your heritage that may have faded over generations, is some of the most meaningful work I can do.

Do you have a question related to your French ancestry or need help with your research?
Explore my services
Contact me
Book a consultation.

My Expertise

Mastery of Archives

Over the years, I have developed a deep familiarity with France’s archival systems (communal, departmental, national and myriads of specilsed archives), and a keen ability to navigate through complex research scenarios.

Bilingual Bridge

Fluent in French (native) and proficient in English, I serve as both a cultural interpreter, decoding not just the language of the records, but their sociological meaning.

Problem-Solving

As a Mensa member, I am highly analytical and combine logic, rigor, and creativity to tackle research challenges turning vague clues into solid leads.

Cultural Insight

My academic journey includes a BA in Ethnology and Masters-level studies in Social Anthropology.
This provides a more informed perspective, helping my clients connect with their heritage in a meaningful way.

My principles

Care

I know how emotional exploring your history can be. I care about your family almost as much as you do, and I treat it with the utmost care and discretion.

Integrity

Every insight stands on verifiable evidence, and any gaps or uncertainties are explicitly outlined. Every piece of information shared is held in the strictest confidence and discretion.

Connection

Family history can bring us closer to the people and places from which we sprang making the distant past feel more accessible. My ambition is also to bring cultures into contact.

Book your free consultation

I would be honored to help you find clarity.