GAMHOF Board of Advisors – Official Genealogist

Brian G. Andersson serves on the Board of Advisors for the German-American Hall of Fame (GAMHOF) and is the organization’s official genealogist. A lifelong supporter of the German-American community, Brian has committed his career to preserving and promoting immigrant history, genealogy, and cultural heritage.

In 1994, he started his government service in New York City under Mayor Rudolph Giuliani. He then served for ten years as the Commissioner of the Department of Records, responsible for the Municipal Archives and the city’s invaluable historical records. During his time, Brian led the digitization of the city’s major archives of documents and photographs, improving access for historians, genealogists, and the public. Today, millions of records that were once stored away are now available online thanks to his leadership.

Brian is recognized as a leading expert on 19th-century immigrant arrivals. Over the years, he has provided family arrival records and genealogical documentation for many notable individuals, including Steuben Day Parade Grand Marshals. In 1996, he proudly presented Grand Marshal John Cardinal O’Connor with archival records verifying his German ancestry. His most renowned research uncovered the true story of Annie Moore, the first immigrant to arrive at Ellis Island, a discovery that was featured on the front page of The New York Times and gained international recognition.

Besides his government service, Brian has served as the Director of Records & Archives at the historic Woodlawn Cemetery. He has given numerous lectures on genealogy, immigrant history, and archival preservation, making him a popular speaker in both academic and community venues.

Recognizable from his role as a city official, Brian has appeared on television programs like Secrets of New York and regularly contributes as a commentator on Newsmax. He has also appeared in popular productions such as Boardwalk Empire, Law & Order, The Knick, and briefly shared the screen with Bruce Willis in the film 16 Blocks.

A lifelong New Yorker, Brian graduated from CUNY Lehman College with a bachelor’s in history. He and his wife, Marianne, are proud parents of three children and a grandchild.