Family History Research

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I utilize Family Tree Maker and Ancestry to generate, maintain and research family histories. I have researched many generations of families for my own family, friends, and others. I also volunteer time to digitize records through FamilySearch Indexing and photograph headstones through Find-a-Grave. 

Read my genealogy-related blog posts here...

Memberships

I am a member of several genealogical societies, which can be helpful in finding resources for your family history search. These memberships also provide access to journals and other resources that may not be available to non-members.

Resources

Family Tree Maker

Family Tree Maker has been my go-to genealogy management software for many years. When Ancestry ended their support for Family Tree Maker, MacKiev took on the software. Family Tree Maker connects both to Ancestry and to FamilySearch. It has robust tracking and reporting tools that help you get the most out of your family history research. Learn more about Family Tree Maker...

FamilySearch

The The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has done an admirable job of keeping family research and family history at the forefront of their priorities. Many records are available for free at FamilySearch. Learn more about FamilySearch...

Find-a-Grave

If you are looking for birth and death dates or more information about associated families, you can often find this information on Find-A-Grave. You can also help others by photographing headstones in your area. Visit Find-a-Grave...

Ancestry

Although Ancestry can be pricey, if you are committed to your research, it is worth the fees. This is also a great way to have your DNA tested in a simple way that easily connects you with others who share your lineage. Learn more about Ancestry...

Newspapers

Another great subscription resource is Newspapers.com. Before you purchase a subscription, you can search to see if the newspaper you're looking for is included. Be sure you check first so that you don't subscribe only to find out that there is no holding there. Visit Newspapers...

DNA Testing

DNA is a great tool for breaking through those family history brick walls. It can also create as many questions as answers. Although I have found DNA somewhat difficult to master, there are many resources for comparing DNA and getting help. One of the simplest solutions is to have your DNA tested through Ancestry or MyHeritage or the like. These sites help you connect with people who are a genetic match to you. Another site, GEDMATCH, is a clearing house for DNA from multiple sources, and can help move you past the limitations of any one DNA testing service. You can also get help via social media groups like Genetic Genealogy Tips & Techniques on Facebook.

Hiring a Genealogist

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I have found that many people want information about their family history, but they lack the time, patience, or knowledge to do the research on their own. This is where a professional genealogist comes in. The cost for hiring a genealogist can be prohibitive for some people. Hourly rates can range from $50 to $125 or more. Because I am not a Board-Certified Genealogist, I charge a lower hourly rate than what you might find elsewhere, $35. However, that doesn't mean that I am any less of a professional in my work. I follow best practice standards for researching and sourcing family trees.

Because I live in the Capital District of New York State, I am available to do regional research in the Albany, Schenectady and Troy area. I have also conducted extensive research in Texas, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Georgia. The bulk of my research is done online, and therefore can be done from anywhere. Generally, I do not include travel as a part of my services. However, if I happen to be traveling to an area for personal reasons, I will make time in my schedule to do look-ups and search for information related to families I am researching. 

My standard service involves researching your tree as extensively as I can based on the parameters we agree to (often a budget, which translates to a number of hours of work). I then provide you with my research in electronic form (a gedcom file, a Family Tree Maker file, and all the supporting source media) as well as a notebook of printed reports which you can use for easy reference and as a "workbook" for future research. In some cases, I also provide a written synopsis of my findings. This is sometimes necessary if we are seeking to answer a specific question, rather than just provide lineage. If you are interested in hiring a genealogist to do family history research for you, please contact me! I accept payment through PayPal (alternate arrangements can also be made if necessary).