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Some hobbyists successfully research their family trees without any professional
assistance. However, most of us do not have the time, money or expertise to
pursue personally all of the sources that might be available or needed to find
our entangled roots and sprawling branches. As a result, the time may come when
you will seek the assistance of a professional genealogist.
How do you know when? Since each research project is unique, it is impossible
to say exactly when. However, you might need to hire a pro, if you:
- Do not have time to do the research yourself
- Do not have the necessary genealogical research skills
- Do not have access to the records in a particular locality
- Do not know what records exist that might offer a solution to your research
problem
- Cannot read the language in which the records are recorded
- Have a reached a dead-end or brick wall
- Need specific on-site research
- Desire consultation on how to solve a research problem or extend a line
- Need help writing, editing or publishing your genealogy
- Want on-site photographs, videos and/or oral interviews with distant family
members
- Need help with adoption/birth parent research projects
- Wish to locate living family members
- Are not familiar with records pertaining to a particular ethnic group
Consider the fact that we all have 16 great-grandparents, and they all have
families whose branches go every which way. These ancestors probably came from
diverse geographical areas, time periods, and possibly belonged to a variety
of ethnic groups. It is the rare genealogist who is able to do all this research
without help.
Keep in mind that no one can tell you in advance how many hours of research
will be required on any of your lines, or that they can find your ancestors
quickly. Each family is unique. No ethical professional genealogist will guarantee
to find your ancestors either. When you hire a professional genealogist you
are paying for her or his time and expertise, not for positive results of a
search. It takes just as much time to discover your ancestor is not mentioned
in a particular record as it does to learn he is recorded there.
Once you have obtained names of professional who work in the area or category
in which you need assistance, you may wish to contact several to find the one
who best meets your needs and who has the time to accept the commission. Let
the researcher know what you want and agree upon time limit, costs and when
reports will be provided. In this country, anyone can call themselves a professional
genealogist, but there are some organizations who test applicants and whose
members agree to abide by a code of ethics. Moreover, some professional groups
offer arbitration services to resolve any differences that might arise between
the client and the professional.
To find a professional genealogist, contact the following organizations:
United States
Board for Certification of Genealogists
P.O. Box 14291
Washington, DC 20044
- Current Certification Roster is available online
- Screening process: Tests and certifies researchers in the U.S., Canada,
Europe and British Isles Renewal of applications is required every five years.
Certified researchers also agree to adhere to the Genealogists' Code of Ethics.
- Six categories of certification: Certified Genealogist (CG); Certified American
Lineage Specialist (CALS); Certified Genealogical Record Specialist (CGRS);
Certified American Indian Lineage Specialist (CAILS); Certified Genealogical
Instructor (CGI); Certified Genealogical Lecturer. As a public service, BCG
offers arbitration assistance to genealogical consumers who use its certified
associates.
Family History Library
35 North West Temple Street
Salt Lake City, UT 84150-1003
- Roster available: Send SASE and identify the geographic or topical specialization
needed.
Salt Lake City, UT 84150-1003
- Screening process: Tests for Accredited Genealogist (AG) status by the Genealogical
Department of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS): examinations
in specialized areas such as: American Indian, Southern, United States, England,
and Germany. These genealogists are not necessarily members of the LDS church,
nor do they limit themselves to LDS clients. Accredited Genealogists sign
an ethics agreement and agree to adhere to a code of conduct; they are required
to renew their accreditation every five years.
Association of Professional Genealogists
P.O. Box 40393
Denver, CO 80204-0393
- APG Directory of Professional Genealogists is available online
- Screening process: No testing. Members must adhere to a professional genealogists'
code. APG offers a confidential arbitration service for both clients and professionals
when the professional is an APG member. The Board for Certification will serve
as an arbiter when a certified professional is involved.
Australia
Australian Association of Genealogists and Record Agents
P. O. Box 268
Oakleigh, Victoria 3166, Australia
- Roster: Send five International Reply Coupons
- Screening process: Tests and certified in Australian and New Zealand records.
Canada
Genealogical Institue of the Maritimes
Universite de Moncton, Moncton
New Brunswick, E1A 3E9, Canada
- Roster: Send SASE (with Canadian postage or two International Reply Coupons)
- Screening process: Tests and certified for specialized research areas in
Canada.
England
Association of Genealogists and Researchers in Archives
Hon. Secretary
31 Alexandra Grove
London N12 8HE, England
- Roster: Send five International Reply Coupons
- Screening process: Listing in roster is given only to those deemed competent
by long experience, as recommended by their peers.
France
Chambre Syndicale des Genealogistes — Heraldistes de France
74, rue des Saints-Peres
75005 Paris, France
- Roster: Send five International Reply Coupons
Ireland
Association of Professional Genealogists in Ireland
c/o The Genealogical Office
30 Harlech Crescent
Clonskeagh, Dublin 14
- Roster: Send two International Reply Coupons
- Screening process: Membership is based on independent assessment and experience.
New Zealand
Genealogical Research Institute of New Zealand
P.O. Box 36-107 Moera
Lower Hutt 6330, New Zealand
- Roster: Send large envelope and two International Reply Coupons
- Screening process: Code of ethics.
Scotland
Association of Scottish Genealogists and Record Agents
51/3 Mortonhall Road
Edinburgh EH9 2HN, Scotland
- Roster: Send two International Reply Coupons
- Screening Process: Code of practice
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