How do I hire a professional genealogist? 3 steps to find one you can trust.
Have you tried researching your family history and found it too time-consuming and overwhelming? It may be time to consider learning how to hire a professional genealogist. But let’s face it, the internet can be a tricky place to find trustworthy sources for any service. And you definitely don’t want just anyone poking around in your ancestry. When uncovering potentially sensitive information, you’ll want someone who not only understands you and your expectations but someone who is reliable and accurate at what they do. To receive the impact you’re longing for, keep reading for expert-level information that includes when to hire a professional genealogist and three steps to follow; prepare, consider, and evaluate.
When should you hire a professional genealogist?
A professional genealogist is an expert at researching family history and lineage. They're experienced at connecting the dots between layers of deep generational exploration and can develop a detailed report that accurately presents their findings. And whether you are researching your family history for pure fun or preparing a special surprise for a loved one, knowing when and how to find a professional genealogist can save you time and money. Here are a few scenarios of when you may consider hiring one;
Your research hits a wall. While researching, you may encounter several obstacles that prevent you from continuing. Whether you’re short on time or you’re losing interest in the fine print, a professional genealogist can surpass the speed bumps and help you find what you need.
When your family is complex. Building your family history can be a sensitive process. You may discover secrets, stories, and relationships that stir up emotions. A professional genealogist understands this connection and will guide you through the process with sincerity, care, and consideration. This may be particularly true if you are trying to identify your unknown biological family.
You need help finding accurate sources. There are a lot of people who share the same names, and it can be difficult to determine which information you need. Especially if you’re researching a specific period, you need accurate sources and a decent level of knowledge of the area.
You may struggle to understand the documents you find. From DNA results to tax records and handwritten documents, you’ll come across several documents that need a trained eye. Professional genealogists have expert knowledge and experience translating and deciphering even the most complicated documents.
How to hire a professional genealogist you can trust
Hiring a genealogist is similar to hiring anyone for a professional service. You need to complete your research, gather testimonials, and make sure you find someone who has the credentials, experience, and personality that supports what you need. When deciding who to hire, you’ll want to use three specific tools to assess your candidates: prepare, consider, and evaluate.
Step 1: Broadly think about what you need and prepare
When researching your family lineage, broadly think about the area you are researching. For example, if you seek dual citizenship and need ancestral information from Ireland, think about which region specifically. Where are your Irish roots located? Northern or Eastern Ireland? A professional genealogist specializes in a specific subject or geographical specialty, and it's important to prepare in advance to find someone who has experience in your chosen area.
The Association of Professional Genealogists (APG) directory has over 1,700 members with a diverse range of experience for all of your genealogical questions. Their user-friendly interface allows you to search professional genealogists by name, location, subject, specialty, and region. You can find accredited genealogists in the ICAPGen℠ directory.
Even if your research requires a professional genealogist with geographical experience in Tunisia or one who understands specific yet more complicated areas such as military research, genetic genealogy, forensic genealogy, or adoption research, you will find your perfect match.
Once you have located a genealogist, the next step is to consider their experience and possible credentials.
Step 2: Consider experience and credentials
Credentials are an important part of the process. They determine whether or not a genealogist presents the experience, skills, and capabilities of finding what you need.
There are two major independent credentialing organizations: The International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists (ICAPGen℠) and The Board for Certification of Genealogists (BCG). Individuals who have either an “AG” or “CG” after their name are at the top of the field—relatively few genealogists achieve a credential.
An accredited genealogist receives their credentials from ICAPGen℠ through a rigorous three-level testing process. It involves evaluating their knowledge of a specific geographic region, either in the United States or another country. If you want to hire an accredited genealogist, make sure you ask about their experience with the geographic region you need.
A certified genealogist must prove their capability to transcribe and analyze documents and use various resources to problem-solve while presenting a well-reasoned conclusion. Unlike the ICAPGen℠ process, certified genealogists are not assessed on specific knowledge of geographic regions and their records.
Besides credentials, make sure you consider education and experience. Many are unaware of this, but there are relatively few undergraduate programs in family history and genealogy, so you will not necessarily find a genealogist with a genealogy degree. Boston University Genealogy Studies Program and Brigham Young University Genealogy Program are a couple of traditional programs that do exist. These programs teach quality research skills, provide a strong understanding of ethics, and further prove dedication to the field.
Because of the lack of traditional educational programs, many genealogists come into the profession from other fields and build their expertise by attending genealogy conferences and institutes. Look for continued professional development.
Step 3: Interview and evaluate “fit”
Before hiring a genealogist, evaluate a few candidates to determine the best fit. Here are a few factors to include;
Work samples. Ask about their work samples to receive a better understanding of their experience.
Testimonials. Many genealogists work through word-of-mouth. By reviewing their testimonials, you will begin to understand their level of customer service.
Personality. Uncovering your family history is an intimate process, and hiring someone you get along with will make the journey more memorable and enjoyable. When evaluating, pay attention to their communication style, attitude, and attention to detail.
Time. Depending on your budget and your expected time frame, inquire about their process, specifically how they use their available time. For instance, ask them how long they think it will take to complete the research. Making sure you are both on the same page in terms of needs and expectations will minimize any potential problems.
Customer service. Does the genealogist make it easy to work with them? For example, do they take credit cards? Do they use electronic contracts? How do they plan to communicate with you?
By taking the time to search and evaluate potential candidates, you are well on your way to learning about your family’s story.
How much does it cost to hire a professional genealogist?
Another factor to consider is your available budget. Professional genealogists are typically self-employed and charge anywhere between $65 to $100 an hour. Genealogy Pals offers a detailed cost analysis to determine how to get the most bang for your buck. Learn more about the cost to hire a professional genealogist.
If you're still on the fence about when to hire a professional genealogist, focus on how much time they will save you. They not only make the process worth the cost by discovering exciting information about your ancestry, but the right one finds accurate and reliable information in a quicker time frame.
Remember to prepare, consider, evaluate, and have faith - the genealogist you need is out there! Do you need more guidance? Schedule a free consultation to speak to a credentialed and professional genealogist today.