How I Work as a Genealogist Q&A

Want to know what it would be like to work with me as a genealogist? Then you’re in for a treat because I answer some questions that have come my way in the hopes that it will inspire you to get the genealogy help that you need.

What does a one-on-one consultation look like for you?

I tell people that they have a free 30 minute consultation with me over the phone, video chat, email, etc. This is to help me get to know you and for you to see if your genealogy problem is the right fit for me. We also will discuss if you just want part of your genealogy solved or ten generations solved. This determines how many hours I will need to accomplish your request.

As a genealogist, I can do a variety of tasks for you. For example, some people I’ve worked with just wanted me to do the research on part of their lines, then add the new information to Family Search on their personal family tree. Others wanted me to research the truth of a family story about an ancestor having some of his items in a Norwegian museum. They didn’t want to do the research themselves and I was more than happy to hunt down the information. It can be as flexible as you need.

After we come to a final agreement, I will keep you informed once a week with my discoveries or to ask for further information. Sometimes, I won’t know what clarifying questions to ask until I start on my research. Therefore, we will need to correspond at least once a week to keep everyone updated.

Again, I can contact you in any way that is comfortable to you. I’m familiar with Google Hangouts, Zoom, Skype, video chats using phones, and regular phone calls, etc.

What areas do you research as a genealogist?

I primarily help people with American and Scandinavian ancestors. This includes many U.S. states, Norway, Denmark, and Sweden research. Finland is a Scandinavian country; however, I choose not to research there just because I don’t have any experience with that country or it’s records. I’m more familiar with Nebraska, Minnesota, Michigan, Iowa, and New York in the U.S. However, I do research in other states as well.

People sometimes ask me if I do British, Polish, or Adoption research, etc. I personally don’t; however, the neat thing about genealogists is that we have connections with people, or resources, who specialize in areas we don’t. So it’s good to ask because we may know someone who does or we know certain websites that can get you started. Just keep asking!

Do I Have to Prepare Anything Before the Consultation?

It would be best to gather as much information as you can for our consultation. Then I would have a much clearer understanding and be able to start on your research project a little sooner. Otherwise, you don’t have to do any extra work when we meet.

Why Do You Specialize in Scandinavian Research?

It started because in my own family tree, there was no one in our family who took on our Norwegian family line. They would stop at American records and not push further with good reason. Norwegian records can be confusing at best. I would not have tackled it if I hadn’t gone to school and learned how I could break those barriers. I’m not a native speaker, but I do know how to read the Scandinavian records in their own language. In addition, my mother-in-law is full blooded Danish and has all Danish ancestry. This means I get to delve into her Danish genealogy and it’s amazing!

Conclusion

Genealogists are people who take their passion and bring it one step further into a business. But it’s more than just a business to them. It’s a way for them to help you make family connections easier and faster. They usually teach you how you can do it on your own as well. In addition, many genealogists become your friend because when you work together on family connections for so long, it’s hard not to get close. I’ve made some really good friends doing this work.

In the meantime…good luck and happy hunting!

Tiffany

P.S. As always, I’m here if you have any questions about genealogy. If you’re looking to learn more about professional genealogists then check out the links below:

• Why Not Work with a Genealogist
• What Do Professional Genealogists Do