Anyone Hire a Genealogist?

Sheltowee · Jan 24, 2023

Just curious. Anyone here ever hired a genealogist?

A good experience? Very expensive? How far back did they go?

My mother has done a decent job on our tree. But it peters out in the 1700s on my maternal side. My paternal side has a lot of unknowns.

Not saying I have the resources or inclination- just curious about others' experiences.

rbasin · Jan 25, 2023

My aunt used one for her step kids, and it was helpful. A bit pricey,

Seduzal · Jan 25, 2023

Sorry but no clue. :banghead:

Fairfield · Jan 25, 2023

Cost varies widely. Most basic research fees are pretty reasonable (actually on the low side) but it's all the add-in such as travel, copies (certified if required), court (etc.) fees... The secret is to have high-profile ancestors who never moved more than a mile of so from their parents

It also depends on your quest: whether you need only one issue cleared up or whether you want a multi-generational finished piece. If you are out to join one of the heritage societies, there are all sorts of hoops to jump through that can add to the final cost figure.

Another variant is the time period that you want covered. If you are looking to prove descent from one of the Salem "witches," you're in luck because the records are pretty good (even the records back into the 1600's) but if the quest goes back into the Dark Ages the costs can be astronomical.

Once I did hire a genealogist to check a specific point in Denmark; I figured that this would be far less expensive than flying to Copenhagen to do the research my self. This was a clear money decision--I am happier doing my own research.

If you haven't the time or training to undertake the task yourself, I'd try to find a genealogist whose own genealogical interests parallel your own because s/he knows the "territory" well and may even have pertinent materials at hand. Most professional genealogists have specific areas of expertise. Discuss costs up front and set a cap; this certainly won't offend a professional genealogist.

Even less expensive is to take a course in genealogical research and do the work yourself! Serious genealogy has some very technical aspects and so it's no place for Enthusiastic Amateurs however it's not so difficult that--if you know what you are doing--you are bound to fail. Just remember to document everything. It's far more rewarding than writing a check.

Sheltowee · Jan 25, 2023

Fairfield said:
Cost varies widely. Most basic research fees are pretty reasonable (actually on the low side) but it's all the add-in such as travel, copies (certified if required), court (etc.) fees... The secret is to have high-profile ancestors who never moved more than a mile of so from their parents

It also depends on your quest: whether you need only one issue cleared up or whether you want a multi-generational finished piece. If you are out to join one of the heritage societies, there are all sorts of hoops to jump through that can add to the final cost figure.

Another variant is the time period that you want covered. If you are looking to prove descent from one of the Salem "witches," you're in luck because the records are pretty good (even the records back into the 1600's) but if the quest goes back into the Dark Ages the costs can be astronomical.

Once I did hire a genealogist to check a specific point in Denmark; I figured that this would be far less expensive than flying to Copenhagen to do the research my self. This was a clear money decision--I am happier doing my own research.

If you haven't the time or training to undertake the task yourself, I'd try to find a genealogist whose own genealogical interests parallel your own because s/he knows the "territory" well and may even have pertinent materials at hand. Most professional genealogists have specific areas of expertise. Discuss costs up front and set a cap; this certainly won't offend a professional genealogist.

Even less expensive is to take a course in genealogical research and do the work yourself! Serious genealogy has some very technical aspects and so it's no place for Enthusiastic Amateurs however it's not so difficult that--if you know what you are doing--you are bound to fail. Just remember to document everything. It's far more rewarding than writing a check.

Thanks.

John Winn · Jan 25, 2023

I have used a number of them and in all but one case was more than pleased. This has been some time ago so can't say what would be a typical fee now but I paid something like $25 an hour plus fees for copying, etc.

The best way to work with a genealogist is to type up all that you know - including your sources - and what, specifically you want them to do. My needs were always very specific so I didn't do anything like 'find anything you can on the Montgomery's of Blather County.' Genealogists can be very helpful in finding things in libraries in the old states that simply aren't available on line (e.g. wills, deeds, sales records for certain things, marriage records). I once used one in Canada to search records there as I just didn't have access to anything and didn't understand how things were done there or where to find particular kinds of records.

I spent a long time researching each person I used to make sure they had the experience I was looking for. Often the large libraries of record (e.g. Library of Virginia) will have a list of researchers on their web site. Another source is to go to the web sites of the several professional organizations for genealogists; they usually have lists of members by state or region or specialty. You can then do some emailing and get details.

Pollaco · Jan 25, 2023

We got one here and he told me that he was introduced once as a "lady's doctor" when he was guest speaking.

lupaglupa · Jan 25, 2023

I've always done my own but am building on my grandmother's work. She did hire people when she needed specific documents in places she didn't want to travel.

I don't know that I would want to hire someone for something open-ended - i.e. do my family genealogy. How would I know it was correct?

John Winn · Jan 25, 2023

lupaglupa said:
I've always done my own but am building on my grandmother's work. She did hire people when she needed specific documents in places she didn't want to travel.

I don't know that I would want to hire someone for something open-ended - i.e. do my family genealogy. How would I know it was correct?

I've done almost all my own research but for those lost documents and some tricky questions I did use professionals. As to being correct, a real pro will send you a written report, footnoted and with all sources noted. In addition, you'll get copies of all documents discovered. A pro won't guess; if something appears to be such and such they'll say that and why. If it's proven they'll also say how.

Fairfield · Jan 25, 2023

lupaglupa said:
I don't know that I would want to hire someone for something open-ended - i.e. do my family genealogy. How would I know it was correct?

In order to be certified, genealogists must adhere to and follow specific standards of ability and ethics--the Genealogical Proof Standard.

Here's a description of what a professional can do for you: https://ancestralfindings.com/hire-professional-genealogist.

I once had a dispute with a woman who demanded that I accept my G+ Grandmother as the illegitimate daughter of one of her ancestors and, when I responded that there wasn't adequate proof (citing the accepted genealogical standard of proof), she said "You must be very old: we don't worry about that sort of thing nowadays"

. It's the fact that there are people like this that makes it imperative that--if you hire someone--they follow acceptable standards.

"Proof" by process of elimination or what seems to be plausible isn't good enough.

GwilymT · Jan 25, 2023

I've heard of some horror stories with hiring a genealogist coupled with a DNA search. A lot of folks will find out some things that they may not wish to know.

Fairfield · Jan 25, 2023

GwilymT said:
I've heard of some horror stories with hiring a genealogist coupled with a DNA search. A lot of folks will find out some things that they may not wish to know.

That's always the risk when you look into anything. The old song "tell me lies, tell me sweet little lies" doesn't work in genealogy--if one is going to expend money and/or time, you want it to be accurate.

GwilymT · Jan 25, 2023

Fairfield said:
That's always the risk when you look into anything. The old song "tell me lies, tell me sweet little lies" doesn't work in genealogy--if one is going to expend money and/or time, you want it to be accurate.

Some folks are more comfortable in their long standing traditions and ignorance.

Kyle Kalasnik · Jan 25, 2023

I have thought about it. I'd give them as much information as I have and see what loose ends they can tie up.

Great discussion, from both those who are interested and those who have hired a genealogist.

Thing is, there are enough reputable and reliable folks here on CWT, who have the time and resources. I'd rather give them the money. As they have kindly helped me with little things here and there, which in turn added up to things I knew but never mentioned to them.

Maybe we could add a banner or what have you, or allow them to advertise their services?

CavRTO · Jan 25, 2023

Fairfield said:
In order to be certified, genealogists must adhere to and follow specific standards of ability and ethics--the Genealogical Proof Standard.

Here's a description of what a professional can do for you: https://ancestralfindings.com/hire-professional-genealogist.

I once had a dispute with a woman who demanded that I accept my G+ Grandmother as the illegitimate daughter of one of her ancestors and, when I responded that there wasn't adequate proof (citing the accepted genealogical standard of proof), she said "You must be very old: we don't worry about that sort of thing nowadays" . It's the fact that there are people like this that makes it imperative that--if you hire someone--they follow acceptable standards.

"Proof" by process of elimination or what seems to be plausible isn't good enough.

Good point.

edfranksphd · Jan 25, 2023

Sheltowee said:
Just curious. Anyone here ever hired a genealogist?

A good experience? Very expensive? How far back did they go?

My mother has done a decent job on our tree. But it peters out in the 1700s on my maternal side. My paternal side has a lot of unknowns.

Not saying I have the resources or inclination- just curious about others' experiences.

I've done it a few times, tracking down ancestors in PA and VA prior to the Revolutionary War (mainly Augusta County, VA). The best strategy, then (35 yrs ago) was to find the name of the county, and hope it has an active historical society (most do if 200 yrs old, even if small populations) and then ask if they can refer you or provide a list of certified genealogists ready to hand out, or sometimes the genealogist is the ex-president of that county's historical society. Much of this searching, for genealogists that are also locals to where your ancestors were likely located, can be done online now, no doubt. Usually I'd start with a phone call or a snail mail describing what I've found out on my own, and what more I'd like to know, and they'd take it from there. W/i a month they'd have 90% of what they were gonna find for you, and it might take another month for them to right it up and send it. My experience was surprisingly good. Work was well documented and seemed highly reliable. But, maybe I just got lucky? May you have similar success. : ) PS: The cost was quite reasonable, but not cheap! Charged by the hour, like $30 an hour (in 1990 dollars would be like $50 an hour today), and the time included both the research time (which is surprisingly brief, b/c, unlike us, they know exactly where to look) and the time to analyze and do the write-up. Most of the extra time was devoted to trying to solve puzzles, i.e., sometimes the data was ambiguous, so that more than one scenario was possible, and they'd have to spend extra time weighing the pros and cons of various conclusions. Over and out.

Sheltowee · Jan 25, 2023

Right. What did you think I was talking about?

Sheltowee · Jan 25, 2023

All excellent responses. Thanks

I may stick a toe in the water. There is a specific upon which I've hit a wall.

There's only so much one can find on the internet. British regimental rosters for the French and Indian War- for example.

Fairfield · Jan 26, 2023

Sheltowee said:
There's only so much one can find on the internet. British regimental rosters for the French and Indian War- for example.

There's only so much on the internet, period. Most people don't understand how little there is. That being said, I checked my favorite online starting point (FamilySearch Wiki) and discovered that they have a lot of the rosters--organized by state (that war ranged from Massachusetts down to North Carolina. I didn't go into any but it wouldn't surprise me if what you want isn't on a film somewhere.

drezac · Jan 26, 2023

For what it's worth, my father hired one in 2003. With his situation, only 2 members of his family were born in he U.S.. The rest had come to the U.S. between WWI and WWII from Bohemia ( now the Czech republic). The billing was in Czech Korunas but I was able to figure out the cost, he paid about $7,500 for the research. For this he received information for his relatives going back to 1840, copies of official documents, many photos of the area and houses where they lived. of course, exactly what you get and the cost will depend on who does the research and what they provide. However, in his case there was not much of a choice as hiring someone in the Czech republic was the only way to obtain the information other than immigration and census records.

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