Researching and accurately documenting family histories is an interesting process that can involve reviewing hundreds of sources across a wide array of databases. It can also include trips to local archives for accessing original records that have not been digitized and are not available in any other way. In some cases, we even do interviews.
In preparing a family history, we typically spend about half the time doing research and the other half in analysis and completing the report. People come to us to discover and learn about their ancestors. We want to help with this in a timely and efficient way, so that they can get the information they want as quickly as possible at a cost that is reasonable. To help make this happen, we go through the following steps.
- Clearly identify your wants and needs
Family trees can include thousands of people. Unless you are wanting us to write a book, which we can, it is usually best to focus on a specific objective. This saves us time and you money researching people you may not care about. The following are examples of specific questions to answer:
“Who were my father’s grandparents?”
“Did my 2nd great Grandfather, William Allen, fight in the Civil War.?”
“Was my great grandfather, John Allen, really from Ireland?”
“When and where was my great grandfather, George Allen, born?”
Keep in mind that it is always possible to add additional questions later.
- Determine if this is something we can do efficiently for you
If it requires research in an area we are not familiar with, we will refer you to a colleague that may be better able to help you.
- Find out from you what information you already have
People often already know something about their family histories. The more you are able to share with us, the less time we will need to spend on research and that will save you money.
- Provide an estimate of cost (For more information on this, see our “How We Charge” section)
- Do the research
This can take anywhere from a few hours to 50 or more, depending on the complexity of the project. We have access to and knowledge about hundreds of source types and millions of records and will check all the ones needed to accomplish the task. As professional genealogists, we adhere to rigorous standards for research and analysis. You will find information on these standards at the Association of Professional Genealogists website, https://www.apgen.org/.
- Analysis and findings
Ancestors are not always immediately identifiable. Frequently, it requires contrasting and comparing numerous conflicting records. This can involve rigorous analysis.
Also, It isn’t enough just to collect information and identify a person. We share with you what the records tell us about that person. This could include characteristics, occupations, interests, religious affiliations, military service, life experiences and more. Findings will vary depending on the availability of records. However, we always try to show that ancestors are more than just names and dates.
- Produce your report
We will provide you a report of our findings in both digital and print formats. A sample report can be provided.
