Have you been considering dusting off the family skeleton that hides in your upstairs closet, beneath your child’s marching band uniform from a decade ago and next to the worn out shoes the dog chewed on? Are there unresolved questions about your family history that you would like someone with expertise to help you answer? New cousins to meet, and want to be sure that you’re including the right ones in your family reunion? Maybe you’ve been working on a genealogy research problem and would like some guidance, or some record lookups at a distant location, or you’re ready to have someone take over and work on the problem with a fresh set of eyes.
It can feel intimidating to hire an Accredited Genealogist® professional to answer your genealogical questions – almost like you need to solve the research question first before you can explain what you would like them to solve! If you put in some time to be prepared when finding a researcher, the outcomes will be better, the process will be more enjoyable, and you will feel confident the research is done well.
Here are some simple steps that will help you hire the right genealogist to do the right research, and be confident you and they can have the best possible experience researching your ancestors!
Before You Hire
First, here are some things to consider in your preparation so that you can approach hiring a professional. Organizing your previous work will help you significantly as you prepare. However, don’t let the organizing keep you from reaching out – finding the right researcher may help motivate you to focus on the specific problem and assemble the needed pieces to start working with an AG® professional.
- Identify the research problem that the professional will be asked to resolve.
- Determine how much you want to pay for genealogical research. Not everything can be found in one research session. Most genealogists will break a project into smaller components to address budget constraints.
Once you have made these preparations, it’s time to locate and contact the right AG professional to do the work. You may find that there are multiple researchers who meet the qualifications you are looking for, and you may want to ask questions to learn more about their approach to the research you need. Some AG professionals may have websites or other available information about the services they offer, specific types of problems they can solve, and what you can expect from working with them.
Making Contact
- Use the Find a Professional directory to identify several AG professionals specializing in the area where the ancestor lived.
- Write to each one, explaining briefly the genealogical problem and what the AG professional will be requested to do, e.g., research a family, perform specific record searches, or act as a consultant to advise you in your research.
- Discuss the fees charged by the professional, their practice of providing updates, and ask for an estimate of when you will receive their report.
At this point, you are ready to choose the researcher and start working together! This new business relationship can open doors for you and bring answers to genealogy questions you have. This is another point when the preparation you put into arranging your previous research will be useful, and transferring the previous research to them will start the work off on the right foot. Remember, the more you share with them, the more they can see the context of the records that will help solve your research question. This is the time to be generous with what you know!
Hiring the Accredited Genealogist Professional
- Discussing your specific research requirements and objectives with your chosen genealogist and together putting them in writing will avoid misunderstanding.
- Provide the researcher with copies of documents from any previously related research in order to avoid or minimize duplication.
- After the researcher has had an opportunity to review the data that you provided, he or she might require some additional information about your expectations or needs, e.g., what format is required: electronic, paper, or both? Should the genealogist add the information into a genealogy computer program or to an online tree? If international research is required, are translations needed?
It’s time to tie up the loose ends so that you can be sure you and the researcher have the same expectations for the outcome, and that you will be satisfied with what they produce on your behalf. Attention to these final details will help you know what you’re getting, and can spur you to ask any remaining questions before the research begins. Don’t be afraid to ask for explanations; you may have never worked with a researcher before.
Finalizing the Arrangement
- Be sure you both understand and agree upon the costs involved, how often the genealogist will send updates, and who will hold publication rights to the final materials. Negotiate and sign a written contract.
- Realistic expectations are important. If you have any questions or concerns about your research, be sure to communicate with the genealogist.
Following these steps should help both you and the AG professional have an enjoyable and productive experience. Initial preparation, carefully choosing the right researcher, communicating clearly about previous research and the current problem to solve, and maintaining realistic expectations will all make for a successful outcome! Hiring an AG professional can be a rewarding way to answer your questions about your family history, and leverage their expertise to save you time and frustration when the research isn’t moving forward.
About the International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists (ICAPGen℠)
The International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists (ICAPGen) is a globally recognized credentialing organization dedicated to advancing professional excellence in genealogical research and reporting. Through rigorous written and oral examinations, ICAPGen evaluates and accredits genealogists who demonstrate depth of expertise, ethical practice, and mastery of regional research standards. Accredited Genealogist® professionals who earn ICAPGen credentials have met stringent competency benchmarks, providing clients and the public with confidence in their professional capabilities and commitment to industry best practices.
ICAPGen℠ 