By Michelle Tucker Chubenko, AG^®, AGL™

Whether you are facing a brick wall, need help with international records, or want expert guidance for a specific research challenge, finding the right genealogist can make a significant difference. The International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists (ICAPGen℠) offers a searchable directory of Accredited Genealogist® (AG®) professionals designed to help researchers connect with specialists who have demonstrated expertise in specific geographic regions and research areas.

The Find an AG® Professional directory is more than a simple list of names—it is a powerful tool that can help you identify AG® professionals whose specialties closely match your research needs.

Additionally, if you are seeking a speaker for Society events, you may want to seek an Accredited Genealogist Lecturer™ (AGL™). These individuals are AG® professionals who have demonstrated excellence in both genealogical knowledge and presentation skills.

Start here: Find an AG® Professional Directory

Step 1: Begin with Keywords

The main directory search includes a keyword field in which you can use search terms, such as:

• Surnames
• Accreditation areas
• Geographic locations
• Specialized topics
• Research topics such as DNA, military, religion, or ethnicity

Be sure to think strategically about the problem you’re trying to solve. For example, specific terms such as New Jersey, Poland, German, DNA, Jewish, Military, or Immigration. Avoid searching too broadly at first. A search for “Europe” may be too general, while “Mexico” or “Sweden” may produce more useful results.

Step 2: Use Advanced Search Features

The Advanced Search page allows you to narrow results beyond simple keywords. Advanced search can save time, especially if you have a specific goal. Filters currently include:

• Name
• Credential region (e.g., Canada, US African American, and others)
• Whether a professional is accepting clients
• Speaking availability: search for professionals available for virtual or in-person speaking
• Residence location: search by specialty and location together for regional expertise

Search Tips for Better Results

1) Try multiple versions of a place
Genealogical research often involves changing boundaries and jurisdictions. Conduct keyword searches not only with the modern location, but with historical territory names. For example, instead of searching only Ukraine, use the historical Empires terms of Imperial Russia, Russian Empire, Galicia, Austria, or Poland.

2) Search for methodologies and specialties
Not all expertise is geographic. You may uncover specialists who work with specific record types or methodologies.

3) Review profiles carefully
Each AG® professional has the ability to present an online biographical profile which may contain accreditation areas, expertise details, additional credentials, speaking availability, client availability, links to their website, published articles and much more.

Read beyond the accreditation title. Someone accredited in one region may also have additional research strengths relevant to your project.

Step 3: Contact more than one professional

ICAPGen recommends identifying several AG® professionals before making a hiring decision. Compare specialties, project approaches, availability, and fee structures.

A brief message should include:

• Your research question
• Ancestor names
• Time period
• Geographic location
• What you hope to accomplish

Specific information helps a genealogist determine whether they are the right fit. Read more about hiring an AG® professional: Ten Effective Steps to Hiring an AG® Professional.

One Final Tip

Think of the directory as a research tool, not just a listing of names. Experiment with search terms, combine filters, and explore profiles. A few extra minutes spent refining your search may connect you with a specialist who has exactly the expertise your research problem requires.

The right genealogist does not simply search records—they bring methodology, regional expertise, and experience to complex problems.

And sometimes, that is exactly what breaks down a brick wall.