Is it Worth it to Hire a Professional Genealogist

Recently, I have seen the following question in a few Facebook groups.

Is it worth it to hire a professional genealogist?

Is it Worth it to Hire a Professional GenealogistThe replies were enough to aggravate any professional genealogist. Here are just a few comments I read on this subject:

  • They offer crappy research.
  • I proved the information they gave to me is not true.
  • They are just taking your money.

Here are some places I recommend to anyone to look when hiring a professional genealogist:

  1. Get a recommendation from your local genealogy society.
  2. Get a recommendation from your local research library.
  3. Get a recommendation from a friend that is active in the genealogy community.
  4. Search for a professional genealogist on the APG website.

Some things you might want to know before you hire a professional:

  • What is their genealogy education?
  • Are they certified through the BCG or ICAPGen? (I am not saying they have to be certified to be a professional.)
  • How long have they been researching?
  • Can you get any recommendations from past clients?
  • Are they affiliated with any societies, or organizations?
  • Are they active in the genealogy community?

Personally, I believe that it is worth it to hire someone to help you get past a brick wall or even do on the ground research in a location that you cannot get to. It can be cheaper than you planning a trip to get one record. Remember, not everything is on the internet and it could be another decade before the record you need will be put online.

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2 Comments

  1. My experience====They did not find anything that I had not already found. The information I have was copied from a family bible which I saw when in JohnsonCounty Nebraska where it is housed.
    I have proved all the information as found there.
    Wish I had some new ideas of where to search.
    bfhodgkin@gmail.com

    1. Barbee, Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment. I am sorry they did not find anything more for you. I hope you come back and read tomorrows post, it goes a bit deeper into this subject.

      Terri

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