There are a number of reasons you may have for seeking the help of a professional genealogist, from providing a unique gift for a loved one to helping you overcome a brick wall in your own research, finding long-lost relatives to simply needing a researcher near a local archive. Whatever the size of your commission, let me provide you with a guiding hand to discover more about your own family history. Here are some reasons to ask for my assistance:
Location, Location, Location
Locating an ancestor in time and place is central to successful genealogy. As we all know, a family history is not always limited to where we now live, and can take us to unknown places and back through centuries in time.
Being located in the West Midlands, I am ideally placed to access the record offices of the historic counties of Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire and beyond.
And my local knowledge will help you get the most from the available resources and greatly enhance your family history research.
“Thank you so much for finding the inquest record of my great, great grandfather for me. It answered a lot of questions surrounding the circumstances of his death. It’s so useful to have someone who can search the records that are not available online. Great service!”
Alex, West Midlands
Knowledge of resources
My knowledge of online databases and what they contain, will help determine what is the most cost effective use of time and resources. My studies with the Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies (IHGS) has enhanced my experience and knowledge, and provided me with practical knowledge of a vast assortment of resources, including those not available online.
However, whilst online family history research has developed in leaps and bounds over recent years, there is a vast array of material that you cannot access on the internet.
My experience using record offices and archives extends to those of a local, national and international nature, and include for example Birmingham, Stafford, Sheffield, The National Archives, Walsall and Worcester to name but a few.
Any one of the following resources could be used to find out more about your ancestry: including Parish Registers and Records, Electoral Rolls, Poll books, Education and Guild Records, Non-Conformist Records, Census Substitutes such as the Hearth Tax, Directories, Monumental Inscriptions, Electoral Rolls and Directories, Ecclesiastical Records, Manorial Records and Title Deeds.
“Linda has been an absolute genius in finding out things about my extremely complicated Welsh family. Also very importantly for me, she tells me in advance how many hours she will need, and therefore the cost of each agreed stage of the research.”
Dawn, Solihull
Qualities and skills
Using methodical steps backward, from known events proven by several sources, is the way to go, and helps to prevent errors along the way.
My genealogical method ensures that I work in a systematic, methodical and accurate way. This ensures that any commission I undertake on your behalf will be thoroughly researched, reported and will include all references to sources used.
Working for over 38 years as a librarian for Birmingham City Council, has provided me with a vast range of enquiry work experience, in a variety of library settings. Throughout my working life, I have developed excellent customer care skills, can think ‘outside the box’ and keep to deadlines.
Coupled with this is twenty years’ experience in researching my own family history and genealogical study. I have developed skills in transcribing, knowledge of surname origins, the noble art of Heraldry and an appreciation of how migration patterns can influence family history.
All these qualities and skills enhance my ability to help you with your family history research.
Context
My experience will help identify whether there are possible private archives associated with your own family, and can help put your ancestor’s life in context, and again provide information not found elsewhere.
I have extensive experience using a variety of private archives, including for example The Walsall Leather Museum, King Edward School, Pembroke College, Oxford and Quaker Meeting House.
There are also an ever growing number of specialist web sites which can also be used to illuminate a family history, which can be incorporated into a report.
The Detail
For the Diploma in Genealogy, I created a portfolio of work using a vast array of research methods and resources, presented in a professional, informative and entertaining way.
Your project or commission will greatly benefit from my thorough research method and report writing style which contains fully referenced citations of sources used.
Most important are those unsuccessful searches, which I also include, which enable future researchers the benefit of knowing what work has been previously undertaken.
“I was extremely impressed with the work Linda conducted on my family history. The report was meticulous in detail, explaining the records in detail and placing the findings in context with the expected content. Not only that but she kept me informed of progress every step of the way. I will be definitely be back for more!”
Dr Karen Cummings Dip Gen AGRA Member
