“Genealogy is like a mirror. Look into it, and pretty soon interesting faces appear. “(Family Tree Magazine)
A genealogist is a professional who studies
family ancestry. Genealogists may teach the importance of ancestry through
written work or lectures concerning their discoveries. They may also work as
archivists, historians or private business owners.
Genealogists may discover a client's ancestry
through various means like historical documents, witness testimonies, genetic
testing, immigration record, tax and property records, or birth, marriage and
death certificates.
Professional genealogists work with clients
to both understand and make connections among ancestral data. Genealogists may
aim to compile this data into a sharable format that clients can give to their
immediate or extended family members. Genealogists may use a variety of skills
to work with clients and historical data, which include:
Attention to detail: Identifying
and understanding the significance of historic details can lead to modern
discoveries.
Business skills: Genealogists
who work independently can have skills in managing and developing business
plans, schedules, and strategies.
Excellent time management: Because
genealogists sometimes manage their own business, time management skills can be
useful.
Financial skills: If a
genealogist is self-employed, financial skills can help their business
progress.
Information translation skills: To help
clients understand research results, they're skilled in explaining complex
data. They may also translate handwriting from past eras.
Knowledge of history: In order to
gather data efficiently, genealogists may familiarize themselves with census,
court, vital, and land records. They may also study law history to help present
contextually accurate data.
Modern research skills: Genealogists
may present their findings to genealogical societies and associations and at
conferences. They can also study databases to remain aware of recent research
methods.
Networking skills: Genealogists
may network with other genealogists in order to compare findings, collaborate
on projects, and share research strategies.
Portfolio building skills: Professional
genealogists may often research projects outside of their client studies in
order to build a portfolio.
Problem-solving ability: Because
genealogists sometimes handle incomplete information, compiling a complete
history may require detailed problem-solving.
Public speaking skills: Genealogists
may also take part in public speaking events to discuss areas in which they
specialize. Some professionals provide lectures privately or become professors.
Research skills: Professional
genealogists may research genealogy using resources such as records, databases
and DeoxyriboNucleic Acid (DNA) studies. They can also find data through
record-keeping facilities like courthouses and libraries.
Written communication: To present the
results of their research through articles or novels, it's important for
genealogists to have excellent written communication skills.
The 8 best free genealogy websites of 2021
Access Genealogy – This is a general
and Native American ancestry. There is a good diversity of record types. It provides
records specific to Native and African American ancestry. There are no guides
on conducting ancestry searches.
Allen County Public Library – This is an African
and Native American genealogy. There are varied records that cover Native
American, African American, and military genealogy. There are plenty of guides
and resources relevant to genealogy.
FamilySearch – This is the most extensive
free ancestry search on the web. There is a large database with a wide variety
of records. There are helpful, easy-to-use tools (e.g. family tree maker,
memories tool).
JewishGen – This is genealogy
for Jewish communities. There is a huge and varied database of Jewish ancestry
records. There are large amounts of guides, groups, and even classes on Jewish
genealogy.
National Archives and Records
Administration
– This are worldwide genealogy resources. It contains miscellaneous
records you can view directly online such as passenger lists, casualty
lists, a Chinese exclusion list, and virtually every relevant genealogical
website or tool you might need whether you're researching American, European,
or Asian genealogy.
Olive Tree Genealogy – This is a genealogy
for European descendants. This specific passenger list has records that are
useful for tracing immigrant ancestors. There is a useful beginner's guide to
genealogy.
The USGenWeb Project – This is for state-by-state
genealogy records. This has a very comprehensive range of records for all 50
states. It provides many guides and resources for conducting your ancestry
search.
The Ontario Name Index (TONI) – This is for Canadian
genealogy. There is a large database of names to search. The website is clearly
organized and well maintained. It doesn't provide much help on searching for
ancestors.
“If you don’t know your history, then you don’t know anything.
You are a leaf that doesn’t know it is part of a tree.” (Michael Crichton)[i]
[i] Adapted from:
· “Canada » Provinces » Ontario » General
Resources” by Cyndi’s List
· “How to Become a Genealogist in 8
Steps” by Indeed Editorial Team
· “The 8 Best Free Genealogy Websites
of 2021” by Simon Chandler
· “What do the letters in DNA sequence
mean” by Answers.com
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| Artist rendition of DNA |
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