Had an interesting conversation yesterday about how best to ask for help from a researcher and where to find qualified genealogy researchers.

This is an important question that every person seeking help with a family history problem (a brick wall or lack of knowledge in a particular expertise area for source information, etc..) should ask themselves before picking anyone that says they do family history research.

Just be aware that certain qualifications could help make your results/outcomes better or least educational when working with qualified people.

A key place to look for credible researchers is to review these three specific organizations: Association of Professional Genealogist (APG), the Board of Certification of Genealogists® or BCG, and the International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists, internationally recognized as ICAPGen with Accredited Genealogists (AGs).

Each of these three genealogy organizations have set standards for the genealogical community and what should qualify for good research practice.

Once you find a person doing genealogical research in your area of need, contact the person via email or phone call and request a research plan/proposal for the research question you seek answers or guidance. Remember that most qualified genealogists would expect this request be made, and it also helps if you as the potential client, clearly write out what your research question is and any objectives you expect with research.

This is only the beginning of how to select and secure help for the research you may need or want. There is more in the process, which I will explain in future posts on “helping clients through education”.

Happy research.