Genealogy Chat

How would I go about becoming a genealogist. I think that i have done pretty well on my tree to give it a go. I know some people might be against the idea of researching ofr money but most of use have used Ancestry and 1837. I hope some one can help.

Some people who are probably really 'enthusiastic amateurs' advertise their services for particular parts of the country, others are professionals who have gained qualifications. I can't find the name of the qualifying body off hand, will look it up. I have used both in the past. The former was good at finding records in their local records office and charged a modest fee - but I doubt she would have found any of the more obscure records, the latter really knew their way around all sorts of records but of course were able to charge a professional rate.

Hi Melvin, The Society of Genealogist offer courses and some universities also do courses in Family History. Most professional genealogists have degrees in associated subjects then do extra courses via the SoG. Gwynne

Thank you to you both

This is the body I was thinking of: The Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies 79-82 Northgate, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 1BA, England Think colleges which offer courses use their qualifications Their website has some useful info www.ihgs.ac.uk

Melvyn I dont want to put you off, but to get a professional qualification in Genealogy, you will need to be conversant with such subjects as Court French in the Middle Ages, old script, Courts Leet, Manorial Rolls and Records, at least an 'O' level in Latin... an A level in English History or Mediaeval Studies ...as another poster said, its usually approached from a Degree level. Good luck! Olde Crone

Blimey! You'd probably need an 'ology' too. Sunny

Those needing research done on their behalf are usually recommended to employ a member of AGRA. Have a look at their website: http://www.agra.org.uk/

Morning Melvyn - I have looked at the course offered by the Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies and am seriously thinking of giving it a go. Their website is very helpful and you can study to different levels. The whole correspondence course costs £1,500 and you can spread it over as long as you like although they recommend at least three years. The fees can be paid in instalments. At the end of it you get a diploma. I don't recall there being any entry qualifications that you have to have before you start.

You possably would not be allowed to use Ancestry for profesional research, its for personel research only, but has you have never paid for it yet, i do not suppose that would be a problem. and i belive a paid for researcher should have more morals, than to continue to use back door Ancestry/ infotrack, time and again after be told what he is doing is illegal. what would stop that type of person making the tree up just to get the fee.

I see Mr Betts is back having a moan again. Really what business is it of yours, and why do you have to be so offensive. Lighten up, live and let live.

Grace no more my buisness than yours, but if you dont see that there should be honesty in a person charging for a service, that says a lot about you, would you look the same at your Doctor if he was caught kerb crawling.

Gary go and stick you head in the sand. All you do is moan.Get that big chip of you shoulder and lighten up.

Thanks Angela

Pardon me, am I missing something because no-where in his post does Melvyn say he uses Ancestry for free...

Morning Melvyn If you do decide to give the course a go, let me know how you get on!! I don't think that I will be able to manage it for a little while as I am still working full time. Looks interesting though.

I will do Angela, I have email them to send me some details through

Melvyn I think I misunderstood your posting and that you are really considering being a Genealogical Researcher? If so, you would of course not need a degree-level qualification, as you could decide for yourself how far back you are prepared to research. Sorry if my reply was misleading and good luck! Olde Crone

Thats ok

My friend and I started a business offering to do Family tree's for folks about 18 mths ago, after we had both been very successful with our own tree's ................... but apart from close friends we got nowhere - there are too many people able to do it for free. Sites like this and the many others available online, make it extremely hard for anyone to make a living doing it. If your offering to do it for free, just help out on these sites. Dancer :-)