I just do the search.

And find.

Don’t get me wrong, I have zero issues with matriculation through higher education, but don’t overlook the autodidact.

We are in the Age of Information, so knowledge is accessible for any who look for it and know what they’re looking for. Laypersons like myself are laying the bare facts out there. Make of it what you will, as I have helped co-workers and patrons discover family history information that they have not been able to find after years of searching.

These facts include naturalization and immigration records, obituaries, third great-grandparents, parents and so much more. It is very humbling to learn and to share this information. Additionally, I do a lot of independent outreach that could be considered “random acts of genealogical kindness.”

While I have included a blog post about some of the best free websites for genealogy on the Internet, I must advise that sometimes it’s best to outsource at least some of your search.

Ultimately, I believe that descendants themselves are empowered to learn the core of truth that they are instinctively seeking. Having said that, there are times that you just need a lead. Sometimes you need more in-depth assistance.

Reach out to me and let me search and find for you in traditional and in non-traditional ways. It’s been my experience that the pricing of family history research has always been the highest of quotes with the lowest of guarantees of finding anything, especially for African-American genealogy. The “experts” will tell you that their time and efforts are worth astronomical fees.

Are they justified in their pricing? Some, if not many, would argue, yes. You’ll get a supposed professional who has expertise in an area that may or may not be of the slightest interest to you or your search, charts and just maybe, you’ll get new information. If nothing else, you’ll definitely get substantially lighter in the pocket. I won’t ever knock someone’s hustle, but do consider that letters behind someone’s name does not guarantee new genealogical information in front of you.

We have a situation. We need to find our people. Reach out to me and let’s discuss a genealogy search plan that fits your budget in these tough times. It’s now more important than ever to learn who we are and what our legacy is.

The Genealogy Situation Room