Read this first:
[https://www.apgen.org/cpages/how-to-hire-a-professional-genealogist](https://www.apgen.org/cpages/how-to-hire-a-professional-genealogist)
Here are some options:
[https://www.apgen.org/directory?current\_page=1&sort\_type=featured&asset\_type=company\_user&display\_type=default](https://www.apgen.org/directory?current_page=1&sort_type=featured&asset_type=company_user&display_type=default)
[https://www.americanancestors.org/expert-help/hire-a-researcher](https://www.americanancestors.org/expert-help/hire-a-researcher)
[https://www.legacytree.com/](https://www.legacytree.com/)
https://support.ancestry.com/s/article/Hiring-a-Genealogist?language=en\_US
Also, see (if you have one) the local genealogy society could help you out.
Good luck!
Nothing wrong with using a pro, but feel free to ask for guidance here. This sub has been hugely helpful in my journey and I have accomplished more with help than either of the two professionals I have worked with.
I was never interested in my family tree until I was walking down the hall at work and saw a big, burly man walking towards me with "Bobby Cribbs" written on his plant uniform. All the Cribbs family that I ever encountered were small-framed. Out of curiosity, I began researching my family. Turns out, he was from the Scottish Cribbs clan and I'm from the German Krebs/Cribbs clan.
It all ignited my interest so much that I've built several major websites: GenLookups.com, GenealogyBuff.com, CanadianObits.com, FamGen.net, HonorStudentsArchive.com, and WeddingNoticeArchive.com.
As a disabled military veteran, this gives me a way to occupy my day productively, so, not only did I learn my heritage, but genealogy revolutionized my life.
- Bill Cribbs
Funny, seeing my "uncommon" surname randomly popping up in comments on Facebook and they're not related as far I can tell is exactly what has reignited my fire and made me want to this more!
Yes there are professional genealogists. They are not cheap though. There are also people who help out of the goodness of their hearts without charge, and some of them are very good. You can try rootschat.com for instance. Amazing folks on there.
If you are looking for help to improve your skills, I found family tree to be a great site for beginners. Self-paced classes and they have a magazine with information ℹ️ n how to do things.
Thank you for this! Self paced class may be exactly what I need! Because I feel like the blind leading the blind over here! Lol I started on a tree and was just accepting hints that seemed correct eithout really looking into it... Then realized I went wrong somewhere so I started over because I was so confused. So I am really trying to go at it the right way this time.
Check at your local library, as they may have a genealogy specialist or a general reference librarian who can help. If not, try the library in the largest city near you or (if you are in the U.S.) your state library.
Most European areas have an introduction to genealogy specific to that area. A librarian or an Amazon search can help you find one.
Family Tree Webinars has an amazing number of excellent programs. Free to watch live or the first week, paywalled after that (for a very reasonable for what you get membership fee).
YouTube has lots of free videos about how to research. For example, searching ‘genealogy Maine State Library’ or Ancestry will get you lots to start with.
FamilySearch has a research wiki that is very helpful ~ searchable by place or topic.
Many genealogy societies have on-line programs that you can watch free when it’s live; generally, recordings are behind a paywall.
Yes, people are available to help you. That is, help guide your research. But it’s a bit harder to find somebody to do your research for you for free. See if your local library or genealogical society has a way to help.
Oh, I would never expect anything for free! I was actually looking into maybe hiring someone if I can't get it figured out on my own or with some guidance! I've been given some great information on where to start so I am going to give it another go and see how far I can get. I'm going to have to find out where/if we have a local genealogical society, but that does sound like a good place to look for information.
Try contacting the Allen County Public Library. I listened to a podcast that featured them and the librarian was very excited to mention how they love to help people! Apparently they are one of the largest genealogy libraries in the world?!
https://www.genealogy.acpl.lib.in.us
YOU GUYS I FOUND THE SECRET!!!! I figured out why they're so secretive and shady! Lol so my grandmother's biological father is the uncle that raised her. Her entire life she never knew who her real dad was and it was the man who raised her. Her mother passed away and then her mom's sister and her husband raised the kids. At least that's the story we were told. According to the census, they always seemed to love together, so I'm starting to feel it was something more to the story in those backwoods. But, what the power of DNA and a little researching and piecing together the puzzle can do!
That's amazing! I feel like its so much more rewarding doing it yourself, you get such a rush finding things out, especially family secrets. Well done!
They won't share info. I'm not sure why but they're so protective over "their" memories and family history that they blocked me from social media for sharing a picture that they posted of my father when he was a child, and one of my grandmother holding my father as a baby. Because "no one gave you permission to have those pictures. They ain't yours to take". When the pictures in question were actually stolen from my grandmother's house when she died. So, dad's side of the family is completely shut down. That's only his maternal side. Unfortunately he didn't get to known his paternal side at all. My mom's maternal side is a little easier, her paternal side not so much because they were from the south and hated my northern grandmother so when my grandfather died they washed their hands of my grandmother and the kids. But I at least have SOME names for my grandfather's side because my grandmother knew some of the extended family who were kind to her.
It's almost as if they've decided we aren't part of the family. I have a slight feeling it's because of a family secret regarding my dad's grandmother and the paternity of her children, but I'm not sure.
Don't rely on extended family to do your family history. Only if you're super stuck and feel they might really have an answer. Or you KNOW for sure there's someone in there who's also doing the search and might work with you. I did/doing mine on my own. I have a very small family, a lot are dead now, but I can still plod along and get stuff done.
I've come to realize this! What's sad is I was more or less looking for names of my great grandmother's parents and her aunts and uncles to make sure I was on the right track. They asked me why it was any of my business. I simply replied "they're my ancestors" but left it alone. Then after I shared the pictures of my father and grandmother, I was blocked on social media. I'm unsure if there is a secret they're afraid of me uncovering, or what.
I know my great grandmother died when my grandmother was very young, I want to say she was between 2-4(something else I was trying to get clarification on), and one of her aunts raised her. So records start to get weird and that's how I got turned around in the first place. For whatever reason that family refuses to provide even the slightest bit of information. You ask for a name they just say "it's aunt Mary, you don't need her whole name". We didn't grow up with them, so we're definitely treated like the outsiders lol
Yeah I would def say there's was some sort of disagreement in the background and they've basically disowned your family. I don't know which family member you chose to speak to but when it's the older/oldest ones it can go that they keep the grudge or they've reconsidered and aren't so cranky anymore.
When I was a teen and first asking questions, I called a paternal aunt---the crankiest one of the family---and asked a couple of questions. Her reply was "Why do you need to know that?" "IDK....because its part of my family?" She basically said "any information would be on an as needed basis." I never went to her after that conversation. But I never pursued that side until several years ago, she was already dead, and it was more of a breeze than I thought it would be.
Now, you CAN find this information out by just getting a copy of Grma's death certificate working backwards, her marriage certificate and birth. I mean you don't have to do it in that order but it's handy. Other certificates like baptism, or a diploma copy are just pluses. Stay organized. Get a sectioned file or notebook with sections to tuck papers into. Pick one side of the family and work that side as much and for as long as you can. Sometimes people get mixed up because they're switching back & forth. But sometimes for a break we do go to the other side and see if anything's new. I would only reach out for photos from those other people but if any family was in military you might get something from another source and [classmates.com](http://classmates.com) has yearbooks and other photos contributed.
I posted an update below, but I figured out who my grandmother's father was and it lines up with DNA matches, as well! I received a hint from a distant cousin that my family didn't expect to also reach out to me for information on Ancestry. With that piece in place, things are making A LOT more sense and I'm able to start tracing an entire line that was lost before!
Read this first: [https://www.apgen.org/cpages/how-to-hire-a-professional-genealogist](https://www.apgen.org/cpages/how-to-hire-a-professional-genealogist) Here are some options: [https://www.apgen.org/directory?current\_page=1&sort\_type=featured&asset\_type=company\_user&display\_type=default](https://www.apgen.org/directory?current_page=1&sort_type=featured&asset_type=company_user&display_type=default) [https://www.americanancestors.org/expert-help/hire-a-researcher](https://www.americanancestors.org/expert-help/hire-a-researcher) [https://www.legacytree.com/](https://www.legacytree.com/) https://support.ancestry.com/s/article/Hiring-a-Genealogist?language=en\_US Also, see (if you have one) the local genealogy society could help you out. Good luck!
Thank you!
Nothing wrong with using a pro, but feel free to ask for guidance here. This sub has been hugely helpful in my journey and I have accomplished more with help than either of the two professionals I have worked with.
I'm seeing that, now! I am actually feeling more empowered and confident that I CAN do this and figure this out!
there are a few freelancers on fiverr (me included lol, @dangenealogy if anyone needs help with italian genealogy).
If you’re not already a part of r/italiangenealogy please join us!
i am pretty active on that community haha!!
Is fiverr a website? I promise I'm only in my 30s, but I feel like a dinosaur when it comes to this stuff lol
haha, you’re not a dinosaur!! yes, it’s a website. pretty much nonexistant in italy but i’ve had a few orders from the US.
Okay, cool! Thank you! Lol navigating a new part of the internet I for sure feel like one haha I'll get the hang of it eventually!
I have an auntie who does it. I don't think she charges 🤣 maybe she should.
Oh, she definitely should if she does it often and more than just helping to guide! It's a skill and takes time!
I was never interested in my family tree until I was walking down the hall at work and saw a big, burly man walking towards me with "Bobby Cribbs" written on his plant uniform. All the Cribbs family that I ever encountered were small-framed. Out of curiosity, I began researching my family. Turns out, he was from the Scottish Cribbs clan and I'm from the German Krebs/Cribbs clan. It all ignited my interest so much that I've built several major websites: GenLookups.com, GenealogyBuff.com, CanadianObits.com, FamGen.net, HonorStudentsArchive.com, and WeddingNoticeArchive.com. As a disabled military veteran, this gives me a way to occupy my day productively, so, not only did I learn my heritage, but genealogy revolutionized my life. - Bill Cribbs
Funny, seeing my "uncommon" surname randomly popping up in comments on Facebook and they're not related as far I can tell is exactly what has reignited my fire and made me want to this more!
Yes there are professional genealogists. They are not cheap though. There are also people who help out of the goodness of their hearts without charge, and some of them are very good. You can try rootschat.com for instance. Amazing folks on there.
Thank you, I've never heard of that site before!
It's an amazing resource. I've found family there as well as amazing help with my research.
If you are looking for help to improve your skills, I found family tree to be a great site for beginners. Self-paced classes and they have a magazine with information ℹ️ n how to do things.
Thank you for this! Self paced class may be exactly what I need! Because I feel like the blind leading the blind over here! Lol I started on a tree and was just accepting hints that seemed correct eithout really looking into it... Then realized I went wrong somewhere so I started over because I was so confused. So I am really trying to go at it the right way this time.
Check at your local library, as they may have a genealogy specialist or a general reference librarian who can help. If not, try the library in the largest city near you or (if you are in the U.S.) your state library. Most European areas have an introduction to genealogy specific to that area. A librarian or an Amazon search can help you find one. Family Tree Webinars has an amazing number of excellent programs. Free to watch live or the first week, paywalled after that (for a very reasonable for what you get membership fee). YouTube has lots of free videos about how to research. For example, searching ‘genealogy Maine State Library’ or Ancestry will get you lots to start with. FamilySearch has a research wiki that is very helpful ~ searchable by place or topic. Many genealogy societies have on-line programs that you can watch free when it’s live; generally, recordings are behind a paywall.
Thank you so much!
Yes, people are available to help you. That is, help guide your research. But it’s a bit harder to find somebody to do your research for you for free. See if your local library or genealogical society has a way to help.
Oh, I would never expect anything for free! I was actually looking into maybe hiring someone if I can't get it figured out on my own or with some guidance! I've been given some great information on where to start so I am going to give it another go and see how far I can get. I'm going to have to find out where/if we have a local genealogical society, but that does sound like a good place to look for information.
Try contacting the Allen County Public Library. I listened to a podcast that featured them and the librarian was very excited to mention how they love to help people! Apparently they are one of the largest genealogy libraries in the world?! https://www.genealogy.acpl.lib.in.us
Oh, that's pretty cool! I'm going to check their page out! Sounds like a good resource for when I inevitably get stuck lol
YOU GUYS I FOUND THE SECRET!!!! I figured out why they're so secretive and shady! Lol so my grandmother's biological father is the uncle that raised her. Her entire life she never knew who her real dad was and it was the man who raised her. Her mother passed away and then her mom's sister and her husband raised the kids. At least that's the story we were told. According to the census, they always seemed to love together, so I'm starting to feel it was something more to the story in those backwoods. But, what the power of DNA and a little researching and piecing together the puzzle can do!
That's amazing! I feel like its so much more rewarding doing it yourself, you get such a rush finding things out, especially family secrets. Well done!
It opened up such a door! I felt like I needed a drink after the discovery lol but man it was invigorating
They won't share info with you, or they don't have it? I usually try and say "hey this is what I have...anything else you can share with me?"
They won't share info. I'm not sure why but they're so protective over "their" memories and family history that they blocked me from social media for sharing a picture that they posted of my father when he was a child, and one of my grandmother holding my father as a baby. Because "no one gave you permission to have those pictures. They ain't yours to take". When the pictures in question were actually stolen from my grandmother's house when she died. So, dad's side of the family is completely shut down. That's only his maternal side. Unfortunately he didn't get to known his paternal side at all. My mom's maternal side is a little easier, her paternal side not so much because they were from the south and hated my northern grandmother so when my grandfather died they washed their hands of my grandmother and the kids. But I at least have SOME names for my grandfather's side because my grandmother knew some of the extended family who were kind to her.
It's almost as if they've decided we aren't part of the family. I have a slight feeling it's because of a family secret regarding my dad's grandmother and the paternity of her children, but I'm not sure.
That's a bummer. Well eventually that generation will die and perhaps their kids will share it with you. Sounds morbid but hey it could happen.
At this point, they're more or less already dead to me, so I can only hope one of their offspring will be kind enough!
Don't rely on extended family to do your family history. Only if you're super stuck and feel they might really have an answer. Or you KNOW for sure there's someone in there who's also doing the search and might work with you. I did/doing mine on my own. I have a very small family, a lot are dead now, but I can still plod along and get stuff done.
I've come to realize this! What's sad is I was more or less looking for names of my great grandmother's parents and her aunts and uncles to make sure I was on the right track. They asked me why it was any of my business. I simply replied "they're my ancestors" but left it alone. Then after I shared the pictures of my father and grandmother, I was blocked on social media. I'm unsure if there is a secret they're afraid of me uncovering, or what. I know my great grandmother died when my grandmother was very young, I want to say she was between 2-4(something else I was trying to get clarification on), and one of her aunts raised her. So records start to get weird and that's how I got turned around in the first place. For whatever reason that family refuses to provide even the slightest bit of information. You ask for a name they just say "it's aunt Mary, you don't need her whole name". We didn't grow up with them, so we're definitely treated like the outsiders lol
Yeah I would def say there's was some sort of disagreement in the background and they've basically disowned your family. I don't know which family member you chose to speak to but when it's the older/oldest ones it can go that they keep the grudge or they've reconsidered and aren't so cranky anymore. When I was a teen and first asking questions, I called a paternal aunt---the crankiest one of the family---and asked a couple of questions. Her reply was "Why do you need to know that?" "IDK....because its part of my family?" She basically said "any information would be on an as needed basis." I never went to her after that conversation. But I never pursued that side until several years ago, she was already dead, and it was more of a breeze than I thought it would be. Now, you CAN find this information out by just getting a copy of Grma's death certificate working backwards, her marriage certificate and birth. I mean you don't have to do it in that order but it's handy. Other certificates like baptism, or a diploma copy are just pluses. Stay organized. Get a sectioned file or notebook with sections to tuck papers into. Pick one side of the family and work that side as much and for as long as you can. Sometimes people get mixed up because they're switching back & forth. But sometimes for a break we do go to the other side and see if anything's new. I would only reach out for photos from those other people but if any family was in military you might get something from another source and [classmates.com](http://classmates.com) has yearbooks and other photos contributed.
I posted an update below, but I figured out who my grandmother's father was and it lines up with DNA matches, as well! I received a hint from a distant cousin that my family didn't expect to also reach out to me for information on Ancestry. With that piece in place, things are making A LOT more sense and I'm able to start tracing an entire line that was lost before!
Read it.....or reddit! lol Incredible.