If you answered yes to any of these questions, Becoming an Accredited Genealogist is the resource book for you!

"In 26 chapters, Professional genealogy: preparation, practice & standards lays before you a complete course of instruction to prepare you for a career in a complex field. Whether you discover this career path as a young adult or come into genealogy as a mature researcher trained in another professional discipline, ProGen PPS will ground you in the essential practices, standards, and language of genealogy--those expected by courts, government agencies, and others who commission research"--Back cover.

Break through brick walls in your genealogical research Learn how to use innovative methods to unearth hard-to-find ancestors. Advanced Genealogy Research Techniques shows you, step by step, how to uncover elusive details by taking advantage of specialized tools and software programs and using proven best practices for breaking through the brick walls that have hindered your progress. You’ll get professional advice on formulating a research strategy, understanding the details you discover, keeping careful track of your data, analyzing the evidence, and developing hypotheses. Real-world case studies demonstrate how you can apply the systematic procedures presented in this practical guide to your own research--and achieve success! Examine the brick wall in detail to find potential weak spots that can be exploited into a breakthrough Use brute force techniques that leave no stone unturned Obtain exact copies of original records rather than derivative sources Research the family, associates, and neighbors (FANs) of your brick wall ancestor Consult with your family, friends, and colleagues to get a fresh perspective on your research Use crowdsourcing--genealogy societies, online forums, social media, blogs, wikis, and podcasts Apply technological solutions, including DNA testing and specialized genealogical software Get tips on hiring a professional genealogical researcher with the appropriate credentials and references Revisit your brick wall problem after honing your research skills Review your evidence, develop a research strategy, and keep a meticulous research log

Paul Gorry identifies the five hallmarks of a true professional genealogist as Ethics; Knowledge; Skill; Experience; and Professional Credentials. This is the second edition of this book, first published in 2018.Gorry unapologetically advocates for credentials for professional genealogists. The book highlights the work of the various accrediting bodies worldwide, which have long provided such credentials. Today the majority of practitioners do not have accreditation and appear not to think it necessary to their careers.Gorry acknowledges that relevant credentials are not open to every genealogist, largely due to linguistic or geographical restrictions. He also acknowledges that there are many expert practitioners who have never felt it necessary to seek confirmation of their skills. However, he believes that credentials are essential for the sake of genealogy as a profession, for the integrity of the conscientious practitioner and for safeguarding clients' interests.Given that genealogy is unusual as a profession, with most practitioners starting out as hobbyists, in the past many in the field recognised that it lacked respect from academia. Much energy has been put into attempts to gain such respect. In some cases this has led to moves to exclude from the profession those whose training is not through academic courses. Gorry argues against such limitations. Credentials attest to a practitioner's skills and experience, regardless of the career path that has been taken.The book provides background on the various accrediting bodies, as well as guidance on developing a career in genealogy, on training courses and on organisations that provide support for professional genealogists.Paul Gorry has worked in genealogy professionally since 1979. The credential he holds is from AGI, i.e., he is a Member of Accredited Genealogists Ireland. Apart from AGI, the other bodies offering credentials throughout the world are the Association of Genealogists and Researchers in Archives (AGRA), the Association of Scottish Genealogists and Researchers in Archives (ASGRA), the Australasian Association of Genealogists and Record Agents (AAGRA), the Board for Certification of Genealogists (BCG), the Bureau quebecois d'attestation de competence en genealogie (BQACG), the Genealogical Institute of the Maritimes (GIM) and the International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists (ICAPGen). Additionally, Genealogistes de France is a licensing organisation.These bodies provide credentials, or accreditation, for truly professional genealogists, regardless of the career path taken to acquire the necessary knowledge, skill and experience.

Family historians depend upon thousands of people unknown to them. They exchange research with others; copy information from books and databases; and write libraries, societies, and government offices. At times they even hire professionals to do legwork in distant areas and trust strangers to solve important problems. But how can a researcher be assured that he or she is producing or receiving reliable results? This official manual from the Board of Certification for Genealogists provides a standard by which all genealogists can pattern their work.

This book was written to aid families with ancestors from Laurens County, South Carolina, to jumpstart their genealogical research. Although the focus is on sources of particular relevance to African Americans, the book also contains information relevant to slave-holding families. Also, the background information at the beginning of each section will be of general interest to those families from South Carolina who are researching their African ancestors. In addition to practical advice born from the authors genealogical research and formal studies, the book includes information and compilations regarding the following topics: Free Persons of Color in Antebellum Laurens Slaves in Will Transcripts (17821860) Legislative Papers (17821866) Comptroller General Tax Return Books (18661868) 1869 SC State Population Census 1860 US Census Slave Schedule and Matching African American Surnames in the 1870 US Census Excerpts of Freedmen Bureau Records Grave Markers at Five African American Churches

Why this book, Becoming an Excellent Genealogist? Why not? Isn't that what every family historian or genealogist wants to be? We may not express it with the same terminology, but we all want to be successful genealogists. We want to find more family members and solve those "brick wall" problems that we all run into during our research. That's what an excellent genealogist does--solve tough research problems!Does it matter if you are, or want to be, a professional genealogist? This book is not designed just for professionals, but rather for you. You, as a researcher who has faced those tough problems and wondered, "What have I missed?" Or "What should I do next?"Genealogical research has become one of the most popular pastimes in the United States. As the popularity of genealogical research continues to grow, so does the need for guidance that takes the researcher beyond basic, introductory instruction. Becoming an Excellent Genealogist: Essays on Professional Research Skills provides higher levels of instruction to help you become a more excellent genealogist. This book illustrates how to use sources and information better, develop more advanced research and analytical skills, and learn new methodologies.Brought to you by the International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists, the essays in this book represent hundreds of years of genealogical experience by some of the best genealogists in North America. Their clear, succinct instruction, illustrated with short examples in these brief, easy-to-read essays, demonstrate key principles to becoming an excellent genealogist. For nearly 50 years, the AG credential offered by the Commission has represented high-quality competency and efficiency of genealogists who have passed rigorous test requirements. The Commission also seeks to educate the public about issues related to excellent and professional genealogy.The Commission is now pleased to present these timeless and important principles and methodologies to serious genealogists, like you. We are happy to share many key concepts of excellent research that have spelled success to other experienced researchers, knowing that you, at whatever skill level you have attained, will benefit from reading this book! Enjoy!