Genealogy Online
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* display a footer at the bottom of each web page which contains the web site title, page title, author’s name, author’s contact information, date of last revision and a copyright statement.
* provide complete contact information, including at a minimum a name and e-mail address, and preferably some means for long-term contact, like a postal address.
* assist visitors by providing on each page navigational links that lead visitors to other important pages on the web site, or return them to the home page.
* adhere to the NGS “Standards for Sharing Information with Others” regarding copyright, attribution, privacy, and the sharing of sensitive information.
* include unambiguous source citations for the research data provided on the site, and if not complete descriptions, offering full citations upon request.
* label photographic and scanned images within the graphic itself, with fuller explanation if required in text adjacent to the graphic.
* identify transcribed, extracted or abstracted data as such, and provide appropriate source citations.
* include identifying dates and locations when providing information about specific surnames or individuals.
* respect the rights of others who do not wish information about themselves to be published, referenced or linked on a web site.
* provide web site access to all potential visitors by avoiding enhanced technical capabilities that may not be available to all users, remembering that not all computers are created equal.
* avoid using features that distract from the productive use of the web site, like ones that reduce legibility, strain the eyes, dazzle the vision, or otherwise detract from the visitor’s ability to easily read, study, comprehend or print the online publication.
* maintain their online publications at frequent intervals, changing the content to keep the information current, the links valid, and the web site in good working order.
* preserve and archive for future researchers their online publications and communications that have lasting value, using both electronic and paper duplication.
© 2000, 2001 by National Genealogical Society. Permission is granted to copy or publish this material provided it is reproduced in its entirety, including this notice.
Genealogical Standards
GUIDELINES FOR GENEALOGICAL SELF-IMPROVEMENT AND GROWTH
Recommended by the National Genealogical Society
Faced with ever-growing expectations for genealogical accuracy and reliability, family historians concerned with improving their abilities will on a regular basis —
* study comprehensive texts and narrower-focus articles and recordings covering genealogical methods in general and the historical background and sources available for areas of particular research interest, or to which their research findings have led them.
* interact with other genealogists and historians in person or electronically, mentoring or learning as appropriate to their relative experience levels, and through the shared experience contributing to the genealogical growth of all concerned.
* subscribe to and read regularly at least two genealogical journals that list a number of contributing or consulting editors, or editorial board or committee members, and that require their authors to respond to a critical review of each article before it is published.
* participate in workshops, discussion groups, institutes, conferences and other structured learning opportunities whenever possible.
* recognize their limitations, undertaking research in new areas or using new technology only after they master any additional knowledge and skill needed and understand how to apply it to the new subject matter or technology.
* analyze critically at least quarterly the reported research findings of another family historian, for whatever lessons may be gleaned through the process.
* join and participate actively in genealogical societies covering countries, localities and topics where they have research interests, as well as the localities where they reside, increasing the resources available both to themselves and to future researchers.
* review recently published basic texts to renew their understanding of genealogical fundamentals as currently expressed and applied.
* examine and revise their own earlier research in the light of what they have learned through self-improvement activities, as a means for applying their new-found knowledge and for improving the quality of their work-product.
© 2002 by National Genealogical Society. Permission is granted to copy or publish this material provided it is reproduced in its entirety, including this notice.
Appendix B
How to Find a Professional Genealogist
Most of the fun of genealogy, online and offline, is the solving of puzzles and learning about your family’s place in history, but sometimes you hit a brick wall.
You may need a consultant on a specific research problem or help finding a missing relative. Maybe you need a record translated from a foreign language or some handwriting deciphered. Maybe you need an experienced eye to look over what you have and help you develop a plan for what to do next. Maybe you want to surprise your mother with a genealogy for Christmas, or maybe there’s just one whole branch of the tree you know you’ll never find time for.
All of these are good reasons to use a professional genealogist. Professional genealogists can prove you are a descendant of someone for organizations such as the Daughters of the American Revolution. Professionals can help you with genealogy chores as simple as searching some records you cannot get to online or travel to physically, or they can take what information you have and trace the ancestry as far back as you are willing to pay for.
But hiring a professional genealogist is not as simple as a Google search. Genealogical research is a science requiring skillful analysis and intellectual concentration, as well as years of experience and education.
“I would not discount local history and genealogy experts in the areas where an ancestor once lived, but I find this is a touchy area,” advised DearMYRTLE, the genealogy columnist and lecturer. “It is so difficult to evaluate the reliability of research when a person one might hire hasn’t been certified or [is not an] accredited genealogist.”
So, the solution, she said, is to look for someone certified as a researcher. First, there is the Certified Genealogist (CG) designation from the Board for Certification of Genealogists (www.bcgcertification.org). This organization tests and certifies researchers and teachers (the latter is a Certified Genealogical Lecturer, or CGL). A list of those certified is maintained on the website. The board has a Code of Ethics and Genealogical Proof Standard that the members must adhere to. Another such certification body is The International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists (ICAPGen), which certifies genealogists through comprehensive written and oral examinations.
The ICAPGen website is http://www.icapgen.org, which offers the following: The agreement between the Accredited Genealogist (AG) professional and ICAPGen outlines the responsibilities of each AG researcher to ICAPGen, to the researcher’s clients, and to the genealogical community. Should a dispute or client complaint occur, the agreement outlines the arbitration process. Out of a desire to protect the consumer, ICAPGen tests the competence of genealogists and provides assurance to those who want to hire a professional in the field. You can find a list of ICAPGen members on the website.
The Family History Library of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) also has a staff of professional genealogists. The staff will test for AG status by the Genealogical Department of the LDS Church. Examinations include specialized areas such as American Indian, Southern, United States, England, and Germany. These genealogists are not necessarily members of the LDS church, nor do they limit themselves to LDS clients. Accredited Genealogists sign an ethics agreement and agree to adhere to a code of conduct; they are required to renew their accreditation every five years. You can get a roster of these by sending a self-addressed stamped envelop
e (SASE) with the geographic or topical specialization needed to:
Choosing a DNA Test Provider
As discussed Chapter 10, different tests can answer different questions when it comes to DNA for genealogy. Choosing the company to test your DNA for genealogical information can depend on which questions you are asking.
For example, to research a specific surname, search the Web for DNA and the surname. If you find a project, see which company and/or test they are using. For example, both a POWELL and a SPENCER YDNA project are using Family Tree DNA. If you are a female with those surnames, as I am, you would need to have some male relative do the test that those projects are working from. If your brick wall is in a maternal line, you can search for the surname and mtDNA project.
For male adoptees, autosomal DNA can help augment YDNA tests. And if you are just interested in overall ancestral origins, migration patterns, and so on, you could just choose the autosomal DNA test that fits your budget.
No matter which you choose, you may then want to hire a professional genealogist to use the data to track down and find those ancestors!
Family History Library
35 North West Temple Street
Salt Lake City, UT 84150-1003
Another organization to consult is the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG). Ethical conduct is extremely important to members of this association. Every member of APG signs a code of professional ethics, stating that the professional will
• Promote a coherent, truthful approach to genealogy, family history, and local history.
• Clearly present research results and opinions in a clear, well-organized manner, with accurately cited references.
• Advertise services and credentials honestly.
• Explain without concealment or misrepresentation all fees, charges, and payment structures.
• Abide by agreements regarding project scope, number of hours, and deadlines or reporting schedules.
• Refrain from knowingly violating or encouraging others to violate laws and regulations concerning copyright and right to privacy.
• Give proper credit to those who supply information and provide assistance.
These are good things to ask any professional genealogist to provide.
Also, various certification boards in other countries may be of help, as the following sections explain.
Australia
Australian Association of Genealogists and Record Agents
P.O. Box 268
Oakleigh, Victoria 3166, Australia
Send five International Reply Coupons for a roster. Tests and certifications in Australian and New Zealand records.
Canada
Genealogical Institute of the Maritimes
Universite de Moncton, Moncton
New Brunswick, E1A 3E9, Canada
Send SASE (with Canadian postage or two International Reply Coupons) for a roster. Tests and certifications for specialized research areas in Canada.
England
Association of Genealogists and Researchers in Archives
Hon. Secretary
31 Alexandra Grove
London N12 8HE, England
Send five International Reply Coupons for a roster. Peers recommend those listed as competent by long experience.
France
Chambre Syndicale des Genealogistes – Heraldistes de France
74, Rue des Saints-Peres
75005 Paris, France
Send five International Reply Coupons for a roster.
Ireland
Association of Professional Genealogists in Ireland
c/o The Genealogical Office
30 Harlech Crescent
Clonskeagh, Dublin 14, Ireland
Send two International Reply Coupons for a roster. Membership is based on independent assessment and experience.
New Zealand
Genealogical Research Institute of New Zealand
P.O. Box 36-107 Moera
Lower Hutt 6330, New Zealand
Send a large envelope and two International Reply Coupons for a roster. Members sign a code of ethics.
Scotland
Association of Scottish Genealogists and Record Agents
51/3 Mortonhall Road
Edinburgh EH9 2HN, Scotland
Send two International Reply Coupons for a roster. Members sign a code of practice.
Set Terms
Hiring a genealogist is a bit like hiring a contractor: You must have a clearly defined project and budget in mind before you sign a contract. You need to present to the genealogist a letter of agreement that lists
• The scope of work to be performed
• How many hours to be worked for you, with some provision for time extensions under specified circumstances
• A definition of fees for various actions
• Definition of what the retainer covers and how it will be applied toward final payment
• How you will agree on more research activities after the original work is finished
It is also a good idea to define who holds the copyright to the written research reports. Often, the professional genealogist wants to retain those rights, which means you cannot publish the report without the researcher’s permission.
Note
What if something goes wrong? If your researcher is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists and you believe he or she has not worked within the code of ethics, you can file a grievance with the organization. APG will work with you and the professional to mediate the disagreement.
Ask at genealogy societies and clubs for the names of good local professional genealogists before contacting one. Once you find one to talk to, it never hurts to ask for and check references. If the professional is reluctant to provide this, use your best judgment in deciding whether you want to hire this person. It’s also a good idea to begin with a short, simple assignment, such as a research chore in a city you just cannot travel to. See how quickly and accurately the candidate can work and how important your business is. Then you can judge whether you have the confidence to agree on a larger project.
Most genealogists charge by the hour; the fees can range from $10 to $95 per hour. An average is $30 to $50 per hour for the professional in the United States. However, you may find a researcher who prefers to charge a flat daily fee, such as $150 to $500 per day for their services. Indeed, several professionals prefer a minimum retainer (usually $350 to $500) for a research project. This gives the researcher a good block of time and some working capital for transportation, copies, and so on. It also gives the genealogist leeway to do a careful and thorough job on your project.
Once you have a specific list of research needs, a list of professional genealogists who meet your criteria in price and expertise, and you have checked their references, you can determine who to hire and sign an agreement. Then you give the researcher the information you have and the fees to begin.
Glossary
A
a. About (or circa, in Latin), often used in front of uncertain dates.
AG (Accredited Genealogist) Designation conferred by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). In 1964, the Genealogical Department of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints established the Accreditation Program for Genealogists to credential genealogy researchers through comprehensive written and oral examinations that require the use of the highest professional genealogy standards and ethics. Administration of the program was transferred to an independent testing organization, the International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists (ICAPGen), in 2000.
aggregator (also called feed reader, news reader, RSS reader) Software or web application that collects syndicated web content such as news headlines, blogs, podcasts, and vlogs (video blog) in a single location for easy viewing.
ahnentafel “Ancestor table” in German—a format is more than a century old. A way of listing a family tree, it includes the full name of each ancestor, with d
ates and places of birth, marriage, and death. The ahnentafel format organizes this information along a numbering scheme. If an individual’s number in the table is X, then the father’s number is 2X in the table; the mother is 2X + 1. So, all males in the table are even numbers and all females are odd numbers. If you are #1 in the table, your father is #2 and your mother is #3. Your father’s father is #4, your father’s mother #5, and so on.
allele (DNA) One of two alternative forms of a gene that is located at a specific position on a specific chromosome.
Ancestral File (AF) A searchable collection of genealogical data submitted to the LDS archives in GEDCOM format to help genealogists coordinate their research.
Android An open-source operating system for smart phones and tablet computers developed by Google as an alternative to iOS.
anonymous FTP (File Transfer Protocol) The process of connecting to a remote computer, either as an anonymous or guest user, to transfer public files back to your local computer. (See also: FTP and protocol.) Anonymous FTP is usually read-only access; you often cannot contribute files by anonymous FTP.
app A self-contained program to accomplish a particular function; a software application, especially as downloaded by a user to a mobile device.
Atom A syndication format written in eXtensible Markup Language (XML) language used for web feeds and as a publishing protocol (APP is the acronym, but it is referred to as “AtomPub” for short) for creating and updating web resources. It is a form of “push” technology that allows the user to retrieve information without the problems of e-mail and web browsing.