Someone recently posted on social media, questioning the need to become a certified genealogist. Their reasoning was that it is not a regulated profession and that they had been helping people – for free – for a long time. I starting typing a snarky response, but decided I wasn’t interested in getting into a debate.
Genealogy can range from an occasional hobby to a full-blown profession. My experience has encompassed both. There is nothing wrong with either, but I think it’s important for people to understand the difference.
The Amateur Genealogist
Many genealogists start as amateurs, driven by curiosity about their ancestors or inspired by stories passed down through generations. Amateurs often begin with Ancestry and other online resources. Some amateurs look only at the “hints” and other trees, and assume their research is complete.
Amateurs generally start with the basics: birth, marriage and death records. Census records are another popular source. The amateur genealogist will note where a person lived and who lived in the household.
At some point, the amateur may realize that there is more to genealogy than hints and trees. And that there are different types of records that can add depth to their family history.
The Hobby Genealogist
For some, genealogy evolves from a casual interest into a dedicated hobby. Hobby genealogists allocate more time and resources to their research, immersing themselves in the intricacies of historical research and documentation.
Hobby genealogists often:
- Attend Workshops and Conferences: They participate in genealogy workshops, seminars, and conferences to refine their skills and learn new research techniques.
- Contribute to Online Communities: Hobbyists engage with fellow enthusiasts on genealogy forums, sharing tips, resources, and discoveries.
- Expand Research Horizons: Beyond tracing direct lineages, hobbyists explore collateral lines, delve into local history, and uncover forgotten family stories.
Most genealogists remain in the hobby phase. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. Many people develop skills and expertise that would qualify them as a professional genealogist; however, they have no desire to proceed any further. They may provide free research to others, or contribute to publications, or volunteer in other genealogical capacities. Other hobbyists may not acquire advanced skills, but can still conduct accurate research.
The Professional Genealogist
For a select few, genealogy transcends just being a hobby and becomes a profession. Professional genealogists possess specialized knowledge, research skills, and a commitment to adhering to the Genealogical Standards.
Professional genealogists:
- Acquire Formal Education: Many pursue formal education in genealogy, history, or related fields to hone their research methodologies and analytical skills.
- Conduct In-Depth Research: They delve into archives, libraries, and repositories, documenting sources and verifying evidence to construct accurate family narratives.
- Provide Client Services: Professional genealogists offer a range of services, including lineage research, probate research, forensic genealogy, and in-depth family analysis.
- Adhere to Ethical Standards: Upholding professional standards, they respect client confidentiality, cite sources responsibly, and approach research with objectivity and diligence.
Certification/Accreditation
In the United States there are two main organizations for becoming certified or accredited. The Board for Certification of Genealogists awards the CG credential to successful applicants. The International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists (ICAPGen) awards the AG credential to successful applicants. Both organizations require the genealogist to provide a significant amount of work prior to awarding the credential.
A professional genealogist is not required to become certified or accredited. And not all certified genealogists offer professional research services. Then why do it?
- Meets Professional Standards: A certified/accredited genealogist has submitted a portfolio to an organization that has set rigorous standards for the professional genealogist. These portfolios illustrate the genealogist’s research and analysis skills, writing strengths, and adherence to the industry standards.
- Prepares High-Level Research Products: The portfolio consists of a variety of elements, each of which focus on specific aspects of genealogy research.
- Ethical Client Interaction: Certification tells the customer seeking a professional that their researcher meets the high standards of the professional genealogical community. These standards also include ethical responsibilities, such as not sharing a client’s research results without their permission.
Personally, I enjoy the academic nature of genealogy. As a professional, I want to convey to my clients that my work has been peer-reviewed by other genealogists and adheres to the genealogy standards. I am looking forward to starting my certification journey very soon!
Conclusion
Whether you’re just dipping your toes into the world of genealogy out of sheer curiosity, tinkering around as a hobbyist, or you’re a pro at uncovering family secrets, genealogy is like a never-ending treasure hunt. It’s all about connecting the dots and discovering where you fit into the big picture of history and humanity.
Note: If you’re interested in taking your genealogy journey to the next level, consider seeking guidance from a professional genealogist or exploring educational opportunities in the field.