Making history personal—are you ready to discover your unique story?

I am a professional genealogist in the Boston-Providence metropolitan area, holding the Certified Genealogist credential from the Board for Certification of Genealogists.  I have more than 25 years of research experience spanning all U.S. states and beyond, with extensive experience in particular in New England states and New York.

With my proven skills, I’ve located family members past and present for clients from across the U.S. and beyond, including for individual family historians, law firms, government agencies, as well as major research institutions and publishers like the New England Historic Genealogical Society’s Newbury Street Press in Boston.

I hold a Certificate in Genealogical Research from Boston University, and a Master of Library Science degree with a speciality in archives from the University of Maryland at College Park.

I am a current member of the Association for Professional Genealogists and abide by its standards for ethical professional conduct, and I follow the Genealogy Standards published by the Board for Certification of Genealogists, whose Code of Ethics I have also signed.

Project types I am available for:

• Build a family tree—an open-ended project in which I research as far back on as many branches in as much depth as you request within the time and budget you allot.
• Individual biographies—I investigate the in-depth story of an individual’s life within the time and budget you allot.
• Brick walls—I focus my research and expertise on investigating a specific genealogical problem you need help on.
• Lineage society research—I trace a one line of your ancestry and assemble documentation you need to apply for membership in a lineage society, such as Sons of the American Revolution, Daughters of the American Revolution, the Mayflower Society, General Society of War of 1812, and more.
• Lighthouse research service—I investigate the life of your lighthouse keeper ancestor and the place they served.
• Forensic & heir research—I work with your attorney to identify next-of-kin or other individuals pertinent to your case.

Begin your genealogy journey today

To get started, please contact me with a description of your goal and the research you’ve already done.  An initial consultation is free and will explain how I can help you climb your family tree and what you can expect from my services.  Once we agree on a research goal, I then charge a competitive hourly rate based on the type of project.  You set the budget.

Resources I have access to:

I live in the Boston, Massachusetts, and Providence, Rhode Island, metropolitan area and have immediate access to some of the finest genealogical research libraries around, including:

• New England Historic Genealogical Society (Boston, MA)
• Massachusetts Historical Society (Boston, MA)
• Massachusetts State Archives (Boston, MA)
• General Society of Mayflower Descendants Library (Plymouth, MA)
• Congregational Library and Archives (Boston, MA)
• Old Colony History Museum & Library (Taunton, MA)
• National Archives and Records Administration – Boston branch (Waltham, MA)
• New Bedford Whaling Museum Research Library (New Bedford, MA)
• Rhode Island State Library and Archives (Providence, RI)
• Rhode Island Historical Society (Providence, RI)
• plus, local courthouses, churches, libraries, historical and genealogical societies where your ancestors lived

In addition, I am available for hire to travel to many key regional and state repositories, including:

• American Antiquarian Society (Worcestor, MA)
• Connecticut State Library & Archives (Hartford, CT)
• Godfrey Memorial Library (Middletown, CT)
• New York Genealogical & Biographical Society (New York City, NY)
• New York State Library & Archives (Albany, NY)
• plus, local courthouses, churches, libraries, historical and genealogical societies where your ancestors lived

Research at major repositories in Washington, D.C., can also be arranged, such as:

• Daughters of the American Revolution Library (NSDAR)
• Library of Congress
• National Archives & Records Administration

Don’t see a location listed here?  Don’t worry, I can help you access resources throughout the U.S. and beyond via my network of associated professionals.

In addition to access to premiere physical research collections, I maintain current subscriptions to leading online genealogical research databases, like Ancestry.com, GenealogyBank.com and Fold3.com.

Thank you for taking time to learn about my research services – I look forward to joining you on your genealogical adventure!

P.S. — Be sure to check out my blog for compelling stories from my own research that illustrate the exciting ways a professional genealogist can surprise, inform and bring deeper meaning to your family history by “introducing” you to the relatives you’ve always had questions about–and some you didn’t even know you had!

“Mark, I just wanted to say how much I enjoy your writing about the questions and problems you pursue – each blog is a terrific class in research and inquiry, including what questions to ask.” — Linda Eastman, Independent historian