How We Can Help

We help our clients in a variety of ways, listed below. If you have a genealogy research project or need that is not listed here, please get in touch with us and tell us what you want. We may be able to help!

Family Tree Search

For an initial fee of $500 we will develop a family tree for one ancestral line going back in time.  For example, for one paternal or one maternal line (e.g. paternal grandmother, maternal grandfather) we will go back as many generations as possible confirming each generation with vital records (e.g. birth, marriage, death, names of parents).  For the $500 fee we will include 10 hours of research and a Family Genealogy Notebook that includes a family tree, profile page for each direct line ancestor, and copies of all vital records. Typically, we can manage to go back in time five or more generations within 10 hours. Additional Family Genealogy Notebooks can be purchased as gifts for other family member at a cost of $50 per notebook.

Family Genealogy Notebooks Kate and Mike have prepared about their ancestors. A three ring binder allows clients
to insert copies of their family history (e.g. letters, scrapbook articles, photos, bible pages).

Totally Blown Away

Dear Kate and Mike,
I just had to write AGAIN. I am totally blown away by the binder I received today. OH MY GOD!!  I can’t even look at the entire bit yet. I’m absorbing it slowly. It's amazing, a work of art really. I can only say thank you again and Beannaithe bheith (Blessed Be).
Kathleen W., Brooklyn, NY

Brick Wall Search

If you have followed one of your direct ancestral lines back several generations and cannot go further back in time, then genealogists say you have hit the proverbial “brick wall”.  These searches are typically the most challenging and it is often difficult to promise results. We will access all record sources available online in an effort to break through the “brick wall,” but as all genealogists know, we cannot guarantee that the wall will come down.

Our fee to conduct a “brick wall” search is $500. The fee includes 10 hours of research, a written report (typically by email) and copies of all records found (email or hard copy).  This search does not include a Family Genealogy Notebook. We love to do “brick wall” searches which include the following steps: 1) confirm the accuracy of your ancestral line back to your “brick wall” ancestor to make sure you are following the right line and have not gone down a “rabbit hole,” thereby following the wrong ancestral line, and 2) continuing the search for your “brick wall” ancestor and identifying the names of his/her parents and siblings. The answer to your “brick wall” may be found by searching records for siblings, cousins or other relatives.

What Does “Rabbit Hole” Mean in Genealogy?
As a genealogy term, “going down the rabbit hole” is a metaphor for mistakenly following someone else’s ancestor back in time instead of your own ancestor!  Doing so is not only extremely time consuming, but most importantly, it is always very disappointing to realize you have “gone down the rabbit hole.”

Analysis of DNA Matches

If a client has submitted a DNA sample to Ancestry.com, or some other website, then we can provide an analysis of the client’s DNA matches in an effort to: 1) identify DNA matches for a particular ancestral line (e.g. paternal grandmother, maternal grandfather), 2) use your DNA matches to confirm that you are indeed following your correct ancestral line, and 3) potentially identify long-lost cousins whom you may want to contact.

It is important to note that triangulating you and your DNA matches is most helpful if both you and your DNA matches have already developed a family tree on the same website such as Ancestry.com. We can develop a family tree for you if you do not yet have one.

Search for a Birth Parent

We have helped numerous clients find one or both unknown birth parents by using a combination of old-fashioned genealogy searches and analysis of DNA matches to identify a birth parent(s) or a birth sibling(s). We also provide guidance for each client going through the process of using DNA analysis in an effort to find a birth parent.

This can be a tedious and challenging process.  However, the recent release of adoption records in many states and the enormous increase in the number of individuals who have submitted DNA samples to various websites have greatly enhanced the identification of birth parents and siblings.

Preparation for Irish Citizenship by Descent Application

If you have a grandparent who was born in Ireland, then you qualify to apply for “Irish Citizenship by Descent.”  To do so, the applicant must provide certified copies of the birth, marriage and death records for his/her grandparent, parent and him/herself. A total of up to eight certified and stamped documents will be required for a given application. We work with clients to identify the records required, and most importantly, to help determine where (e.g specific village, town, city) and how the applicant can secure a certified copy of each document. If there are any discrepancies among documents (e.g. spelling of first names, surnames, dates of birth), then we can help the applicant prepare a letter of explanation to accompany their application to Dublin, Ireland.

Genealogy Power Point Presentations

We have developed several Power Point genealogy presentations which cover topics ranging from “getting started with genealogy research” to specific topics such as “pinpointing where your ancestors lived” in the U.S., Ireland, Canada or elsewhere. We enjoy interacting with members of genealogy and historical societies, or with others interested in searching for more information about their ancestors.  Our fee to present by Zoom or in person varies and is based on location, preparation time and related travel expenses. If interested, just let us know the details and we will hopefully be able to schedule a presentation and decide on a mutually agreeable fee. 

Kate and Mike making a presentation to the Orlando Genealogy Society in Florida.

Why choose us to be your Genealogy Researchers?

From doorstep to family…

I was told that I was left on a doorstep 77 years ago. After decades of curiosity, I placed my DNA on Ancestry.com in 2008 in search of the truth about my birth. Once a second cousin match appeared, my wife and I put Kate and Mike to work. They quickly narrowed the possibilities down to specific grandparents and more DNA testing proved them correct.

I now had maternal siblings. I was so blessed that my reception was amazingly warm. Shortly afterward, another second cousin appeared on Ancestry.com, and with Kate and Mike back to work I met a paternal sibling in three months. In these nine months, I went from the doorstep to families that I love. God Bless Kate & Mike.
Jerry H. Moultonborough, NH