West Middlesex Family History Society

Professional Research

The Society does not formally undertake professional research into any aspect of family history, but we run a monthly advice session at Feltham Library - see our Advice page , which is intended to help members or non-members to make progress with their brickwalls or whatever may concern them.

Employing a professional genealogist to undertake research for you has some similarities to hiring a professional builder or plumber. It is best to find someone who has qualifications, and if possible someone who is recommended by a friend. Some excellent general advice on the matter is available from the Society of Genealogists at the link given. This advice is also available as a PDF.

FamilySearch Wiki also contains sound advice on hiring a professional researcher, and goes further by identifying the most recognised groups of professional genealogists in England, Ireland, the United States, and Australia.

The most recognised group of professionals in the UK is the Association of Genealogists and Researchers in Archives (AGRA) where you will find details of each of their professionals.

A further comprehensive list of qualified genealogists including their profile of specialities and where they reside is available as The Register of Qualified Genealogists.