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Position:Home>Genealogy> What are some careers in the field of genealogy?


Question:I'm fascinated by learning about where people came from and how these places factor into their physical appearances. I am also fascinated by researching peoples' last names and finding out about their family histories. How would I pursue a career in this type of field?


Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I'm fascinated by learning about where people came from and how these places factor into their physical appearances. I am also fascinated by researching peoples' last names and finding out about their family histories. How would I pursue a career in this type of field?

There are many facets to the field that you might find interesting. Some of us work for courts to track down lost heirs, sort through the validity of claims in estate cases and other forms of litigation, or investigate lost property.

Others work in archives and libraries doing research full-time. Some libraries hire us directly, while others allow us to use their facilities as a base and we charge clients directly for the research.

Many of us also become historians, either locally or on the state level. We do full-time research and publish it for historical societies. We investigate claims about long-lost sailors or lumberjacks who supposedly went on to become millionaires.

Many work for city agencies as archivists. I did quite a bit of work through the years for the Chicago Park District and Chicago Historical Society. But many of my friends worked for the Illinois State Library, Library of Michigan, National Archives and Records Administration, National Parks Service, etc.

And if all that isn't enough, you can become a college History professor and become an expert on one part of the world and the immigration that happened in that region for 1500 years.

As for how to pursue the career, start by going to college and getting a degree in History with a minor in Library Science. Do an internship in an area that interests you with an agency that will introduce you to the field. Then build a portfolio of research work and keep refining it. When your peers feel your work is up to the right caliber, apply for certification through one of the reputable programs.

Write here to find out about different positions and membership in the Association..


Kathleen Hinckley, CG
Executive Director
Association of Professional Genealogists
P.O. Box 350998
Westminster, CO 80035-0998
tel. 303-465-6980
fax 303-456-8825
http://www.apgen.org
email: APG Office: admin@apgen.org