About Us
Philosophy of Research
- I wholeheartedly agree that people should be the researcher of their family history if they have the time,
resources, and desire to do it.
- I will be your consultant for research if you need ideas but
want to do your own research.
- I will be glad to search for an elusive ancestor who has evaded you.
- I will temporarily "adopt" your family tree when you need help finding your lineage.
- I will treat your request as though it were my own.
- I will advise you how to look for living persons but will not serve as go-between in birth
parent-child adoptions.
(The adoption agency may provide the go-between service.)
Education, Training, Experience of Genealogy Researcher:
- M. A. in Teaching Degree, French minor, Vanderbilt University.
- B.A. Degree, Kalamazoo College, Kalamazoo, Michigan, French major and Spanish minor.
- Research Specialist for NSA, Ft. Meade, MD.
- Intelligence Research Specialist for U.S. Army, G2, Panama Canal Zone.
- Genealogy researcher since 1978, traveled to NJ, NY, IN, MA, VT, NH for personal research.
- Created Muskegon County Pioneer Certificate Program and certified applicants.
- Presented various programs and served on Round Tables for genealogical workshops.
- Certificate of Completion: CSS and XHTML web design course.
Languages: French, Spanish, ancient Dutch
Genealogy Programs Presented by Researcher:
- Use Land Records to Discover New Ancestors
- Tell Your Ancestor's Story Using New York census records
Memberships of Researcher:
- Association of Professional Genealogists, 2008 - present
- New England Historic and Genealogical Society, 1997 - present
- Muskegon County Genealogical Society, 1987 - present
How I Became Hooked on Genealogy:
I became hooked on genealogy in 1987 when I read a newspaper invitation from my local genealogical society to
research and submit my family history and apply for a Pioneer Certificate.
I phoned my mother, whose parents were from the Netherlands, but she said they had arrived too late for her
to qualify, so I dismissed the idea.
A few minutes later, my mother called back, saying that I could qualify because my father's
family had come to Michigan in the early 1800s, and that my father's mother (both of them deceased) had passed
down a box of family records and photos, never before mentioned to me. Amazing! I began my life as a researcher
immediately!
I earned my Michigan Sesquicentennial Certificates, and went on to create the ongoing Pioneer Certificate
Program for Muskegon County Genealogical Society, remaining Chairman for seven years.