Got a family mystery?
Genealogical projects come in all sizes, from multi-generational family trees to specific questions about one individual. I’ll find the answers to solve your family mystery.
I’m a professional genealogist who can help you answer:
Who? When? Where?
Who were my mother’s ancestors? What do we know about them?Fact or fiction
Was that story about my great-great-grandfather really true?Family origins
Who were my immigrant ancestors? When did they get here?How am I related to…?
I think we’re related, but how?Mystery photograph
Help! Nothing’s written on the back!Family history paper trails
Can you find that document or record for me?
I specialize in finding records and documents.
Birth, marriage, death records
Immigration and citizenship papers
Passenger manifests
Wills and probate material
Land deeds
Military service records
Federal and state census records
Obituaries and cemetery records
Newspaper stories
City and town directories
Church records
…and more.
Additional Services
Handwriting transcriptions
I’ll transcribe hard-to-read handwritten letters, probate records, land records, and other documents.
Help with genealogy websites
I’m happy to help you use online genealogy platforms—such as Ancestry or FamilySearch—if you’re trying to set up a new family tree, fix errors in an existing tree, identify other users who are researching your ancestors, or encountering other troubles.
Family tree wall charts
I can prepare a family tree or ancestry chart and submit it to a printing service that specializes in attractive genealogy wall charts. (Printing and framing costs will be in addition to my fees.)
DNA tests
I am not a genetic genealogist, but for clients who have done DNA tests, I can use their test results in my research to confirm (or rule out) family relationships. If you have taken a DNA test through Ancestry or a similar service and wish to share the results with me, I will use these where possible. Be assured, I am perfectly comfortable working for clients who have not taken or are unwilling to take DNA tests.
Geographic regions
Most of my genealogical research has focused within the United States, England, Scotland, Ireland, Germany, Eastern Europe (particularly Poland and Russia), and Canada. Research in other countries will depend on available genealogical resources.
Confidentiality
I respect client confidentiality. I will never share what I have discovered for you about your family with anyone without your consent.
Could you be Canadian?
Canadian citizenship laws recently changed. Now, anyone who can prove they are a direct descendant of a Canadian can claim citizenship. If you believe you are eligible, I can research the documentation you need to submit your claim.
The first hour of research is free.
I call this presearch. Once you’ve told me what you’re looking for, I will do preliminary research to identify the most promising paths to investigate, and provide a written estimate of the time and costs I expect will be needed. At that point, you can decide whether to hire me.
Research and report fees:
The cost of a family history project varies depending on its size and scope. My fees for research and written reports over the past several years have ranged from $450 to $3,000. Once you let me know what you hope to learn about your family, I will do an hour of preliminary research at no cost, then send you a proposed estimate for the project.
My fees include researching and preparing a written report for you. Your report will come with high-resolution digital images and citations of important records, documents, and photographs that I uncover in my research. It’s provided as a PDF, making it easy to share with family.
Liffey Thorpe
I’m a professional genealogist living in Brooksville, Maine. I earned a doctorate in classics from Stanford University and taught at Earlham College for twenty-four years. During that time I began researching my own family’s roots, which led me to this second career in helping others answer their genealogy questions. Along the way I earned a certificate of genealogical research from Boston University, and was certified by the Board for Certification of Genealogists in Washington D.C.
Let’s Work Together
I’d love to work with you on your own family history. To set up your first free hour of research, and discuss hiring me, please use the form below, or email twigsearch@gmail.com.
I respect client confidentiality. I will never share our communications, or what I discover about you and your family, with anyone without your consent.