Every year, millions of people around the world comb through books, scour newspapers, and thumb through manuscripts searching for information about their family’s history.

What starts small often becomes enormous. Many now-avid genealogists recall their humble beginnings – the discovery of a trunk full of photographs in the attic, or a question about a great grandparent’s country of origin.

For many, these humble questions blossom into a lifelong pursuit connecting them to a growing community around the world.

The success of television programs like Who Do You Think You Are? and Genealogy Roadshow reflects the growing popularity of family history – some reckon it to be only slightly less popular as a hobby than gardening in the US.

These programs are wonderful for capturing the amazingly diverse stories of Americans across the country and bringing genealogy to new audiences. Through the wizardy of lights and sound, these programs manage to do the impossible - to make leafing through musty city directories and other records compelling television. While this is all very exciting, there is no mention of the techniques and skills involved in the genealogist’s research. 

As anyone who has researched their family can tell you, these programs may have accurately captured the joy of family history - but certainly not the work!

HSP and the Greater Philadelphia Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists can help. 

On the third Wednesday of every month at 1:00, 3:00, and 5:00 p.m., professional genealogists from the Greater Philadelphia Area Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG) will be available to help take your family history research  to the next level. These one-on-one consultations are designed for beginner and experienced genealogists alike. 

Please click here for more information and to register. HSP's Director of Public Programs, Christopher Damiani, will gladly answer any further questions. He may be reached at 215.732.6200 ext. 227 or at cdamiani@hsp.org.