Genealogy Services

MACY’s Genealogical Research offers a variety of genealogy services, but everything begins with a complimentary consultation. I want to understand what you hope to achieve and make sure my areas of expertise are a good match for you. Gift certificates are also available.

Complimentary Consultation

Each prospective client receives a complimentary consultation and review of past research (up to one hour).  Next, you’ll receive a proposal of services, including anticipated time and cost. The services typically fall under one of the following categories:

Forensic Genealogy

• Identify heirs for probate, real estate, or mineral rights cases
• Provide source-cited documentation to establish kinship
• Prepare Affidavits of Heirship or Affidavits of Relationship to Decedenant
• Providing expert testimony in legal proceedings
• Collaborating with lawyers, probate researchers, and estate administrators
• Conducting DNA analysis and genetic genealogy research

Family Research Services

[Currently booked to capacity. Check back in mid-2024 for availability].

• Develop a clear research objective
• Conduct the reasonably exhaustive research necessary to meet the objective, as the contract time and budget allows
• Provide the client with a professional research report, including citations and copies of all documents reviewed*
• Provide transcriptions and/or abstracts of documents that may be difficult to read
• Include recommendations for further research

*If a courthouse, repository, or the holder of the record does not allow copies to be made, Megan Clark Young will transcribe a “True Copy” to be certified by the courthouse or repository employee.

Lineage Society Applications

[Limited Availability].

• Contact the registrar/organization on the client’s behalf to obtain the most up-to-date guidelines and application
• Conduct the research necessary and work with the client to obtain the records needed to successfully complete the application
• In the event additional documentation is needed, I will conduct additional research at no additional cost. This is rare, as I don’t submit applications that don’t meet the society’s guidelines or qualifications.
• Perhaps most importantly, I tell clients honestly and quickly if documentation is insufficient, not available, or if they don’t qualify for their chosen society

DNA Consultation

For those who are considering taking a DNA test or have already taken a test, but don’t know what to do next, a DNA consultation is for you.

• What type of test is most beneficial for your research objective?
• Who should test?
• What do your results mean?

Genealogy Research Coaching

I recognize how enjoyable (addicting?) genealogical research can be. For those who want to do the research themselves, but need guidance, coaching is the answer. Coaching is one of the most popular genealogy services. Coaching can be done in person or via Zoom, so no matter where you live, you can learn about Pennsylvania genealogy.

• Beginner – Perfect for those who are just starting out. Learn how to establish a solid foundation and avoid typical “beginner” mistakes. Typical goals include using software to create a family tree,
• Intermediate – Ideal for those who have done a fair amount of research, but would like to learn how to put it all together. Tackle common-named ancestors, DNA matches, and citations.
• Advanced – “Brick Walls,” resolve conflicting information, and rule out potential scenarios.

Family History Writing

• Offer a fresh perspective and evaluate sources. Offer editing services for writing projects the client already started
• Craft proper citations and format, per genealogical standards
• Author narratives based on research conducted by MACY’s Genealogical Research (I will not create new content based on the research of anyone else)
• Write articles or posts for Genealogical Societies
• Write blog posts for use on personal or business blogs

As each writing project can be very different, please contact me for more information.

Genealogy Presentations

Megan regularly speaks to genealogy societies and organizations.

Ready to get started?

Please contact me for availability.

See a related post: How Much will it cost?