New to genealogy? ... or new to hiring a genealogist?
Either way, you are in the right place to find out more.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost?
Our base rate is $50 an hour for research. The bare minimum is a 5 hour research package of $250. Most projects will be 10+ hours.
Contact us to discuss your specific project.
What is a Mustard Manor?
That is the name of my home. It was built by a Mr. Mustard and is a large Edwardian four-square located in a historic district in Indiana. I have been renovating and restoring this house for five years.
Do you require to be paid up-front?
Most genealogists require a retainer. After signing the research agreement, I practice the honor-code system. All payment will be sent at the end of the research session.
Do you really research in a lot of languages?
Yes. I am self-taught in reading genealogical records in many languages. I have worked on cases for everything from Spanish to Japanese-American.
I regularly read Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, Finnish, Icelandic, Spanish, Portuguese, German, Italian and French. I am not fluent in the languages but I am confident in my translation skills. I also am familiar with Latin and Old English paleography (handwriting.)
My emphasis with my degree was in Scandinavian and British Isles. My own ancestors come from Sweden, England, Switzerland, Germany and Portugal amongst other places.
How many new ancestors can I expect to find?
This is a complicated question. For some, I have been able to add 4-5 generations in a single project of 10 research hours. For others, those 10 hours might be spent looking for one complicated brick wall ancestor. Every case is different.
Your goal might be to locate the origins of your family in Ireland. Another client might be trying to build their family tree in the Azores. Let's consult about your individual situation.
Is this your full time job?
Genealogy research is my full-time job. I work with law enforcement performing forensic investigative genetic genealogy. (I help find leads for cold cases using genealogy and DNA... just like the tv shows!)
Client research is a side hustle I use to support my dreams of continuing to renovate and restore The Mustard Manor.
I already have an online tree! What do I do?
Before every research session, I will ask for access to your family information whether that is an online tree or your handwritten notes.
If you would like me to edit your tree directly, I can do that. If you prefer I begin a new tree starting with the problem ancestor, I can do that too.
I took a DNA test online. I don't understand any of it. How can you help?
If you or a relative has taken a DNA test, I always ask for access if it will help the particular case. DNA has the potential to help with many of our genealogical problems, but not all.
As a professional forensic genetic genealogist, I use DNA daily to solve family tree problems. I can analyze, organize and use your DNA to verify connections, locate your biological family members and connect you to your ancestral origins.
Okay, so I'd like to hire you... now what?
Contact me for a free consultation. I will fill out a form discussing your goals, asking for access to your family history information (whether a tree, gedcom or notes) and any DNA testing if applicable. That form is a research agreement detailing agreed upon hours and letting you know how we will then proceed.
That form will be signed and returned to me via email before research begins.
My family history records are all burned... what can be done?
This is a common story sometimes told by great aunts who don't want you meddling in the family tree. Sometimes there are records which have been burned, but usually not ALL records for a family tree. Let's work on a consultation to discuss your particular family. If it isn't possible to research your family tree, you won't be missing out on anything during your FREE consultation.
What if my ancestors weren't very good people?
We are a reflection of our ancestral pasts, but we all have skeletons in the closet! I have ancestors who served time in prison, were sentenced to death, arrested for being pickpockets, adulterers, liars and thieves.
What if we find something scary or embarrassing?
I will never release your family history to anyone without your permission. If you would like me to send your files to your second cousin, I am happy to do so with written permission. Mustard Manor Genealogy Services is a one-man business. Your family tree is kept confidential.
It is not uncommon for people to find disturbing things with DNA. If that happens, your information will be kept secret and confidential. And trust me, I have seen it all! I am neither shocked nor appalled.
Your name (or face) reminds me of someone... have I seen you somewhere?
I was an on-screen genealogist for a tv-show produced by KBYU called The Generations Project. I have taught at numerous conferences, have done news interviews on genealogy and have been a known fixture in the genealogical community for many years.
You might even know me from working the Scandinavian reference desk at the Family History Library (Now the FamilySearch Library) in Salt Lake City. I helped hundreds of people work on their family trees.
Beyond the ordinary
This is where our journey begins. Get to know our business and what we do, and how we're committed to quality and great service. Join us as we grow and succeed together. We're glad you're here to be a part of our story.