Many hobbyist genealogists would like to make the transition to being a professional. What invisible line separates hobbyists from professionals? Is there a difference between the research and results that are available from a professional versus a non-professional? We’ll explore the methodologies and standards that form the foundation for generally accepted professional research and reporting. The Code of Ethics written by a variety of organizations, including the IAJGS, forms the backbone of self-regulation, competence, and accuracy in documentation resulting from genealogical research. A key difference in being a professional is the running of a business. We will look beyond the research angle of genealogy to the business and visibility/marketing of a professional genealogist.

Suzanne Hoffman, a professional Forensic Genealogist, is the current President of the Illinois State Genealogical Society and the immediate Past President of the Association of Professional Genealogists. She sits on the Chicago Genealogical Society board. She is actively engaged in identifying records at risk, whether by saving our access to record sets or simply preserving those records. She volunteers at her local Family Search Center and teaches genealogy at her local library.