I really do dig genealogy!

I know!

How many people still use the word “dig” in such a context?

Well, I do, and by the way, I also occasionally say “groovy.”

Beyond my tendency to use outdated slang, there is plenty else you should know before entrusting me with something as important as your family history research.

My name is Bridget Hanley and history is a life-long interest for me. I was always drawn more to the intricacies of historical studies than to the big, momentous events of political change and military conflicts, which is what traditional history courses usually emphasize. Instead, it was the investigation of how those momentous events shaped the lives of everyday people that most intrigued me. In other words, it was social history that beckoned me, so it seems a natural progression that I would find my niche in the realm of family history.

In college, I double majored in History and English and minored in Gender Studies. This education and my natural strengths in critical thinking, analysis, and composition, lend themselves to my success as a genealogical researcher.

My focus on genealogy as more than just a hobby really began to develop between 2012 and 2015, as the sunset of life approached for my father and his remaining siblings. I began to expand what we knew of our family tree during this time, but it wasn’t long before I was completing projects for friends and others, too.

Am I a certified genealogist? Nope, but not because I can’t be. It’s just that I haven’t needed that certification to secure clients, accomplish my research goals, or achieve any of the specific requests or requirements of my clientele. On the contrary, not holding a certification actually allows me to keep my prices more affordable, as my clients aren’t paying for my certification, professional dues, continuing education costs, or other fees and bills associated with achieving and maintaining a credentialed status.

While I’m not certified, I do adhere to the Genealogy Standards of the Board for Certification of Genealogists. This is simply good practice and not at all dissimilar to the appropriate standards for conducting any type of research. Researchers worth their salt should be able to provide a solid genealogical proof, whether they are certified or not.

I take pride in my work. I become invested in achieving the goals of my clients. I deliver quality results and respect the privacy of clients and their family members. I honestly represent my skills and when I hit a threshold with my research, I communicate this openly to clients and try to steer them in the appropriate direction for finding additional, more specialized assistance to continue their family history discoveries.