(215) 987-1701 Valerie N. Williams Genealogist
Family Links You Genealogy: Research Services & Tracing Family History
"A family Heritage is a link to our past. Let us not forget that their story is our own."
~Valerie N. Williams
Genealogist
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Genealogy Research Services
Introducing Family Links You Genealogy: Your Personalized Genealogy Research Partner
Family Links You Genealogy is a genealogy research service that offers an exclusive and customized approach to uncovering your unique family history. Unlike other research services, I pride ourselves on providing one-on-one interactions through phone consultations or in-person meetings, enabling comprehensive research that taps into the extensive online and offline resources.
With over 30 years of expertise in genealogy research, I bring a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record of success to your genealogical journey.
One key advantage of my personalized approach is the ability to witness the research results unfold in real-time. This immediate feedback encourages further exploration and fosters better engagement and collaboration with our valued clients. Moreover, my clients often possess invaluable fragments of information stored in their memories, such as specific moments or conversations with relatives. By discussing family history directly with our clients, we uncover these hidden treasures, enabling us to make meaningful connections to your ancestors.
Our close collaboration with clients has led to remarkable discoveries. While researching, we often stumble upon records or documents that rekindle forgotten memories in our clients' minds. These unexpected findings open up new paths for exploration that would otherwise go unnoticed if we worked independently. It is this collaborative approach that sets us apart.
At Family Links You Genealogy, I understand that many individuals possess a treasure trove of existing knowledge about their ancestors. However, organizing and effectively utilizing this information can be a daunting task. During our meetings, we take the time to carefully arrange and consolidate your data into a coherent and meaningful timeline. This ensures that the jumble of memories spanning several decades becomes an invaluable resource that can be utilized for further research or passed down to future generations.
I also recognize that navigating the vast array of resources available for genealogy research can be overwhelming and time-consuming. That's why we take the burden off your shoulders and leverage all our available resources to work for you. As experienced genealogists, we harness the power of the best sources to provide you with the highest-quality research, saving you effort, frustration, and potential fees for accessing various resources independently.
Choose Family Links You Genealogy as your research partner and experience the benefits of our personalized approach. Let us bring your family history to life and help you forge a meaningful and unforgettable connection with your roots.
Testimonials from Past Clients
"Valerie was able to locate a branch of my family that we had lost contact with more than 30 years ago. In fact, I never knew they existed. My father remembered his cousin, but they hadn't seen each other since they were children. The two branches of the family were able to reunite thanks to her efforts, and my lost cousins got to see their aunt, my grandmother, one more time before she passed. I can't describe how happy that made my father and my grandmother. It's the sort of thing that makes doing genealogy research worthwhile." -SGW from New Jersey
"Valerie is helping me to trace my ancestry in Philadelphia and beyond. She was able to find some church marital records that I did not know existed and was excited to see the information in the record. I will be enlisting Valerie's help to continue my family research!" -GS from Pennsylvania
Inventors, Patriots, and Captains of Industry
The pursuit of uncovering noteworthy or famous figures within our family lineage is a common desire shared by many. Although personal curiosity initially propelled me towards genealogical research, I have been fortunate enough to stumble upon several remarkable individuals. Among them is an ancestor who gained prominence as an esteemed inventor. With an impressive collection of over 30 patents, this visionary mind introduced various groundbreaking innovations to the world, including the fountain pen, carbon paper, and a revolutionary machine for sorting fresh berries from spoiled ones.
Furthermore, my exploration revealed the gallant contributions of two ancestors who bravely fought during the American Revolution. Validating their kinship through meticulous research granted me access to the esteemed National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, an organization I continue actively supporting and participating in. Additionally, one of my predecessors graced the role of Chief Executive Officer at Bell Telephone while simultaneously holding positions of authority within the esteemed Freemasons fraternity. Such association led to fruitful collaborations with notable figures like Edison and Vanderbilt.
These examples touch the surface of the remarkable individuals I have discovered during my family research journey. As you explore, who knows what hidden gems and remarkable beings you may uncover?
Frequently Asked Questions
When are you available to meet me to begin research? Whenever possible, I will rearrange my schedule to accommodate a client. Our first meeting will be in a mutually agreed upon public place for comfort and security. A library or coffee shop usually works well. I understand most people have jobs and must meet in the evening or on weekends, but I can also be available on weekdays. Let me know your availability, and we can find a mutually agreeable time. You will unlikely have to wait longer than two weeks for our scheduled meeting.
What do you do when we meet? I will create an online family tree that you can access at leisure. If you already have one, I will work with what you have started if you prefer. As we fill in the information, I use online research services to uncover additional information. If you wish to pursue a specific family tree branch, we can focus on that area. Otherwise, I will pursue the most promising leads. The data I discover often requires discussion with my client, and I record all relevant facts for future reference. I will provide you with electronic copies of the information we uncover and a copy of that data upon your request.
How much does it cost to hire a professional genealogist? My services are $100 per hour. I cover the cost of research websites and other memberships that charge admittance fees. If the only way to obtain information is through a government agency that sets a payment, you will be responsible for that cost.
You live too far away for me to meet you in person. What do we do? If a face-to-face meeting is impractical, I can FaceTime or video call you.
Do you provide traditional genealogy services that do not require meeting in person? Yes, I will conduct research without my client being present. However, experience has taught me that progress is much faster when the client is there to work with me. Hiring me to conduct independent research is typically adequate when you have a specific goal and require only one or two pieces of documentation to prove a family connection. While my research can be enlightening, I have found that it is inevitably slower to produce results than when my client works directly with me.
The Fruits of Genealogy
The photos you see above are some of the things I discovered while researching my own family. The people are my ancestors, and the building is my great-grandfather's company. I am proud to have rediscovered them, and now I can share them with my children.
Find your Family Across Borders
Sometimes families immigrate to other countries. Although I primarily work in the United States, I have successfully researched family ties in such nations as Ireland, England, Trinidad, and Italy. If your family lost touch with relatives in another country, do not be discouraged. You can still find your roots anywhere in the world.
"When an old person dies, a library burns to the ground." -African proverb
People are often under the impression that there will be time to pursue genealogy later. For years I have worked two jobs while raising two children and managing a household, so I understand how busy life can be. Yet if you don't make time to capture the past, you may regret discovering that your history has been lost. Don't wait. Contact me today.
The Perfect Gift for History Buffs
Know someone who loves history? Give them a gift they'll never forget - a Family Links You Genealogy gift certificate! My genealogy services are the perfect way for them to explore their family's past and connect with their heritage. To obtain a gift certificate, please email familylinksyou@gmail.com
Credentials and Affiliations
