WHY GENEALOGY?
This is a question I believe all researchers, both professional and personal, should ask themselves. For me, the answer comes quite naturally: genealogy is that special something in my life that just fits. It is the perfect amalgam of my love for my family, and my love for American history.
The first seeds of my interest in genealogy were planted when I was only nine. My grandmother's sister had compiled her genealogy. My grandmother held a great influence over me, and, when she showed me her pedigree charts, I was instantly devoted to the cause. I began to write to my older relatives, and ask them about the family. I still have letters that my great-grandmother wrote to me, telling stories of earlier generations, watering the seeds of my interest and allowing them to blossom. I am lucky enough to have grown up having known my great-great-grandmother, who died while I was in high school at the age of 103!
These connections with the older generations of my family served as connections to the history of this great Nation, and I learned not to separate that history from the people who lived it. This is why I chose to continue with my own family history, and to share my experience and offer my services to others. I hope that my passion for genealogy spreads to all those who are curious about their own family history.
About Me
I am a professional genealogist living in the Washington, D.C.-area. I have over ten years of research experience. I hold myself to the highest standards of accuracy in genealogy.
My specialties include Maryland research, Civil War research, and African-American research.
My LINKEDIN profile: http://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhait
Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/michaelhait
Click here for my Research Services.
Current Memberships
the National Genealogical Society
the Association of Professional Genealogists (National Capital Area Chapter)
the International Society of Family History Writers and Editors
the Maryland Historical Society
the Maryland Genealogical Society
the Prince George's County [Maryland] Genealogical Society
List of Publications
[Click "List of Publications" above or "Publications" link in left toolbar to view list.]
Other Activities
Instructor, GenClass.com: "African-American Genealogy" online course
I am also the Master Editor for a future book on Civil War soldiers in the "Albany Hilltowns" area -- Berne, Knox, Rensselaerville, and Westerlo -- sponsored by the Albany Hilltowns History and Genealogy Group. The book is tentatively scheduled for a 2011 release date. Please contact me if you have any ancestors from the area who served in the Civil War.
For a few short articles I have written containing genealogical research tips, click here: Genealogy Tips.
Want to see if we are related? Click here for my brickwall ancestors: My ancestors