About Me
I am a professional genealogist living in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. I have over ten years of research experience. I hold myself to the highest standards of accuracy in genealogy research.
I am also a published genealogical author and lecturer.
I am currently serving as the Vice-President of the National Capital Area chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG).
Click here for my Research Services.
Specialties:
Maryland research, Civil War research, and African-American research.
My LINKEDIN profile: http://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhait (includes recommendations from past clients)
Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/michaelhait
Writing & Publishing
[Click "Writing & Publishing" above or "Writing & Publishing" link in left toolbar to view list.]
Other Activities
Author & Instructor, National Institute of Genealogical Studies:
(Click here to see the official announcement)
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.
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 Afro-American Historical & Genealogical Society (Baltimore Chapter)
the Maryland Historical Society
the Maryland Genealogical Society
the Virginia Genealogical Society
the Prince George's County [Maryland] Genealogical Society
the Laurel [Maryland] Historical Society, and Genealogy Group
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.
Want to see if we are related? Click here for my brickwall ancestors: My ancestors