10 Apr The Ethics of Hiring a Genealogist: Reliable and Responsible Research
Genealogy isn’t just about building family trees; it’s about uncovering stories that connect generations. When you hire a professional genealogist, you’re entrusting them with your family’s secrets, historical records, and sometimes even DNA results. That’s why ethics are so important in genealogy-for-hire services. In this article, we’ll cover the basics of ethical genealogical research and how reputable genealogists uphold these standards.
Contents
Verifying Sources and Accuracy
Careful source verification is fundamental to genealogical research. Every detail in a family tree should be backed by evidence, like church records, census data, or military documents. Professional genealogists should cross-check information from multiple sources to ensure accuracy. Using only one unverified record can lead to mistakes that affect the whole tree.
Genealogists generally use both primary sources (official records) and secondary sources (published histories) and are transparent about their research process. For example, they might check census records to see where a family lived then dig into marriage or baptismal records to confirm names and relationships. This meticulous method of verifying data helps keep your family’s story as accurate as possible.
No Fabrication or Bias
One of the biggest ethical issues in genealogy is the temptation to fabricate information or manipulate findings to get a desired outcome. This is often driven by pressure from a client. Not only is it unethical, but it also invalidates and diminishes the value of the genealogical work.
A trustworthy genealogist should present the facts as they are, even if they challenge family legends or reveal unwanted truths. Sometimes the findings may leave gaps or questions unanswered, but honest reporting preserves the integrity of the your family’s story and keeps it untainted for future generations.
Privacy and Protection of Sensitive Data
Ethical genealogists also have a duty to protect the privacy of individuals in the research especially when it comes to DNA testing. This is particularly important if living relatives could be affected by the findings, like identifying birth parents or discovering unknown siblings.
Sensitive information, including details found through ancestry DNA research, should always be kept private and only shared with the client. Genealogists should handle this data with care and confidentiality, strictly adhering to privacy laws and ethical guidelines. Having a clear privacy policy helps in ensuring your personal and genetic data is safe throughout the process.
Proper Citation and Credit
Proper citation of sources is a fundamental part of ethical genealogy. Genealogists should document where they found their information, whether it’s an archive, database, or even oral history from a family member. Citing sources makes the findings more credible and allows the client to go back and re-interpret the data if needed.
For example, citations might include the exact archive or database where a birth record was found or even the name of the family member who provided oral history. Without citations, claims seem speculative rather than factual, leaving your family history open to scrutiny.
Choose Ethical Genealogy-for-Hire Services
At Dancestors Genealogy, we put ethics at the heart of everything we do. Our team is committed to accuracy, privacy, and transparency, delivering trustworthy research your family can treasure for generations. Whether you want to organize old family photos, find Civil War ancestors, or create a legacy family book, we provide reliable genealogy-for-hire services while upholding the highest ethical standards. Ready to uncover and preserve your family’s history? Contact us today for a consultation and let us guide you on your journey of discovery.
