by Patrice Rutledge | Oct 29, 2025 | Getting Started
If you’ve spent any time researching your family tree — or exploring your DNA matches on sites like Ancestry — you’ve probably come across terms like second cousin or second cousin once removed. These phrases can be confusing at first, but understanding...
by Patrice Rutledge | Jun 19, 2025 | Getting Started
Have you ever wondered: What does a genealogist do? Many people think we just create family trees, but there’s so much more to this fascinating profession. Of course, the work of a genealogist varies based on expertise, interests, location, and specialties. But...
by Patrice Rutledge | Jun 17, 2025 | DNA
As a professional genealogist with a solid background in genetic genealogy, I’ve worked on numerous client projects that involved interpreting DNA test results. Over the past decade, DNA testing has become one of the most powerful tools in family history research —...
by Patrice Rutledge | Mar 31, 2025 | Family History Writing
Writing a family history is a rewarding activity that enables you to preserve the stories of your ancestors for future generations. As a professional genealogist and published author, I’ve seen many aspiring family historians struggle with how to get started,...
by Patrice Rutledge | Nov 18, 2024 | Getting Started
Genealogy is more than just a hobby —- it’s a deeply personal journey that connects us with our past and helps us understand who we are. Many people start researching their family history on their own, while others choose to hire a professional genealogist to do the...
