Services
Through MG Historical Research I provide a professional research service in Wellington, New Zealand, for clients both local and international.
I offer a free and no-obligation consultation to find out what help you’re looking for, and then suggest what avenues I might try, and an estimated cost. You can set a cost or time limit, and once we’ve agreed on the scope, I request a 50% deposit before beginning work, with the balance payable before I send my final report to you.
Please see my terms and conditions for more details including rates, payment options, and copyright information.
Research
Family history research conducted on one or more ancestral lines, and including
- Brick-wall busting: undertaking a reasonably exhaustive search in order to solve a specific genealogical problem
- Special presentations: research undertaken for a special event and delivered in a presentation binder
- Coats of arms and crests: identifying individuals and families from an heraldic device
Repositories
I have access to the National Library of New Zealand, Alexander Turnbull Library, Archives New Zealand (Wellington), and Wellington City Archives.
Research at other repositories can be undertaken on request.
Transcribe
Transcription of early modern (16th to 19th century) English documents.
Got stuck on a will or title deed? I can abstract or fully transcribe your document, as long as you can provide the original or a good quality digital version.
I can also recommend colleagues if you require Latin transcription and translation.
Plan
Research review and planning if you’ve already started your own research or are looking for some help in starting.
Are you thinking about hiring an overseas researcher? Or perhaps you are travelling to where your ancestors lived and wanting to do the research yourself? I can help you develop a research plan that will make the most of your time, including putting you in touch with local researchers across Ireland and the UK, or commission them on your behalf.
I can provide guidance on how you could include DNA testing in your research, and testing strategies to help solve particular family mysteries.
Speak
I give presentations on various aspects of family history, both in-person and virtually, and love to inspire others to discover more about their ancestors and the places where they lived.
Recent talks have been for several branches of the New Zealand Society of Genealogists in the Wellington region, Auckland Family History Expo, Christchurch Family History Expo, Auckland Libraries Heritage Talks, and the Genealogical Society of Queensland. I have also presented for the Institute of Heraldic & Genealogical Studies and the NZSG Lower North Island Irish Interest Group.
You can find a list of presentations I currently offer on my Talks page.
