Individual Genealogy Consultations

The Historical Society of Pennsylvania is one of the oldest historical societies and one of the largest family history libraries in the nation. Following a complete merger with the Balch Institute for Ethnic Studies, HSP is also a leading repository of immigrant and ethnic history. It is second only to the Library of Congress for material on the nation’s founding and is the country’s third most popular destination for genealogical study. With approximately 21 million records including manuscripts, graphics, and books that span over 350 years of history, HSP is an invaluable resource for learning about our past.HSP serves thousands of on-site visitors each year. It also offers a research-by-mail service and extensive online resources, including a library catalog, finding aids, digital collection, and curricular materials. HSP hosts educator workshops and public programs, and publishes a quarterly scholarly journal. To learn more about HSP or to become a Friend, visit us atwww.hsp.org.Code of ConductWe're committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment at all of our programs. Attendees, speakers, sponsors, staffers, and volunteers at HSP events are required to abide by ourCode of Conduct.Photography and VideographyMany of our programs are photographed or videotaped for scholarly, educational, and promotional use. By attending an event hosted by HSP, you give your consent to be photographed and videotaped. Footage of children under 18, however, will not be used without written consent from a parent or guardian.

Historical Society of Pennsylvania

HSP's genealogist will answer your questions about your family history research--in person OR on Zoom!

Researching your genealogy and getting stuck? HSP's in-house professional genealogist is available to discuss your research and get you moving. These one-on-one conversations are designed for beginner and more experienced genealogists alike: schedule a sixty-minute consultation to help get the advice you need and develop a research plan to break through that brick wall genealogy problem! Not limited to families with Pennsylvania ancestry!These consultations are held either virtually over the Zoom platform or in person at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania at 1300 Locust Street in Philadelphia. You will be given the option at checkout to choose which format you prefer. Monday consultations are available on ZOOM ONLY.Please note that consultations do not include research by the genealogist. They are intended to be Q&A sessions. If you would like to hire a genealogist to do research on your behalf, please visit our website at https://portal.hsp.org/past-made-personal. <h2>Research Questionnaire</h2>As part of the registration process, you'll be asked to answer a series of questions related to your research. Please complete <a href="https://hsp.org/forms/genealogical-consultation-information-form" title="https://hsp.org/forms/genealogical-consultation-information-form" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">this form</a> at least 48 hours prior to your consultation. The genealogist will use this to prepare in order to ensure the best service at your consultation. You will receive a link to the form in your order confirmation.While we make every effort to hold the consultation at the scheduled time, factors occasionally will cause us to reschedule. This may include instances where intake information regarding goals was not provided with sufficient notice ahead of the consultation. If so, we will reschedule for a time most convenient for you.<h2>Giving a Consultation as a Gift?</h2>One-on-one consultations are a wonderful gift for friends or family interested in learning more about their ancestors! We can process gift consultations in two ways.If you know what date or time the recipient is available for a consultation, please complete the purchase online, then contact Katy Bodenhorn Barnes (info below).If you don't know when the recipient is available, please skip the online registration form, contact Katy Bodenhorn Barnes (kbarnes@hsp.org) and we will process the purchase offline.Please do not complete the research questionnaire for gift consultations. We'll ask the recipient to do that instead.<h2>More information</h2>If you have any questions, please contact Katy Bodenhorn Barnes at kbarnes@hsp.org.

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Individual Genealogy Consultations

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Individual Genealogy Consultations

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