About the blog
The blog portion of this site is designed with the "newbie" [someone new to genealogy] in mind. Those who don't know a thing about genealogy. And those who may have begun researching, but did so with no instruction. And now need a wee bit of help. Or don't know what to do next.
As we progress further, there will be posts for those who are no longer "newbies" but who still need some help or ideas. What you won't see here are posts for advanced researchers. Why? Because there are plenty of blogs and sites that already do a fantastic job at explaining advanced methodology. And I'll share those links a little bit later.
The one consistent theme you'll see here is that genealogy is not boring. It's not stuffy. It's fun. At least, I'm going to try and make it fun. It won't be hard. I promise. Ancestors rarely disappoint with their antics, with their silly decisions, and sometimes poor choices. Most worked hard. Sometimes they were sad. But sometimes they were downright hilarious, at least in retrospect. But what they're not is boring and stuffy. [Even though most of the time they look boring and stuffy in their photos.]
I Am a Genealogist-for-Hire
Don't want to do the research on your own? Or are you standing on the wrong side of a brick wall with your hands full of a bunch of leaves, and you're not even sure if those leaves belong to you? Then I can help. Please click on the "Services & Fees" tab above to have a look at my rates and packages. There's bound to be one that fits your needs. Also listed are Gift Certificates. Looking for that perfect one-of-a-kind present for your loved one? Then give the gift of family with a For Your Family Story Gift Certificate.
About me
I've been researching for 5 years, blogging about my research for 2 years on my blog, Family Stories, and with my 10 years of business experience and my Bachelor of Arts in English from Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, I've finally figured out what I want to be when I grow up. A genealogist. I should have known, though. I love to read. I love to write. I love to research. I love old photos. I love mysteries. And most of all, I love a good story.
I have completed the National Genealogical Society's Introduction to Genealogy online course and am planning to begin their Home Study Course. My ultimate goal is to become certified through the Board for Certification of Genealogists (BCG). To stay informed on the latest research methodologies, I also periodically take continuing education courses.
I am a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists (link to my APG bio is here.), the Texas State Genealogical Society, the Montgomery County Genealogical and Historical Society (Texas) , the Johnson County, Illinois Genealogical and Historical Society, and Clayton Library Friends.
While I specialize in research services in the state of Texas, especially East Texas, Southeast Texas, Central Texas, and deep South Texas, I am located near the 5th largest genealogy library in the nation, Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research, and the Houston Metropolitan Research Center in Houston, Texas. Many research projects start in Texas, and many of them lead out of Texas. Therefore, I frequently handle clients with research needs outside of Texas as well.
Last but certainly not least, I am the In2Genealogy columnist in the footnoteMaven's beautiful and informative E-magazine, Shades of the Departed. Don't worry. I won't let you miss an issue. However, once you see the first one, you'll be addicted. And the best part? It's free.
~Caroline Pointer
