Private Genealogy Consultation
Need help figuring out where to go next with your genealogy research?
Perhaps you've hit a roadblock in your research, aren't sure how to interpret the records you've found, or need another perspective on a difficult research question.
A private genealogy consultation lets you discuss your research one-on-one with professional genealogist and educator Kathryn Lake Hogan.
Your Consultation Package
$150 CAD
Your consultation includes up to 90 minutes of professional time:
- Up to 30 minutes of advance review of your submitted research materials
- A 60-minute private Goolge Meet consultation
- Discussion of one clearly defined research question or problem
- Assessment of the evidence and research you have already gathered
- Suggestions for relevant records, repositories, websites, and research strategies
- Recommendations for your next research steps
The goal is to help you understand the problem, identify promising avenues for further investigation, and advance your own research.
Is a Consultation Right for You?
A consultation may be a good fit if you:
- Have a specific genealogy research question or roadblock
- Want help evaluating the evidence you've already found
- Aren't sure which records or repositories to investigate next
- Need help developing a strategy for a difficult research problem
- Want professional guidance while continuing to do your own research
What Is Not Included
Private consultations provide professional guidance rather than commissioned genealogical research. The consultation does not include:
- Original research conducted on your behalf
- Extensive record searches or document retrieval
- A written research plan
- A formal research report
- Ongoing research or email consultation after the appointment
Links or resources specifically discussed during the consultation may be sent afterward when appropriate, but a written summary is not included.
Before Your Consultation
To make the best use of our time together, you will be asked to provide:- A research summary of no more than two pages
- One clearly stated research question
- A brief description of the sources and records you have already searched
- Up to five key documents or record images relevant to the problem
Materials must be received at least three days before your scheduled consultation.
Additional material can be discussed during our meeting, but only material submitted in advance is included in the pre-consultation review.
How It Works
Private consultations are available by request.
Begin by sending a brief description of your research problem and what you hope to accomplish throug a consultation. This helps determine whether your problem is suitable for a consultation and falls within Kathryn's areas of expertise.
If your consultation request is accepted, you will receive a private link to purchase your consultation for $150 CAD.
After payment, you will receive instructions for scheduling your 60-minute Zoom appointment.
Instructions to submit your research summary and supporting documents at least three days before the appointment.
Kathryn will review the material before your consultation so that your meeting time can focus on discussing the evidence, possible approaches, useful resources, and your next research steps.
Meet privately by Google Meet to discuss the problem and your next research steps.
Please Note
Genealogical research does not always produce a definitive answer. Your consultation provides professional assessment and recommendations based on the information and records available. No particular discovery or research outcome can be guaranteed.
Full payment is required before scheduling.
Appointments may be rescheduled once without charge when at least 48 hours' notice is provided. Cancellations made less than 48 hours before the appointment and missed appointments are non-refundable.
Once the advance review of your submitted research material has begun, the consultation package is non-refundable.
Request a Consultation
Complete the form below to request a private genealogy consultation. Please provide enough information for me to understand the research problem and the question you are hoping to answer.
Please do not send your complete research file or supporting documents with your initial inquiry. Those will be requested if your consultation is accepted.
