On 13th May Accredited Genealogists Ireland (AGI) celebrated its 30th Anniversary with a reception held in the former Public Record Office Reading Room in the Four Courts, now the Court of Appeals.

AGI president, Máire Mac Conghaile speaking at the reception

AGI (formerly the Association of Professional Genealogists in Ireland) was founded on 13th May 1986 in Belfast.  It was formed to represent professional genealogists across the island of Ireland and has, in its 30 year history, attracted members from all sections of the community, from both North and South.

AGI is the only accrediting body for genealogy in Ireland and works to maintain high standards in professional genealogy throughout the whole island.

Originally named the Association of Professional Genealogists in Ireland, the association changed its name in 2015 to Accredited Genealogists Ireland to more accurately reflect its role and status in regulating professional genealogy in Ireland.

There are over 30 accredited members as well as a number of affiliates, associate members, emeritus members and fellows.

At the reception AGI president, Máire Mac Conghail, formally announced a new alliance with the Association of Scottish Genealogists and Researchers in Archives (ASGRA). This new alliance will be further cemented when members of ASGRA join AGI in Belfast in September to further acknowledge AGI’s 30th anniversary with two days of lectures and visits to some of Belfast’s repositories and archives.

At the reception in the Four Courts AGI president Máire Mac Conghail said “AGI’s horizons  continue to evolve in particular with regard to maintaining the professional standards and skills of its members together with protecting the interests of their clients.”