September 2014
Ask the Professionals
The Association of Professional Genealogists in Ireland (AGI ) are hosting a free advisory service at Back To Our Past in the RDS from 17th-19th October 2014. You can book a 20 minute session with a professional accredited genealogist to get advice on researching your family tree.
To book your free session, fill in the booking form at: http://www.accreditedgenealogists.ie/consultationform.html .
We look forward to seeing you in October.
“Rockstar Genealogists”
The 2014 “Rockstar Genealogists” poll regional “gold medallists” have been announced, and AGI ’s President, Steven C. ffeary-Smyrl, MAGI , FIGRS, has been named Ireland’s “Rockstar Genealogist”. The annual poll is conducted by John D. Reid of Canada on his Anglo-Celtic Connections blog. The regional medallists are those receiving the most votes cast by those living in the specified countries / areas. This year these are Australasia; Canada; Great Britain; Ireland; and USA; along with a DNA category.
The other medallists for Ireland were (Silver) Claire Santry, who runs the hugely popular and informative Irish Genealogy News blog, and (Bronze) John Grenham, MAGI , FIGRS, so the two members who appeared among the original nominees made the top three.
Steven C. ffeary-Smyrl, as well as being one of the world’s most knowledgeable genealogists and an internationally respected legal and probate genealogical researcher, is well known for his voluntary work within family history circles. Currently he is President of and Chairman of the Irish Genealogical Research Society. He has been Chairman of the Council of Irish Genealogical Organisations (CIGO) and he is generally acknowledged as the driving force behind that body. His “Dictionary of Dublin Dissent – Dublin’s Protestant Dissenting Meeting Houses 1660-1920”, published in 2009, was a major contribution to the study of Non-Conformist congregations, while the television series Dead Money, first broadcast on RTE in 2012, was based exclusively on probate research undertaken by his firm. It featured Steven and his brother Kit Smyrl as they located relatives of persons who had died intestate and without any known next-of-kin.
Having the 2014 Rockstar Genealogist for Ireland as its President is an honour for . The Top 10 list for Great Britain & Ireland will be announced on Thursday.
http://anglo-celtic-connections.blogspot.ie/2014/09/rockstar-genealogists-gold-medalists.html
Working Towards Accreditation:
How to gain accreditation from the Association of Professional Genealogists in Ireland (Belfast)
‘Working Towards Accreditation’ is an information afternoon for professional researchers and those thinking of developing a career in genealogy. It takes place on Tuesday 23 September 2014 (12.30pm to 3.30pm) at the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI), 2 Titanic Boulevard, Belfast, BT3 9HQ. Admission is free, but advance booking is required (email info@accreditedgenealogists.ie to book a place).
AGI is Accredited Genealogists Ireland (formerly the Association of Professional Genealogists in Ireland). It was founded in 1986 at a meeting in Belfast and it is an organisation for professional genealogists throughout the entire island of Ireland. Its primary aims are to maintain high standards amongst its members and to protect the interests of clients. To those ends it provides an accreditation process, operated by an independent Board of Assessors.
Earlier this year AGI held a similar information afternoon in Dublin and it drew a surprisingly large number of participants. Many people who have gained experience through researching their own family history think of developing a career in genealogy. The transition towards professional research may seem daunting and solitary. Some people may even work in the field for a number of years without realising that there is an approachable organisation of professionals that can offer accreditation, as well as support and advice. This is AGI .
AGI actively encourages those pursuing professional research to develop their skills and work towards obtaining accreditation. Being an accredited member of , with entitlement to use the initials ‘M’, is a guarantee to clients that a genealogist is ethical, knowledgeable and experienced. In 2012 to help membership applicants introduced an Affiliate Programme that offers potential applicants access to contact with members through mentorship, professional development events and social gatherings. Of course, the Affiliate Programme is not a necessary part of the application process. If you plan to attend the event please contact Nicola Morris (Hon. Secretary) at info@accreditedgenealogists.ieby Friday 19th September 2014.
will be at The Genealogy Event in the Strand Hotel Limerick on 22nd and 23rd August giving free genealogy consultations.
Visit the stand in the exhibitor marketplace to speak with one of our members.
members John Grenham, Helen Kelly and Nicola Morris will be at WDYTYA Glasgow on 29th and 30th August.
Helen Kelly will be speaking at the event and John Grenham and Nicola Morris will be part of the SOG’s ‘Ask the Experts’ Sessions. will also have a stand (No. 7) providing free genealogy consultations
AGI would like to welcome a new affiliate, Sandy O’Byrne
Sandy graduated from TCD with an Honours BA in History of Art and English, specialising in the Eighteenth Century Irish Country House. Subsequently she worked as a journalist and features writer covering especially food, wine, travel and books. Sandy is also the author of three books and has been a part-time lecturer. Genealogy was always a fascination, begun with research into her own family lines which on one side, extend back to William the Conqueror. Gradually Sandy began to undertake research for family and friends, and a few years ago moved to become a full time genealogist. She holds a Diploma in Family History Research awarded by Independent Colleges in conjunction with (2012).
May 2014
Brian Mitchell MAGI has just published Derry-Londonderry: Gateway to a New World. The Story of Emigration from the Foyle by Sail and Stream, (GPC, 2014), a history of departures from the port of Derry-Londonderry between the late 17th century and the year 1939, when the last transatlantic steamer sailed from the port.
Derry is ideally situated at head of the River Foyle, twenty-four miles long and only two miles wide at its head, a configuration that provided sailing vessels with a harbor of refuge. During the age of steam, her westerly situation gave her a monetary advantage with coal-burning vessels.
Brian Mitchell captures the protagonists and milestones of this history in his new, beautifully illustrated tribute to Derry-Londonderry’s place in emigration history. His brief narrative explains Derry’s rise and ultimate decline as a port of embarkation, conveys century by century what persons utilized the port, traces the changes in emigration from the age of sail to the age of steam, and draws attention to individuals like composer Stephen Foster’s great-grandfather, Alexander Foster, who sailed from Derry, and vessels like the Adam Lodge, which sailed from Derry to Australia. Highlighting the book are numerous illustrations that flesh out the Derry story, including passenger notices, sample passenger lists, pictures and photographs of actual vessels and passengers–some of them quite moving–maps, and more. Anyone who has an ancestor known to have sailed from Derry will appreciate having a copy of this book.
April 2014
Working Towards Accreditation:
How to gain accreditation from the Association of Professional Genealogists in Ireland
‘Working Towards Accreditation’ is an information afternoon for professional researchers and those thinking of developing a career in genealogy. It takes place on Tuesday 6 May 2014 (1.30pm to 4.30pm) in the Helen Roe Theatre, Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland, 63 Merrion Square, Dublin 2. Admission is free, but advance booking is required (email info@accreditedgenealogists.ie to book a place).
A similar event will be held in Belfast later in the year. Depending on interest expressed there may be another information afternoon in Cork or Limerick.
Many people who have gained experience through researching their own family history think of developing a career in genealogy. The transition towards professional research may seem daunting and solitary. Some people may even work in the field for a number of years without realising that there is an approachable organisation of professionals that can offer support and advice. This is .
AGI is Accredited Genealogists Ireland (formerly the Association of Professional Genealogists in Ireland). Its primary aims are to maintain high standards amongst its members and to protect the interests of clients. To those ends it provides an accreditation process, operated by an independent Board of Assessors, for professional genealogists throughout the entire island of Ireland.
AGI actively encourages those pursuing professional research to develop their skills and work towards obtaining accreditation. Being an accredited member of , with entitlement to use the initials ‘MAGI’, is a guarantee to clients that a genealogist is ethical, knowledgeable and experienced. In 2012 to help membership applicants introduced an Affiliate Programme that offers potential applicants access to contact with members through mentorship, professional development events and social gatherings. Of course, the Affiliate Programme is not a necessary part of the application process.
If you plan to attend the event please contact Nicola Morris (Hon. Secretary) at info@accreditedgenealogists.ie by Monday 28th April.
January 2014
Waterford ‘Tracing Your Family Tree Course’
Tony Hennessy (MAGI) will be running ‘Tracing the Family Tree’, an evening course which begins on Tuesday 4th February at Waterford College of Further Education in Parnell St Waterford (The Tech.). It runs for 10 weeks from 7 – 9pm each Tuesday evening and costs €150.
The course is suitable for all family history enthusiasts, both beginners and seasoned. You will be shown how to carry out quality research across a wide range of solid genealogical sources. You will begin a family archive and create some wonderful family trees! And all within a friendly and energized environment. To register call WCFE at 051 874053 or email pdeegan@wcfe.ie
Start NOW. Your family will thank you for generations to come…….