Roots and branches

Question: I cannot travel to do my genealogy research. How do I go about hiring a researcher?

Answer: There are all levels of researchers out there.

Write to the genealogical and historical societies in the area you are researching. Many have a recommended list of researchers. The prices generally vary from $8 to $50 per hour, but the most expensive are not always the best. Be sure to find out the costs before you hire someone.

There may be additional travel and other expenses. I have asked for references and checked them. Expect a list of what records were viewed and copies of any vital records, land records, obituaries, etc. Everything should be documented. Remember that researchers may not come up with anything, but as they have spent their time, they still need to be paid.

Give researchers some direction by sending a family tree chart and other information that will help in the search. It will save you money in the long run.

Recently, someone contacted me with some information a researcher had found in Sicily. It was from the village I had been working on, and he was thrilled to get a birth record for his ancestor. The date was not close to what his ancestor used in this country.

Checking the film records, I found the birth record the researcher sent was not incorrect, but it wasn't the person needed. This child had died, and another one was born later and given the same name. This was the person's ancestor. Researchers do not always keep looking for the whole picture.

Pamela Bell Dallas will speak on "The 1930 Census In Here" at 6:30 p.m. June 11 at Madelyn Helling Library, 980 Helling Way, Nevada City. The public is welcome.

Josie Plescia Vaughn is the librarian of the Nevada County Genealogy Society. Send questions to NCGS, P.O. Box 176, Cedar Ridge 95924, or e-mail