Volunteer Researchers

Sometimes, uncovering our ancestors' stories requires additional support, especially when vital records like birth and death certificates are stored on microfilms that aren’t available online or in a nearby library. In these cases, we often turn to paid or volunteer researchers for assistance. Paid researchers can be freelance genealogists or larger companies, while volunteers are usually passionate individuals eager to help others access records. However, the term "volunteer" might be misleading, as these researchers often expect reimbursement for their time and travel, or charge a smaller fee. Despite the potential costs, I highly recommend considering volunteer researchers when working on genealogy projects.

When researching my lineage, I needed access to specific microfilms. I found the microfilm numbers on Ancestry, but accessing them required a visit to a library with FamilySearch access. When I reached out to FamilySearch.org, they directed me to an incredible resource: Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness (RAOGK), available at http://raogk.org. This site connects you with volunteers who can assist with various tasks, such as microfilm lookups, gravesite visits, and other genealogical needs. When contacting volunteers, be sure to confirm they are still active, as some listings may be outdated. It might require some persistence, as not all volunteers may respond, so I recommend reaching out to several at once.

When you connect with a volunteer, I suggest discussing reimbursements for travel and time upfront. While some volunteers may decline compensation, others might request a fee to cover expenses like gas, time, and record-copying, which is entirely reasonable.