My interest in genealogy and researching family histories started well over 20 years ago, when my mother gave me a brilliant family memoir completed in 1937 by my great grandfather. I studied, learned and practiced genealogical research skills as I went looking for documentary source evidence for all the relatives my great grandfather had written about, followed by researching ancestors in other lines of my family tree. My ancestors, who I found came from England (Yorkshire, Northumberland, Co. Durham, Lancashire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Huntingdonshire, Cambridgeshire, Suffolk, Norfolk, Somerset, Devon, Cornwall), Scotland and Ireland, provided a varied canvas of people, places, occupations and key sources to get to know. I extended my knowledge by taking various courses designed to understand the available sources, the current best approaches in genealogical research methodologies and report-writing, and from there decided to progress as a professional genealogist.
Professionally Qualified and Accredited
I have full professional memberships with the Register of Qualified Genealogists (RQG), the Association of Genealogists and Researchers in Archives (AGRA), and the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG). All three organisations operate ethical codes of professional conduct. AGRA and RQG are established awarding/ accrediting bodies for professional genealogists in the UK, requiring proof of rigorous testing to demonstrate high standards and competence in genealogical research methodology and report writing. In addition, I have undertaken ad-hoc research for ancestryProGenealogists as an independent contract researcher.
I’m a member of the Society of Genealogists (SoG), the British Association for Local History (BALH), Cambridgeshire & Huntingdonshire Family History Society, and Suffolk Family History Society (also a Trustee).
Publications
Alderson, Carolyn (2024). A Genealogical Investigation of the Suffolk Seasonal Maltster Migration in 19th Century Burton upon Trent. The Journal of Genealogy and Family History. Vol. 7 no 1. https://www.qualifiedgenealogists.org/ojs/index.php/JGFH/article/view/146
Education
- 2020-2022. Postgraduate Diploma in Genealogical, Palaeographic & Heraldic Studies, University of Strathclyde, Centre for Lifelong Learning. Distinction.
- 2017-2020. Correspondence Course Certificate in Genealogy, Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies (IHGS).
- 2014-2016. MSt in History, University of Cambridge, Department of History / Institute of Continuing Education/ Lucy Cavendish College.
- 1992. BA (Hons) Literary and Cultural Studies II(i), University of Warwick, Centre for Lifelong Learning / Department of English and Comparative Literary Studies.
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