Genealogy & The Search For Our Past

Please note: Claire is not accepting new client projects at this time Genealogy is growing in popularity as more and more people, curious about their roots, are finding it possible to access a vast amount of digitized genealogical data from their home computers. However, despite the wealth of information available online, the majority of original records are still found only in libraries, courthouses, and archives. Professional genealogists are familiar with the repositories and record collections in their research locales, are trained to analyze historical records, and have the experience and skills needed to solve complex problems. If your research has stalled, or you’ve found you need access to records presently unavailable to you, or you simply don’t know how to get started, a professional researcher can be a good option.

Lantern Genealogy’s full-time principal researcher Claire Marie Varrieur can help you trace your family’s history with research that is supported by evidence and adheres to sound standards of genealogical proof. In addition to 30+ years of personal research, Claire has been assisting clients with their projects since 2010. She conducts onsite research in both Northwest Pennsylvania and Western New York, and is available to help with projects that range from locating a single historical document to compiling multi-generation family histories and solving “brick wall” problems using complex evidence and advanced methodology. Whether you’re just beginning your research, or have been at it for a while, Claire would love to help!              How to Get Started…


Hiring a Professional Genealogist

The Association for Professional Genealogists has a brochure on Hiring a Professional which can answer your questions about employing a professional to help with your project, and offer guidance as you select a researcher.