Currently accepting clients for...

• Family History Research
• Speaking / Presenting

Cynthia Maharrey was born and raised in a small town in West Virginia before the turn of the century. Facinated by the intricacies that make up her own family history, she has been researching and studying it since the late 1900's.

A graduate of Berea College with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration, Cynthia also holds a Certificate in Genealogical Research from Boston University. Specializing in census, court, deed, probate, taxation and vital records research, her wheelhouses include the late 18th through the mid-20th centuries, with emphases on the state of Kentucky and African American research. 

Cynthia has worked with individuals, attorneys, authors and more from California to New York in a variety of capacities. In addition to the usual genealogical research, she has created Kentucky-specific historical content, served as a coach in Trace's "Coaches Corner" at RootsTech and appeared on the Travel Channel's Dead Files.

A certified Kentucky Community Scholar, Cynthia was the Oral History Coordinator for the Chronicle of African Americans in the Horse Industry, a joint project between the International Museum of the Horse, the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

As a member in good standing of the Association of Professional Genealogists, Cynthia strives to abide by its Code of Ethics and Professional Practices and consistently exceeds its annual continuing education requirements. She is also a member of the Kentucky Genealogical Society and the African American Genealogical Group of Kentucky.

She is married to Michael, her rock. Between them they have three adult children and currently reside in west-central Florida.

Testimonials
Dear Cynthia, This is Great! Thank you for moving so quickly, this is a great help. I look forward to working together again soon." A. Simpson, New York

"Cynthia, that is perfect. Easy to understand. Exactly what I needed. Thank you." A. Brady, California

"You've been great to work with. Appreciate you taking the time to clarify...." J. Keenan, Washington

"Cynthia, Thanks for the good work. Thanks for your help." F. Welch, Arizona

"I want you to know that your work helped me move on further in my searches." C. Hite, North Carolina

Additional specialities or search keywords
Late 18th century thru the mid-20th century AND African American Research

Lectures
"Discovering African Americans in Kentucky Records Prior to 1870." This webinar covers: things to consider before and during research, general information regarding antebellum African Americans in Kentucky and a dozen different records from the mid-1860s back to 1840 which hold genealogically significant information about free and enslaved African Americans.

"Getting a Good Start, Things I Wish I'd Know about Genealogical Research Before I Began." This webinar covers:  Five things to consider before & during research, the three Rs: Research, Records and Resources and How to begin.

"The Calamity of the 1890 Federal Census." This webinar covers: The where, when and how of the record loss, Outcomes of the record loss, and alternative sources of information for that time period.

Repositories
With extensive experience in many brick and mortar repositories such as state archives, court houses, libraries, etc., Cynthia also utilizes over a dozen on-line repositories, some of which are for-fee sites; some are lesser known or difficult to navigate for the lay person.

Research Time Periods

• 20th Century
• 19th Century

Languages
American English, British English

Certificates
Certificate in Genealogical Research, Boston University

Community Scholar, Kentucky Arts Council

Affiliations
Memberships include the Association of Professional Genealogists and the Kentucky Genealogical Society.

Degrees
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Berea College.