Currently accepting clients for...

• Family History Research
• Speaking / Presenting

Gay H Baynes was astonished to learn that she had Revolutionary Patriots in her family background. This began a passionate study and love of genealogy. She previously served as Membership Chair of her Daughters of the American Revolution Virginia chapter. She is truly inspired by stories of the heroic early settlers. Being a Tarheel born and bred, she is often researching at the State Archives in Raleigh, as well as The Library of Virginia in Richmond. She served as Second Vice President and Nominating Chair on the Board of Directors of the North Carolina Genealogical Society. Having been an executive coach in the corporate world, she enjoys facilitating a client's initial exploration of family history. She is happy to guide folks in their research, so they may work at their own pace. She attends genealogical institutes, as well as local, state, and national conferences to enrich her skills and share ideas with colleagues. In 2025, she will begin an Introduction to Genealogy Course for beginners and intermediates. She has taught in  Virginia Senior Communities, genealogical societies, and libraries. She recently was published in the North Carolina Genealogical Society Journal and will be a speaker at NCGS 50th Anniversary Conference October 2024.

Geographic Specialties Mid-Atlantic, South, Hudson Valley

Additional specialities or search keywords
Virginia, North Carolina, lineage society, New York

Publications/Media
"Do Unto Others" North Carolina Genealogical Society Journal (May 2022)

Lectures
Probe & Prove" Genealogy Research Methodology Arizona Genealogy Society
"An Introduction to Genealogical Research" (beginners) Private group on Zoom
"Hooked on My Ancestors"  Westminster Canterbury Senior Community  Virginia Beach, Virginia
Researching Our Ancestors"  Harbor's Edge Senior Community  Norfolk, Virginia
"Guide to Applying to a Lineage Society" Newport News, Virginia Public LIbrary
"Gifts From our Ancestors" Harbor's Edge & Westminster Canterbury (Senior Communities)
Norfolk "Genealogical Research Reveals Family Mysteries" "The Joy of Genealogy" at Yorktown, Virginia Library
"Ask a Genealogist"  Newport News, Virginia Public LIbrary
NCGS  "In Small things Forgotten": Probate Inventories  (Oct 2024)

Repositories
NC State Archives at Raleigh
Library of Virginia at Richmond, Virginia
Slover Library at Norfolk, Virginia
Isle of Wight, Surry, Norfolk County Courthouses 

Research Time Periods

• 19th Century
• 18th Century
• 17th Century

Honorifics/Credentials
2023 SAR Award of Appreciation
2021 NCGS Certificate of Appreciation
2013 Chancellors Award for Customer Services from Virginia Community Colleges

Certificates
Certificate in Genealogical Research (Boston University)  2018
ProGen 45  2019
Federation "NARA research Tour" 2019
Certificate Dscussion Group (Morelli)  2019
GRIP Genetic DNA  2019, Advanced DNA  2020 
SLIG Virginia from the Colonial Period to the Civil War 2019 , Maps & Scrivener 2020, Summit of Excelence 2021, Advanced New England Research 2022
American Ancestors "Tracing Your Ancestors on the Move in America 2021," "Jamestowne Research" 2024
IGHR  "Intermediate Methodology" 2019, "Advanced Methodology & Evidence Analysis"  2021
New York Genealogical & Biographical Society  "Family History Conference" 2021, "New York Land Conference"  2022
Jamestown Course, American Ancestors   February 2024
Probate Course, American Ancestors  May, June 2024

Affiliations
NCGS, VGS, VBGS, NYG&B, American Ancestors

Degrees
Membership (Institute of Psychotherapy & Conselling (London)),
Certificate (London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art),
BA (Hons) (Drama & Speech) MA Theater Arts UNC-CH