Currently accepting clients for...

• DNA
• Family History Research
• Other Speciality

I'm Jenny Grinnell,  the owner-operator of The Jennyologist, LLC, a genealogical research company in Dover, Massachusetts. I offer research-based products and services that help clients find, preserve, and share their unique family stories and heritage. In addition to family history, my specialty areas include forensic research and report writing for probate, missing heirs, and military repatriation clients, and transcription or paleography services of early colonial documents through the 19th century. 

Geographic Specialities
Massachusetts
Rhode Island
Vermont
Connecticut
Ireland
Nova Scotia
 

Testimonials
Probate: "Jenny Grinnell solved an estate problem for me and my family. One of my first cousins died intestate with nothing more than a death notice. She advised me how to procure a death certificate (not an easy task in New Jersey), and located all of the cousins and their heirs on my aunt's side, Kennedy, in the New York-New Jersey area, not an easy task. Jenny provided everything we needed to satisfy the search for other cousins. She performed the task with efficiency, thoroughness, and good humor. I'd heartily recommend her for any genealogical research."

Unknown Parentage "I hired Jenny to assist me with identifying an unknown family member on the tree I was building. She took the time to explain to me how she worked, how to manage my expectations, and what she anticipated to be the potential outcomes, based on what I had shared. I was provided a detailed accounting of the resources used, time spent, and ultimately the names of potential individuals that may be the person in question and documentation as to why she believed them to be a person of interest. She was thoughtful and affirming, the perfect balance of competence and caring."

Family History Research "Jenny researched the history of my maternal grandmother?s grandfather. I loved how she focused on the stories behind him, in addition to the historical facts. She really left no stone unturned. It turns out my great, great, grandfather was a true character, with a fascinating story. She also uncovered lots of new information about this branch of my family tree, and my family and I loved reading through her findings. She is a pleasure to work with and is always very professional.

Additional specialities or search keywords
Ireland; Massachusetts; transcription; secretary hand; paleography

Repositories
National Archives (Waltham, Massachusetts)
Massachusetts State Archives
Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics
New England Historic Genealogical Society
Rhode Island State Archives
Rhode Island State Library
Vermont State Archives
Vermont Genealogical Library (Essex, VT)
Vermont Historical Society


 

Research Time Periods

• 20th Century
• 19th Century
• 18th Century
• 17th Century

Languages
English

Honorifics/Credentials
M.A. History

Certificates
GenProof 74
ProGen 59
Boston University Genealogical Research Certificate Program OL34
BCG Certification: Understanding and Meeting Standards 2024 (SLIG)
Decoding Records Using the Power of the Law 2024 (Family History Academy)
Strategies for Pre-1850 US Research 2024 (SLIG)
Fundamentals of Forensic Genealogy 2023 (SLIG)
Hands-On Forensic Genealogy 2023 (GRIP)
U.S. Ancestors 1917-1930 2023 (GRIP)
Intermediate and Advanced DNA 2023 (TIGR)
Introduction to Genetic Genealogy 2023 (SLIG)

Affiliations
Coordinator, GenProof Study Groups
Genealogy Researcher, Eagle Investigative Services
Former Vice President, Middlesex Chapter, Massachusetts Society of Genealogists

Degrees
M.A. Boston College, History, Early Modern
B.A. Boston College, History