Currently accepting clients for...

• Family History Research
• Writing /Publishing

I began my research 25 years ago when my family was given a family history letter written by my grandmother. I excitedly bought some beginner genealogy books and started my journey digging into the past. I would love to say I was a genealogy savant, but I took a more meandering road. Speed forward to two years ago when I decided to upgrade my research skills. I took the plunge and signed up for the online Principles of Genealogy course at Boston University and it has changed my research completely! So much so that I went on to take their Practicum course and finished it off by recieving their Certificate in Genealogy Research.

My aprroach now has shifted from racing back in time to find countries of origin to taking my time to dig through documents to find the details that bring my ancestors' stories to life. These have included stories of Revolutionary War patriots, divorce after the Civil War, a woman who was more valued medically  to her community than the town doctor, and finding that my parents' families were connected 100 years before they found their way back to each other! If you choose to work with me, that's what I can offer you. Stories you can cherish about your family and what they might have gone through in order for you to be here, the joys and the dramas! 

I can help you with your research in the Midwest, migrations from New England to the Midwest, colonial records, especially in Connecticut. I am also familiar with many Irish records and can help you with the important work of finding the clues in America that are needed to get your ancestors back to their countries of origin. I won the 2024 Western Michigan Genealogical Society Writing Contest for the article "The Scattered Children of George Fleming and Mary A. Sparks."

My rate is $50/hour, with a 5 hour minimum for research. I also offer mentoring if you want to upgrade your own skills to make sure you are following the right families. This rate is also $50/hour, billed by the hour, but there is no minimum number of hours you need to purchase.  I look forward to working with you!

Geographic Specialities
Michigan and Midwest
New England, especially Connecticut
Ireland

Testimonials
Mary Jo was so knowledgeable & helpful in finding info about my biological father's side of my family. I searched for many years & didn't get anywhere. She was able to find out his full name (he used his middle name), his obituary & several more items that I never would have found on my own. I highly recommend her services!! ~Mikal B.

Mary Jo took on the daunting task of tracing my family tree back through multiple generations, locations and languages. Through her hard work I was able to learn about relatives that had made their way to places I never would have thought of! I continue to enjoy reading through her detailed information and am grateful for her dedication. ~Alison S.

"I was very pleased with the work Ms. Adgate did when researching my family history. She was extremely dedicated and took the time and effort needed to undertake such a task. I learned a great deal about my family history that I had no knowledge of prior to her research." ~Patricia K.

Additional specialities or search keywords
Michigan, Midwest, Connecticut, New England, immigration, naturalization, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois

Repositories
Grand Rapids Public Library Family History Center
State of Michigan Library and Archives
Any other West Michigan libraries or archives

Research Time Periods

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

Languages
English, some Spanish

Certificates
BU Certificate in Genealogical Research

Affiliations
Western Michigan Genealogical Society, board member
Ionia County Genealogical Society, member
Irish Genealogical Society of Michigan, member

Degrees
MSW from University of Michigan