Currently accepting clients for...

• DNA
• Family History Research
• Speaking / Presenting

    Genealogical study weaves social history, geography, sleuthing through documents and artifacts, science, storytelling and photography into a fascinating study - “We can learn who we are through having a deeper understanding of whom and where we have come from." 
Canadian born, with Irish citizenship, Melanie is currently studying with the National Institute for Genealogical Studies (University of Toronto, St. Michael’s College) where she has completed her intermediate levels with distinction.  At the conclusion of this program of study, she will have earned certification in both Canadian and Irish records (PLCGS - Professional Learning Certificate in Genealogical Studies).
    To strengthen her education in Irish History and Irish Records, Melanie attended the Ulster History and Genealogical Summer School (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2016) in Belfast (co-sponsored by the Ulster Historical Society and the University of Ulster, History Dept.). She devoted many additional hours of research practice at several archives and repositories in Dublin, Belfast, and counties Fermanagh, Antrim and Armagh focusing on private research in civil and parish records, newspapers, land & estate records in order to gain valuable knowledge through hands on experience. It's no surprise that her passion is maps, given that she is the daughter of a Land Surveyor and the wife of a cartographer!
    With in-person research experience in Ireland, Scotland and Canada, Melanie works enthusiastically with her clients to untangle their family history puzzles. 

Geographic Specialities
Northern Ireland
Republic of Ireland
Scotland
Ontario
Canada
Migration

Additional specialities or search keywords
Land Records & Maps

Lectures
Melanie has enjoyed a number of invitations to present at Genealogical Fairs and Workshops.

• 2018 “Brick Walls and How to Dismantle Them”. OGS Wellington County Chapter
• 2019 “Diggin’ Up Yer Irish Roots – Family Research in Irish Records. Irish Real Life Kitchener.
• 2019 “Irish Immigration to Bruce and Grey Counties”. Bruce & Grey OGS Chapter Workshop.
• 2019 “DNA as a Research Tool in Irish and Scottish Migration Research”. Kitchener Public Library Genealogy Fair.
• 2020 “Understanding Irish and Canadian Genealogical Records, Following the Irish Ancestor’s Trail”. Irish Real Life, Kitchener.
• 2022 “Cartography and Genealogy – The Perfect Marriage”
• 2022 “The Great Hunger: A Genealogist’s Perspective on the Irish Famine”
• 2023 “Finding the Trail of the Irish Emigrant”
• 2023 “Five Fundamentals for Successful Scottish Genealogical Research”
• 2023 “Ulster Scots Migration and DNA”
• 2024 "Pitfalls in Genealogy, Their Prevention and Solutions"

Research Time Periods

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

Languages
English

Affiliations
Association of Professional Genealogists - Canada Chapter, Membership Representative
Ontario Ancestors/Ontario Genealogical Society
National Institute for Genealogical Studies
Ulster Historical Foundation - Life Member
Presbyterian Historical Society of Ireland - Life Member
Clan MacLennan International - Canadian Commissioner