Genealogy/Expert Profile

Expertise

I can help people with their search for Dutch ancestors including:

• explaining Dutch surnames,
• pointing to relevant Dutch genealogy sources online and offline,
• translating Dutch genealogical texts,
• placing ancestors in their historical Dutch context,
• explaining Dutch culture and tradition,
• getting Dutch genealogical research unstuck.

Experience in the area

I am a cultural historian and I have been involved in genealogy for 15 years, two of which professionally. I own a genealogy research and translation service and publish articles on Dutch genealogy, history, and culture (www.dutchancestrycoach.com).

Publications

My writing is published at magazine.dutchancestrycoach.com

Education/Credentials

I have a master degree in Cultural History.

What do you like about this subject?

I feel that knowing your ancestors and your family history gives you a better understanding of yourself. After all, the generations before have shaped the path of life we are walking right now! It's truly fascinating to discover details about the people that have indirectly influenced us so much.

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:

Dutch archives are vast. Some records date back as far as the 16th century. Unfortunately most of it is not available online yet, although big projects are in process at the moment to digitize genealogical sources. However, you do not need to travel to the Netherlands or be fluent in Dutch to trace your Dutch ancestors. You can approach all Dutch archives by e-mail in English.

Something controversial or provocative about this subject

I strongly believe that history is mostly written by ordinary people like you and me. As we go around our daily bussiness caring for our kids, doing our jobs the best we can, we write history without even noticing. And yet, finding out who your great-grandmother was proves far more difficult than learning about Marie-Antoinette.I feel it should be the other way around!