Hire a Professional
Professional Genealogy Research Services
Sometimes family history research requires specialist expertise, access to records, or advanced research techniques. Whether you need help tracing ancestors, solving a difficult genealogy problem, researching British Isles ancestry, or uncovering a family story, IHGS researchers can provide professional family history research tailored to your goals.
Since 1961
Bring your family's unanswered questions into focus.
From first steps to complex brick walls, our researchers help turn records, places, and family stories into a clear research pathway.
60+ years of expertise
Achievements brings decades of specialist experience in genealogy, family history, heraldry, and historical research.
Worldwide reach
Although much work focuses on England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales, research can extend across Europe, North America, the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, and Oceania.
Clear reporting
Completed research includes a detailed report, copies of original documents, and a family tree chart where appropriate.
Research Services
How Our Genealogy Research Services Can Help
Our professional genealogists assist clients with a wide range of family history research projects, whether you need a single research problem investigated or a comprehensive family history project.
Achievements, founded in 1961 to support the Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies, is the Institute's professional research arm. Our nationwide team of genealogists is trained and qualified through IHGS, bringing specialist knowledge and careful, evidence-led research to every client request.
- Family tree research and verification
- British Isles ancestry research
- Irish, Scottish, English, and Welsh genealogy
- Brick wall and missing ancestor investigations
- Record searches and document analysis
- Heraldry and coat of arms research
- Historical family reports and research summaries
Our researchers can help uncover new evidence and provide clear, documented findings.
Before you purchase
Please get in touch with Achievements first so we can discuss the available packages and the best next step for your research.
Email Research ServicesFor U.S. Families
Researching American Families with British Isles Roots
Many American families have ancestral connections to England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. Researching these connections often requires specialist knowledge of historical records, migration patterns, naming conventions, and local archives.
Online family trees and automated record hints can be useful starting points, but they can also repeat inaccuracies or lead to the wrong person. IHGS researchers use documented evidence to test existing trees, evaluate conflicting information, and develop new research strategies when a family line has reached a brick wall.
Trust and Authority
Why Choose IHGS Research Services?
Founded in 1961, Achievements has more than six decades of experience in professional genealogy, heraldry, and family history research.
Based in a medieval building in Canterbury's historic Northgate, our researchers have exclusive access to the IHGS genealogical library. Developed over six decades, its resources include current family history publications, original Tudor and medieval manuscripts, and historic deeds—giving our team an exceptional foundation for thorough, precise research.
DNA Advisory Service
Make better sense of DNA results by combining genetic genealogy with historical research.
You may have taken a DNA test to connect with the past, learn more about your family history, or discover where to test next. DNA results can be difficult to interpret without expert knowledge. Through a network of DNA and family history specialists, IHGS can help you understand your results and use them alongside records and research resources.
IHGS does not offer DNA testing itself, but can help you decide where to test and which tests may be useful. If you already have DNA test results, include that information in your initial message.
Signposting
The team will answer your basic questions, help assess which tests may be useful, and explain the next steps.
Y-DNA Location Insight
Make new sense of your Y-DNA results and link them to more specific locations in England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales.
USD prices are approximate, based on an exchange rate of £1 = $1.35 USD on April 26, 2026. Final charges may vary with exchange rates, payment processing, and card issuer fees.
Genealogical Advice Consultation
One-on-one advice to help you move forward with confidence.
Consultations are designed to give you the tools and insights you need, whether you are navigating records, rethinking a difficult problem, or planning next steps.
- Expert guidance: genealogists review your research and suggest practical next steps.
- Record navigation: advice on using online and offline resources effectively.
- Breaking brick walls: support for rethinking your strategy when an ancestor is missing.
- Tailored research plans: a focused approach for your unique family story.
After payment, use the button below to send your name and customer reference number so we can arrange a meeting time by Zoom or an alternative platform.
Schedule Your ConsultationGenealogy Research Packages
Choose a research package that fits the depth and complexity of your family history question.
Please contact Achievements before purchasing so we can help you choose the research package that best fits your goals. If you need something different, we can discuss your needs and provide a custom quote.
View all research packages and membership
Genealogy Research Essentials Package
An essential package to get started on your family tree. It makes a thoughtful gift, with the aim of going back 3-4 generations in one family line, depending on the available records.
Genealogy Research Foundations Package
Usually focused on one family name over 4-6 generations, unless you have specific needs such as dividing research time between two lines.
Genealogy Research Extended Package
For complex needs requiring access to more difficult and time-consuming resources, especially for more distant ancestry, medieval research, or work across different countries.
Genealogy Research Premium Package
For projects likely to need a substantial amount of research, allowing work to proceed without interruption once the plan is agreed.
Heraldic Research
Specialist heraldic research for arms identification and more complex family-linked inquiries.
Heraldry is the centuries-old system of coats of arms: the distinctive shields, crests, colors, and symbols associated with particular people and families. A coat of arms is not automatically shared by everyone with the same surname; it is connected to a specific person, family line, or historical grant.
This service can help if you have found a crest or coat of arms on a family document, heirloom, home, or piece of jewelry, have heard a family tradition about a coat of arms in your family, or want to understand who was entitled to use particular arms and how they may connect to your family history.
Heraldic Research Simple Query
This standard fee covers identification of a coat of arms from a known country. When possible, the team will try to connect the arms to a named individual.
Some arms have no published record. If the country of origin is unknown, the fee may need to be higher.
Heraldic Research Package
The starter package for more complex heraldic questions that also require genealogical research. It covers the work needed for most inquiries we receive.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I hire a professional genealogist to research my family tree?
Yes. IHGS offers professional genealogy research services for clients seeking assistance with family tree research, brick walls, ancestry investigations, and historical family history projects.
Do you research American families?
Yes. Many of our clients are based in the United States and are researching ancestors with connections to England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales.
Can you help break through genealogy brick walls?
Yes. Our researchers regularly assist clients in identifying new records, evaluating evidence, and developing research strategies to overcome difficult genealogy challenges.
Do I receive documentation for the research?
Yes. Research findings are supported by documented evidence and presented in a clear, professional format.
Start Your Research Request