Directory of Members

Kate is an experienced researcher, investigator and genealogist who turned her passion for family history into a business: Family History Investigations, LLC. She assists clients in discovering their own family history utilizing the know-how of an experienced investigator. Kate previously worked as an investigator at a large financial institution as well as investigative firms, where she conducted complex due diligence, fraud and anti-money laundering investigations. She puts the same sleuthing skills she harnessed in the high-stakes corporate world to task when she conducts research for her clients.  If a record exists, she has the determination and expertise to locate it while providing detailed and thoughtful analysis. Kate specializes in conducting research in Pennsylvania (particularly Western and Central), West Virginia, and Ohio.

Kate completed Boston University's Certificate in Genealogical Research in May 2020. Since that time she has completed continuing education at the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research (IGHR) and the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh (GRIP). She currently serves on the Board of the North Hills Genealogists (NHG) and as their Delegate to the National Genealogical Society (NGS). She is the Vice-Chair for the National Genealogical Society Delegate Council Steering Committee. She is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists.

Although Kate has been working on her own family history since she was 16, her interest in investigating and researching on a professional level was piqued when she served as an Archives Technician at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) while completing her undergraduate studies. She worked as a resource for amateur and professional genealogical researchers, alike, assisting them in conducting database and archives records research. Additionally, she garnered experience with primary source documents in her first position with NARA where she worked in the holdings maintenance department preserving and cataloging records dating back to the 1800's.

Certificate in Genealogical Research from Boston University

Applying Investigative Skills from the Financial Crime World to Genealogy

Applying Investigative Skills from the Financial Crime World to Forensic Genealogy

Beyond the Basics: Effectively Using Ancestry.com

England and Wales Vital Records Research 101

Follow the Records and See Where They Go!

It's Not Just about Your Ancestors! Preserving Your Family History

Lessons Learned: A Cautionary Tale of Common Genealogical Mistakes

Pittsburgh Genealogy 101: A Guide to Researching in the Steel City

So You Want to Know More About Your Family History?

Stop the Presses! Incorporating Newspaper Records into your Research

Tips and Tricks to Optimize Your Genealogical Search Net

Tracking Your Ancestors Through Time: Utilizing Timelines to Enhance Your Research

Unlocking the Keystone State

October 20, 2021 - Centre County Library and Historical Museum

Lessons Learned: A Cautionary Tale of Common Genealogical Mistakes

December 12, 2021 -"KNOWbodies: Knowledge Through Perspective" at the Lauri Ann West Community Center

So You Want to Know About Your Family History

January 25, 2022 - Association of Professional Genealogists Forensic Special Interest Group

Applying Investigative Skills from the Financial Crime World to Genealogy

February 7, 2022 - East Cuyahoga County Genealogical Society

Follow the Records and See Where They Go!

March 3-5, 2022 - RootsTech Connection 2022

Social Media as Family History and Bringing New Life to Old Film

April 20, 2022 - The Genealogical Society of New Jersey

Tips and Tricks to Optimize Your Genealogical Search Net

April 30, 2022 - Central New York Genealogical Society

Applying Investigative Skills from the Financial Crime World to Genealogy

May 13, 2022 - Heartland Family History Conference

Applying Investigative Skills from the Financial Crime World to Genealogy

Follow the Records and See Where They Go!

May 16, 2022 - North Hills Genealogists

Pittsburgh Genealogy 101: A Guide to Researching in the Steel City

June 9, 2022 - Main Line Genealogy Club

England and Wales Vital Records Research 101

July 25, 2022 - Salem Public Library

Follow the Records and See Where They Go!