I am proud to announce that my article "Griete Smit's Parentage: Proof in the Absence of Vital Records" has been selected as the lead article of the December 2016 issue of the National Genealogical Society Quarterly. NGS members can download the PDF from the NGSQ archives. The journal is also available in many libraries in the United States and some major libraries elsewhere in the world. The National Genealogical Society Quarterly is known for its case studies, which teach sound research … [Read more...]
Dutch Genealogy Article in the National Genealogical Society Quarterly
1 February 2017 by 5 Comments
My Tips for People Pursuing Certification
10 June 2016 by 23 Comments
Note: This blog post was written shortly after I got certified in 2016. Requirements and standards have changed since then. Please refer to the current versions of the application guide and genealogy standards for up-to-date information. I was recently certified by the Board for Certification of Genealogists. It was a long process to create a portfolio of work samples. I know there are several readers of this blog who want to become certified in the future, or who are already working on their … [Read more...]
Yvette Hoitink, Certified Genealogist
23 May 2016 by 17 Comments
I have just received news from the Board for Certification of Genealogists that my application for the Certified Genealogist® credential has been successful. In the Netherlands, genealogy standards are mostly unknown. The solution to most genealogical problems is to search until we find direct evidence, which we generally have in abundance. It is rare to see a proof argument, even in reputable journals. This does not mean that the research is of poor quality, just that the methods and … [Read more...]
Visiting the Family History Library in Salt Lake City
19 February 2016 by 4 Comments
Last month, I had the opportunity to visit the Family History Library in Salt Lake City while I was there for an institute and board meeting. What a special place. I can't believe how many people I met, all so generous and wonderful. I had never met any of them in person before but I had known many of them online for several years (or several decades, as in the case of Cyndi Ingles of Cyndi's List) so it felt more like a high school reunion than a first meeting. And what a fun reunion it was, … [Read more...]
Finished my portfolio for the Board for Certification of Genealogists
12 February 2016 by 11 Comments
I did it! I finished and submitted my portfolio for the Board for Certification of Genealogists (BCG). BCG is an international organization that certifies genealogists whose work meets standards. They do this by judging a portfolio consisting of the following elements: Genealogists' Code, signed by the applicant. Many of these items are similar to the Code of Ethics of the Association of Professional Genealogists, of which I am also a member. Background Résumé, which includes … [Read more...]
Holiday wishes
25 December 2015 by 15 Comments
My best wishes to everyone, and Merry Christmas to all my friends who are celebrating Christmas today. It's the time of year to look back and forward. This past year has been a wonderful year for me. It was my first year as a full-time professional genealogist and I've enjoyed myself very much. I've worked on a range a projects covering all of the provinces in the Netherlands except Flevoland, plus former colonies and overseas territories like Surinam, the Netherlands Antilles, New … [Read more...]
