Nathaniel Lane Taylor: professional genealogical services
I hold a Ph.D. in European history from Harvard University (1995), with over fifteen years of research experience in American and European archives. I have an extensive portfolio of publication in the New England Historical and Genealogical Register, The American Genealogist, and other historical and genealogical journals (see publications list). I am well versed in the very early development of genealogy and different sources used for early research; I also have detailed technical experience with wills and probate law, both American and European. This depth of academic and professional experience has prepared me to take on a variety of genealogical projects on a professional basis.
Rates are ordinarily $50 per hour but may vary depending on the nature of the project. Initial consultations and estimates are free of charge.
Types of projects
• Lineage preparation, for application for membership to a lineage society such as Daughters of the American Revolution.
• Focused consultation and / or research on a difficult genealogical problem (such as an unidentified ancestor), in any period or locality.
• On-site consultation of unpublished records in libraries and archives in Rhode Island, Central and Eastern Massachusetts, or records available on LDS microfilm.
• Transcription and translation of old documents and documents in Latin, French, or Spanish (13th century to present).
• Researching and writing a formal narrative genealogy (three or more generations), either for publication or for private circulation.
• Editing a genealogical manuscript (book or article) for publication.
• Transcribing and editing a collection of letters or a diary for publication.
• Production editing (page layout, professional pre-press preparation) of a genealogical book.
Public presentations
An experienced, prize-winning teacher (especially in adult education), I am available to speak to genealogical groups and lineage societies on a variety of topics, from focused presentations of engaging case studies to broader topics in the history of genealogy and heraldry. I present well-illustrated, lively presentations which are well matched to the interests and abilities of different audiences.
Sample topics (includes presentations already given or in development):
• A Revolutionary Privateer POW: a case study from unpublished English documents (archival research points out a little-known but potentially important resource for American revolutionary seamen)
• Evolution of Genealogy as a Discipline and an Art (why and how people have traced their family trees, from the Middle Ages to the Present, illustrated)
• Wills and Probate in Europe and America (survey of the history and role of wills, and how to exploit them in genealogical context)
• Heraldry in the Colonies (introduction to heraldry; how it was used in the English colonies; and what its value is to the researcher)
• Magna Carta, the Barons, and the Origins of Government (historical context of the Magna Carta as an early precursor to modern reactions against 'big government')
• Charlemagne and his Legacy (illustrated introduction to the 'Father of Europe', ancestor of every modern person of European descent)
• Our Ancestors in the Crusades (Crusades in a modern context: who were the crusaders, what did they do, and how have we -- their descendants -- changed our opinions of that legacy over the centuries)
Contact
e-mail: nltaylor@nltaylor.net
telephone: 401-435-6020