Finding your family's story...
"Wow! What a fantastic start you’ve made on the book. Thank you. It makes for a fascinating and quite an emotional read ... It will be the most lovely surprise for my Mum. You are really bringing her family history to life"
Featured in the experts Q&A section of the BBC's WDYTYA? Magazine
About Search Your Past
With over 20 years personal and professional family history research experience I aim to help overcome your genealogical 'brickwalls' or provide a full family tree research service.
Search Your Past was established 10 years ago by Elizabeth Peters, an AGRA certified genealogist who has featured in the ‘You The Expert’ section in the National Archives Magazine, Ancestors, and BBC's Who Do You Think You Are? Magazine Expert's Q&A Section.
You can be sure you are hiring a fully accredited, well-trained and experienced family history researcher. I am a member of AGRA (Association of Genealogists & Researchers) which is the ONLY organisation in England that requires strict minimum standards of all its members. Every member undergoes a formal assessment and abides by a strict Code of Practice.
A complete family history research service is available from one-off searches to detailed, beautiful books, and using DNA matches to solve genealogical problems.
Choose one of the personlised family history packages, hourly research for problem-solving or one-off searches, or gift vouchers. Click on the links below for more details.
A free initial consultation and estimate can be provided if you require a specific search such as finding a lost ancestor, locating a service record, or identifying a birth certificate.
Hi Elizabeth
Big big thank you for all the work you’ve done putting together our family tree. It’s something we will treasure. Each time I read the reports I find something else to be fascinated by.
Thanks once more Elizabeth and kind regards
Mike
FAMILY HISTORY REPORT
Family history research at £35p/h plus costs (e.g. certificates).
These reports do not go into the level of detail in the family history packages. A report can be used to carry out a basic search for your ancestors or for specific search requests - such as finding an elusive ancestor or locating a specific document. For an idea on cost specific to your needs, please email searchyourpast@hotmail.com or use the contact button.
SILVER FAMILY HISTORY RESEARCH PACKAGE
This package aims to trace your family history back to the mid/late 1700s. This detailed family history report tells the story of your ancestors in a narrative style with a copy of all documents found along with transcriptions. It is presented in an A4 folder.
DNA RESEARCH
Using your DNA matches, obtained when taking an ancestry DNA test, can help overcome genealogical brickwalls you may have. For example, an illegitimate ancestor, or unknown origins of an ancestor. If you share a certain amount of DNA with another match this can be used to help determine your relationship and who your common ancestor might be. The use of cluster analysis and pedigree triangulation can help solve these problems. Get in touch today for a free assessment of your case. Cost is £35p/h with a minimum order of 2 hours.
FAMILY HISTORY RESEARCH BOOK PACKAGE
Investigate the choice of surname line(s) as far back as parish records allow - potentially the 1500s/1600s.
This in-depth research is presented in a narrative style in a beautifully bespoke package tailored to your family. Our family history book packages make a unique and meaningful gift. The finished book has a matt cover finish with either a photo or plain cover. They are illustrated with relevant images and information about the lives of your ancestors.
Family photos and details of the present day family can be included to personalise your book
This comes with a large scale printed pedigree (family tree) chart.
The price of these packages are customisable to your budget. (Payable in instalments).
Getting Started
To begin the research I need to know what you know already! Any names, dates and places that you can provide regarding yourself, parents and grandparents will be useful. It does not matter how little you have. I have started research from someone's own birth certificate before. Others know beyond their grandparents. Please just ask if you have any questions.
GIFT VOUCHERS
Gift voucher presentation gift box packs available with every purchase over £200.
