Michelle Leonard
I have been interested in my own family history for as long as I can remember. I believe this partly stems from the fact that my paternal grandparents died long before I was born and my maternal grandparents when I was too young to remember them. Growing up I asked many questions about the grandparents I could never meet and this fed my curiosity about those who came before them. My passion for genealogy was more fully ignited, however, when, as a teenager, I discovered a box of archaic family photographs and became obsessed with putting names to all of the familiar yet unfamiliar faces. Within days I was in The Mitchell Library in my home city Glasgow looking up my ancestors on census records! The rest as they say is history; I began actively researching my family tree and I’ve been hooked ever since. I love the challenge of putting a tree together, the process of following leads and the satisfaction gained by solving mysteries along the way.
In recent years my love of traditional genealogy has been matched, if not surpassed, by my love of genetic genealogy. I am passionate about using DNA to solve mysteries that regular paper trail research alone would never be able to. DNA has become as an essential tool for genealogy and I use it in conjunction with traditional research methods to get the most out of both. When I first tested myself little did I know then how addictive it would become! DNA testing has revolutionised the work I do and the way I research my own family history.
Another of my great passions is the First World War and, in particular, identifying the remains and family members of WW1 soldiers. In 2009 I became heavily involved in the Fromelles Genealogy Project and spent several years tracking down appropriate DNA donors to identify WWI soldiers buried in a mass grave in France. I also served as the Genealogical Consultant on the official Fromelles documentary. I continue to work on WW1 soldier cases on a regular basis.
I have worked as a professional genealogist for a number of years now and have extensive experience with both traditional and genetic genealogy. I hold an M.A. in English and Modern History from the University of St Andrews and a PgCert in Genealogical, Palaeographic and Heraldic Studies from the University of Strathclyde. I am a member of the Association of Professsional Genealogists (APG), The Scottish Genealogy Network (SGN) and The International Society of Genetic Genealogy (ISOGG).
My personal research business is Genes & Genealogy. I specialise in DNA Detective work, the use of DNA testing for genealogical purposes and, in particular, solving adoption, unknown parentage, MPE, illegitimacy and all manner of unknown ancestor mysteries. I also undertake traditional genealogical research, living relative tracing, historical research, television research, bespoke family history books, tutoring, webinars and speaking engagements. Additionally I’m a freelance writer of books, articles and blogs: I'm the co-author of "Tracing Your Ancestors Using DNA: A Guide For Family Historians" published by Pen & Sword Books in June 2019. I’m very happy to be #AncestryHour’s official genetic genealogist or #genesgenie and am on hand most Tuesdays to help with any DNA queries during the chat. Genealogy is my full-time occupation but also still my greatest hobby; I feel very lucky to have turned my passion into my profession.
You can find me on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
I have been interested in my own family history for as long as I can remember. I believe this partly stems from the fact that my paternal grandparents died long before I was born and my maternal grandparents when I was too young to remember them. Growing up I asked many questions about the grandparents I could never meet and this fed my curiosity about those who came before them. My passion for genealogy was more fully ignited, however, when, as a teenager, I discovered a box of archaic family photographs and became obsessed with putting names to all of the familiar yet unfamiliar faces. Within days I was in The Mitchell Library in my home city Glasgow looking up my ancestors on census records! The rest as they say is history; I began actively researching my family tree and I’ve been hooked ever since. I love the challenge of putting a tree together, the process of following leads and the satisfaction gained by solving mysteries along the way.
In recent years my love of traditional genealogy has been matched, if not surpassed, by my love of genetic genealogy. I am passionate about using DNA to solve mysteries that regular paper trail research alone would never be able to. DNA has become as an essential tool for genealogy and I use it in conjunction with traditional research methods to get the most out of both. When I first tested myself little did I know then how addictive it would become! DNA testing has revolutionised the work I do and the way I research my own family history.
Another of my great passions is the First World War and, in particular, identifying the remains and family members of WW1 soldiers. In 2009 I became heavily involved in the Fromelles Genealogy Project and spent several years tracking down appropriate DNA donors to identify WWI soldiers buried in a mass grave in France. I also served as the Genealogical Consultant on the official Fromelles documentary. I continue to work on WW1 soldier cases on a regular basis.
I have worked as a professional genealogist for a number of years now and have extensive experience with both traditional and genetic genealogy. I hold an M.A. in English and Modern History from the University of St Andrews and a PgCert in Genealogical, Palaeographic and Heraldic Studies from the University of Strathclyde. I am a member of the Association of Professsional Genealogists (APG), The Scottish Genealogy Network (SGN) and The International Society of Genetic Genealogy (ISOGG).
My personal research business is Genes & Genealogy. I specialise in DNA Detective work, the use of DNA testing for genealogical purposes and, in particular, solving adoption, unknown parentage, MPE, illegitimacy and all manner of unknown ancestor mysteries. I also undertake traditional genealogical research, living relative tracing, historical research, television research, bespoke family history books, tutoring, webinars and speaking engagements. Additionally I’m a freelance writer of books, articles and blogs: I'm the co-author of "Tracing Your Ancestors Using DNA: A Guide For Family Historians" published by Pen & Sword Books in June 2019. I’m very happy to be #AncestryHour’s official genetic genealogist or #genesgenie and am on hand most Tuesdays to help with any DNA queries during the chat. Genealogy is my full-time occupation but also still my greatest hobby; I feel very lucky to have turned my passion into my profession.
You can find me on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.