The Occasional Genealogist

If your family tree is stuck, let us help!

Welcome to The Occasional Genealogist.

We provide genealogy education, products, and services designed especially for Occasional Genealogists.

We specialize in helping you learn to do great genealogy, despite the interruptions. That means we don’t do the research for you. You get to keep all the fun of family history, while still getting the help you need.

How can we help you?

  • Get free education through our blog and via email.

  • Read our book Essential Skills for the Occasional Genealogist.

  • Take one of our online courses on key genealogy topics.

  • Purchase one of our digital products designed for Occasional Genealogists.

  • Hire us to do a genealogy “review.”

Let's get started...

Why not start with our free information on “The 5 Brick Wall Strategies You Should ALREADY Know.

This will let you try out our educational content online and via email. You can then checkout our online courses and review service if you’re ready for more.

Who's the genealogist behind this?

Jennifer Patterson Dondero

Hi, I'm Jennifer!

I've been a genealogist since 1989 and a professional genealogist since 2005. I'm also an Occasional Genealogist... sort of.

Like many of you, I started as an Occasional Genealogist. I had to squeeze research into my free time. Then I got my first genealogy job and for awhile, it was genealogy all the time!

Now I have two kids. I do other people's genealogy constantly but my own? Coming up with ways to do great genealogy, despite the interruptions, is mandatory.