About Karen Cummings
Professional Genealogist in Cambridgeshire, Suffolk and Essex
So many clients tell me the same: the passing of a parent, the upcoming birth of a child, and other significant family events are often what make us wonder “where do I come from?”
How It All Started For Me
Living A Double Life as Scientist & Family History Detective!
Although I now live in Suffolk, I was born in the Midlands. My interest in family history arose from my mother’s tales of great aunts, distant cousins and great grandparents during my childhood. However, it was not until my mother passed away that I began my family history research in earnest.
Before my passion took off, I began my career in science. I moved to Bradford for a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy and then completed a PhD in pharmaceutical technology before moving to East Anglia for work.
My research however wasn’t forgotten. Like many other beginner family historians, my family history journey happened alongside other important life commitments. In the day, I would be working in the field of pharmaceutical development and in the evenings, I would be up late into the night working on my family history. When I started my research, I thought I was descended from generations of those from the Midlands. In actual fact, I have ancestors from all over England and Wales, including Cambridgeshire, Essex and Suffolk. In fact, I’ve recently identified direct ancestors from Haverhill where I now live!
When Genealogy Become More Than A Passion
In 2010, my new-found addiction to family history won, and I left behind scientific research to begin a career in genealogical research. Performing at the highest level is important to me, so, at the same time, I embarked on a journey with the Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies (IHGS), qualifying with their Higher Certificate and Diploma in Genealogy. My passions for family history then expanded to standards in genealogy, excellent documentation of research, ethical conduct, and accreditation. I love this job - my only regret is I don’t get quite so much time on my own research these days!
Helping Clients with their Family History Journeys
I’m often asked if it’s as much fun carrying out research for other people and it is! Detective work, problem solving, finding out where ancestors came from - it never gets old!
Accreditations
I am a full AGRA Member. The Association of Genealogists and Researchers in Archives (AGRA) is the professional body for genealogists in England and Wales. AGRA carry out a stringent assessment of applicants’ quality of work and business practices before approving membership and only full AGRA Members are entitled to bear the AGRA logo.
My commitment to standards in genealogy in the UK is reflected by the fact that I have served on both AGRA Council (2014-2016) and the AGRA Board of Assessors (2014-2016 and 2020 to present), assessing the work of those applying to join.
I am also a member of the US-based Association of Professional Genealogists (APG) and I am listed on the Register of Qualified Genealogists (RQG). AGRA, APG and RQG all have professional codes of practice to which I have agreed to work.
Qualifications
I bring a range of qualifications and experiences to every ancestor search. Whether it’s interpreting DNA results or providing quality research for bespoke family trees, I pride myself on searches you can believe in.
Qualified Genealogist
I have qualifications in both genealogy and teaching. I hold the AGRA-recognised Diploma in Genealogy (DipGen) from the Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies (IHGS). I also have a Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) in Educational Practice from the University of Essex.
Dedicated Scientific Researcher
Before embarking on a career in genealogy, I worked in the pharmaceutical industry. I have a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy and a PhD in scientific research. My academic training gave me an aptitude for research, analysis and report writing and provided me with the appropriate level of attention to detail and integrity to offer a quality genealogy research service.
Experienced Genealogy Tutor
I have tutored and written courses for some of the leading genealogy education providers in the UK: Pharos Teaching and Tutoring, the Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies (IHGS), and the Society of Genealogists in London and served as an examiner for the IHGS. I became Course Director for Pharos Tutors in 2019 and, in 2020, I took on ownership of Pharos Tutors.
Testimonials
“I have been very impressed with the way Karen Cummings has picked up over 30 years of my own research and analytically spotlighted areas which need clarifying or further investigation. Her reports concentrate the mind on what still has to be done.”
Martin, Middlesex
“I have known Karen Cummings for only a short while, and she has undertaken two projects researching my Suffolk family roots. Both successful, on time and within budget. She is meticulous and highly professional and has extracted information for which I have been searching on and off for about five years. If you are unsure of where to turn to next, Karen is there with guidance as to strategy while letting you feel that you are in control. There is further work to be done and I have no hesitation in saying that Karen will be my first choice as a researcher.”
Jon, West Sussex
“After 45 years of genealogical research in North America, I have learned the importance of careful examination of the original evidence. Dr. Karen Cummings' assistance has been of the highest professional standards. Her knowledge of English records and their location assures me that within the scope of what she has done for me all possible records have been found. Her citations are a model for the rest of us to follow.”
James, Berkeley, California
“Karen has produced a thoroughly professional piece of work. At all times I received a very personal service with appropriate checks being made as the past was uncovered. The result: a fully detailed investigation revealing the family history, evidenced by all the certificates, neatly bound within an attractive report.”
Philip, Suffolk
“Karen has conducted research for me over the past year. Her research methodology is robust and inspires confidence. The findings in each report are documented with great clarity, including high visibility of each line of enquiry and her thought process. I have been impressed as she benchmarks highly with other researchers I have used for my family history when I have been stuck! Our work together continues which is testament in itself.”
Joanne Denney-Finch, OBE MBA BA (Hons)
“I have been very impressed with the thoroughness and professionalism of Dr. Karen Cummings' work concerning two of my ancestors, researching in both Suffolk and Cambridgeshire. The work was carried out within the timescale allotted and within budget. Her suggestions for further research, both within her local areas and outside by others were very helpful, and I would have no hesitation in commissioning further work from her.”
Denis, Kent
Tips & Tricks for Family Historians
Are you new to family history research and looking for advice? Or a professional historian after some tips from a fellow researcher? Check out my blog where I share insights and more from my own family history journey.
Let’s Search for Your Ancestors!
Whether it’s untangling family myths or organising your family tree, just get in touch to tell me more about your family research project and find out how I can help you uncover your family's past.
