Michelle Leonard

I am a professional genealogist, DNA Detective, freelance researcher, speaker, author and historian. I have extensive experience both as a traditional and genetic genealogist. I specialize in the use of DNA testing for genealogical purposes and, in particular, solving adoption, unknown parentage, NPE, illegitimacy, foundling and all manner of unknown ancestor mysteries. I combine traditional research methods with DNA analysis to solve mysteries that paper records never could. I also use DNA testing in conjunction with paper trail research to confirm and advance family trees.

Additionally I take on traditional family history research work, tracing of long lost family members, speaking engagements, webinars, documentary and television research, tutoring, lecturing and book, article and blog writing.

I spent several years working on the ground-breaking Fromelles Genealogy Project tracking down appropriate DNA donors to help identify WWI soldiers buried in a mass grave in Northern France. I also served as the Genealogical Consultant on the official Fromelles documentary and have given talks on it in several countries. 

I am an experienced public speaker and lecturer and have given talks at many major genealogy events such as Rootstech London, Family Tree Live, The Genealogy Show, Who Do You Think You Are? Live and Genetic Genealogy Ireland.

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 also the official genetic genealogist of ancestryhour.co.uk and one of the hosts of the hour itself each Tuesday 7-8pm GMT.

Family history, my own and others, is my passion in life and I love helping people solve mysteries and uncover more about their ancestors and heritage.

Services

I offer a wide range of genealogical and research services and accept clients on a global basis. I have worked on many UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand based DNA cases. If you are looking for a DNA specialist, I offer DNA consultations and undertake DNA detective work. I accept adoption, unknown parentage, NPE, illegitimacy, foundling and all unknown ancestor mystery cases.

I can also provide analysis of autosomal DNA results and tuition on how best to work with them; I offer tutorials on DNA and Genealogy topics on a one-to-one or group basis either online or in person.

If you are looking for traditional genealogical assistance, I also have a great deal of experience in this field and my specialisms are Scottish, English/Welsh and Northern Irish family history research. I can compile family trees, assist with brick walls and carry out archival research; I am based in Glasgow, Scotland and ideally situated to access records in Archives in Glasgow, Edinburgh and the surrounding areas.

I also offer a family tree review service; it is always a good idea to have a second set of eyes evaluate your work and with this service you get a professional genealogist checking you are on the right track and giving you hints and tips on how best to improve your tree.

Additionally I am a living relative specialist and offer a tracing service for long lost family members; I am registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) as a data controller under the Data Protection Act 1998 (Registration Number ZA256420).

As an experienced writer I also offer bespoke personalized family history books - I can write up your entire family history and create a detailed book your family will treasure.

I am an experienced public speaker and lecturer and am happy to accept commissions to speak on a number of different topics most particularly DNA testing for genealogy and my work on WW1 soldiers and the Fromelles Genealogy Project.  I am also an experienced webinar presenter and happy to take on webinar and online workshop commissions. 

Due to my work on Fromelles and other military cases, I have considerable experience when it comes to tracing the families of soldiers for DNA identification purposes and I regularly work on new WW1 and WW2 soldier cases when new battlefield remains are uncovered.

In addition to genealogical research, I take on a myriad of freelance historical research work especially documentary and drama research for television.

Finally I am also a freelance book, article and blog writer and welcome commissions to write articles for family history or historical publications and websites.

Please get in touch if you would like to commission any work!

Geographic Specialties

Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Ireland