Ms Mish J Holman
Genealogist, Author & Founder, Family History Gifts
Family History Gifts
Principal Genealogist
London
United Kingdom
Currently accepting clients for...
- DNA
- Family History Research
- Speaking / Presenting
- Writing /Publishing
- Other Speciality
Family History Research
- DNA
- Document Retrieval / Record Agent
- Family History Research
- Heraldry / Lineage Societies
- Immigration / Naturalization
- Tutor / Coach
Speaking/Presenting
- Family History Research
- Methodology & Resources
- Available for in-person events
- Available for virtual events
Writing/Publishing
- Author/Writer
- Tutor / Coach
Other Speciality
- Heir & Probate Search
- House Historian / Local History
- Handwriting / Palaeography
- Web Design
Mish J Holman is co-founder of Family History Gifts. She is our principal genealogist and holds a Post Graduate Certificate in Genealogy, Palaeography and Heraldic Studies from the University of Strathclyde and has been a professional genealogist for more than thirty years. As the founder and Principal Genealogist of Family History Gifts, she and her team have helped thousands of clients navigate rare and archival materials to trace their lineages. A trained reference librarian and music cataloguer, she has a particular interest in theatrical personalities and hereditary theatre families of the eighteenth century, as reflected in her blog about trumpeter Abraham Adcock (www.abrahamadcock.com).
She is the author of A History of the Census Takers for Pen & Sword) a study of the work and lives of nineteenth-century census enumerators, published August 2026. A regular user of the London Stage Database, she has become an advocate of the project in genealogy and music history circles, referencing it in blog posts, podcast appearances, and articles for popular outlets like Family Tree Magazine.
She is available to speak for family history societies and other organisations and has the following talks available:
“I Laugh at Him! I Am a Gonzague!”: Fraud, Fantasy, and the Workhouse Princess
Based on extensive research and featured in the book A History of the Census Takers, Mish J Holman reveals the extraordinary story of Alexander Gonzaga, claimant to the titles of the Dukes of Mantua. She asks who was Alexander, were his claims true, or was he just a fraudster?
Mrs Wilson, 18th Century Actress & Celebrity: a life in 22 documents
In this talk, Mish delves into the world of 18th century theatre and theatre research. Discover one of the lost names of the 18th century, an actress who was controversial, but as esteemed as Garrick and who became one of the greatest stars of the 1780s.
She is the author of A History of the Census Takers for Pen & Sword) a study of the work and lives of nineteenth-century census enumerators, published August 2026. A regular user of the London Stage Database, she has become an advocate of the project in genealogy and music history circles, referencing it in blog posts, podcast appearances, and articles for popular outlets like Family Tree Magazine.
She is available to speak for family history societies and other organisations and has the following talks available:
“I Laugh at Him! I Am a Gonzague!”: Fraud, Fantasy, and the Workhouse Princess
Based on extensive research and featured in the book A History of the Census Takers, Mish J Holman reveals the extraordinary story of Alexander Gonzaga, claimant to the titles of the Dukes of Mantua. She asks who was Alexander, were his claims true, or was he just a fraudster?
Mrs Wilson, 18th Century Actress & Celebrity: a life in 22 documents
In this talk, Mish delves into the world of 18th century theatre and theatre research. Discover one of the lost names of the 18th century, an actress who was controversial, but as esteemed as Garrick and who became one of the greatest stars of the 1780s.
Research Time Periods
- 21st Century
- 20th Century
- 19th Century
- 18th Century
- 17th Century
- 16th Century and Earlier