ACGS Research Services
The American-Canadian Genealogical Society (ACGS) offers research services to assist individuals in discovering and documenting their family history, with particular expertise in French-Canadian and New England genealogy.
We are proud of our cadre of researchers with over a hundred years of combined experience. Our experienced volunteer researchers can assist with a wide range of projects, from locating specific records to developing documented family lines. We can also add historical context to your family history, including Filles du Roi, Carignan soldiers, French who fought in or supported the American Revolution, and other related topics.
Whether you are beginning your research or working to resolve a difficult problem, we are happy to help.
Since our last rate adjustment, ACGS has significantly expanded its resources and services. Thousands of additional volumes—including parish repertoires, genealogical journals, and family genealogies—have been added to the Members Portal and are accessible from home. Members also have remote access to Généalogie Québec and other subscription databases. These enhancements, along with increasing research complexity, are reflected in the updated pricing below.
What We Can Do
ACGS Research Services may assist with:
- Locating birth, baptism, marriage, death, and burial records
- Researching French-Canadian, Acadian, and New England ancestry
- Identifying immigrant origins and tracing families across the U.S.–Canada border
- Translating historical documents (primarily French to English)
- Providing documented lineage reports
Please note:
- We can provide digital images of records, when available
- We cannot provide certified copies of records
- Record availability varies by time period, location, and religious denomination
Research Fees (Effective 15 May 2026)
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Normal Research
These are cases of various scopes and requirements submitted by clients, including lineage research, document retrieval, analysis, and reporting.
- $30 per hour for Members
- $45 per hour for Non-Members
Depending on the size and complexity of the request, we may request a deposit prior to beginning work
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Vital Record Lookups
When the exact date and place of an event are known (birth, baptism, marriage, death, or burial):
- $10 per record for Members
- $15 per record for Non-Members
If the date and place are not known, requests will be billed at normal research rates.
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Multiple Source Documents
This category includes requests for more than one document, including printing and special handling.
- Billed at standard research rates
- Depending on the size and complexity of the request, we may request a deposit prior to beginning work.
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Vital Record Translations
- Baptisms and Burials: $30 for Members | $45 for Non-Members
- Marriages: $45 for Members | $65 for Non-Members
Depending on the size and complexity of the request, we may request a deposit prior to beginning work.
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Other Types of Translations
Notarial records and all other translation work are billed at normal research rates:
- $30 per hour for Members
- $45 per hour for Non-Members
Depending on the size and complexity of the request, we may request a deposit prior to beginning work.
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Special Requests
Requests not covered above will be reviewed by the Research Co-Chairs. Pricing may be based on:
- Hourly rates
- Scope and complexity
- An agreed-upon flat fee
Additional Information
- All work is conducted by experienced volunteers
- Results cannot be guaranteed, as record availability varies
- Research findings are based on available historical records and accepted genealogical standards
Ready to Get Started?
To submit a research request, please email the Research Department at [email protected]. Please provide:
- Your name, address, email, phone number, and member number (if applicable)
- A clear description of your research goals
- Copies of any relevant documents you already have
For ancestral-line research, please complete a 4-generation pedigree chart and include sources and supporting documentation such as census and vital records.
For single-event requests, please provide the exact or approximate date and place of the event, along with any details that may help identify the correct record.
The more information you provide, the more efficiently we can focus the research and manage costs.
Due to a high volume of inquiries, requests are addressed in the order received. Once your request is reviewed, you will be contacted if additional information is needed or if a deposit is required before work begins.
If your request relates to Canadian citizenship by descent, please review our Citizenship FAQ before submitting your inquiry.
Work in Progress
All work in progress, or cases received before 15 May 2026, will be charged under the prior rate structure.
