Professional Genealogy Services

Joe Ginorio Viscal - Professional Genealogist
Your world is waiting

SERVICE OFFERING

FAMILY HISTORY RESEARCH
Build your comprehensive family tree based on available records (birth, marriage, death certificates, census data, etc.).For example, tracing your paternal lineage to a specific immigrant ancestor. I research vital records, naturalization papers, and census data to construct a multi-generational family tree and trace the origin of the family from Europe to the U.S.
CASE STUDIES
  • In-depth analysis of specific family history questions, such as did my ancestor fight in the Civil War: - when and from where did my ancestor immigrate
  • - was my grandfather really my biological grandfather? Using DNA testing, census records, and birth certificates, we can uncover the true identity of a father, grandfather, etc, revealing a hidden family connection that had been obscured for generations.
CONSULTATION
I provide expert guidance on practices, methodologies, and resources for independently exploring family histories, verifying ancestry, and addressing specific genealogical inquiries. For example, building a comprehensive family tree based on available records (birth, marriage, death certificates, census data, etc.). Or: You want to trace your paternal lineage back to a specific immigrant ancestor. The genealogist uses vital records, naturalization papers, and census data to construct a multi-generational family tree and trace the origin of your family from Europe to the U.S.
DNA GUIDANCE
I will help you understand your ethnicity estimates and matches, giving guidance on how to contact potential relatives and integrate genetic data with traditional genealogical research.
Joe Ginorio Viscal
About ME
In 1995, I began volunteering at a Church of Latter-Day Saints Family History Center in Virginia. Over the years, I gained valuable training and experience that led me to studying, taking classes,and practicing genealogy research. I started by exploring my mother's Puerto Rican roots and my wife's Delaware heritage, and it was then I discovered my passion for the detective work of uncovering family stories and tracing our origins. Since then, I've completed projects spanning the United States—Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Massachusetts, Illinois, Texas, New York, North Carolina, Georgia, Arkansas, and Colorado—and internationally, connecting families to their ancestors in Italy, Spain, Sweden, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Mexico, and Santo Domingo. This work is my calling.

Every family has stories worth sharing with the next generation, stories that reveal the circumstances and sacrifices that paved the way for our lives today

The life your ancestors was defined by their culture, religion, technology, and politices of their time.
Travel the path of discovery to a time and place where immigration was likely the only option to a better future.
I've witnessed countless faces light up—first with curiosity and excitement, then with wonder and pride—as they see themselves reflected in their ancestors.
Born in Puerto Rico and rasised in Washington DC I am fortunate to be close to the National Archives and their extensive record collection in Wash. DC. Also, as a member of "Sociedad de Genealogia de Puerto Rico" I've utilizeed the extensive facilites of the Genealogy Research room colocated with the Law LIbrary of the Univ. of Puerto Rico in Hato Rey. I am an member of the National Genealogical Society, Frederick County Geneallgy Society, and the Genealogy Research Division of the Museum of Jewish Heritage.

Explore your history

Explore your history

Family History Research
Family History Research: Whether you’re just beginning your genealogy journey or seeking a deeper understanding of your lineage, I apply genealogy standard best practices as well as industry ethical standards. Although most information is publicly available, your privacy is important and it’s you decision on sharing your ancestral tree. Using vital records, census data, and historical documents, I uncover the connections and narratives that define your family’s past. My personalized approach ensures that every branch of your family tree is explored with care and accuracy.What You’ll Receive:• A Complete Family Tree: A beautifully detailed family tree supported by official documentation, offering a clear view of your lineage.• Historical Insights: Fascinating details about family migrations, occupations, and significant events, bringing your ancestors’ stories to life.• Next Steps: Expert recommendations for further exploration, including DNA testing or advanced research options.
Expert Consutation
Consultation – guidance on personal research Family Tree Building Tools From family tree software apps such as Family Tree Maker, My Family Tree, Personal Ancestral File, Venngage, Legacy, etc. that enable users to create, manage, and share their family trees. Also, online platforms like Ancestry and MyHeritage support adding multimedia elements, such as photos, documents, and stories, to enhance the family narrative. Ancestral Record Search Guidance to get you started on doing your own research e.g. sources such as ancestry.com, MyHeritage, familysearch.org, local archives, libraries, etc
Case Studies
Case Study: Genealogy case studies are typically in-depth investigations into a particular family lineage or historical genealogical problem. These case studies usually involve the exploration of records, analysis of data, and overcoming challenges like incomplete or contradictory information - Case studies involve a more in-depth analysis of a particular family or individual. Researchers delve deeply into specific records and sources related to the chosen case, providing a detailed narrative of their findings. - May involve finding a mystery ancestor, breaking through a "brick wall" or discovering a biological parent / ancestor. - The objectives are generally more specific, such as resolving a particular genealogical mystery, tracing the origins of an individual, or documenting the life of a notable ancestor. - The fining are the result of reasonably exhaustive research fully documented and reported and whether it's using DNA testing, historical documents, or local archives, the approach taken in each case depends on the specific problem at hand.
DNA Guidance
DNA Testing Guidance DNA Tests: What DNA test should I take? There are three primary tests - Autosomal (DNA summary from all your ancestors), Y-DNA - a paternal DNA test that traces the Male line only - to it's point of origin, and MtDNA - Mitochondrial DNA - traces female ancestors only to their point of origin.

Ginorio Genealogy Standards and Ethics

1. Ensure the Integrity of Publications • I will avoid publishing information that is inaccurate, uncertain, or unverified. • I will refrain from disseminating unverified, incorrect, or questionable information, and be mindful of the repercussions when sharing details about living persons. 2. Maintain Confidentiality • I will maintain the confidentiality of both personal and genealogical information unless I receive explicit written consent to disclose it. • The confidentiality of client and family data must be upheld with information only being shared when authorized by written consent. 3. Respect Privacy • I will be mindful of the privacy of living individuals and respect the rights of others in sharing personal or familial information. • I will honor the privacy of living people and ensure that information is shared only with proper consent. 4. Mindful of Sensitive Historical Issues • I will remain mindful of the ethical implications surrounding complex historical issues such as slavery, genocide, and wartime atrocities. 5. Comply with Federal and State Laws • I will comply with all applicable legal standards concerning privacy, informed consent, intellectual property rights, defamation, and harassment. • I will adhere to legal requirements in their practice, including those pertaining to privacy laws, consent, copyright, and protection from slander or harassment. 6. Acknowledgements • I will properly acknowledge and give credit to all sources and individuals who contribute information or assistance to their research. 7. Be Accurate • I will present research findings within a realistic context, ensuring that the work is grounded in fact and meets appropriate expectations. • I will approach the research with practical expectations, ensuring that their findings are framed within a reasonable and accurate perspective. 8. Be Transparent • I will openly communicate my qualifications, the scope of their work, and the fees involved, ensuring transparency in all aspects of their practice. • I will provide clear and honest information regarding my expertise, services, and pricing structures.
Get in touch

When you're ready, let me know

Have a question - need more information? - call, email or contact form
Phone
Email
Address
5786 BOX ELDER CT FREDERICK MD 21703-7139 US