What can The Preacher Genealogist help you with?

Genealogy Research

Dave can provide research services to you, completing the project on your behalf. Building on any research you, your grandmother or bachelor uncle may have conducted, he analyzes any previous work and presents a research plan for your approval. Then, consulting census returns, vital records, estate files, military records, land files and warrants... whatever may be needed, he works to solve your research goals.

Assistance with DNA-testing results on Ancestry.com, and analysis of potential findings, explained, are part of Dave's services.

An initial retainer of ten hours are the required minimum to commence any project.

$150/hour.

Genealogy Coaching

Dave can guide and assist along the way, helping those who wish to undertake the research for themselves, but need a guiding hand.

Whether you're a novice, a beginner, or experienced hand, Dave's longstanding experience will likely provide insights and guidance that proves useful in your quest to find your family.

This service involves a three-hour consultation and report, including any suggested paths for further work.

$500 for the project

$100/hour for follow-up and guided research assistance

Genealogy Education

Dave can deliver program leadership and presentations for society and club meetings, both in person and online.

Sessions include a PowerPoint presentation, Q&A, and syllabus for distribution to attendees.

$300 for a single one-hour session. Round trip mileage (prevailing IRS rate) for in-person events will be added.

For a contracted day-long seminar, charges for transportation from Madison and lodging at the program venue will be added, as necessary.

Thinking Genealogically

The Genealogy Symposium is coming to Madison!

After a successful inaugural session at the Oklahoma Historical Society Library in Oklahoma City, with time at the state library and archives, "Thinking Genealogically" and its intentional, intensive instruction is being planned for the summer of 2026!

Drop us an email if you'd like to be included in this groundbreaking in-person experience in the home of the Draper Manuscripts!

Email Us

Law Firm Consultancy

Dr. Mc Donald served as the consulting genealogist for the city of Chicago on its expansion project for O'Hare Airport, which required the respectful removal of hundreds of sets of human remains. Under state law, identification of next-of-kin became the leading priority before exhumations could begin. In this role, he conducted the research necessary to identify those legally entitled to speak for the families regarding the final disposition of their relatives' remains. Dr. Mc Donald then provided expert court testimony in several cases.

His five decades as a genealogist give Dave experience and insight into identifying heirs of estates, locating estranged family members, and finding kin of deceased parties. In both intestate and testate cases, his skills have won praise from both attorneys and the courts for its efficiency and thorough research.

Testimonials

"If you get the opportunity to hear Dave Mc Donald, take it! Through the years I have heard him speak about genealogy in lectures, luncheon talks, and week-long institutes. I have always come away amazed at his depth of knowledge, his skill at making the complex understandable, and the ease with which he makes the experience fun and memorable. His range of topics in the genealogy field is impressive and his connection with the audience is palpable. When he is listed in the program, I always make it a point to attend his lecture, and I am never disappointed!"

"I am a professional genealogist, continuing education is an important part of my business. I recently attended the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy [SLIG]. Dr. Dave Mc Donald presented a five-day institute on early United States church records. My experience was great; Dave is knowledgeable, entertaining, and engages his audience. The students enjoyed learning about a wide range of different church records from an informative and entertaining preacher/teacher. I have been to several of Rev. Mc Donald's lectures and courses over the years, he is one of my all-time favorite genealogical/historical instructors."