Association of Professional Genealogists in Ireland
APGI Coat of Arms - Petere Fontem

© APGI 2010

 

About APGI: Activities

Relatively few people work in Irish ancestral research, whether as professional genealogists, record agents or indexers. APGI's active membership has never been higher than 25 and there are 23 current full members. Despite the small numbers, APGI is a busy group. One of its most visible undertakings is in providing the Genealogy Advisory Service (GAS) in partnership with the National Archives of Ireland. This guides hundreds of overseas visitors who wish to do their own research, providing them with a strategy for their particular case and giving them time saving tips. The first GAS began in 1989 at the Genealogical Office as a one-to-one consultation facility, operating on a fee-paying basis. In 1998 it was transferred to the National Library and converted into a less detailed but more accessible free consultation service (which APGI operated until January 2007). In January 2003 similar facilities were introduced at the National Archives. APGI also acted as one of the Supporting Organisations of each of the four Irish Genealogical Congresses, held in 1991, 1994, 1997 and 2001. In addition, on each occasion it provided free advice for participants. Behind the scenes, APGI is an enthusiastic member of the Council of Irish Genealogical Organisations, a body which promotes better research facilities for all. It also has two representatives on the board of Irish Genealogy Ltd., the government-backed agency which is to implement the Irish Genealogical Project.