About

I got my start in family history research back in 1999, when I heard about a new website called Ancestry.com.  I searched for a couple older family names, and within an hour I was connected back to the 1800's.  I was hooked and have been doing it ever since.  It's especially exciting to uncover the details and stories of who they were and what they did.

Through the course of my research, I've discovered that my ancestors have been involved in almost every major war in America's history.  My discovery of six of my direct ancestors' involvement in the Civil War sparked an interest in their military history and uncovering whatever records I can find for them.  I've spent countless hours in the National Archives with their records, as well as hundreds of other soldiers' records in the process.   

~Brian Rhinehart

Professional development

2011-2012       Professional Genealogy Study Group 8 (ProGen8).  An 18 month online course devoted to improving professional standards in both research and business practices.

March 2017     North Hills Genealogists Spring Conference

April 2017        Ohio Genealogy Society Conference

June 2017       Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh (GRIP), "Confusion to Conclusion: Writing Genealogical Proof Arguments"

October 2017  Ohio Genealogy Society Fall Seminar

Fall 2017          Boston University, Genealogical Research Certificate Program.  A master's level course designed to reinforce professional standards in both genealogical research and writing.

March 2019      North Hills Genealogists Spring Conference-- Blaine Bettinger-- DNA and Genetic Genealogy

May 2018-May 2019     Professional Genealogy Study Group 38 (ProGen38).  

July 2019           The Genealogical Institute on Federal Records (Gen Fed), a week long, intensive institute held at the National Archives, designed to educate attendees about the holdings there.

December 2019     National Genealogical Society's Continuing Education Course:  "The War of 1812."  A comprehensive overview of the War of 1812 and the genealogical records that resulted.

May 2020    National Genealogy Society's Continuing Education Course:  "African American Roots: A Historical Perspective"

July 2021  The Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh (GRIP)  "Essential Tools and Strategies for African American Research"

July 2022  The Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh (GRIP) "Advanced DNA Evidence"

Ongoing      Researcher for the PBS television show "Finding Your Roots"

Ongoing      Countless hours spent at the National Archives in Washington DC, working with the records themselves

 

Affiliations and memberships

Member, National Genealogy Society

Member, Association of Professional Genealogists

Former Vice President and current member, Portage County (Ohio) Genealogy Society

Trustee and volunteer, Portage County (Ohio) Historical Society