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Meet our team of friendly family history experts

At Findmypast, we're passionate about the past. Our first-class team of family history experts proves just how passionate we are every time they deliver a talk or pen an article. Here, you can discover the team's credentials, explore their work and get to know them a little better.

Brian Donovan, Findmypast

Brian Donovan

Brian previously lectured in history at Trinity College Dublin in the 1990s and since then has travelled the world talking all things history, genealogy and digitisation. Brian's experience in digital technology, as well as his background in history, helped motivate the founding of the well-known Irish heritage company Eneclann in 1998. In 2010, he formed a joint venture with DC Thomson that created Findmypast Ireland. Today, Brian continues to help develop our Irish record collection, the largest of its kind online. He is also responsible for a range of Findmypast global initiatives involving new data, markets and opportunities.

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Jen Baldwin, Findmypast

Jen Baldwin

Jen has been working in the realm of professional genealogy since 2010 but has been pursuing her family history since she was ten years old, enjoying her grandmother's stories - and her cookies. She is currently the North American Content Manager and Global Ambassador Program Lead for Findmypast. Jen lectures, writes and consults on a variety of genealogy-related topics. She was part of the research team for Genealogy Roadshow, season two on PBS (US). She is the author of course materials for the National Institute of Genealogical Studies. Jen is always excited to discover unique resources that allow for a different perspective in genealogical research. 

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Mary McKee, Findmypast

Mary McKee

Mary McKee is the Head of Content Publishing Operations at Findmypast and has been with the company since 2014. Mary grew up in Philadelphia but now lives in her ancestors' homeland in Northern Ireland. She holds a Masters in Irish History from Queens University, Belfast and is currently pursuing her History PhD at Birkbeck, University of London. Mary has presented on a variety of topics at genealogy and history conferences in the United States and Britain.

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Myko Clelland, Findmypast

Myko Clelland

Myko has a masters degree in family history with distinction and is a qualified adult education teacher. He has presented over 500 times worldwide in places as diverse as Oxford University, The National Archives (UK), National Library of Wales, Society of Australian Genealogists, Auckland Family History Expo, RootsTech (US and London), The Society of Genealogists (UK), Who Do You Think You Are? Live and many regional archives and local family history groups. Myko has regularly appeared on television, radio and in print as he strives to make genealogy accessible to all, simplifying the complex records that bring our ancestors' stories to life.

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Paul Nixon, Findmypast

Paul Nixon

Paul Nixon heads up the record licensing effort for England and Wales at Findmypast and is our in-house military family history expert. His interest in military history goes back to the early 1980s and he has spent more time delving through old records than he cares to remember. Paul regularly lectures and writes on British Army topics. His principal period of interest is 1850-1920.

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Bringing family history know-how into your home

This esteemed team of family history experts regularly appears on Findmypast From Home, our weekly series of live broadcasts on Facebook and YouTube. It's their chance to bring the Findmypast Community together over a shared love of the past and help break down a 'brick wall' or two.

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Recommended Findmypast records

Family-finding favourites

Make your own amazing discoveries with record collections handpicked by the people who know them best.

  • Mary recommends old newspapers. They can reveal so much about the day-to-day lives of your ancestors. There is no end to the information you can discover
  • Paul explores British Army Service Records every day and always finds documents he hasn't seen before. Findmypast has the most comprehensive collection online, all searchable in one place
  • Myko finds the detail and depth in our Scotland Monumental Inscriptions essential for tracing Scottish family stories
  • Jen loves the Findmypast Photo Collection and says it's especially insightful if you're not from the British Isles. The pictures provide a window into your ancestors' culture and community
  • Brian’s Irish heritage makes the Petty Sessions Court Registers a must-search for him. They cover every county and feature details you won't find in other records
Start searching

Tips and insights from the team

Family history discovery

How a simple search for an ancestor can unlock way more than you expect

Were my ancestors gay?

How to trace LGBT ancestors

How to search census records online

5 essential tips to remember when searching census records

Paul Nixon genealogy

Why I believe my family history subscriptions are worth every penny

Ancestors in Irish War of Independence

Were your ancestors caught up in the Irish War of Independence?

Are you looking for a family history expert?

Brian, Jen, Mary, Myko and Paul are seasoned presenters and authors. If you'd like to tap into their rich knowledge and skills, we'd love to hear from you. Get in touch on ambassadors@findmypast.com.