Professional Services
Maria Jean Pratt Hopper, CG
(aka Ree Hopper)
Visit the BCG website to learn more about Certified Genealogist.
Genealogical Research
I am available for researching your family's roots. My special areas of interest are New Jersey and New York research and the descendants of New Amsterdam families in New Jersey. Please contact me for current rates.
I am also available for searching for and obtaining records from the Court Houses of Bergen, Passaic, Morris and Hudson Counties in NJ and in Rockland County, NY.
Talks
Over the years, I Have given many talk for a variety of audiences. Most are about 45-50 minute Power Point Lectures with time for questions and answers to follow.
Tracing Your Family Roots
Introduction to Genealogical Research - Includes use of vital records, census records, court house research, internet research, emigration and passenger list, naturalizations, church and cemetery records and much more. Also available in a two - two and a half hour workshop.
Breaking Through Brick Walls
When research comes to a halt, we say we have hit a Brick Wall. Learn the different techniques and methods I used to break through some of my brick walls, which may help you tackle yours.
What's in a Name?
Meaning of names, name changes, nick names, irregular or phonetic spellings of names. Popular names in different eras, most common surnames, traditional naming patterns etc. Also how to search for names on the internet.
The Who, What, Where, When, How and Why of Court House Research
Deeds, Mortgages, Wills, Administrations, Inventories, Releases and other probate records, who made them, what they contain, where to find them, when were they made, how to obtain them (by mail or in person), and why are they so important to genealogical research.
How to Research, Write and Publish a Family Genealogy or Family History
How to and how not to research, write, and publish a genealogy. Covering compiling, researching, and indexing your work. Print On Demand Technology, copywriting, pricing, advertising. selling online, shipping and mailing etc.
The Hoppers of Bergen County and other Jersey-Dutch Families
Fascinating Individuals and Families, found in my research - the Saints and the Sinners. As well as helpful hints on how to researched Bergen County and vicinity families.
Bergen County Diaries and the Women who Wrote Them
A look at the interesting items noted in the diaries of six Nineteenth Century Bergen County women. Also a look at the lives of the women who wrote then: Martha Zabriskie and her sister Adelaide (Zabriskie) Esler, Charity (Ackerman) Achenbach, Maria Ferdon, Elizabeth (Lizzie) Campbell, and Lavinia (Hopper) Dater. A great talk for women's clubs.
