Are you interested in discovering more about your Norwegian ancestors, or have you already started researching your family history? Today, a wealth of resources is available to anyone interested in tracing their Norwegian roots. Here at Norway Heritage, you will find articles to help you get started, along with searchable databases containing information about Norwegian emigrants, ships, and their journeys. Our discussion forum also provides an opportunity to ask questions, seek advice from experienced genealogists, and share your own discoveries.
However, genealogical research is not always straightforward. You may have reached a dead end, encountered conflicting information, or simply found that you do not have the time or inclination to carry out the research yourself. If you need assistance, I offer professional genealogical and historical research services, drawing on my academic background and many years of experience with Norwegian archives, genealogy, emigration, and maritime history.
Alongside my work with Norway Heritage, I am engaged in several ongoing historical research and writing projects, including local history publications. I therefore accept only a limited number of private research commissions each year. Each assignment is considered individually, based on its scope, research requirements, and my availability, allowing me to devote the necessary time and attention to each project.
I undertake genealogical and historical research for private individuals, authors, publishers, and organizations. Assignments may include:
Norwegian Genealogy and Family History: Tracing ancestors, establishing family connections, investigating difficult research problems, and exploring the historical circumstances in which families lived.
Emigration Research: Identifying emigrants' Norwegian origins, tracing departures and voyages, and investigating passenger lists, shipping companies, and migration routes.
Maritime History: Research involving Norwegian seafarers, merchant ships, shipping companies, historical voyages, and maritime records.
Historical Research and Consultancy: Archival investigations, verification of historical information, source identification, and research assistance for books, articles, exhibitions, and other publications.
My approach goes beyond simply collecting names and dates. I aim to place individuals and events in their historical context, evaluate the available evidence critically, and provide findings supported by references to the original sources whenever possible.
I am the founder and editor of NorwayHeritage.com, established in 1997. Over the years, I have developed extensive historical databases and research resources documenting Norwegian emigration, passenger movements, ships, and transatlantic travel. Through this work, I have gained considerable experience in genealogical, emigration, and maritime research. I also have extensive experience in maritime history, which is particularly valuable when tracing emigrants and seafarers, including the use of passenger lists, shipping records, and port documentation. I have written numerous historical articles, delivered lectures, authored family history books, and served as a historical research consultant on several book projects. I am currently authoring a Norwegian local and family history volume (bygdebok).
I hold a Norwegian Cand.mag. degree (comparable to a bachelor's degree), with an additional specialization in Local History (90 ECTS credits), and a Master of Public Administration, both from NTNU. My academic background includes historical research, source criticism, research methodology, and research ethics, providing a solid foundation for systematic, evidence-based historical investigation. My education and professional experience have given me a thorough understanding of the Norwegian public sector and the legal and administrative frameworks that have shaped historical record-keeping. This knowledge is particularly valuable in archival research, helping me understand why records were created, where they may be found, what information they are likely to contain, and what limitations or access restrictions may apply.
Every research assignment is different. The time and resources required depend on the nature of the question, the information already available, and the historical sources that may need to be examined. If you are considering commissioning genealogical or historical research, please contact me with a brief description of your project, together with any relevant information or documentation you already have. I will review your inquiry and assess whether I can assist, based on the nature of the project and my availability. If the project is suitable, we can discuss its scope, estimated research time, and fees before any work begins. Please note that historical and genealogical research cannot guarantee a particular result. Fees reflect the research undertaken rather than the number of ancestors or records discovered.
Interested in discussing a research project? Please use the Contact Us page to get in touch.
