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Michael S. Ramage, J.D., Certified Genealogist®, is a full-time forensic genealogist who has the credentials of a Board-certified genealogist and a licensed attorney. He subscribes to numerous electronic databases that provide access to millions of relevant records some of which are only accessible to licensed attorneys, private investigators, law enforcement and the like. Listed here are some of his specific credentials:
EDUCATION AND TRAINING:
- Susquehanna University, B.S. in Business Administration (1972).
- Stetson University College of Law, Juris Doctorate (1975).
- Attended dozens of local, statewide and national genealogical seminars and workshops.
- Certificate from National Genealogical Society's course in "American Genealogy: ABC" (1998-1999).
- Certificates from the Council for the Advancement of Forensic Genealogy - Forensic Genealogy Institute: (2012 - 2016).
EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:
- Board-certified genealogist since 2002 by the Board for Certification of Genealogists®.
- Court qualified expert in the field of missing and unknown heirs.
- Professional genealogist since 1998.
- Varied genealogical research experience in facilities from the east to west coasts of the United States, and Great Britain, since 1986.
- Licensed Pennsylvania attorney. Twenty-five years of legal experience including estates, trusts, real estate, and adoption practice and litigation.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS:
- Board for Certification of Genealogists - currently its General Counsel, previously an Officer and Trustee (2010 - 2016).
- Council for the Advancement of Forensic Genealogy (CAFG).
- Association of Professional Genealogists.
- National Genealogical Society.
- Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania.
- Pennsylvania Bar Association.
LECTURES:
- In 2020, I co-taught a week-long course, “Fundamentals of Forensic Genealogy,” at the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy’s Academy.
- In August 2019, he presented “Forensic Genealogy for Death & Dirt Lawyers” for the PBA Real Property, Probate & Trust Law Section.
- Lecturer at the Forensic Genealogy Institute, CAFG 2012-2016: (1) "Adoption Laws & Procedures for the Forensic Genealogist;" (2) "Forensic Genealogy Fees and Contracts Including Ethics & Liability;" (3) "Missing & Unknown Heirs Law & Procedure for the Forensic Genealogist;" (4) "Witness Roles for the Forensic Genealogist;" and (5) Business Considerations.
- Instructor for Boston University's "Certificate in Genealogical Research Certificate Program" (Facilitator 2011-2016; Instructor 2016-2017).
- Lecturer at the Genealogical Institute of Pittsburgh, Fundamentals of Forensic Genealogy for the 21st Century (2016 & 2018 - 2020).
- Past Instructor of Wills, Estates & Trusts, and Elder Law, at Penn State, Delaware County (Pennsylvania) Campus.
PUBLICATIONS:
- “Self-Authenticating Evidence: Rules You Need to Know,” Association of Professional Genealogists Quarterly, Volume XXXIV, No. 4 (December 2019): 11.
- Michael S. Ramage, “Forensic Specialization” and “Ethical Considerations” chapters in Professional Genealogy: Preparation, Practice & Standards, Elizabeth Shown Mills, editor (Baltimore, Maryland: Genealogical Publishing Company, 2018).
- “Standards and Forensic Genealogy,” OnBoard 22 (September 2016): 1.
- "What Lawyers Need to Know about the Heir-Hunting Industry," The Pennsylvania Lawyer (May/June 2013): 43.
- "Missing and Unknown Estate Heir Law Practice and Procedure," Pennsylvania Bar Association Quarterly, Vol. LXXVI, No. 3 (July 2005):125.
- "Fees and Forensic Genealogy," Forensic Genealogy News 1 (CAFG: December 2011): 2.
- The Challenges and Rewards of Reviewing International Heir Finders' Proofs of Heirship," Forensic Genealogy News 2 (CAFG: February 2012): 2.
- "Heir-Hunting Firm's Attorney Receives Public Reprimand," Forensic Genealogy News 2 (CAFG: December 2012): 4.
- "The Importance of Dispassionate Data Collection," OnBoard 19 (BCG: January 2013): 5.
- "Primer on the Use of BCG Trademarks," OnBoard 17 (May 2011): 1.
- Pennsylvania Elder Law Handbook (Elder Law Press, 1993).
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