Biography
Mark A. Wentling, MLS, CG, located in the Boston-Providence metropolitan area, is the owner of Ancestor Introductions, LLC, and has more than 25 years of experience connecting people with their unique family stories. His work has involved research in every U.S. state. He has offered probate, heir search and other forensic research services to attorneys and the military since 2017. For family history clients, he specializes in New England and New York cases, including Mayflower ancestry and Revolutionary War lineages.
As a university adjunct professor of genealogical principles and methods, peer-reviewed author, and active professional board member, his recognized expertise lends credibility to the results produced for his clients.
To learn more about Mark's professional experience, please visit https://ancestorintroductions.com.
Client Services
Forensic research: Missing and unknown heir search; probate research; quiet title; military repatriation.
Family research: New England and New York genealogy; complex problem-solving; lineage research for Mayflower, colonial American, and Revolutionary War ancestry, including preparation of applications for membership in lineage organizations, such as:
- General Society of Mayflower Descendants
- Sons of the American Revolution (SAR)
- Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR)
- Children of the American Revolution (CAR)
- Boston Tea Party Descendants Program
- National Scoiety of the Colonial Dames
Highlights
Peer-Reviewed Articles
- "Joseph Brownell (1699-ca.1773) of Dartmouth, Massachusetts, and Little Compton, Rhode Island: Corrections to the Identities of His Wives and Children," Mayflower Descendant, 71 (Summer 2023): 132-163. [read]
- "Who Was Grace Holcom, Wife of Daniel Manley?," The New England Historical and Genealogical Register, 174 (Fall 2020): 324-327.
Teaching Experience
- Adjunct Professor of Genealogy, University of New Haven, Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences, Forensic Genetic Genealogy Graduate Certificate Program, 2021-present
- Expert Consultant, Research in Albany Tour, New York Genealogical & Biographical Society, October 2023
- Expert Consultant, Empire State Exploration-Hudson Valley, New York Genealogical & Biographical Society, March 2023
- Case Study Instructor, Advanced Evidence Analysis Practicum, Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy, Fall 2022
- Certified Genealogist Mentor, ProGen (Professional Genealogy) Study Group (cohort 56), 2021-2022
- Course Facilitator, Genealogy Principles, Boston University Center for Professional Education, Fall 2018
Boards & Leadership
- Board for Certification of Genealogists
- Trustee, October 2024-present
- Ad hoc White Paper Committee on Certification and Standards in Forensic Genetic Genealogy, 2023-2024
- Nominating Committee, 2023
- Association of Professional Genealogists
- Board Director, 2022-present
- Code of Ethics Review Committee — Chair, 2023-2024
- Forensic Genealogy Special Interest Group — Vice President & Program Chair, 2020-2021; Nominating Committee Chair, 2022
- New England Chapter — Vice President, 2018-2020; Mentoring Program Coordinator, 2019-2022; New England Regional Genealogical Consortium (NERGC) Conference, Planning Committee Delegate, 2017-2019.
- Association of Genealogy Educators & Schools
- Board Director, 2022-2023
- Curriculum Committee — Chair, 2022-2023, Member 2023-2024
Note: Contact information for emeritus and retired associates is provided as a courtesy; these individuals have retired from research for clients. For currently-active associates, the Certification Date is that of initial certification; associates are retested every five years. Because all research credentials were consolidated to reflect the CG credential in 2005, any prior certification categories are also noted.
