Ben Hollister

Ben has been a professional genealogist since 2007, and a historical researcher since 1997. He currently owns and operates Roots and Branches Family History, a historical research business focussing on German-Australian research, and as well as offering a variety of support services to historical researchers via the History Helper service. Ben was the co-convenor of the Germanic & Continental European SIG of Genealogy SA  and also served as Executive Officer of the German-Australian Genealogy and History Alliance, a network of societies, archives and researchers. He was also an inaugural board member of the International German Genealogy Partnership.

A Certified Professional with the Australian Library and Information Association and a director of the Association of Professional Genealogists, Ben believes in the value of continuing education and professionalism and . He holds tertiary qualifications in information management, educational management, and applied history, and vocational qualifications in business management and event management and design.

Qualifications

  • Graduate Diploma in Local, Family and Applied History (University of New England - Australia)
  • Graduate Certificate in Applied History and Heritage Studies (Flinders University of South Australia) 
  • Graduate Certificate in Adult, Vocational and Workplace Learning (Educational Leadership and Management) (University of South Australia)
  • Bachelor of Arts (Library and Information Management) (University of South Australia)
  • Industry Certificate In Festival and Event Design and Management (Flinders University)
  • Diploma of Business (Frontline Management)
  • Certificate IV in Training and Assessment

Memberships

Speaking

  • SAGHS Germanic and Continental European Group (2014 - 2019)
  • German Heritage Research Seminar (2016, 2018 - University of Adelaide)
  • International German Genealogy Conference (2017 - Minneapolis, 2019 - Sacramento)
  • GAGHA Conference of German-Australian History and Heritage (2018 - University of Adelaide)
  • Association of Professional Genealogists Professional Management Conference (2018 - Kansas City, 2019 - Salt Lake City)

Publications

  • The South Australian Genealogist (various)
  • APG Quarterly