About Gay H. Baynes
Gay H. Baynes combines a colorful career path with a deep curiosity about the history of America. In researching her own ancestors, she has discovered untold family histories, which have enriched her life. As an executive coach and organizational consultant, she possesses a unique mixture of a creative background, clinical experience, and an innovative style. She is passionate about understanding not only an ancestor’s life story, but also the American world the ancestor inhabited. She does individual research, teaches, lectures, assembles lineage society applications, and mentors beginning and intermediate family historians who want to enhance their skills. Gay served as the Second Vice President of the North Carolina Genealogical Society. She is the former Membership Chair of her local DAR chapter.
Memberships
Association of Professional Genealogists
Daughters of the American Revolution
National Genealogical Society
Virginia Genealogical Society
North Carolina Genealogical Society
Virginia Beach Genealogical Society
New York Genealogical and Biographical Society
Education
B.A. Drama and Speech from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro
M.A. Dramatic Art from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
Post-graduate program at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art
Membership Institute of Counselling and Psychotherapy in London
Certificate Boston University Genealogical Research Course
Certificate from Institute of Genealogical Research in Advanced Methodology
Certificate from Institute of Genealogical Research in Intermediate Methodology
Certificate in Virginia Research: Colonial to Civil War Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy
Certificate from the Summit of Excellence Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy
Certificate in Advanced New England Research Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy
Certificate in DNA Practical Genetic Genealogy Genealogical Institute of Pittsburgh
Certificate in DNA Advanced DNA Evidence Genealogical Institute of Pittsburgh
ProGen46 2019-2020
“Mapping Early New York & Long Island” New York Genealogical and Biographical Society
“Cite It” New York Genealogical and Biographical Society
“African American Research” Slover Library, Norfolk, Virginia
Certification Discussion Group with Jill Morelli
National Archives Workshop with the Federation of Genealogical Societies
DAR Genealogy Course #1
Awards
2023 SAR Award of Appreciation
2021 NCGS Certificate of Appreciation
2013 Chancellors Award for Customer Services from Virginia Community Colleges
Gratitude
I would like to take this opportunity to thank some wonderful folks who have inspired me along my way. My dear friend Sandra LaVallee McLaughlin moved me for years with stories of her ancestors. She had an extraordinary knowledge of her kinfolk and their history. Regardless of my protest that my ancestors were a bunch of horse thieves, she sat me down one day and began a tree. I was astounded by her findings and will never be able to thank her enough. She literally changed the trajectory of my life. She also suggested this marvelous course at Boston University entitled “Introduction to Genealogical Research.” Melinde Lutz Byrne originated, designed, taught, staffed, and established the most outstanding course in the nation. It is a challenging and incredibly rewarding learning experience. I stepped from a struggling wannabe family historian onto a path that led me to become a working professional genealogist. Melinde’s own path of service and contribution is breathtaking…course, publications, research on lost names and cold cases… My sweet friend Kelly McMahon encouraged me through my studies and her research skills impress and influence me every day to be a better genealogist. My service at North Carolina Genealogical Society has provided me with a community of Tarheel researchers. NCGS past Presidents Vickie Young and Laurel Sanders welcomed and modeled ways of participating in statewide and national genealogical events. They are generous, kind, and impressive genealogists. I am grateful and hope to continue the tradition of inspiration to others.