About Gay H. Baynes
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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. She is the creator of “Gifts From Our Ancestors,” an online course for beginning genealogists.
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Memberships
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Education
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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. Ignoring my protest that my ancestors were a bunch of "horse thieves," she sat me down 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; education course, publications, research on lost names and cold cases. My sweet friend Kelly McMahon Woodard encouraged me throughout my studies and her research skills impress and influence me every day to be a better genealogist. I would like to especially thank Donna L. Chesus Crisp, Rear Admiral, U.S, Navy, retired, who trusted me early in my work to develop her family tree. My service at North Carolina Genealogical Society provided me with a community of Tarheel researchers. and modeled ways of participating in statewide and national genealogical events. The NCGS members are generous, kind, and impressive genealogists. I am grateful and hope to continue the tradition of inspiration to others.
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Special thanks to Abigail Sharff for her lovely painting of the dogwood branch.
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