Léon van der Hoeven has worked as professional genealogist and (local-)historian since 1990. From a young age he was fascinated by history and genealogy. In 1980 he started his own research. His special interest is the recovery of unknown sources. Furthermore, he is working on a repertory of Dutch teachers in the countryside of Zuid-Holland during the period 1572-1812. He is also is chairman of the Dutch Prize for Genealogy.