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English
$
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I will conduct professional genealogy and family history research
Historian, Historical Research, Writing and Consulting
I’m a historian, writer, and consultant with a Ph.D. in American History from the University of Chicago. I’ve served as a Senior Program Officer at the National Endowment for the Humanities and as Exe...
About this Gig
Discover the stories behind your family tree with professional genealogy research from a historian with a Ph.D. in History from the University of Chicago.
I combine genealogical research with professional historical methods to investigate your ancestors, evaluate evidence, resolve conflicting information, and uncover the historical context of your family's experiences.
I can research census, birth, marriage and death records, immigration and naturalization documents, military records, newspapers, church and cemetery records, land and probate records, city directories, court records, and other historical sources.
Whether you need help answering a specific genealogy question, verifying an existing family tree, researching an ancestor, or breaking through a genealogy "brick wall," I will provide carefully documented findings.
My Portfolio
FAQ
What makes your genealogy research different?
I am a professional historian with a Ph.D. in History, and I approach genealogy as historical research—not simply as a search for names and dates. I evaluate evidence, compare sources, investigate conflicting information, and place your ancestors within their historical context.
What information do you need from me to begin?
Please provide as much information as you have about the person or family you want researched, including names, approximate birth and death dates, locations, family relationships, and any existing family-tree information or records. Even incomplete information can be a useful starting point.
How far back can you trace my family?
There is no reliable number of generations that can be guaranteed. I will follow the evidence as far as available records permit and clearly distinguish documented information from conclusions that remain uncertain.
Can you help me break through a genealogy “brick wall”?
Yes. Brick-wall research is particularly well suited to my historical research approach. I will examine the evidence already available, identify gaps or contradictions, and pursue additional sources that may help resolve the problem.
Will you provide copies of the records you find?
When permitted by the relevant archive or database, I will provide copies, screenshots, transcriptions, or links to important records. Some databases and archives restrict the redistribution of their records, in which case I will provide the appropriate citation or link.
How do you handle conflicting information?
I compare the reliability, date, proximity, and context of competing sources rather than automatically accepting one record as correct. My report will explain significant discrepancies and identify conclusions that are well supported versus those that remain uncertain.
Will you write a narrative about my ancestor?
Yes. The Standard and Premium packages include written research reports. I can organize the evidence into a chronological account that explains your ancestor's family, movements, occupation, community, and historical circumstances when the sources support those details.
What if you cannot find the information I'm looking for?
Genealogical research does not always produce a definitive answer. If the evidence is inconclusive, I will explain what I found, what sources I examined, and what additional avenues may be worth pursuing. I will not present speculation as established fact.
Do you offer custom genealogy projects?
Yes. If your project does not fit one of the three packages, please contact me. I can develop a custom research project based on the number of individuals, geographic areas, historical period, complexity, and type of research required.
Can you guarantee that you will find my ancestor?
No. Historical records are incomplete, and some records have been lost, destroyed, misidentified, or never created. I can guarantee a professional research process and clearly documented findings, but I cannot guarantee a particular genealogical discovery.
