Research Services

What questions about your family history have gone unanswered?

Finding the answers can be overwhelming sometimes. Let's set up a free 30-minute consultation to create a focused plan to solve the mystery in your family history.

Family History Research

Through professional research, we can help you identify unknown ancestors and document how each family member is connected in your family tree.

This may include:

  • Identifying parents, spouses, children, and extended family members
  • Locating census, vital, church, probate, land, military, immigration, and other historical records
  • Building or extending a documented family line
  • Reconciling conflicting names, dates, places, and relationships
  • Learning more about where an ancestor lived and the circumstances surrounding their life
Each record gives us a few facts about your ancestor. We present the records together to create a story of who the individual was and give you the answers you are looking for.
Ask About Family History Research

DNA & Unknown Parent Research

Using DNA along with traditional research can answer questions that research alone cannot. Using both can answer questions that would normally go unanswered.

This may include:

  • Analyzing autosomal DNA matches and shared matches
  • Grouping matches into family lines
  • Building research trees for DNA matches
  • Investigating unknown biological parents or grandparents
  • Using DNA evidence to support or challenge a suspected family relationship
  • Developing a plan for additional testing when it may help answer the research question
Each DNA research case involves living people and sensitive information. I handle all information carefully, and respect the privacy of each individual. There could be unexpected results.
Tell Me About Your DNA Question

Historical Record Research

Sometimes, no matter what you search for, you cannot find the record you need to solve your mystery. I can help you find the answers you are looking for.

This may include:

  • Locating records in online databases, archives, libraries, and record collections
  • Reviewing difficult-to-read historical documents
  • Comparing multiple records that appear to refer to the same person or family
  • Identifying clues within records that point to additional sources
  • Organizing evidence from several record types into a coherent explanation
Historical documents often answer one question while creating another. Part of the research process is recognizing those new clues and following them where the evidence leads.
Ask About Historical Records

Brick Wall Research

Is your own research going in circles and leading to nowhere? I can give it a fresh look and find the information to break through the brick wall that leads to new discoveries.

This may include:

  • Reviewing the research you have already completed
  • Re-evaluating assumptions about names, dates, locations, and relationships
  • Looking at relatives, associates, neighbors, witnesses, and other people connected to the family
  • Searching record groups that may not have been considered previously
  • Creating a research plan for questions that cannot yet be answered conclusively
Not every family-history question can be solved immediately. When the evidence does not support a firm conclusion, I will explain what was found, what remains uncertain, and what research may still be worth pursuing.
Tell Me About Your Brick Wall

Every project is different

Research begins with a conversation.

Before beginning a project, we will talk about your research question, what you already know, and what you hope to learn. That allows me to recommend an appropriate research goal and scope rather than asking you to choose a package before we understand the problem. Contact me today to setup a free 30-minute consultation.

Start a Research Inquiry