What we can help with

A missing parent, an uncertain relationship, or a family line you want to document.

How the process works

1. Set the scope

   We begin with the names you know, including alternate spellings, approximate dates, and places. Your family may choose to open with a libation or a moment of remembrance.

2. Investigate and compare evidence

   We search relevant sources such as census schedules, vital records, obituaries, probate files, and Freedmen’s Bureau records. We compare names, households, locations, and dates across sources to evaluate whether they point to the same people.

3. Review the results

   We walk through the work together, explain any open questions, and agree on what you can do next.

What you can receive

A source-cited summary of the relationships the evidence supports, conflicts or gaps, and next leads. A family tree can be included when agreed in the project scope.

What to bring to a consultation

Share one ancestor’s name and a general location or time period. An existing tree is welcome if you have one.