Uncovering Stories Hidden in the Records
Every document holds a story waiting to be told. A faded photograph, a century-old deed, a handwritten letter—these aren't just artifacts. They're evidence. And like any good investigation, extracting the truth requires both analytical rigor and historical intuition.I bring a unique approach to genealogical and provenance research: the same data analysis methodologies used in enterprise analytics, applied to the messy, incomplete records of the past. With professional experience leading data and analytics operations, I know how to verify sources, resolve conflicting information, cross-reference databases, and build defensible conclusions from fragmentary evidence.History is just data that hasn't been organized yet. I organize it.
SERVICES
Forensic Genealogy
Comprehensive family lineage research using census records, vital statistics, obituaries, probate files, land records, and military documents. I don't just build family trees—I verify every connection, resolve discrepancies, and provide documented evidence for each relationship. Whether you're solving a family mystery, searching for heirs, or need research for legal purposes, I deliver thorough, citation-backed reports.
Document & Object Provenance
Have a family heirloom, vintage photograph, old letter, or mysterious artifact? I research the complete history behind it. Using names, dates, locations, and contextual clues within the item itself, I trace its origins and reconstruct the lives of the people connected to it. You'll receive a detailed report that transforms your object from a curiosity into a documented piece of history.
Targeted Research Projects
Hitting a genealogical brick wall? Need deep research on a specific ancestor, property, or historical question? I offer focused research blocks (5 or 10 hours) to tackle complex problems that require specialized attention. This includes hard-to-find records, migration patterns, name changes, adoptions, and cases requiring courthouse visits or archive research.
METHODOLOGY
My research approach combines traditional genealogical methods with data analytics best practices:Source verification: Every claim is backed by primary sources when available, with clear documentation of source quality and reliability.
Conflict resolution: When records disagree, I use analytical frameworks to determine the most likely truth
Chain of evidence: I build logical, defensible connections between data points rather than making unsupported leaps
Negative evidence: I document what I didn't find, which is often as important as what I did
Contextual analysis: Understanding historical context—migration patterns, naming conventions, social norms—is critical to accurate interpretation
WHY WORK WITH ME
Professional Research Standards
I apply the same quality control and documentation standards to historical research that I use in professional analytics work. You receive clear, well-organized reports with complete source citations.
Data Fluency
With a background directing analytics operations, I'm comfortable working with large datasets, database systems, and digital archives. I know how to extract signal from noise.
Attention to Detail
Genealogical research requires catching small discrepancies—a middle initial that doesn't match, a birthdate off by two years, a spouse's maiden name recorded differently. These details matter, and I notice them.
Realistic About Limitations
Not every mystery can be solved, and not every record survives. I'm transparent about what can be proven versus what remains uncertain, and I don't make claims I can't support.
Ready to start your research project? Email me to discuss your needs and timeline. We respond within 24 business hours.
Serving clients nationwide. Research capabilities include US federal and state archives, county-level records, digitized collections, and physical archive visits when necessary. I have a fast turn-around on research done at the Oregon Historical Society library and museum.