I provide genealogical and historical research services to museums, archives, historical societies, and cultural institutions. Whether you’re documenting donor histories, researching provenance, or developing contextual information for exhibits and publications, I bring expertise in archival research, vital records retrieval, and biographical documentation.
My research is thorough, well-documented, and delivered with complete source citations suitable for scholarly use and institutional records.
What I Offer
Provenance Research
I trace the ownership history and historical context of objects, artworks, manuscripts, and artifacts in museum collections. This includes researching previous owners, documenting chains of custody, and uncovering the stories behind items to support exhibit labels, catalog entries, and collection documentation.
Donor & Family History Research
Museums often receive donations from families with deep roots in the community. I research donor family histories, biographical details, and genealogical connections to help institutions better understand their collections’ origins and acknowledge donors appropriately in publications and exhibits.
Biographical Research for Collections
When your collection includes items tied to specific individuals—letters, photographs, personal effects, or documents—I research their life histories to provide rich contextual information for exhibits, interpretive materials, and catalog records.
Exhibit Development Research
I conduct focused research to support the development of exhibits, including gathering historical context, identifying relevant archival materials, locating photographs and primary sources, and documenting the stories that bring exhibits to life.
Local & Community History Research
Historical societies and local museums often need research on community members, historic properties, businesses, or events. I specialize in Los Angeles and Ohio local history research, including census records, city directories, newspapers, and property records.
Archival & Collection Documentation
I help institutions document and contextualize their own archival collections. This includes researching the history of materials, identifying individuals in photographs, verifying dates and locations, and filling gaps in collection documentation.
Film & Television Production Research
I provide historical research and consulting services to production companies, documentaries, and independent filmmakers working on projects set in Los Angeles or requiring genealogical research for biopics and documentaries. This includes period accuracy research (what did 1940s Los Angeles actually look like?), location history and authenticity verification, prop and costume research, genealogical research for narrative projects, and fact-checking scripts for historical accuracy. Whether you’re creating a period drama, a documentary about a real family, or need to verify the historical context of your story, I bring archival expertise and attention to detail that helps bring authentic stories to the screen.
Sources I Work With
I conduct research using a wide range of primary and secondary sources, including:
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage, divorce)
- Census records and city directories
- Naturalization and immigration records
- Probate records, wills, and estate documents
- Land deeds and property records
- Court records and legal documents
- Historical newspapers and obituaries
- Church and cemetery records
- Military service and pension records
- Historical photographs and archives
- Published local histories and genealogical compilations
I have deep expertise in Los Angeles County and Ohio archives, with the ability to conduct research in other jurisdictions as needed.
My Process
1. Consultation & Scope Definition
We discuss your research needs, project goals, and timeline. I assess what sources are available and provide a realistic estimate of research time and costs.
2. Proposal & Agreement
For larger projects, I provide a written proposal outlining the research scope, methodology, deliverables, timeline, and costs. For smaller projects, a simple agreement is sufficient.
3. Research & Regular Updates
I conduct the research and keep you updated on progress. If I encounter unexpected findings or roadblocks, I communicate immediately and adjust the approach as needed.
4. Reporting & Documentation
I deliver a written research report with complete source citations, copies of relevant documents, and a clear summary of findings. All documentation is suitable for institutional records and scholarly use.
Institutional Research Rates
| Service | Rate | Notes |
| Hourly Research Rate | $65 / hour | Most institutional projects |
| Project-Based Research | Custom quote | Large-scale projects |
| Consulting & Planning | $65 / hour | Research design, strategy |
| Report Writing & Documentation | Included | Full citations provided |
For large-scale or multi-phase projects, I’m happy to provide a custom quote based on the scope of work. A 50% deposit is required for projects estimated at over 20 hours of research time.
Film & Television Production Research Rates:
Film and television production research is billed separately due to tight production deadlines, on-set consulting requirements, and the higher stakes involved in visual media. Rates start at $100/hour for desk research, $150/hour for on-set consulting and location verification, and $150/hour minimum for rush service (24-48 hour turnaround). Contact me for a project-specific quote.
What Institutional Research Looks Like
Here are examples of the types of research projects I undertake for museums and cultural institutions:
- Researching the family history of a prominent local donor whose collection forms the core of a museum’s holdings
- Tracing the provenance of a 19th-century painting donated to a museum, documenting its ownership history through census records, probate files, and historical newspapers
- Identifying individuals in a collection of unlabeled historical photographs using city directories, vital records, and newspaper archives
- Documenting the life story of a local business owner for a historical society exhibit, including biographical research, immigration records, and family connections
- Researching the history of a historic property for a preservation society, including chain-of-title research and biographical information on previous owners
- Supporting a museum’s repatriation research by documenting the original acquisition circumstances of cultural objects through archival sources
- Providing period accuracy research for a film set in 1950s Los Angeles, including location history, streetscape verification, and authenticity consulting for props and wardrobe
- Conducting genealogical research for a documentary filmmaker creating a biographical film about a prominent Los Angeles family, tracing lineage and uncovering previously unknown family connections
What Sets My Research Apart
Thoroughness
I don’t settle for incomplete answers. If a record exists, I find it. If it doesn’t, I document exactly what was searched and why the information may not be available.
Proper Documentation
Every finding is accompanied by complete source citations suitable for scholarly use, institutional records, and public presentation. You can trust that the research is defensible and well-documented.
Clear Communication
I keep you informed throughout the research process. You won’t wonder where your project stands or what I’m finding. I communicate regularly and clearly.
Contextual Understanding
I understand that museum research requires more than just finding names and dates. I provide context, historical background, and narrative detail that makes research findings useful for exhibits, publications, and interpretation.
Ready to discuss your research project?
I’m happy to provide a consultation at no charge to assess your needs and discuss how I can support your institution’s work.
