SERVICES
Historical Research & Writing
Are you interested in an historical topic, person, or place but not quite sure how to go about doing the research to find answers? With more than a decade of experience conducting research in archives and document repositories of all kinds, I can help you locate the information you seek. Many projects involve multiple kinds of research, online and in person at various locations.
Once the research is complete, I can help you analyze and interpret the information drawn from historical sources. A final deliverable could be a simple outline or timeline or a more detailed report like an organizational history or a historic context related to Section 106 compliance. Whatever form the final product may take, I strive to use the historical record to craft a compelling story. You can see some examples of my writing in the Project Gallery.
Copyediting & Fact-Checking
Whether a short summary of findings or a detailed report with multiple appendices, all historical writing benefits from copyediting and fact-checking. With an eye for detail, I can review your text and edit based on your desired style book. I am most proficient with the Chicago Manual of Style (CMS) but am also familiar with the Modern Language Association (MLA) style guide and the Society for American Archaeology (SAA) guide, among others. If desired, I will also check quotations and numbers to ensure accuracy of facts and figures.
Title & Property History Research
Are you a homeowner interested in learning more about your home’s history? I can conduct a title search on your home and provide additional research on individual owners. I am constantly surprised at the stories that emerge with a little bit of digging. You may be surprised at the stories your home has to tell!
In addition to research for private individuals, I am also available to work with law firms to conduct title research at town clerk offices in Central Vermont, as required by Vermont law for real estate transactions. I will create a timeline tracking the chain of title through as many decades as required, including digital and/or hard copies of relevant documents.