Research Services

Every family has a paper trail — census records, vital records, land deeds, probate files, military service records, immigration documents, church registers, and more. The challenge is knowing where to look, how to interpret what you find, and how to connect the pieces into a coherent family story.

My historical research service draws on decades of combined experience navigating archives at the local, state, national, and international level. I work with original records — not just indexed transcriptions — to ensure accuracy and uncover details that digitized databases often miss.

Each research project begins with a thorough review of what you already know, followed by a customized research plan targeting the most promising record sources for your specific family lines and geographic regions. You receive a detailed written report with all findings, source citations, and recommended next steps.

Every genealogist eventually hits a wall — an ancestor who seems to vanish from the records, a surname change that obscures origins, a missing birth record that leaves a line unverifiable. These are the puzzles that require specialized strategies, creative thinking, and deep archival knowledge.

Brick wall resolution is one of my most requested and most rewarding services. I approach each problem systematically: reviewing all existing research for gaps and errors, identifying alternative record sources, applying cluster research methodology to study the community around your ancestor, and integrating DNA evidence where applicable.

Many brick walls that have stumped researchers for years yield to a fresh set of expert eyes and a methodical approach. I document every step of my reasoning so you understand exactly how I arrived at my conclusions — and so the research stands up to scrutiny.

Please note: while I bring every available research strategy and resource to bear on your brick wall, Sacred Jewels Genealogy cannot guarantee a resolution in every case. Historical records are inherently incomplete — documents were lost to fire, flood, war, and neglect; some populations were systematically underdocumented; and certain records simply no longer exist or have never been made accessible. What I can guarantee is thorough, honest, and expertly conducted research, along with a full accounting of what was searched, what was found, and what remains unknown.

A family history is more than a list of names and dates — it is a narrative that brings your ancestors to life, places them in their historical context, and preserves their stories for the generations who come after you.

I write beautifully crafted, thoroughly documented family histories that read as compelling narratives, not dry genealogical reports. Each history weaves together the documentary evidence with historical context — the wars, migrations, economic forces, and social conditions that shaped your ancestors' lives and choices.

Family histories can range from a focused single-line narrative to a comprehensive multi-generational volume covering multiple family branches. I work closely with you throughout the process, incorporating family photographs, documents, and oral history where available.

Membership in a lineage society is a meaningful way to honor your ancestors and connect with others who share your heritage. But the application process requires rigorous documentation — every generation in your lineage must be proven with acceptable primary source records.

I specialize in preparing applications for the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), General Society of Mayflower Descendants, National Society Colonial Dames of America, and other lineage organizations. I know the documentation standards each society requires and how to present evidence that meets their criteria.

My service includes researching any undocumented generations in your lineage, locating and obtaining certified copies of required records, preparing the application paperwork, and reviewing the complete package before submission. I have a strong track record of successful applications.

A family tree is often the first way people visualize their heritage — and a professionally researched tree is a far more reliable and meaningful document than one assembled from unverified online trees.

I offer both basic and extended family tree services. A basic family tree focuses on your direct pedigree — parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, and beyond — with each generation documented from primary source records. An extended family tree expands to include siblings, collateral lines, and additional family branches.

Every tree I produce is fully sourced and citation-ready. I deliver in your preferred format — digital files compatible with major genealogy software, beautifully formatted PDF charts, or both. Biographical notes and historical context can be added to bring the names to life.

FamilySearch is the world's largest free genealogy resource — but its sheer size, collaborative nature, and complex record collections can be overwhelming. Knowing how to navigate it effectively, evaluate what you find, and contribute accurately makes an enormous difference in your research.

I provide hands-on guidance and direct assistance with FamilySearch — from navigating its record collections and understanding its indexing to working with the collaborative Family Tree and resolving duplicate or incorrect entries. Whether you're new to FamilySearch or an experienced user hitting specific roadblocks, I can help.

My FamilySearch assistance can be delivered as a standalone service or as part of a broader research engagement. I can work directly in your account with your permission, or provide detailed guidance you can implement yourself.