Our Genealogy Services

Sales Tax & Deliverables

​All research packages and services reflect professional genealogy services and are not subject to Illinois sales tax when delivered digitally.

 

Clients will receive:

• Digital reports (PDF)

• Digital copies of records

• Secure cloud access (Google Drive)

 

Sales tax may apply only if physical materials are requested or included, such as:

• Printed reports or document packets

• Bound books, binders, and portfolios

• USB drives or other physical media

• Mailed materials

 

Any applicable sales tax will be clearly itemized and applied only to the physical portion of the project.

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Digital delivery (including PDF reports, electronic records, and cloud-based access) is not considered a physical product and is not subject to sales tax.

 

These packages are designed for clients ready to commit to a focused research project. Each package includes professional genealogical research and a comprehensive report of our findings—regardless of the outcome.

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Important Note:
Genealogical research is a process of discovery, and the availability of records cannot always be guaranteed. The hours you purchase reflect our professional time, expertise, and the delivery of a thorough report documenting all research conducted and findings uncovered.

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✨Now Offering Citizenship & Dual Citizenship Research

Documenting your ancestry to support your application journey.

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1. Initial Project Assessment

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Every successful research project starts with a clear plan. Our Initial Project Assessment is the best way to begin your journey.

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How it Works: We'll dedicate up to two hours to review your existing research, analyze your goals, and assess the feasibility of your project. We'll identify potential challenges, locate key starting points, and outline a realistic research strategy.

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What You Get: A detailed report outlining our assessment and a recommended research plan with an estimated number of hours needed to answer your question.

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Your Investment: $100. The two hours completed during this phase will be applied toward any research package purchased within 30 days—so you’ll only need to purchase the remaining hours to complete your selected package.

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This assessment ensures that your expectations are aligned with the reality of genealogical research and helps you make a confident decision about your next steps.​

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2. Core Research Packages​

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The Starter Story (5-hour package):

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Ideal for: Beginners or those with a single, specific research question.

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What it includes: Five hours of dedicated research to verify an ancestor, track down a key document, or get a solid start on a single family line. You’ll receive periodic updates, a detailed report, a case summary, and digital copies of all records discovered. We can also update your family tree on your preferred online platform (Ancestry.com, FamilySearch.org, etc.).

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Price: $225​

This service includes a minimum number of research hours. Additional time may be recommended based on findings and project needs.

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The Deep Dive (10-hour package): 

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Ideal for: Breaking through “brick wall” cases, interpreting DNA results—including reconstructing family trees to identify common ancestors—and uncovering more complex family mysteries.

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What it includes: Ten hours of dedicated research time, allows us to explore more records and make new connections. This package provides the time needed to investigate more challenging problems. You’ll receive periodic updates, a detailed report, a case summary, and digital copies of all records discovered. We can also update your family tree on your preferred online platform (Ancestry.com, FamilySearch.org, etc.).

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Price: $400

This service includes a minimum number of research hours. Additional time may be recommended based on findings and project needs.

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The Heritage Project (20-hour package): 

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Ideal for: Longer-term projects, such as researching multiple generations or entire family branches.

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What it includes: Twenty hours of dedicated research time. This package is for clients who want a thorough investigation of their family's story. You’ll receive periodic updates, a detailed report, a case summary, and digital copies of all records discovered. We can also update your family tree on your preferred online platform (Ancestry.com, FamilySearch.org, etc.).

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Price: $700 

This service includes a minimum number of research hours. Additional time may be recommended based on findings and project needs.

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Add-Ons:

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• Physical Document Copies (Taxable Add-On):
  Archival-quality, high-resolution printed copies of all discovered documents, mailed to you. Applicable Illinois sales tax will be added.

• National Archives Research: A premium option for projects requiring access to federal records. This service is billed at a separate rate.

• Tree Maintenance Plan: A subscription-based service to keep your tree clean and accurate.

• Genealogy Site Training Consultation: A personalized, one-on-one session to teach you how to effectively use genealogy sites and software (like Ancestry, FamilySearch, and others). Learn how to navigate your newly organized tree, find new records, and confidently manage your family history research on your own.

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3. Specialized Services

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These services are designed to help you with specific needs outside of a traditional research project.

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Family Tree Clean-Up & Organization: 

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Ideal for: Anyone with a messy, incomplete, or inaccurate online family tree who needs help correcting errors, organizing information, and bringing clarity and structure to their research.

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What it includes: Ten hours of dedicated research time to remove duplicates, correct incorrect information, and properly organize your records, photos, and documents. We'll get your genealogy in order so you can move forward with confidence.

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Price: $500.00 

This service includes a minimum number of research hours. Additional time may be recommended based on findings and project needs.

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Add-Ons:​

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• Tree Maintenance Plan: A subscription-based service to keep your tree clean and accurate.

• Genealogy Site Training Consultation: A personalized, one-on-one session to teach you how to effectively use genealogy sites and software (like Ancestry, FamilySearch, and others). Learn how to navigate your newly organized tree, find new records, and confidently manage your family history research on your own.

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House History Research:

Each home has a story—this service helps uncover the people and history that shaped it.

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Ideal for: Homeowners, buyers, and history enthusiasts interested in uncovering the story behind a home or property.
Especially meaningful for historic homes, new homeowners, or anyone looking to preserve the legacy of their property.

 

What it includes: 

A detailed investigation into the history of your home, tracing past owners, occupants, and the evolution of the property over time.

 

Research may include:

• Chain of ownership (deeds and property records)

• Census records and occupant history

• Historical maps and land records

• Local archives, newspapers, and city directories

• Historical context of the neighborhood and time period

 

You’ll receive a written report outlining the history of your property, along with digital copies of all records discovered.

 

Pricing:

House history research is billed using the same package structure as our core research services:

• 5 hours: $225

• 10 hours: $400

• 20 hours: $700

 

This service includes a minimum number of research hours. Additional time may be recommended based on findings, project needs, or the age and historical significance of the property.

 

Add-On:
Printed House History Report (Taxable):
A professionally formatted and printed version of your home’s history, perfect for display or keepsake purposes.

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4. Heirloom & Legacy Products

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The Family History Legacy Book: 

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Ideal for: Creating a beautiful, lasting record of your family's story to share with loved ones.

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What it is:
The ultimate heirloom. This project includes a minimum of 50 hours of dedicated research and writing to transform your family’s history into a custom-binder book. Your story will be brought to life through research findings, historical context, maps, photos, and personal narratives. The project includes two physical copies of the finished book.

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Price: Starting at $2,500 (Payment plans are available)

Additional time may be recommended for extended or more complex projects.

 

What’s included:

• 50+ hours of research and writing (non-taxable service)

• Custom-designed book layout and storytelling

• Two professionally printed physical copies of your book (taxable portion)

 

Sales Tax Note:
Sales tax applies only to the printed book portion of this project, not to the research and writing services. Applicable sales tax will be calculated and itemized based on the final printing cost of the physical books.

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Add-Ons:​

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• Additional Book Copies: Extra copies of the legacy book at a discounted rate.​

• Custom Heirloom Box: A beautifully crafted box to store your book and other family mementos.

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5. Speaking Engagements & Presentations (NEW)

 

Available for virtual and in-person genealogy presentations for groups, societies, and organizations.

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• Duration: 45–60 minutes

• Includes: Q&A and discussion

• Rate: $150 per session

 

Popular Topic: Preserving Your Family History

 

Recent Presentation:
“Preserving Family History – Protecting Your Research for the Next Generation”
Presented on March 14, 2026 for Grandstand Genealogy Club, Myrtle Beach, SC

 

Book a Genealogy Presentation:
Contact me to schedule a session for your group.​​