Document Retrieval & Research Support
Targeted Help When You Don’t Need a Full Research Project
Sometimes you don’t need a full-scale research project—you just need the right record from the right place, or a professional to help you sort out next steps. My Document Retrieval & Research Support services are designed for genealogists and professionals who want focused assistance: obtaining specific records, verifying a key detail, or getting expert guidance on how to move a project forward.
Is Document Retrieval & Research Support Right for You?
This service is a good fit if you:
- Need a specific record from a Pennsylvania archive or courthouse that isn’t available online
- Are working on your own research but want a professional to review your progress and suggest next steps
- Have a client case or family project that requires a targeted lookup rather than a full research package
- Need help deciding which records to pursue next, or how to interpret what you’ve already found
- Prefer to keep doing most of the research yourself, but want access to local repositories and professional guidance
Document Retrieval at Pennsylvania Repositories
I provide on-site document retrieval and targeted lookups at a range of repositories in Pennsylvania, including:
- Pennsylvania State Archives and State Library
- Repositories in Lancaster County
- Repositories in Chester County
- Repositories in Berks County
- Repositories in Lebanon County
- Repositories in York County
Typical document retrieval requests include:
- Deeds and land records
- Probate and estate files
- Orphans’ court records
- Tax lists and other local government records
- Church, cemetery, or local history materials not available online
You provide the details you have (names, dates, locations, and any call numbers or catalog entries), and I locate, copy, and deliver the requested records whenever they are available in the targeted repositories.
Research Support for Genealogists at any Level
Research support goes beyond retrieving a single record. It’s designed to help you think through your questions, evaluate evidence, and plan effective next steps.
Research support may include:
- Reviewing your existing work to check for gaps, conflicts, or missed opportunities
- Helping you formulate a focused research question and realistic goals
- Recommending records and repositories most likely to help with your specific problem
- Explaining how to analyze and correlate evidence from different sources
- Providing feedback on your own research reports, proof arguments, or case studies
- Offering one-on-one coaching sessions to build your skills and confidence over time
You remain in control of your project; my role is to help you use your time and resources more effectively.
How Document Retrieval & Research Support Works
1. Initial Inquiry
You contact me with a brief description of what you need—whether that’s a list of specific documents to obtain or a research problem you’d like help with.
2. Scope & Estimate
For document retrieval, I confirm which repository is involved, check basic availability, and provide an estimate of time needed. For research support, we may schedule a short call to clarify your goals and decide on an initial block of time.
3. Work Performed
- For document retrieval, I visit the relevant repository (as schedule and access allow), locate the requested items, and obtain digital images or copies when possible.
- For research support, I review your materials and provide written feedback, a research plan, or a scheduled consultation session—depending on what we’ve agreed.
4. Delivery & Follow-Up
You receive your records and/or written guidance, along with any notes about limitations or recommended next steps. If you’d like to continue working together—either with additional retrievals or ongoing support—we can extend the engagement as needed.
Need a Record or Research Partner?
Whether you’re looking for a specific Pennsylvania record or a professional sounding board for your research, I’d be happy to help. We can start with a simple request or a single consultation and build from there if needed.