How It All Started
Like many folks, I thought I knew my family story. I thought my roots were in Ireland, Sweden, and Québec. I thought I was Métis. I thought a lot of things, and it turned out that many of those things were wrong.
Family members had compiled a family tree that went back 4 generations, but there were no supporting documents. Even though these documents were relatively easy to obtain, we didn’t, and we accepted the tree as fact.
One day my grandmother casually mentioned that she was adopted. She knew the name of her birth mother, and had even met her as a young child, but wondered who her birth father was.
That day and that request, more than twenty years ago, started a research journey for my own roots. I uncovered a lot, corrected misinformation, and found new pathways.
That journey has evolved into providing thoughtful guidance and problem-solving for others looking for their own story. Need help finding your own way? Send me a note and I will happily help. Not sure? Set up a free phone consultation to learn more.
Archer is run by Deb—that’s me—and I will be your genealogist and your point of contact and communication as we work on solving your genealogical need(s).
The “we” in the last phrase is very important. At the outset of your project, you will share with me your documents, trees, anecdotes, and so forth, but there will likely be times that I will reach out for other tidbits that you may not even realize you know or have.
As well, the “we” will sometimes include other researchers who could be helping with document retrieval at a geographically-distant locations or specialized research.
Only want me to work on your project? Read “Shhh…it’s a secret.” below.
Want to get started? Just send a note to schedule a free consultation.
How I…or…We Work
Shhh…it’s a secret.
Everyone approaches their search differently and I respect that. That means your project starts with a contract and an NDA (non-disclosure agreement) so that you can be certain that no information is shared without your permission.
Occasionally, I work with partner researchers to help with geographically distant or specialty needs. Your contract and NDA extend to those people as well, meaning that they can not discuss nor disclose without your say-so.
If you aren’t sure that will work for you and would like only me to work on your project, that can be arranged.
Genealogical research can reveal unexpected truths. Prior to sharing our research, you and I will set up boundaries to determine what you do and do not want to know.
This is your journey. I am here to help you along, but will not force you down a path that you do not want to travel.
As part of my due diligence, I execute comprehensive research, but no breadcrumbs will be left behind, all records that I obtain are securely filed, and I share only that which you want me to share.
