From Old World to New World: Find the Links
Whether your ancestors crossed the Atlantic from Germany or built their lives in early America, their stories are part of larger journeys shaped by history. Wars, migrations, religious movements, and shifting borders all left their mark. Our research builds the bridge between your family and the world they lived in—bringing records to life with the historical context that made them possible.
What This Service Includes
When you choose German & Early American research, you’ll receive more than just names and dates. I focus on placing your ancestors within their historical context—showing not only who they were, but also the world they lived in. Here’s what you can expect:
- Immigration & Migration Records – Passenger lists, naturalization files, and settlement records that reveal when your ancestors arrived and where they built new lives.
- Church & Parish Registers – Baptisms, marriages, and burials that connect families across generations, whether in German villages or early American communities.
- Land, Tax & Probate Records – Deeds, estate files, and tax rolls that document property, inheritance, and westward migration.
- Military & Service Records – Muster rolls, pension files, and regimental histories that place your ancestors in times of war and revolution.
- Community & Historical Context – Local histories, newspapers, and archival material that illustrate the cultural and social forces shaping your ancestors’ daily lives.
Every discovery is carefully documented with full citations, so you can be confident that your family story is both accurate and connected to the broader history that surrounded it.
You’ll Receive
Collected documentation – copies of key records (vital, church, land, military, immigration, census, and more) that trace your ancestors through time and place.
Evidence summary – a clear, organized breakdown of the findings, including interpretation of older German handwriting to identify names, dates, and places, and showing how each record fits into your family’s story (as well as what questions remain).
Narrative report – a polished write-up weaving together records, analysis, and historical context to bring your ancestors’ world to life.
Pricing
At RootSource Research, I keep pricing straightforward and transparent so you know exactly what to expect.
Preliminary Research Package – $100
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3 hours of research dedicated to investigating your German or Early American ancestors.
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A research report summarizing the question, records consulted, and initial findings.
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Copies of original documents (such as church registers, land deeds, immigration files, or military records) with full source citations.
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An analysis of findings explaining what the evidence shows, including interpretation of older German handwriting when needed, where uncertainties remain, and what gaps are left to fill.
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Recommendations for next steps, including additional time estimates and an honest assessment of the likelihood of uncovering further information.
Additional Research – $50/hour
If you’d like to continue beyond the initial three hours, additional research is billed at $50 per hour.
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All additional work will be guided by the time estimate provided in your evaluation report.
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Research will never exceed the agreed-upon time limit without your prior approval.
Ready to Uncover Your Family's Story?
Embark on a journey through time with RootSource Research. Discover the rich tapestry of your ancestry and preserve your family’s legacy. Contact us now to begin your exploration.