Welcome to Common Thread Ancestry


Uncovering Your Family's Story Across America

I am a freelance Genealogist and Family Historian living in Washington, D.C., specializing in helping individuals and families across the United States discover their roots and bring their unique heritage to life. Whether your ancestors arrived through Ellis Island, settled in the heartland, sought refuge from hardship, or navigated the complexities of forced migration, I am dedicated to uncovering the diverse stories that have shaped your family's history within the greater tapestry of America.

What I Do

I provide comprehensive family tree research and document retrieval services for clients nationwide. Whether you're searching for birth and death records, marriage certificates, military service files, immigration and naturalization documents, or historical property deeds, I have the expertise and access to essential archives and libraries, both online and in-person. My research spans a wide range of sources, including census records, newspaper archives, church registers, and court documents, ensuring a thorough and accurate exploration of your family's past.

Additional Services

  • Family Tree Creation: I compile detailed, visually appealing family trees that showcase your lineage and key ancestral connections.

  • Relative Family History Reports: Comprehensive reports that highlight the lives and contributions of individual family members, placing them within their historical context.

  • Historical Context Analysis: Providing insights into the broader social, political, and economic conditions that shaped your ancestors' lives.

  • Verification of Existing Research: Reviewing and verifying family trees or genealogical work already completed by your family to ensure accuracy and fill in gaps.

  • Uncovering Family Legends: Delving into family stories, such as links to famous or notable people, unexpected ethnic roots, historic events, or even rumored ties to crime, to uncover the truth behind the tales and bring clarity to cherished family lore.

Document Retrieval & Digital Copies

If you need a specific record but can't travel to retrieve it, I've got you covered. I can obtain official or digital copies of:

  • Vital records (birth, marriage, and death certificates)

  • Military service files

  • Immigration and naturalization records

  • Newspaper archives and obituaries

  • Much more

What Sets Me Apart

My work is driven by a deep personal passion for uncovering the stories of everyday people and placing them within the larger historical narrative. I believe that every ancestor, no matter their background or journey, has a unique and valuable story to tell. My meticulous research is fueled by an insatiable curiosity and a profound respect for the lives that came before us. With my direct access to some of the foremost repositories of genealogical records in Washington, D.C., and a commitment to traveling to archives across the country, I provide an unparalleled level of dedication to bringing your family's history to life.

Navigating Complex Family Histories

I recognize that family history can include complex and painful narratives. My research is conducted with the utmost sensitivity when exploring:

  • Slavery and Forced Servitude: Identifying ancestors who were enslaved or involved in forced labor, utilizing records such as Freedmen's Bureau documents, plantation records, and emancipation papers.

  • Native American Ancestry: Navigating tribal records, treaty agreements, and federal enrollment documentation to help descendants uncover their indigenous heritage with respect and accuracy.

  • Immigration Challenges: Exploring the struggles and triumphs faced by ancestors who fled oppression or faced discrimination in their new homeland.

My Research Process

My research process is designed to be seamless and personalized:

  1. Initial Consultation: We discuss your goals and gather any existing information.

  2. Research Plan: We create a customized approach tailored to your family's unique history.

  3. Investigation: I access records from key archives, both digitally and in-person.

  4. Analysis and Contextualization: I analyze the records and place them within a broader historical and cultural context to provide deeper insights into your family’s story.

  5. Delivery: You receive detailed reports, supporting documentation, and insights into your family’s journey.

Compensation and Support Options

Genealogical research is a deeply personal journey, and I strive to make my services accessible while reflecting the value of the time and expertise involved. To this end, I offer a flexible, donation-based model that allows clients to contribute based on their specific needs while supporting the time-intensive nature of this work.

The most popular genealogy platform starts at $3,500 for research services, with some websites billing up to $200 per hour for research and reports. These services often rely on automated searches, standardized reports, and fixed fees, but true genealogical research requires far more. Genealogical research is a meticulous, time intensive process, as each case involves analyzing historical records, deciphering handwritten documents, cross-referencing sources, and piecing together fragmented evidence to construct an accurate family narrative. Some searches lead to unexpected discoveries, while others require weeks of persistence to verify a single ancestral link.

My approach is personalized and adaptable. Rather than fixed fees, I offer research through a donation-based model, ensuring that each project receives the same level of dedication while remaining accessible to those passionate about uncovering their family’s history. Contributions support the time, resources, and expertise required to conduct high-quality research, making it possible to provide thorough, customized investigations without the high price tags of major genealogy websites.

Start Your Journey Today

Whether you’re looking to build your family tree from scratch or solve a long-standing family mystery, I am here to help. Let me guide you through the past and connect you with your ancestors. Ready to uncover your family's legacy? Click the button below to begin!