Tobias History Research is a premier provider of history research and archive management services. We conduct exceptional history and genealogy research for individuals, organizations, content creators, educators, and others. We also provide consultation services for families and organizations interested in collecting, managing, sharing and/or preserving their archival collections.

With 25+ years of professional research experience, founder Vicki Tobias guides and provides clients with thorough results. Her time working for leading historical organizations, supporting a wide range of clients and projects, and teaching graduate-level courses at the University of Wisconsin-Madison iSchool has given her a deep and varied research toolbox and a fresh perspective on genealogy inquiries.

Founded in 2016. Based in Madison, Wisconsin, but conducts research throughout North America.

About Vicki Tobias

She/Her

Vicki Tobias is a dedicated genealogist and historical researcher with a passion for uncovering and sharing the stories of the past. With over 25 years of professional experience, she’s known for her thoughtful, enthusiastic approach and deep knowledge gained from working with libraries, archives, and local history organizations. She founded Tobias History Research to share that expertise more broadly, helping clients not only discover their roots but also understand the time, care, and skill behind quality research.

Vicki holds a master’s degree in library science from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Her career has included work with institutions such as the Wisconsin Historical Society, the UW Digital Collections Center, UW–Madison Archives, and WiLS/Recollection Wisconsin. Since 2016, she has also taught graduate-level courses in genealogy, preservation, and archives management at the UW–Madison Information School, mentoring the next generation of researchers.

Through Tobias History Research, Vicki supports a wide range of projects: building family trees, interpreting DNA test results, tracing local history for books and walking tours, supporting filmmakers and scholars with archival research, and digitizing family treasures for milestone celebrations. Recent projects include deep-dive archival work for a documentary on U.S. housing inequity, Polish ancestry research for a dual citizenship application, and documenting property history for historic preservation purposes.

Vicki is also an active member of the professional genealogy community. She belongs to the National Genealogical Society and the Association of Professional Genealogists, and she currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Norwegian-American Historical Association.

Her love of history started early. As a curious eight-year-old, she was welcomed into a local library’s informal genealogy group comprised of older enthusiasts. Their joy in research and storytelling, and their willingness to teach her how to order and read microfilm, analyze census records, and build pedigree charts, sparked a lifelong passion.

Today, Vicki approaches each project with the same sense of wonder and purpose, helping others find meaning in their family stories and broader historical contexts. Her work is grounded in empathy, curiosity, and respect for the past.

Like many of us, Vicki comes from a web of complex and fascinating ancestors, including immigrants from Ireland, Germany, Pomerania, and Wales; farmers, factory workers, and soldiers who settled across the Upper Midwest in the 1800s. When she’s not digging into the past, she enjoys hiking, biking, exploring quirky local museums, playing music, gardening, and spending time with her dogs at home in Madison, Wisconsin.

Learn More About Vicki on LinkedIn

"Some people can be described as Swiss Army Knives; maybe they have a saw and a spoon and a pair of tin tweezers. If Vicki was a knife, she'd have the full complement of sharp tools, plus a satellite dish, a USB thumb drive, the complete works of Shakespeare and a couple of winter hats.

She isn't well-rounded or a generalist so much as she's curious enough for four people."

Values

Best Effort: While I cannot guarantee answers to every research question, I do my best by the APG Code of Ethics and Professional Practices and NGS Guidelines. In the face of a difficult research question, I problem-solve to find the answer. If I cannot answer your specific research question, I'll follow up with suggestions for continuing the quest.

Creativity: I employ creative, client-specific research methods.

Compassion: Digging into the past can uncover unpleasant or unexpected information. I deliver research results thoughtfully and with empathy.

Respect for Privacy: I value my clients' trust. I will never share sensitive project information without your explicit permission.

Belief in the Importance of History: I'm passionate about this work because learning about the past can help people live with more respect and empathy in the present.