Question 1

Will you travel for my project?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Depending on the project and my schedule, I am willing to travel to conduct research.

Please note that travel will be added to the cost of the project. For travel that exceeds 20 miles roundtrip, I charge mileage at the Wisconsin state rate of $.67 per mile.

Question 2

What other expenses are part of this work?

Accepted Answer

Past project expenses have included institutional fees for photocopies or digital scans, parking or other transportation costs, purchasing an external hard drive to transfer large digital files, purchasing and mailing a book or other publication to a patron, or purchasing and shipping archival supplies (boxes, folders, etc.) to an organization. All project costs will be discussed before beginning work and included in any final project plan or agreement.

Question 3

Do I need to sign any type of contract or agreement to begin working with Tobias History Research?

Accepted Answer

That depends on each project, but in general, I ask clients to sign a non-legally binding agreement that outlines our project work, fee structure, method, and timeline for payment PRIOR to beginning each project.

Question 4

Are you available for speaking engagements or instructional events?

Accepted Answer

Yes! I’m available for speaking engagements, workshops, and instructional events. I regularly present on topics related to genealogy and local history research, as well as personal archives management, digitization projects, and crafting a good research strategy. Whether you’re planning a community program, professional training, or classroom session, I’m happy to tailor content to your audience’s interests and experience level. Feel free to reach out to discuss ideas—I’d love to be part of your event.

Question 5

What payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

I accept Venmo, PayPal, Zelle, or payment by check or money order.

Question 6

How will I receive my research report?

Accepted Answer

All reports are delivered digitally via email. You may need to use Google Drive or Dropbox to receive larger attachments (digitized documents, images, etc.). I can also mail a paper report, but please note that you will be charged for paper, printing, and postage costs.

Question 7

What if you can't find an answer to my research question?

Accepted Answer

While I cannot guarantee answers to every research question, I do my best in accordance with the APG Code of Ethics and Professional Practices and NGS Guidelines.  With some difficult research questions, I’ll try different strategies to find the answer. If I cannot provide an answer to your specific research question, I’ll share recommended next steps with the client. Clients are  billed for this work, as I still put the same time and effort into researching.

Question 8

May I share your research results with a wider audience, for example, on Ancestry.com or in a family history publication?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. I only ask that you let me know in advance and please cite Tobias History Research (and my website) as the source of the research.

Question 9

Can I purchase your services as a gift for a friend or family member?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Genealogy research makes a thoughtful and meaningful gift. You can purchase my services for a friend or family member—whether it’s a custom research project, a consultation to help them get started, or assistance organizing family photos and documents. I’m happy to work with you to create a gift that fits your budget and their interests. Just get in touch, and we can plan the perfect way to share the gift of family history.