The following persons utilize the facilities of the State Historical Society of Iowa libraries, and engage in professional genealogical (and to a smaller degree historical) research. Areas of expertise follow each listing.
All arrangements for research must be made directly with individuals on the list. Patrons and researchers should have a clear written agreement in advance as to the nature of the work to be done, whether the patron will be billed on an hourly or an all-inclusive basis (and at what intervals), and who will be responsible for the researcher's expenses. Patrons should bear in mind that researchers charge for their time and cannot guarantee the outcome of their research efforts.
This list is provided to State Historical Society of Iowa patrons. The State Historical Society of Iowa neither endorses the researchers on the list, nor assumes responsibility for the researchers' availability, schedule of fees, or research results.
Professional Researchers List (12/14/09)
Larry Adams
P.O. Box 1
Boone, IA 50036
515- 432-1931
ladams@opencominc.com
Historical and genealogical research; licensed private investigator; forensic consultant.
Karen Alderson
Unit A, 4316 Lorcardo Dr., NE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402-2342
alderson@netins.net
319-393-5829
Missing persons (adoptees, birth families, lost loves, military friends etc.); genealogical/history research; licensed private investigator; M.A. in librarianship.
Cindy Barnhart
3619 Meadowknolls Road
Marion, Iowa 52302
iowa.familyhistory@yahoo.com
Over 24 years experience in family history and genealogy research. Certificate in Family History from BYU (anticipated Dec 2009). Member of the Association of Professional Genealogists. Will search Iowa records at the State Historical Library (Iowa City only), the Iowa City Public Library and the Linn County Genealogy Library in Cedar Rapids.
Beverly Boileau
213 N. Linn Street
Glenwood, IA 51534
boileaugenes@aol.com
717-527-5819
Mills County, courthouse and newspaper research especially.
Katharine C. Dale
111 W. 2nd St. PO Box 462
Riverside, IA 52347
319-648-5505
kdale@daleresearch.com
www.daleresearch.com
Specializes in academic, professional and general research.
Sandra S. David, M.S. Ed.
500 6th Ave. North
Clinton, IA 52732
David7963@msn.com
Clinton County (send SASE for more details and/or inquiries).
Sherry Foresman
3823 64th Street, Apt. #35
Des Moines, IA 50322
SFore58399@aol.com
515-270-1399
Wills, census, obituaries, births, marriages, deaths, cemetery, GAR records and land records
Denise Gripp
DBA Ever-After Enterprises
311 East 4th Avenue
Indianola IA 50125-2912
Home: (515) 961-8277
Cell: (515) 402-0337
gripper5@mchsi.com
Over 17 years of genealogical research experience; subscribed to numerous genealogical/historical Societies/libraries, with access to numerous Internet databases; large or small research requests welcome; low rates; LOVE ROAD TRIPS!
Heather Hildreth
704 18th Avenue, #2
Coralville, IA 52241
319-621-0559
hhildreth3@live.com
Historical and genealogical research, primarily in Eastern and Central Iowa.
David Holmgren
1547 Thompson Ave.
Des Moines, IA 50316
Home: 515-266-0113
Cell: 515-778-8910
Dgholmgren@hotmail.com
Researches in American, Iowa, and local history; political and military historical research utilizing government documents, newspapers, and wide-ranging primary and secondary documents with extensive experience in Civil War research related to Iowa; experienced researcher on museum artifacts for exhibits. Master’s degree in history, published articles, many years experience as a teacher, professional experience as researcher and writer with the State Historical Society of Iowa.
Nick Hornyak
2835 70th Street #27
Urbandale, IA 50322-4812
glossamir@yahoo.com
515-865-5095
www.homestead.com/frelik/westover.html
Newspaper articles especially; Polk and surrounding county records research, photographing of grave stones, building and residences; will search Mormon computer records (send SASE for more details).
David Hudson
1002 19th Avenue
Coralville, Iowa 52241
hudson@soli.inav.net
319/354-2043
Historical and genealogical research. East central Iowa: utilize resources of area libraries, courthouses, and other repositories. Will search newspapers, cemeteries, etc. Will travel a reasonable distance from Iowa City area. M.A. in library science, with more than 25 years experience as a reference librarian.
Christopher Johnson
3328 34th Street
Boulder CO USA 80301
720-931-3616
http://www.mygenealogist.com
helpdesk@mygenealogist.com
Mary Lou Johnsrud
127 North State Street
Springfield, Illinois 62702
genehelper@juno.com
Illinois death certificate searches, 1916-1947
Robert Mapes
1448 Thompson Avenue
Des Moines, Iowa 50316
Rgmapes@mchsi.com
515/265-3694
Any type of genealogical research. Located in Polk County, but will travel, and can provide digital images of tombstones, buildings, etc.
Patrick H. Murray
4010 SE 3rd St.
Des Moines, IA 50315
pat.murray@msn.com
515-285-7165
Wills, census, obituaries and marriages. Photographs of headstones, all counties, specializing in Polk and Warren.
James W. Petty, Accredited Genealogist*
President, Heirlines
www.heirlines.com
P.O. Box 893
Salt Lake City, UT 84110
1-800-570-4049
Specializes in discovery and accurate documentation of family history for US, Canada, and European ancestries. Free Consultation on all aspects of custom family tree research, brick wall, lineage society applications, missing heirs, forensic expert witness, military, Colonial America, Native American. LDS, DNA and Historical Event Genealogy.
*Accredited Genealogist-ICAG, Utah
Certified Genealogist-BCG, Washington, DC .
Margaret Stilwell
3838 Glen Ellen Dr.
Des Moines, IA 50317-8649
IAgenomm@hotmail.com
515-265-1522
Wills, census, obituaries and marriages.
John Taylor, President
Taylor & Hammel, LLC
1224 N. Meade St. #22
Arlington, Va. 22209
www.taylorhammel.com
johntaylor@taylorhammel.com
(703) 822-4658
Donna Marie Thomas
1019 Tekamah Lane
Papillion, NE 68046
dthomas@novia.net
402-339-7291
Fax 402-339-0051
Audubon County (especially cemetery records).
Marc D. Thompson
Professional Genealogist
708 Enfield Rd
Delray Beach, FL 33444-2625
genealogist22@aol.com
http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/t/h/o/Marc-Thompson-PA/
Specialties include American, European and African-American genealogy. Member of Association of Professional Genealogists.
Christine Williams
942 Iowa Avenue, Apt 7
Iowa City, IA 52240
319.358.6685
philovw@hotmail.com
Genealogical, historical, and historic preservation research
Iowa Genealogical Society
628 East Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 500309-1924
igs@iowagenealogy.org
515-276-0287
U.S. and Iowa census records, vital records, cemetery records, county and town histories, G.A.R. index, World War I draft cards, Old Age assistance lists, etc.