About Hidden Hickory Research
Uncovering the Stories Hidden Within History
History is more than names on a family tree or dates recorded in official documents. It is the story of the people who came before us—their lives, their service, their struggles, and the legacy they left behind. Every family, community, organization, and veteran has a story worth preserving.
Hidden Hickory Research was founded with the belief that historical research should do more than collect records. It should connect those records to the lives they represent. By combining historical methodology with careful genealogical research, our goal is to transform scattered documents into meaningful, well-documented narratives that can be preserved for future generations.
Whether researching a Revolutionary War ancestor, documenting a World War II veteran's service, tracing a family's movement across generations, or helping an organization preserve its history, every project is approached with the same commitment to accuracy, transparency, and historical integrity .Hidden Hickory Research serves clients ranging from families seeking to preserve their heritage to museums, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and government agencies requiring professional historical research and documentation.
Our Approach
Every research project begins with a careful evaluation of the available evidence. Whenever possible, Hidden Hickory Research relies upon primary source materials—including census records, military records, probate files, land records, newspapers, archival collections, and other historical documents—while using reputable secondary sources to provide historical context.
Rather than making assumptions, conclusions are supported by available evidence. When records conflict or information cannot be conclusively proven, those limitations are clearly identified within the final report.
Our goal is not simply to answer questions, but to provide clients with confidence in the research process and a deeper understanding of the history that shaped their families and communities.
Professional Services
Hidden Hickory Research provides historical research services for:
Individuals and families
Veterans and their descendants
Museums and historical organizations
Historical societies
Businesses and nonprofit organizations
Government agencies
Attorneys and legal professionals requiring historical documentation
Services include family heritage research, military service research, historical documentation, archival research, local history, property research, and custom historical research projects.
Research Philosophy
At Hidden Hickory Research, we believe history belongs to everyone. Some stories have been celebrated for generations, while others remain hidden within courthouse records, military files, forgotten photographs, and family collections waiting to be rediscovered.
Our mission is to uncover those stories with professionalism, historical accuracy, and respect for the individuals whose lives continue to shape the present.
Because history is not simply about the past—it is about preserving the legacy of those who came before us for the generations yet to come.
Founded by W.S. Burnett
W.S. Burnett holds bachelor's and master's degrees in history with a focus in public history. His work combines historical research, genealogy, and military history to help families, organizations, and communities preserve the stories that define their heritage.
