Professional Research Services & Fees
Research Process & Professional Fees
Professional Genealogy & Military Research Services
Every research project is unique. Hidden Hickory Research provides customized historical research tailored to your specific goals rather than standardized packages.
Historical research is rarely one-size-fits-all. Every family, organization, property, military service record, and historical question presents unique opportunities and challenges. The availability of records, the complexity of the research, and the desired scope of the final report all influence the time and resources required to complete a project.
Rather than offering standardized packages, Hidden Hickory Research prepares a customized research proposal for every client. This approach ensures that each project receives the attention and level of research it deserves while providing clients with a clear understanding of the work to be performed before research begins.
Limited-Time Research Offer
Receive 15% off new Family Heritage Research and Military Service Research projects booked by August 31, 2026.
Whether you're looking to break through a brick wall in your family tree or gain a deeper understanding of a veteran's military service, Hidden Hickory Research provides professionally documented historical research supported by full source citations and a complimentary initial consultation.
Schedule your free consultation today.
Offer valid on new qualifying research projects booked through August 31, 2026.
Step One
Complimentary Discovery Consultation
15 Minutes – No Cost
Every project begins with a complimentary discovery consultation. This initial conversation allows us to discuss your research goals, review the information you already possess, answer questions about the research process, and determine whether Hidden Hickory Research is the appropriate fit for your project.
The discovery consultation is intended to gather information and establish project objectives. No formal research is conducted during this meeting.
Step Two
Project Proposal
Following the discovery consultation, Hidden Hickory Research will prepare a written proposal outlining:
Project objectives
Recommended scope of research
Estimated timeline
Expected deliverables
Professional research fee
Required deposit
Anticipated research expenses, if applicable
No research begins until the proposal has been reviewed and accepted by the client.
Step Three
Professional Research
Research is conducted using accepted historical research methods and, whenever possible, primary source materials obtained through archives, libraries, government repositories, and reputable research databases.
Depending upon the project, research may include:
Census records
Vital records
Probate records
Military records
Land and property records
Newspapers
Archival collections
Maps
Historical photographs
Institutional records
Other relevant historical sources
When evidence is conflicting or incomplete, those limitations are clearly explained within the final report. Hidden Hickory Research is committed to historical accuracy and does not present speculation as documented fact.
Step Four
Final Report
Upon completion of the research, clients receive a professionally prepared report documenting the research findings.
Depending upon the project, reports may include:
Historical narrative
Research findings
Source citations
Historical timelines
Copies of supporting records (when available)
Maps and photographs (when available)
Recommendations for future research
Professional Fees
Because each project is unique, professional fees are determined by the scope and complexity of the research rather than predetermined service packages.
The following examples represent typical project investments.
Service Typical Investment
Record Evaluation & Research Assessment Starting at $75
Research Consultation & Roadmap $125-$150
Includes:
Review of what the client already has.
Evaluation of evidence.
Identification of next research steps.
Written action plan (2–4 pages).
Up to one hour of research.
Family Heritage Research Starting at $300 Includes:
Free 30-minute consultation
Research plan
Professionally written report
Source citations
Digital copies of located records (when available)
Recommendations for future research
Military Service Research Starting at $300
Historical Research Projects Custom Proposal
Institutional & Organizational History Custom Proposal
Historical Consulting Custom Proposal
Payment Schedule
Most projects require:
50% deposit prior to the commencement of research.
Remaining balance due upon completion and prior to delivery of the final report.
Large or long-term projects may be divided into milestone payments as outlined within the project proposal.
Travel & On-Site Research
Many research projects can be completed using digital archives, libraries, and online repositories. When records require on-site examination at courthouses, archives, libraries, cemeteries, museums, or other historical repositories, travel may be incorporated into the project.
Travel is evaluated individually and is generally reserved for projects requiring resources that are not available through digital or local collections. When travel is necessary, anticipated expenses—including transportation, lodging, admission fees, reproduction costs, and additional research time—will be discussed in advance and incorporated into the written project proposal.
Projects requiring on-site research may require advance payment of anticipated travel and research expenses in addition to the project deposit. Any estimated travel costs will be clearly identified within the written project proposal and approved by the client before research begins.
Our Commitment
Hidden Hickory Research is committed to providing historically accurate, thoroughly documented, and professionally prepared research. Every project is approached with integrity, transparency, and respect for the individuals, families, organizations, and communities whose stories are being preserved.
Our goal is not simply to locate records—but to uncover and preserve the stories hidden within history.