Uncovering the Past: Archival Research Services

History is rarely found in broad strokes; it lives in the margins, the faded ledgers, and the quiet spaces between the lines. Every name recorded—and every name omitted—tells a story waiting to be remembered. I specialize in African American historical and genealogical research, with a dedicated focus on uncovering the lives and legacies of enslaved communities in Virginia. My goal is to help piece together these vital narratives, honoring the past with a researcher's rigor and a storyteller’s care.

How We Can Work Together

Whether you are searching for your own family’s roots or piecing together the history of a specific Virginia community, tracing these lineages requires both archival navigation and creative persistence.

I offer research services tailored to your specific goals:

• Genealogical Tracing: Navigating complex historical records to trace family lines and uncover the names, locations, and stories of ancestors.

• Community History: Building a broader, clearer picture of historical African American communities in Virginia through local archives, property records, and historical societies.

• Narrative Synthesis: Translating fragmented archival data into a cohesive, meaningful narrative that honors the lived experiences of those who came before.

Portfolio of Historical Research

While archival research often begins with the pursuit of forgotten names, it ultimately becomes an ongoing, collaborative narrative. This portfolio reflects my dedication to piecing together these vital histories alongside descendants, communities, and institutions.

Books & Ongoing Narratives

• The Slaves Have Names: A foundational piece of my restorative history work, this nonfiction book documents the lives and lineages of the individuals who were enslaved at the Bremo Plantations in Fluvanna County, Virginia.

• Civil Rights Legacy Project: I am currently collaborating with the daughter of a North Carolina and Virginia civil rights hero to navigate the archives and co-create a book that honors his vital, enduring legacy.

Featured Projects & Community Collaborations

• The Black History of Albemarle Symposium: Focus on Brown’s Cove While research often focuses on uncovering what is lost, this symposium—centered on the Brown’s Cove community in northwestern Albemarle—revealed a different truth. The most significant finding was that the descendants of Brown's Cove had already undertaken immense, meticulous genealogical work. My role shifted from primary investigator to supportive partner, focusing on how best to offer the structural and archival support needed to help this community preserve, protect, and share their own stories.

• Birdwood Descendants Council: Recovery and Memorialization For five years, this project has been a dedicated effort to recover the names, stories, and humanity of the individuals who were enslaved and who continued to labor at Birdwood following Emancipation. (For a portion of this journey, I collaborated with researcher Brian Sheffey). This ongoing archival work supports two vital, community-centered goals: facilitating descendant-led memorialization on the grounds of Birdwood in a manner shaped entirely by their voices, and fostering a lasting relationship between the descendant community and the property's stewards, the UVA Foundation.

Property & Local Histories

• Private Property Memorialization (Southern Albemarle County): Partnered with the stewards of a privately owned plantation to research the individuals enslaved there, providing the historical foundation necessary for thoughtful, intentional memorialization on the grounds.

• Bracketts' Farm (Louisa County): Conducted extensive archival research to uncover and document the history of the enslaved community at this historic site.

• Radiant & Barboursville, Virginia: Because history is inextricably linked to the spaces we inhabit, I have dedicated significant time to recovering the stories of those who were enslaved and who labored in the specific communities where I have lived.

Advocacy, Education & Institutional Leadership

The work of historical recovery must be paired with active community healing, education, and institutional support.

• Speaking & Workshops: I frequently deliver talks and hands-on workshops on archival research methodology and these specific historical recovery projects for genealogical groups, historical societies, and community organizations.

• Board Service: I have had the honor of serving on the boards of both the Louisa County Historical Society and Coming To The Table, an organization dedicated to racial healing and addressing the enduring impacts of the institution of slavery.

Begin Your Research Journey

Every document holds a piece of a larger puzzle, and pulling those threads together is profound work. If you are looking for an experienced guide to help navigate the archives and restore these voices to the historical record, I would be honored to assist you.

Let’s start with a conversation. You can schedule a consultation call with me here. When booking your appointment, please use the notes section to share the crucial details: a brief description of your research goals, any names or geographical starting points you have, and the stories you hope to uncover together.