Services
Services
A woman using the card catalog at the Main Reading Room of the Library of Congress around 1940 (Everett Collection Inc/ Alamy Stock Photo)
RECORD ORGANIZATION
⟡⟡⟡
What's is it?
Your Records, All in One Place!
Professional record organization services to help families, businesses, and researchers keep their most important documents in order. Whether you’re preserving family history, managing business records, or ensuring historical materials are easy to access, I’ll create a system that’s intuitive, secure, and tailored to your needs.
Services include:
-
Family Records Organization: From birth certificates to cherished family letters, I’ll organize your documents into one accessible system, ensuring your memories and important papers are easy to find and share.
-
Business Records Management: Keep critical business documents—contracts, financial records, and more—organized and readily available while maintaining confidentiality.
-
Preservation & Rehousing: I use archival-quality materials to safely store fragile papers and photographs, protecting them from damage and ensuring their longevity.
-
Digital Access Solutions: Whether physical or digital, I create streamlined systems that make your records accessible anytime, anywhere.
With a focus on precision and care, I ensure your documents are not only safe but also easy to navigate for generations to come. Let me help you bring order to your records and preserve your history!
Final Product:
When our work is complete, you’ll have:
-
A beautifully organized collection of your most important records, tailored to meet your needs.
-
Your documents and photographs will be safely stored in archival-quality folders, sleeves, and boxes, with clear labels and an intuitive filing system.
-
You’ll receive a guide to your new system, including an inventory or index of the records and tips for maintaining the organization over time.
No more scattered papers or forgotten records.This final product ensures that your family’s memories or your organization’s important records are protected, easily navigable, and ready to share for years to come.
Rates:
-
Services charged on an hourly rate for each project.
-
The total cost will depend on factors such as the volume of materials to be organized or digitized., whether archival supplies (e.g., folders, sleeves, or boxes) are needed, and the time required to set up a logical, accessible system for your documents.
-
Before starting, I’ll provide an estimate based on the details you share about your project. This ensures you know exactly what to expect, and I’ll keep you updated on progress throughout the process.
FAMILY PHOTO SCANNING
⟡⟡⟡
What's is it?
Preserve your family’s precious memories with professional photo digitization services. Whether it’s a treasured family album, loose photographs, or heirloom prints, I’ll carefully scan and digitize your photos, ensuring they are preserved in high-quality digital formats for years to come.
Services Include:
-
High-Quality Scanning: Each photo is scanned at a high resolution, capturing every detail and ensuring the best quality for digital preservation.
-
Photo Organization: Digital files are grouped and labeled into an intuitive folder system, making them easy to find, share, and enjoy with your family.
-
Restoration Option: Minor color correction and enhancement services are available to restore faded or damaged photographs (additional fee may apply).
-
Secure Digital Delivery: Receive your digital files on a USB drive or through a secure online link, making it easy to share and back up your family’s memories.
Whether you want to preserve your family’s history or create a digital album to share with loved ones, my photo scanning services ensure your memories are protected and accessible for generations to come.
Final Product:
-
A complete set of high-resolution digital files of your family photos, organized into clearly labeled folders for easy navigation.
-
Optional archival-quality rehousing for your physical photos, ensuring they are stored safely and protected for the future. (e.g., new photo album, archival boxes, etc.)
-
A secure and shareable digital collection of your family’s memories, perfect for creating albums, sharing with loved ones, or safeguarding against loss.
Rates:
-
Services charged on an hourly rate for each project.
-
The total cost will depend on factors such as the volume of photos or albums to be scanned, whether archival supplies (e.g., new photo albums, archival boxes, etc.) are needed, and the time required to set up a organized and labelled system for your photographs.
-
Before starting, I’ll provide an estimate based on the details you share about your project. This ensures you know exactly what to expect, and I’ll keep you updated on progress throughout the process.
TRANSCRIPTION
⟡⟡⟡
What's is it?
Professional transcription services for confidential, medical, and historical documents, including personal diaries and letters. Utilizing expertise in palaeography, I specialize in decoding old or difficult handwriting and turning it into clear, easy-to-read formats that honor the original. Whether you’re preserving family history or working on a research project, these services are ideal for individuals or researchers needing accurate and secure transcriptions of sensitive or historical materials.
Services include:
-
Confidential Document Transcription: I handle sensitive materials such as medical records, ensuring privacy and confidentiality throughout the process.
-
Diary and Letter Transcription: Whether it's a family heirloom or an archival letter, I transcribe personal writings, capturing the voice and intent of the original author while making it legible and easy to read.
-
Palaeographic Expertise: For historical documents or letters written in older scripts, as a palaeography-trained professional, I decipher and transcribe the text into modern, easy-to-read formats.
*Palaeography: The study of historical writing systems, including handwriting, printed media, and manuscripts.
Final Product:
Transcriptions can be provided digitally via secure delivery methods (e.g., encrypted email, secure cloud storage), or printed and mailed if preferred.
Rates:
-
Services charged on an hourly rate for each project.
-
Just like handwriting, each project is different. Transcription hours may vary due to difficult penmanship and writing styles. Before starting, I’ll review your documents and provide an estimate of the time required, so you’ll have a clear understanding of the total cost. Throughout the process, I’ll keep you informed and deliver high-quality, accurate transcriptions that honor the integrity of the original materials.
A woman studying a map in the giant book loaned by the Ordnance Survey Department, Manchester Central Library on February 17th, 1937 (Photo by Nick Yapp/ Fox Photos/ Getty Images)
DIGITIZATION
⟡⟡⟡
What's is it?
Retained Records offers professional document digitization services, converting physical paper records, photographs, and other materials into high-quality digital formats. Whether you have fragile historical documents, personal records, or photo collections, the digitization process ensures that your materials are preserved and easily accessible in digital form. I will handle all types of documents and images with care, ensuring quality and accuracy in every scan.
Services include:
-
Paper Document Scanning: From letters to legal documents, I will scan paper records into clear, searchable digital files (PDF, TIFF, JPEG, etc.).
-
Photograph Scanning: I will digitize photos, ensuring high-resolution copies for long-term preservation or personal use.
-
Fragile Document Handling: For older, delicate materials, I will provide careful handling and specialized scanning techniques to ensure the preservation of original documents during digitization.
I cater to clients looking to preserve family records, archive collections, or create easily accessible digital copies of important documents.
Final Product:
-
High-quality digital copies via secure cloud storage, email, etc.
-
Physical media (USB drive, DVD)
All physical originals will be returned safely to the client.
Rates:
-
Services are calculated by project type: Single pages and photographs are charged per document or photo (sliding scale based on complexity, size, and condition). Services charged on an hourly rate for objects such as ledgers, books, and other bound material.
-
Additional costs for enhanced image restoration, high-resolution scanning, and rush orders.
-
Before starting, I’ll review your documents and provide an estimate of the time required, so you’ll have a clear understanding of the total cost. Throughout the process, I’ll keep you informed and deliver high-quality, accurate digitizations for your materials.
RECORD RETRIEVALS
⟡⟡⟡
What's is it?
Retained Records offers professional record retrieval, copying, and photography services at archives, libraries, and cemeteries throughout the New York City metropolitan area. This service is ideal for remote researchers, genealogists, or anyone needing access to specific documents, such as vital records from the New York City Municipal Archives. I also provide cemetery photography services, capturing gravestones or memorial sites as requested.
Services include:
-
Vital Records Retrieval: Access birth, death, and marriage certificates from archives, ensuring you have the necessary essential documentation.
-
Historical Document Copying: From letters to manuscripts, I will make high-quality copies or scans of historical documents, tailored to your research requirements.
-
Repository Record Photography: I will provide clear and detailed photographs of requested records for materials that cannot be easily scanned or copied.
-
Cemetery Photography: Receive professional photographs of gravesites or memorials, capturing details with precision for genealogical or personal purposes.
I cater to researchers who know exactly what they are looking for and require an on-site professional to retrieve or document materials on their behalf. If you need a more detailed search and retrieval—for example, a search for a document with an unconfirmed date or place—check the Genealogy option.
Final Product:
Record copies are available in digital or print formats:
-
Digital Delivery: PDF, JPG, TIFF, and PNG available, with complete source citations.
-
Printed and Mailed: The best choice for certified records.
Rates:
-
Services charged on an hourly rate for each retrieval institute.
-
Before starting, I’ll provide an estimate based on the scope of the retrieval and keep you updated throughout the process. You’ll only pay for the time spent locating, requesting, and securing the records, giving you a transparent and cost-effective solution.
-
Additional costs for large document orders, travel beyond a certain radius, rush orders, or special handling requirements
Repositories:
Below is a select list of repositories available for research. Additional repositories available upon request:
-
The New York City Municipal Archives
-
The National Archives at New York City
-
Courthouses and Court Archives
-
City Register Offices for Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, and the Bronx
-
New-York Historical Society
-
New York Public Library
-
Columbia Rare Book & Manuscript Library
-
Morgan Library & Museum
-
Center for Brooklyn History
-
Local cemeteries, such as Green-Wood Cemetery and more.
Students studying in the library inside Burpee Hall in the 1940s. Photograph taken by William Rittase.
GENEALOGY
⟡⟡⟡
What's is it?
Retained Records offers personalized genealogy research and preservation services to help you uncover, protect, and share your family’s story. Whether you’re just beginning to explore your roots or want to safeguard generations of family records, I provide in-depth research and professional digitization to bring your history to life.
Services include:
-
Genealogy Research Assistance: I’ll research primary sources, archival records, and vital documents to help you uncover key details about your family’s history.
-
Family Record Digitization: Preserve your family’s history by digitizing documents, photos, and heirlooms, giving you high-quality digital copies that are easy to access and share.
-
Vital Records Retrieval: Need specific documents like birth, death, or marriage records? I’ll retrieve these from archives and repositories to fill in the missing pieces of your family story.
-
Archival Organization: I’ll organize your digital family records into an intuitive, searchable system that makes it simple to reference and share your history with loved ones.
This service is ideal for anyone looking to explore their family heritage and preserve important records for future generations.
Please note: These services do not include building a final family tree, but provides valuable information and resources to continue growing your family tree on your own.
Final Product:
-
High-quality digital copies of records are delivered via secure cloud storage, email, etc.
-
Or physical media (USB drive, DVD)
All physical originals will be returned safely to the client.
Rates:
-
Services charged on an hourly rate for genealogy research services, giving you the flexibility to focus on the aspects of your family history that matter most. Whether you’re looking to uncover key details, retrieve vital records, or organize your family archives, my hourly structure ensures you only pay for the time spent on your specific project.
-
The total cost will cover time spent researching records or inside reading room services. Add-on costs for rush orders, additional research, institutional fees for research material, or travel outside of the New York Metropolitan area.
-
Before beginning, I’ll discuss your goals and provide an estimate based on the scope of the work, keeping you informed throughout the process. This personalized approach allows me to adapt to your unique needs while delivering high-quality, detailed results.