Whether you are a beginning genealogist or a seasoned researcher, Tar Heel Discoveries can maximize your research efforts by using our knowledge gleaned from over 25+ years combined experience working amid the wide range of state and county-level resources held at the North Carolina State Archives and Library.
Our week-long program offers one-on-one support each day to help you become more familiar with the record collections held in each repository. For an additional fee you may purchase a Research Development Plan that will enable you to know even before your arrival date exactly which resources you should begin consulting that offer the greatest chance for revealing new family discoveries unique to your objectives.
Informal yet structured, your week begins with a Sunday dessert reception for introductions and to answer any logistical questions. The North Carolina State Archives is closed to the public on Mondays, but special arrangements have been made to provide you with a “behind the scenes” tour of its archival stacks and vault holdings where many priceless documents and artifacts are stored. This will complement an introduction to the Search Room and an in-depth discussion of how best to use the library’s resources and finding aids.
Each day, Monday through Friday, a complimentary Continental Breakfast will be offered from 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. in a lecture room at the archives. Also, delivered lunch options will be made available for pre-purchase for those who want the convenience and choose to maximize research time. If you prefer to dine out for lunch there are many nearby restaurant choices that we can suggest.
Daily lecture(s) (typically one at breakfast and one at lunch) by local genealogists and archive staff on various aspects of North Carolina research will be offered . Topics chosen for 2018 include an overview on researching land records in NC, institutional school record resources, archival techniques for photographs and visual artifacts, and idiosyncrasies about NC records and history that you will want to know about. Topics added in 2019 included military records, private manuscripts, and more!
And on Thursday night we will offer a complimentary dinner to share our success stories!
If you would like to take advantage of our expertise and experience but are unable to attend our week-long programs, you may consider purchasing half or full-day consultations. Although availability is variable, please contact info@tarheeldiscoveries.com with your interest and we will provide calendar options.
Are you relatively new to genealogy and simply overwhelmed? (Think: “I’m distracted by chasing so many squirrels!”) Or are you a seasoned researcher stuck with an elusive “brickwall” problem and want perspective and fresh set of professional eyes? Tar Heel Discoveries can help! Both Diane and Vickie will independently analyze and assess your research to develop a custom research plan for you to execute whether you’re planning to research with us for a week or a day. Simply provide us with copies of your background material at least 4 weeks before your scheduled program attendance and we will prepare a customized plan to help you make the most of your research experience in Raleigh.
Weeklong Guided Research – Included Features
Hotel accommodations are NOT included as part of this program. Since everyone’s travel needs and interests differ, you are responsible for making your own lodging and travel plans. For convenient hotels see Hotels & Transit.
- Maximum 16 participants per session.
- Sunday:
- Evening dessert social with presentation by Diane L Richard: Tar Heels in Your Family Tree? Record Idiosyncrasies You Want to Know About.
- Monday:
- Introductions and video on visiting the Government & Heritage Library and the State Archives of North Carolina.
- Orientation to the Government & Heritage Library.
- Behind the scenes tour of the State Archives of North Carolina stacks and vault.
- 30 minute one-on-one consultations with each program participant.
- Monday through Friday:
- Daily Continental Breakfast buffet served Monday through Friday at the archives/library building.
- Daily presentations by archives/library staff and other experts on NC research collections and topics.
- Leaders available for short consultations each day.
- Guidance in developing your own research plan, utilizing and understanding various record collections, and tips for successful research.
- Optional pre-purchased boxed lunch deliveries to a dedicated classroom in the library/archives building.
- Opportunities to take in nearby attractions – the Capitol Building, Science Museum, and History Museum are just across the street.
- Evening dining options – Join your guides and experience Raleigh’s local cuisine (each person pays individually for own meal).
- Thursday:
- Evening dinner and wrap-up provided by Vickie and Diane at a time/place TBD.
Half Day One-on-One Guided Research
Four hours of one-on-one consultation and/or real-time research support over the course of a single day. One-on-one consultation is just that. You get to pick one of our brains for how to use the archives/library, what to research, how to research, how to process/appreciate what you are finding, and more. Sometimes, when time is short and while you are doing your own research, you would like for one of us to work in parallel with you performing real-time research. This is what is referred to as real-time research support. Whatever suits your on-the-ground research needs at 109 E. Jones St., Raleigh, NC.
To arrange this, please email us at info@tarheeldiscoveries.com Cost: $200
Full Day One-on-One Guided Research
Eight hours of one-on-one consultation and/or real-time research support over the course of a single day. One-on-one consultation is just that. You get to pick one of our brains for how to use the archives/library, what to research, how to research, how to process/appreciate what you are finding, and more. Sometimes, when time is short and while you are doing your own research, you would like for one of us to work in parallel with you performing real-time research. This is what is referred to as real-time research support. Whatever suits your on-the-ground research needs at 109 E. Jones St., Raleigh, NC.
To arrange this, please email us at info@tarheeldiscoveries.com Cost: $350
Program Add-on Option: Research Development Plan
Vickie and Diane will independently review your research objectives or brick wall problem, then collaborate to develop a detailed research plan so that you can “hit the road running” when you visit the State Archives of North Carolina and Government & Heritage Library of North Carolina. Please provide a description of your project objectives, a summary of research performed to date, and copies of related documents at least six weeks prior to the start of a selected week or day-long research program. The price for this optional add-on feature to a weeklong program costs $150.00.
