Genealogical Research
Family lineage tracing, record analysis, and research support grounded in source comparison, documented findings, and careful evaluation of conflicting evidence.
Heritage-rich research, built on evidence
Stories rooted in records, not guesswork.
Blanding Ancestry Discoveries provides genealogy and archival research services with a focus on accuracy, careful documentation, and respect for the historical record. From lineage tracing to community archive support, the work is methodical, evidence-driven, and designed to preserve stories that deserve better than internet folklore in a waistcoat.
Services
Genealogy and archival support
Archival Organization
Support for organizing historical collections, private papers, church records, and community materials so they are usable, searchable, and easier to preserve.
Digitization & Indexing
Digitization planning, file naming systems, metadata structures, and custom indexes that improve discoverability and long-term access.
Historical Records Review
Analysis of census records, death certificates, probate records, military records, church documentation, cemetery records, and other source materials used to reconstruct family and community history.
Transcription Projects
Transcription and cleanup of handwritten, fragile, or difficult records to improve accessibility, accuracy, and historical usability.
Brick Wall Consulting
Provide an objective, professional case review to uncover previously unknown or hard-to-find documentation and artifacts in genealogy cases that have hit road blocks.
About
Research shaped by patience, rigor, and respect for the record
Blanding Historical Stories reflects years of genealogical and historical research focused on documented lineage, archival order, and accessible preservation. The work includes family research, community archive support, indexing, digitization, and careful source evaluation.
- 15+ years in genealogical and historical records research
- Archival support for churches, historical societies, and community collections
- Strong emphasis on evidence review, documentation, and record integrity
“The best family history is not the version that sounds nicest. It is the version that survives the records.”
Approach
How the work is done
Every project is different, but the method stays consistent: gather, compare, verify, document, and preserve.
Evidence first
Research begins with the record, not the assumption. Sources are compared carefully, contradictions are noted, and conclusions are built from evidence instead of wishful family mythology.
- Clarify the research question and project scope
- Identify relevant repositories, databases, and record groups
- Cross-check evidence before forming conclusions
Organize for long-term use
Historical work matters more when it can be found, understood, and maintained later. Organization, indexing, and documentation are treated as part of the research itself, not decorative afterthoughts.
- Digitize and organize records with consistent naming conventions
- Build indexes or metadata structures where useful
- Deliver findings in a format clients can actually use
Credentials
Experience and availability
Professional Affiliations
Association of Professional Genealogists (APG)
National Genealogical Society (NGS)
Current Projects
Decatur & North Six-Generation Clark Atlanta University Legacy Project:
Documented 6 generations linked
to Clark Atlanta University using 10+ archival sources; developed a lineage narrative
suitable for public presentation and institutional interpretation.
Speaking
David is available for speaking engagements on family and organizational history at events of all kinds. He offers both the research and the presentation, bringing historical stories to life in a way that is meaningful, informative, and engaging
Contact
Start the conversation
For genealogy inquiries, archival support, community history projects, or records organization work, reach out by email. A short note about the project, region, family line, or type of collection is enough to get started.
Location
Atlanta, Georgia
Learn more about David