This list of independent researchers is offered as a service to our patrons who need research work beyond the limitations of our library. Each person on the list is an experienced researcher who is generally familiar with our collections. All arrangements for research to be performed, fees paid, and method and timing of payment are strictly private between the patron and the independent researcher.
Julie Basic
Charlottesville, Virginia, (434) 409-7426 jbasicpla@gmail.com
Julie Basic is a licensed landscape architect located in Charlottesville, Virginia, and holds a B.S. in Landscape Architecture and a Master's of Landscape Architecture with specialization in Cultural Landscape Studies. Beyond traditional design, her practice includes research and writing related to cultural landscapes, architectural history, social and public histories, and interpretive and preservation planning. As an independent researcher, Ms. Basic is available to access and summarize specific materials found at Charlottesville repositories including University of Virginia collections, Albemarle-Charlottesville Historical Society, and City of Charlottesville archives. Ms. Basic is also happy to assist with internet-based research, locating and understanding historical maps, obtaining copyright permissions, writing and outlining tasks, editing, preparing white papers, and similar efforts.
Deborah Harvey
Lovingston, VA, (434) 242-6385 back2rootsgen@gmail.com
Debbie Harvey is a certified genealogist and handles all types of genealogical queries for Virginia and portions of West Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Her specialties are in the central Virginia area using migration, land, and tax records.
Gwen Wells
Charlottesville, Virginia, (434) 218-3228, GWellsResearch@gmail.com
Gwen Wells is a history interpreter at both James Monroe’s Highland and James Madison’s Montpelier, and a volunteer in the archives of the Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society. She holds Masters degrees in Library and Information Science and Archival Studies and a Bachelors in U.S. History. Her focus is on American culture in the colonial and early national period. Gwen is willing to travel to chase research leads and she possesses an uncanny ability to decipher and transcribe handwritten documents.