Will my information be shared or made public in any way?

Absolutely not. We only use public records during the investigation and never go sniffing around potentially fishy business. Our research is based on respect for you and your property first and foremost.  We understand private property is indeed, private, and work to build trust between our researchers, and your family and place. Should you want to donate a copy of your history to a local archives or library, we will happily do so, but only if you feel comfortable. 

How does payment work? 

We take cash or check. After we complete the initial in-person informational interview, and assuming we all want to move forward, a $250 advance is due before the initial research begins. The remaining $250 is due upon final delivery.

Is there a contract?

Yes. For your protection and for ours. We will have a contract ready for you to sign after our informational interview, which guarantees delivery, payment and your satisfaction. The contract also states that none of your information will be shared, unless permitted by you, the property owner.

What if Our Storied Past finds no documented history? 

This is certainly a possibility. Sometimes, there's just squat. If this is the case, we'll let you know as soon as it is possible to determine. Should our research come up with lackluster results, or not enough to fill a proper book, we'll end the investigation and provide a full reimbursement. If you would like the documented evidence we did find, we'll negotiate a suitable and discounted price. Again, we're here to help share your history with you. Honesty is of utmost importance to us. 

Does Our Storied Past do anything other than house histories? 

Sure! Every member of our team either has a Masters degree or is working on their candidacy. Our historians are certified by the Department of the Interior to perform any number of historic consulting projects, from National Register of Historic Places nominations, local landmarking nominations, survey/inventory, legal mitigation/compliance and Section 4f/106 consulting, to environmental and cultural litigation. 

I feel uncomfortable letting a stranger research my property...

A completely fair feeling. In this day and age you never do know. Our Storied Past has one goal: to provide you with the history of your property. We will never go beyond that goal and will act professionally in every pursuit of said goal. Every team member who walks on your property will have undergone a Police Background Check. Our Storied Past is a licensed business (LLC) within the State of Montana. 

How long will it take? 

 It depends. We work hard to have your history book ready for you within one month of the informational interview. Many properties take longer to research given the depth of information available. Should this be the case, we'll keep you updated with the progress of the investigation. We aim to complete a thorough history within one to two months.