We are located in Rabun Gap, Georgia, near the North Carolina state line. We have more than 25 years of experience working with the records in this geographical area. Our emphasis is on research at the local level where the records were created rather than in regional or state repositories or Family History Centers (operated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints); once the records at the local level have been exhausted, we will gladly direct our clients to reputable researchers who have access to non-local repositories housing state- and federally-mandated records, manuscript collections, and other record sets not found on the local level.

Research at the local level is critical as there are many records held by local agencies which have not been microfilmed or of which copies have not been made (e.g. probate packets). These original records often provide the key evidence needed to solve genealogical problems. In North Carolina, many of the original county records have been removed to the North Carolina State Archives in Raleigh; this does not circumvent the need for research on the local level, where many other records and manuscript collections remain. (See The Importance of Local Research.)

D&C Research Group offers the following services:

• Records Look-ups: This simple service is offered for those who wish to find their ancestor in a particular record or record set. There is a 2-hour minimum charge for records look-ups.
• Research Plans: For researchers who have spent time researching a family or individual, are uncertain where to look next, and who would like to perform the actual research themselves. We work closely with the client to pinpoint problem areas and gaps in research, and to develop a formal plan of action using a variety of record sets. There is a 4-hour minimum charge for this service.
• General Research: More complex problems often require an experienced researcher to solve. These include in-depth research using a wide variety of records, overcoming brick walls, researching border families, finding maiden names, and locating the state-side origins of local families. Be aware, however, that our purvue does not usually extend into the 18th century. Once a family has been traced back to it's previous locale, we will gladly direct the client to a reputable researcher in that area, if necessary. We do not conduct research into naturalization and immigration records, unless they are found on the local level. There is a 10-hour minimum charge for general research, which includes the formulation of a research plan, record analysis, and the production of a research report.

For all research, excepting records look-ups, we ask potential clients to forward all pertinent research on the subjects under study. This step is necessary in order to avoid the costly duplication of previous research. For records look-ups, exact information (or as exact as is possible) should be given to facilitate the process.

Each type of research has its own fee scale, which we set based on the type and depth of research needed to solve the problem at hand. Some research (e.g. look ups) may require additional fees for certified copies, photocopies, postage, and other incidentals. In addition, we reserve the right to charge mileage to any research center outside of the public libraries, historical societies, and government buildings located in Rabun County, Georgia, and Macon County, North Carolina. All fees and payment modes are outlined in the initial contract.

Professional and Organizational Affiliations:
Association of Professional Genealogists
Georgia Genealogical Society
Macon County (NC) Historical Society
National Genealogical Society
Rabun County (GA) Historical Society