What is Blue Yonder Research?

Blue Yonder Research is a full-service research company, specializing in military records from the 1800s through the 1960s with a special focus on World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. Individual personnel files, casualty files, ship logs, unit reports and orders, and even Civil War pension records are just some of the documents that Blue Yonder obtains for clients.

Why Choose Blue Yonder?

Benefits for Parks & Historic Sites

• Preservation – Helps document and preserve the history of historic sites and parks.
• Educational Resource – Provides information for educational programs and tours.
• Cultural Heritage – Enhances understanding and appreciation of cultural heritage.

Benefits for Individuals

• Genealogy – Assists in tracing family history.
• Projects – Personal and professional research, e.g., books or documentaries.
• Accuracy – Maintaining accuracy and integrity of archival material.
• Verification – Helps verify personal or family accounts of historic events.

Professional Ethics and Legal Considerations

• Privacy – Respects the privacy of personal information in archival materials.
• Access – Adhering to archives’ access policies, which may restrict use of materials.

Many people have questions about archival research, and why it is often better to hire a professional to retrieve documents. I will try to answer some of the most frequently asked ones here.

Why can’t I just go to the archives and get the files myself?

In general, you can. The National Archives allows properly registered individuals to conduct research. One must complete an orientation course, obtain a researcher ID card, and become familiar with archival rules and procedures. Researchers must make an appointment well in advance of their expected visit, and request the documents they wish to examine.

How hard is it to request documents?

Every archive has its own system of document request procedures. For example, the National Archives system and forms are different from those at the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Command. It can be quite frustrating to fill out the forms when you are not familiar with the particular system an archive uses.

Won’t the archives make copies for me, so I don’t have to go there?

Most archives offer copy and duplication services, for a fee. However, wait times can be quite long, sometimes several months. A professional researcher can scan or photograph documents and provide you with completed images in much less time.

How much do you charge for basic research, obtaining personnel files, and other services?

Fees vary depending on the type of records obtained, number of pages in a document, amount of time spent, distance traveled, and other factors. For example, personnel files with many pages cost more than files with only a few pages.

For over 30 years, I have conducted research in archives, libraries, and museums in the United States and Europe. My experience extends from 18th century Spanish diplomatic manuscripts to 20th century U.S. military records. Blue Yonder began as an idea: use my decades of research experience for something other than teaching. I’ve learned the ins and outs of working in archives – the procedures, the rules, and how to get things done. Let me put that experience to work for you.

Last month Blue Yonder went to Maxwell Air Force Base for a week of research. Working directly with a client, we retrieved numerous documents from World war II airborne troop carrier groups and squadrons.