I’ve been ordering information from NARA for decades. I’m used to waiting for months to find out whether they have anything beyond an index card, and then getting faded images that are next to impossible to read. I get it — the clerks are just doing a job. They don’t understand the passionate curiosity I have for the contents of those old records. And at least I didn’t have to travel cross-country to the Archive, myself.
It was only a few weeks after I filed my most recent request that I learned about GopherRecords. I sent an email, explaining I’d already submitted a Civil War pension request but could GopherRecords help me with the Service Record for the same soldier?
Bob Velke sent an email, describing the steps I could take to cancel my NARA order, then called me to make sure I saw it. Wow! In the end, Bob was able to get the information for me, sending a crystal-clear image digitally, approximately four months faster than I’ve ever gotten information from NARA before. And even though this personalized service was expedited, the fee was LOWER than it would have been from NARA!
On social media, someone asked “why would you use GopherRecords instead of just ordering from NARA?” and the response was “it’s faster, cheaper, and the results are better.” I think that sums it up nicely!
Leave a comment