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Private Historian

Writing your family and company history

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COMPANY HISTORY

Company histories are adventure stories. People take a step into the unknown to invent something: a new kind of shoe, a better way of forging steel, a bond that finances the growth of American frontier towns.

Private Historian tells your adventure in a handsome volume with
period photographs, glossy illustrations, and color maps.

Your book will remind employees of why they come to work every day. Remind customers of your track record.
Remind owners of past successes—and stumbles that were overcome.

Learn More

The Private Historian

Matthew Nickerson works with the best archivists, book designers, photographers and printers to create a history that does justice to your company. He believes that a business history—at its best—explains why we spend half our waking hours doing what we’re doing.

About The Historian

Getting Started

We sit down to talk about goals. Company histories often look like a coffee-table book, but there are many ways to present a story. The book can cover a company over centuries, tell the tale of one leader, or explain an innovation. Keep in mind this book will be custom. It is key we get to know you and what you want—or don’t want.

Researching

We interview executives and workers, read old newspapers, go through the company archives, and find industry histories. We can record on video the oral history of a founder, to preserve memories before it's too late.

Writing and Printing

We write to inform, enrich, and even entertain (remember that time Matt thought the dog food sample was a snack?). We set your story against the background of its times, creating a book that assesses your company’s significance in history (it’s likely more than you realize). The final step is the printing of your book in whatever quantity and format you would like. Congratulations! You preserved your heritage for the ages.

FAQs

Let’s work together

Private Historian has published not only histories of companies, but family histories, neighborhood histories, a collection of letters, and a memoir. One client relationship started with a conversation about a Virginia ancestor; the job turned into a website that advocates reform of financial laws. The Private Historian, with a deep background in history, journalism and academia, can help with any kind of research or writing.

Referrals

Private Historian offers a generous fee to anyone who refers future clients.

Talk to the Private Historian, Matthew Nickerson, by calling (224) 460-2105, emailing [email protected], or filling out the form below.

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