I’m Christine Musser, owner of The Wandering Pen: Education through Exploration. I help communities and organizations with Writing, Research, and Historic Preservation—that means turning reliable sources into clear stories and plain-language reports. I also teach writing techniques and, when needed, provide consulting plus targeted genealogy & deed research.
Credentials: BA, American History & Writing; MA, Applied History (Historic Preservation & CRM); Preservation Pennsylvania Leadership Award.
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Writing, Research, and Historic Preservation: What I Do
In short, this page outlines how I plan, research, and deliver work for the projects mentioned here.
Core Services at a Glance
- Story writing: travel features, profiles, and place-based essays
- Preservation writing: meeting-ready summaries, site histories, and short reports
- Teaching writing techniques: structure, voice, and practical research methods
- Genealogy & deed research: ownership chains and family lines, added when useful
- Consulting: at-risk property guidance, introductions to state/local contacts, plain-English materials
Heritage Research & Storytelling Writing
These pieces are shaped for readers. They highlight voice, scene, and rhythm. They also connect facts to daily life, which helps people care about the subject. Research underpins each piece; however, the aim is a readable story that invites people in.
Public History Writing: Travel, People & Place
- Travel stories that link landscape, history, and culture
- Features and profiles about people and places
- Website and blog pieces written for a general audience
- Field notes and essays with practical takeaways
Field Notes — Writing, Research & Preservation
Writing for Historic Preservation: Reports & Summaries
Some projects need facts first. In those cases, I translate research into short, plain-language documents that decision-makers can use. Therefore, committees and reviewers can move forward with confidence and clarity.
From Records to Clear Report
- Concise narratives for designations, grants, and public meetings
- Context statements, significance summaries, and site histories
- Plain-language preservation reports with citations and next steps
- Public outreach: web pages and handouts
Historic Preservation Guidebook put together by the South Mountain Historic Preservation Partnership
I also prepare materials for the National Register of Historic Places, Cumberland County Historic Register, and local boards. When helpful, I coordinate with state and municipal contacts so your packet lands in the right hands. Writing, Research, and Historic Preservation Grants for Private and Nonprofit Organizations.
How Writing, Research, and Historic Preservation Works
- Define questions: goals, scope, audience, and deadlines
- Gather records: archives, newspapers, maps, deeds, and more
- Verify links: match dates, names, and places
- Deliver clearly: readable narrative, citations, and recommendations
Finally, I send brief progress notes so you always know what is happening. If needs change, we adjust the plan. In the end, you receive a piece that a reader, reviewer, or funder can trust.
Who I Help
Different groups need different outcomes; however, each group benefits from clear language and reliable sources. Therefore, I tailor the format to match the task and the audience.
- Museums & historical societies — exhibit text, web pages, and short handouts built from verified research
- Municipal boards & planning staff — concise backgrounders that support meetings and next steps
- Community groups & friends organizations — readable pieces that help people care and take action, Writing, Research, Historic Preservation for Boards & Grants
- Property owners — brief site histories that explain significance without jargon
- Publishers & editors — story pitches, features, and travel articles grounded in place
Case Snapshots
Below are short examples that show how research becomes action. They are brief on purpose; however, each example represents many hours of steady work.
- William Thompson House — restoration and history for the home of the first commissioned U.S. Colonel (1775). As a result, stakeholders had a clear summary tied to sources.
- Lincoln Cemetery — documentation for an African American cemetery with several burials of Civil War United States Colored Troops. Consequently, community members had language for outreach and care.
- David Hoge House — plain-language materials for a local register process. Therefore, the board could move ahead with a shared understanding of significance.
- Bell Tavern — groundwork to demonstrate historic value and prevent loss. Additionally, the narrative helped neighbors understand why the site is important.
Community Consulting for Historic Places
My consulting helps community members save at-risk historic properties. I outline the next steps, introduce state and local contacts, and research the site to show significance. As a result, you are prepared for meetings, grants, and public outreach.
Selected Work
- Restoration and history of the house of William Thompson, first commissioned U.S. Colonel (1775)
- Lincoln Cemetery — African American cemetery with several burials of Civil War United States Colored Troops
- David Hoge House — documentation for a local register
- Bell Tavern — groundwork to demonstrate historic significance
Talk about an at-risk property
Genealogy & Deed Research
Ancestral history, including family lines and family-owned properties in Pennsylvania. This also supports broader writing, preservation, and historical context.
Examples
- Property histories tied to local development or conservation
- Family sketches that clarify names, dates, and places
- Deed references that support a feature, designation, or exhibit
Project Steps and Timeline
After a short discovery call, I suggest scope, deliverables, and a realistic timeline. Then I share progress updates so you always know what’s happening.
Typical Timeline Tranges
- Short article or targeted lookup: 3–5 business days
- Feature, website section, or small research brief: 2–3 weeks
- Multi-source research with writing package: 4–8 weeks
- Together, we’ll define goals, tone, and deliverables.
Podcast: Conversations with historians, writers, and people who share stories of perseverance. Browse by theme or jump into a few favorites.
- Cristen Hemingway Jaynes — writing, legacy, and travel
- Emily Thorpe — waterways and public education
- M.J. Pettengill — memory, history, and craft
- Cynthia O’Neal — horses, land, and identity
Teaching: Turning Research into Readable Writing
I teach practical methods you can use today. For example, we cover structure, voice, and how to pull useful facts from records without losing the reader. Additionally, I tailor sessions for museums, volunteers, boards, and writers in progress.
Memoir Classes: Travel, People & Place
Memoir classes help writers turn lived experience into readable stories. We use short prompts, simple frameworks, and friendly feedback. Each week, you build scenes that connect memory to place. Meanwhile, light research—maps, clippings, or a deed note—can deepen the story without heavy jargon.
Community History Workshops
Some groups want to write for their neighbors rather than for a journal. Therefore, I offer short workshops for museums, historical societies, and friends groups. We practice clear openings, plain-English captions, and short summaries that explain why the subject matters now.
Join a class or book a workshop
Tutoring: Research Skills & College Papers
I also tutor students who are learning how to research and write college papers. These are not formal academic journal papers; instead, they are short research papers that use clear language and simple citations. First, we choose a focused question. Then we find a few reliable sources, take notes, and build a basic outline. Finally, we draft and revise a clean paper that a general reader can follow.
Skills Students Learn
- Ask a narrow question that fits the assignment
- Look first in library databases, local archives, and credible web sources
- Track quotes and facts so citations are easy
- Write topic sentences and smooth transitions
- Trim extra words and avoid jargon
Why This Helps Public History & Preservation
These simple habits carry over to public history projects. Students—and adults—learn to cite what they know, state what they do not know yet, and explain why a source matters. Therefore, their work is easier to trust. In short, better research leads to better stories, better reports, and better community decisions.
Starter Guides & Simple Checklists
If you want to begin on your own, start small. First, write one paragraph that explains the place or person in plain English. Next, list three sources you will check. Then, add one sentence that says why the project matters now. This simple plan keeps momentum and sets you up for a stronger draft.
From Plan to Draft
- Goal and audience in one sentence
- Three sources to check (map, news item, deed, or interview)
- Short outline with three main points
- Two transitions you will use: “for example,” “as a result,” “meanwhile,” or “therefore”
- One clear ask for your reader: learn more, attend a meeting, or share the story
This framework works for travel stories, profiles, site histories, and short reports. It is also easy to teach in workshops and tutoring sessions.
answer these questions
How Writing Research Historic Preservation Leads to Results
First, we choose a format that fits your audience. Next, we confirm the scope, schedule, and deliverables. Then I complete the research and draft the piece. Finally, you receive a clean version with sources and next steps.
Work With Me
Getting started is simple. First, send a short note with your goal and any dates, names, or places. Next, I reply with a brief scope, a timeline, and a quote. Then, if it fits, we schedule a start date. During the project, I send quick progress notes so you always know what is happening. Together, we choose the format that best serves your audience and supports your goals in Writing, Research, and Historic Preservation.
Typical Deliverables
How Writing, Research, and Historic Preservation Shape Stories
- Story writing for travel, people, and place
- Plain-language reports for preservation meetings and grants
- Tutoring or workshops that teach core research and writing skills
- Targeted genealogy and deed lookups that support the narrative
My goal is simple: clear work that people can read, use, and share. Because the process is steady and transparent, you do not have to guess what comes next.
Frequently Asked Questions — Writing Research Historic Preservation
Do you do freelance writing work?
Yes. My fee is $20/hour. A 3,000-word article is a typical scope, and we confirm the estimate before I start. I retain the copyright; however, we can arrange a license for your use. For larger features or web pages, I provide a simple quote and timeline first.
Do you take property research requests?
Yes. Please send the property address, owner’s name, the municipal and county location, and any dates you know. Then I’ll reply with the scope, a quote, and an expected timeline.
Do you do genealogy research?
Yes. To begin, share the person’s name, places lived, known dates (birth/death), and any other details you have. Next, I’ll outline a focused plan and confirm the estimate.
How long does genealogy or deed research take?
Timelines vary with scope and access to records. Here’s a simple guide:
- Quick lookup (3–5 business days): confirm a deed reference, pull a will, or verify one relationship.
- Standard project (2–3 weeks): one family line or one property when records are available online or by request.
- Deep dive (4–8 weeks): multiple lines, older deeds, or mixed counties; often includes courthouse indexes, historic maps, probate, and newspapers. On-site work may be needed.
Can I suggest a podcast guest?
Yes. Please share a short bio, the proposed topic, and how to reach them. Additionally, include one link (site, article, or talk) so I can review their work.
Do you take podcast topic suggestions?
Yes. Send your idea and note whether you’d like to be the guest. If it fits the show, I’ll follow up with simple next steps.
Do you travel for research assignments?
Case by case. Pennsylvania and the Mid-Atlantic are easiest; other locations are possible by arrangement. If travel is required, I’ll include it in the estimate up front.
How can I support the podcast?
Listen, follow, and share. Following the show helps most—it boosts visibility without any cost. Reviews and word-of-mouth are also valuable. Find the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.
Ready to Begin?
Start a project • Join a course • Explore the podcast
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