ARS CASE STUDIES

 Archival Research Solutions (ARS) conducted a thorough analysis of more than 6,700 census records to investigate the slaveholding practices of New York senators during the period of manumission legislation. Although figures like John Jay and other prominent senators eventually emerged as abolitionists, this study highlights the significant presence of enslaved individuals in New York State during the early 1800s. It wasn't until 1827 that slavery was officially abolished in the state.

 A client sought the Operation/Unit journals and Navy Muster Rolls for his father and a few uncles who were active during World War II. Upon reviewing Record Group 407, we discovered that his father was a member of the 359th Infantry Regiment, Company L, 3rd Battalion. Additionally, we found military commendations for his uncles. This extensive research yielded a detailed account of the service members' engagements throughout World War II.

 ARS assisted an elderly veteran who urgently needed Navy Deck Logs for the USS Manley DD-940, covering the years 1969 to 1973, to support his disability claim. We successfully located and reviewed the archived deck logs from Record Group 24 and expedited his request within just a few days. As a token of appreciation for his service, ARS offered the veteran a discount on the archival research.

 ARS provided pertinent evidence for a case against manufacturers, distributors, marketers, labelers, and sellers of a non-dairy, vanilla-flavored protein beverage. Plaintiffs challenged the beverage company, noting that the beverage was mislabeled because the product had no or little actual vanilla flavor. Instead, the product contained "vanilla flower vignette" and the words “Smooth Vanilla", which may be misleading to consumers. 

ARS searched the current and historical regulatory records for vanilla and vanilla extract and collaborated with the Food and Drug Administration and NIH Library staff members on regulations and definitions for vanilla extract. This case was significant because consumers might purchase this beverage thinking that its vanilla taste came exclusively from the vanilla plant. They further allege that the absence of qualifying terms like “flavored” or “naturally flavored” on the label led them to believe that the drink contained more vanilla from vanilla beans than it actually did. This case demonstrated how ARS’s research helped provide evidence in matters that affected the scientific and public health community.