About

What we do

Bespoke History creates unique books in a variety of formats. Our process involves exhaustive research to explore the full depth and scope of each story and interviews to capture the voices and perspectives of the people who are part of that story.

How we’re different

What sets us apart is our comprehensive, full-service model. The Bespoke History team includes a network of researchers, writers, designers and print production specialists.

Every Bespoke History project is, by definition, unique. Some have heavy research and writing requirements, others emphasize design and photography. Each project calls for different areas of expertise in terms of research or industry knowledge.

As such, there is a wide range in the investment required for a Bespoke History project. Quotes are provided after extensive consultation to determine the requirements and challenges specific to your desired book. Bespoke History projects typically fall within the $20k-$150k range.

Our Team

Tom Hostage
President & Founder

After graduating with a B.S. in Communications from Cornell University (’89), Tom spent six years in corporate media sales prior to co-founding Hostage Brothers Printing, a Massachusetts-based commercial printing and design firm, in 1995. Tom founded Bespoke History in 2006 after writing and producing his first privately commissioned family history. Tom and his core team have produced over 30 Bespoke History books since our founding. He is a member of the Association of Personal Historians and affiliated with the Association of Professional Genealogists.

Kathy Buice
Writer

Kathy joined the Bespoke team in 2015 after retiring from more than two decades as a popular history teacher at a private high school. Her broad knowledge of U.S. and world history combine with a passion for research and excellent writing skills to make her an indispensable part of the Bespoke team.  

Jordan Murphy
Graphic Designer/Illustrator

Jordan has over two decades of print design experience, including package design, newspaper layout, and book illustration. Jordan’s skills in book layout and freehand illustration brings a unique and creative set of options to the table for Bespoke History’s clients.

Mike Marschke
Graphic Designer

Mike Marschke is a graphic designer with over 20 years of experience in the commercial printing and design industry. Mike was a longtime member of Hostage Brothers Printing’s design team, and has worked with Bespoke History since its founding.

Bespoke History’s core team is augmented by a collection of free-lance research specialists, artists, photographers and assistant writers that are pulled in to assist as needed on a given project. Each book has unique challenges and requirements that require a flexible approach to bringing the right talents to bear to produce the best possible end product.

- TESTIMONIALS -

As we enter our second decade of producing privately
commissioned histories, here’s what our clients have to say...

The endeavor was totally worth it, just for what I’ve learned about my family and our business. The product is great. For many of our employees, knowing where we came from will bring additional meaning to their work here. I want to tell you that the state legislature named the Annamoriah bridge in memory of my granddad this winter. Your book helped convey to the senators how special that bridge is to our family.

NATE ORDERS

Let’s get started on your project

The first step in creating your book is to define its parameters. After initial consultation, our team will create an outline and estimate your project’s timeline, cost and strategy in a formal proposal.

CONTACT US