Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: January 20, 2005
Contact: James Lide
E-mail: jlide@historyassociates.com
Telephone: (301) 279-9697

HAI Research Results Announced by Bank One

Bank One, which merged with JPMorgan Chase on July 1, 2004, announced today the results of a major historical research undertaking that History Associates Incorporated (HAI) of Rockville, Maryland, recently completed on the bank's behalf. The project was prompted by a Chicago ordinance requiring companies that conduct business with the city to disclose any historical connections to slavery. The investigation involved searching for nineteenth century records relating to hundreds of JPMorgan Chase and Bank One predecessors. In particular, HAI researchers focused on two Louisiana banks, Citizens Bank of Louisiana and Canal Bank, whose fates eventually became entwined with Bank One and JPMorgan Chase. Said Bank One of History Associates:

History Associates Inc. has been meticulous in its investigation, going well beyond the original scope of the research. Twelve research historians spent more than 3,500 hours to contact or visit over 75 research archives and examine individual property records at 39 Louisiana parishes.

James H. Lide, Ph.D., director of HAI's International Division, directed the research effort, which began in April 2004 and involved inquiries in Louisiana, Virginia, and Kentucky. Lide and his team analyzed the results and sent a completed report to JPMorgan Chase just nine months later, in mid-January 2005.

History Associates provides business, government, and nonprofit clients with professional historical research, writing, archives, and records management services. For more information, call (301) 279-9697 or visit www.historyassociates.com.