Steve Swisdak

Senior historian Steve Swisdak has managed and conducted research for a diverse range of historical research projects, including litigation projects concerning former military and government industrial facilities; common knowledge of chemical additives in gasoline; manufactured gas plants; potentially responsible party (PRP) identification for natural resources damages; historical land-use cases; and CERCLA cases. He has particular experience researching the past uses of industrial sites in New England and the greater New York City area. Mr. Swisdak is skilled in conducting research into federal records at the National Archives and Records Administration and in researching records at state- and local-level records repositories across the country. He has provided expert reports, affidavits, and sworn depositions on several litigation research projects. Mr. Swisdak also serves as deputy director of History Associates’ Litigation Research Division.

Mr. Swisdak has written various articles and given several presentations on using historical research in support of environmental litigation. His recent publications include:

• "Researching Past Uses of New York Industrial Sites"
• "The Value of Historical Research to In-House Counsel" 

His most recent presentations include:

• "Using Historical Research to Make Your Case: A Survey of Key Federal Records"
• "Digging Deeper: Uncovering the Hidden Potential of Historical State and Local Records" 

Mr. Swisdak earned a bachelor’s degree in history (summa cum laude) from St. Mary’s College of Maryland and a master’s degree in medieval history from Johns Hopkins University. He has taught undergraduate history courses at Johns Hopkins University, St. Mary’s College of Maryland, and Stevenson University.