Tools & techniques for reviewing situations, organizing documents, setting realistic research goals, and creating documentation to live a life while doing Brick Wall research.
Originally based upon his article in Heritage Quest July-Aug 1999 and updated over the years
Outline:
Looks at various problem solving tools and techniques and then look at three Brick Wall situations:
1. Very little information. “The person hardly existed”
Finding Alvar – Left the family & changed his last name
2. Lots of Information on numerous people with the same common name
James Johnsons in early 1800 Virginia
3. Building a preponderance of evidence on a Mayflower Descendant
Organize First
Work From Known to Unknown
Really look at what you have & Look for small clues
List of Known Facts & List of Clues
Timelines, To Do Lists, and Research Logs
Checklist for Methodical Research
Spreadsheet or Database to help sort of multiple people with the same name.
Periodically look for new information and if found then Review existing records
Set realistic goals (manage your expectations)
Stay current with record keeping
Be able to live a life and eventually break down some of the brick walls
Hopefully eventually prove or disprove the information with DNA
Past Presentations:
18 Sept. 2021 The Cloud Family Association – via Zoom
21 Jan. 2021 Lee County (FL) Genealogical Society - Webinar
26 Oct. 2019 The Scottish Genealogy Group of the Illinois Saint Andrew Society - Meeting
9 July 2016 Kentucky Genealogical Society - Second Saturday Programs, Frankfort, KY
14 Feb. 2015 Pasco County (FL) Genealogy Society – Meeting (that morning received proof of Alvar’s grandparents)
16 Oct. 2012 Benedictine University - Center for Lifelong Learning, Downers Grove, IL
28 June 2012 Bureau County (IL) Genealogical Society - Meeting, Princeton, IL
25 Jan. 2011 Helen Plum Public Library, Lombard, IL
8 Sept. 2009 Genealogy Club of Sun City- Meeting, Huntley, IL
20 Sept. 2008 Clinton County Genealogical Society - Workshop, Frankfort, IN
13 May 2008 Schaumburg Township District Librar, Schaumburg, IL
3 May 2008 The Darke County (OH) Genealogical Society Inc. - Conference, Greenville, OH
23 Aug. 2007 Indian Prairie Public Library, Darien, IL
13 May 2006 Burlington (WI) Genealogical Society, Conference, Racine, WI
8 March 2005 Lake County IL Genealogical Society, Mundelein, IL (preparation led to finding Alvar)
26 Feb. 2001 DCGS' 26th Annual Conference, Lisle, IL