Advanced Genealogy Research Techniques

by George G. Morgan, Drew Smith

Break through brick walls in your genealogical research "Easy to read, provides clear explanations, examples and is well-illustrated, thus definitely meeting the needs of libraries and individuals seeking a book to guide family historians who are beyond the basics and need help solving problems."--FORUM magazine

Learn how to use innovative methods to unearth hard-to-find ancestors. Advanced Genealogy Research Techniques shows you, step by step, how to uncover elusive details by taking advantage of specialized tools and software programs and using proven best practices for breaking through the brick walls that have hindered your progress.

You'll get professional advice on formulating a research strategy, understanding the details you discover, keeping careful track of your data, analyzing the evidence, and developing hypotheses. Real-world case studies demonstrate how you can apply the systematic procedures presented in this practical guide to your own research--and achieve success!


Examine the brick wall in detail to find potential weak spots that can be exploited into a breakthrough
Use brute force techniques that leave no stone unturned
Obtain exact copies of original records rather than derivative sources
Research the family, associates, and neighbors (FANs) of your brick wall ancestor
Consult with your family, friends, and colleagues to get a fresh perspective on your research
Use crowdsourcing--genealogy societies, online forums, social media, blogs, wikis, and podcasts
Apply technological solutions, including DNA testing and specialized genealogical software
Get tips on hiring a professional genealogical researcher with the appropriate credentials and references
Revisit your brick wall problem after honing your research skills
Review your evidence, develop a research strategy, and keep a meticulous research log

Genres: Nonfiction, Reference, How To

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[Dlmrose · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Cyndi Beane-Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a godsend in assisting me to advance my research even further than I had already done! Directed toward the researcher who is either a professional or who has been doing this for some time and is more literate in the field of genealogy than just a beginner, this book helps make us aware of those little known areas of hunting and searching that we might not otherwise have known of.



The back cover touts:

"* Examine the brick wall in detail to find potential weak spots that can be exploited into a breakthrough



* Use brute force techniques that leave no stone unturned



* Research the family, associates, and neighbors (FANS) of your brick wall ancestor



* Consult with your family, friends, and colleagues to get a fresh perspective on your research



* Use crowdsourcing - genealogy societies, online forums, social media, blogs, wikis, and podcasts



* Apply technological solutions, including DNA testing and specialized genealogical software



* Getting tips on hiring a professional genealogical researcher with the appropriate credentials and references



* Revisit your brick wall problem after honing your research skills



* Review your evidence, develop a research strategy, and keep a meticulous research log"





I found the text insightful and well worth the purchase of this book.



I give Advanced Genealogy Research Techniques Five Stars and a big Thumbs Up!

****DISCLOSURE: This book was a private purchase and was under no obligation for review.

[Teena in Toronto · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been interested in genealogy for about 20 years and have been using Ancestry.ca for about three years ... so that's why this book caught my eye. I've been finding it interesting to know where I come from.

The authors use the metaphor of a brick wall when you are digging for information. Here are the chapters:

1. Examine the brick wall in detail - reexamining in detail the evidence you already have discovered
2. Use brute force - indexes, abstracts, extracts, etc.
3. Go around the wall - looking at information pertaining to spouses, children, neighbours, etc.
4. Talk to a friend - other genealogists
5. Use crowd sourcing - forums, societies, etc.
6. Apply technological solutions - DNA testing and genealogical software
7. Hire a demolition expert - a professional researcher
8. Rest up and attack the brick wall another time - read magazines, blogs, etc.
9. Put the techniques to work

I liked the writing style. I found it flowed well and was easy to understand. I especially liked that there were detailed examples of how the authors got around the brick wall and found information about their ancestors ... digging through records, accounting for misspellings of last names, etc.

If you are into genealogy, I would recommend this book as a good reminder not to take the information you come across for granted.

Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2013/09...

[Lesley Looper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I’ve been researching my family tree for a while, this book gave me some additional ideas and resources. I’d recommend it.

[Csk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm currently reading "Advanced Genealogy Research," in hopes of breaking through 2-3 brick walls. After doing genealogical research for about 25 years I felt I needed a new perspective. What could be better than reading a text by George Morgan and Drew Smith! I had the pleasure of working at the same university of Drew, so reading the text is almost like having a personal consult with him. My goal is to amass a list of possible sources to check at the Family History library in Salt Lake City when I visit there in a few weeks for a "mega record" hunt.

The book offers a myriad number of strategies to aid the perplexed and dare I say, exhausted researcher, who has tried to pursue every path to break down brick walls. The fresh perspective and tried and true strategies presented in the book are valuable keys to scale the brick walls! I really enjoy the metaphors that are used and their corresponding genealogical strategies --- some days I feel more like using "brute force," whereas other days, "crowd sourcing" seems like the way to go! Using a variety of strategies presented in the book, I hope to break down my brick walls.

Great job, Drew and George! I'm enjoying your book and know that I will return to it again and again.

[Steven · Rating 4 out of 5]

A common occurrence when attempting to do genealogy is to run into a “brick wall”—that point at which you just can’t seem to extend the line or find any more information. Morgan & Smith have fashioned their guide around the brick wall concept. First, examine the wall in detail (every crack & irregularity gets examined). The techniques for dealing with the brick wall are cluster around the following ideas: Use Brute Force, Go Around the Wall, Talk to a Friend, Use Crowdsourcing, Apply Technological Solutions, Hire a Demolition Expert, and Rest up and Attack the Brick Wall Another Time. The final chapter instructs on putting all the techniques to work.

This is a welcome addition to the small number of excellent books available that provide guidance to the novice genealogist tackling their brick wall. Clearly written, with examples & illustrations, this volume can serve as a fine introduction to family history. I would recommend this book to anyone beginning their genealogy—whether they’ve come to their first brick wall, or have only just started down the research road.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wonderful book by George Morgan and Drew Smith! There are so many wonderful suggestions in helping to look one's brick wall from different sides, and to begin to break through those brick walls. The book is easy to read and understand. I think that it would be a fabulous asset to a beginning genealogist, and a wonderful "reminder" book for the intermediate genealogist. I appreciate that Morgan and Smith added some software helps. They also used very realistic examples throughout the book.

I would happily suggest this book to others who are trying to break through their genealogical brick walls!

[Mhd · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is very good and very easy reading--just what you'd expect from the Genealogy Guys! It's something I will go back to a great deal over time. I think it will be an especially good reference (or even a textbook) for genealogy workshops or courses. I have ordered this book for purchase. My only gripe is that the title is misleading: it is not "advanced," more like intermediate or "developing beginner." I hope the title does not scare off progressing beginners…this book could help them develop a solid foundation of good research skills.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very useful book filled with tips on how to break through your "brick wall" ancestors - those ancestors for whom you can't find a parent, or a dob, or other things that let continue your journey into the past.

They offer a variety of strategies and resources, and use their own family research to show how they applied some of the techniques.

Definitely for the person who's been doing genealogy for a while, and has a decent understand of how to do basic research, use decent sources, and track their work.

[Cyndi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plenty of good reviews in the genealogical community over this book. Very up-to-date and solid. Unfortunately, I didn't really learn anything new. I'll take that as a compliment that I managed to teach myself most of these techniques. I would strongly recommend it for anyone who is not too far into genealogical data collection but is past the total beginner stage. You should be able to do basic online and records searches. The book takes you to the next level.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic book for anyone looking for creative ways to break through those pesky brick walls. Morgan and Smith use a physical brick wall analogy throughout the book to help illustrate their points about overcoming various issues in genealogy research. Real-life research examples further drive the points home in a practical manner.

My full review can be found on my blog at: http://genealogy.julietarr.com/blog/b...

[Christine McCloud · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! And the biggest reason is that, despite its title, it was written in an easy-to-understand way. It was encouraging in that it helped verify that I'm barking up the right trees (so to speak). It also presented methodology in a logical manner so that I can figure out what my next step may be. As a side note, I got so caught up in Drew & George's personal examples that I want to know more about their families!

[Carole · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are few genealogy how-to books that I give 5 stars to, but this one deserves it! It is easy to read, yet offers clear, well-thought out advice on how to further your genealogy research. I took detailed notes, and plan to use it like my bible in breaking down some of my brick walls. I think a copy belongs in every family history library.

[Tim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Genealogy Tips

Lots of good tips and techniques for getting through brick walls in your family history research. If you have lots of money, just hire someone to conduct thorough research for your family. Most of us, though, will need to try these tips and techniques ourselves... :)

[Kathy KS · Rating 3 out of 5]

These authors know genealogical research. I did enjoy this how-to research book aimed at those with some experience in researching family history and encountering brick walls. The authors did give some tips, but I actually learned fewer new tidbits to use than I have read in several recent basic texts.

So, maybe not something I'd recommend to everyone, but worth a read for those needing inspiration about where to go and what to do next. I do have Smith's most recent basic genealogical research book ready to read; I have high hopes for it.

[Esmel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always considered myself an advanced beginner genealogist. After reading this, I realized I am more advanced than I realized. I recognized all of the strategies because I have been using them to some degree. I still have things to learn, of course, but I can figure things out. The chapters dealing with technology are out-of-date. The DNA chapter is still somewhat current, but needs updating as well. Overall a good manual but a bit dated as of 2023.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good research book, but also very readable going page-by-page. A background in genealogy helps the reader with terminology. The book concentrates on "brick walls" - those pesky ancestors that don't seem to have any information about them- and suggests techniques to break through them. I recommend it.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helped reassure me that I'm not a complete idiot since I am already doing some of the things suggested here, but did learn a few things as well. Wish I could find a book like this that was more British-centered. Almost all the specific examples were for US research.

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not sure this book is well-named, since many of the research techniques discussed here are fairly basic, but it does have some good tips (or reminders) for beginners and experienced researchers alike

[Susan Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick and east read with list and examples to assist in your "brick walls". Written with an intermediate researcher in mind, not a beginner. A pleasant, helpful tone throughout the book.

[Water Viper · Rating 3 out of 5]

I give this a three star because, although it has good ideas on finding past relatives, it did not help me to find the ones I need help finding.

[Jim]

did not read this

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't learn a lot of new stuff in this book, unfortunately. Either I'm too seasoned a genealogist, or their idea of "advanced" is different than mine. Nonetheless, it's a good read and I think beginning & mid-level genealogists would gain a lot

[Carrie Portlance · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was expecting a lot more from this book. I would not call it advanced. I would call this a book for an intermediate researcher. I was hoping to get some ideas but this book really didn't give me any new ones.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent resource for anyone interested in genealogy

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for those of us who are struggling with genealogy brick walls! Lots of great tips and helpful information.

[Noel Church · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not entirely sure what the Advanced or the Research techniques were. This really should be intermediate principles and a lot of talk of rambling.

[Sue Law · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good guide to techniques and processes to use when encountering brick walls in genealogical research.