13 Proven Ways to Break Down Genealogy Brick Walls

1. Re-examine everything

Go back over your past research with fresh eyes. What once seemed unimportant might now be the missing clue. Double-check spellings, dates, and places—even official documents contain mistakes

2. Explore all available sources

Don’t limit yourself to censuses and vital records. Look into:

• Passenger lists

• Parish registers

• City directories

• Military records

• Local archives and libraries

Broadening your sources often provides the breakthrough you need.

Many genealogy brick walls can be solved by digging into lesser-known record collections.

3. Try name variations

Spelling wasn’t standardized in the past. Ancestors might be recorded phonetically, under a nickname, middle name, or even an alias. Use creative spelling variations and wildcard searches when looking for records.

4. Expand age ranges

Ages and birth years were often misstated. Some people lied to enlist, marry, or appear younger (or older). Others simply didn’t know their exact age. When searching, widen your range by several years on either side.

5. Build up the bigger picture

If you can’t find your direct ancestor, research their siblings, cousins, and even neighbors. This FAN method (Friends, Associates, Neighbors) can reveal records that help connect the dots.

6. Brush up on social history

Context is everything. Wars, migrations, and local events shaped our ancestors’ lives. Understanding the history of their time can explain gaps in the records and help you know where to look next.

Pro tip: Use historical newspapers, directories, and legal records to add depth to your family story.

7. Ask for help

Start with your own relatives—stories and memories may hold clues that records don’t. Online genealogy communities and societies are also great places to exchange knowledge and discover new connections.

8. Browse rather than search

If you can’t find someone in a database, they may be misspelled or misindexed. Browsing records page by page can uncover what search filters miss. It’s slower, but often worth it.

9. Create an online family tree

An online family tree not only organizes your research, but also:

• Suggests record hints

• Connects you with distant relatives

• Makes it easy to review and cross-check details

10. Go Pro

When you’re truly stuck, consider hiring a professional genealogist. Their experience and specialized tools can save time and provide access to resources you may not know exist.

11. Take a DNA test

DNA testing can reveal unexpected family connections, confirm relationships, and even uncover entire new branches of your tree. Combine DNA with traditional records for the best results.

12. Keep learning

Genealogy is always evolving. Stay up-to-date by reading how-to guides, attending webinars, and joining live Q&A sessions. New records and techniques are released all the time—keep sharpening your skills.

13. Never give up

Persistence pays off. If you’re frustrated, take a break and return with fresh eyes. And remember—new records are digitised daily. The clue you need may appear in the next update.

Final Thoughts

Breaking through genealogy brick walls takes patience, creativity, and determination. By re-examining your research, trying new sources, and staying persistent, you’ll eventually uncover the stories your ancestors left behind.

Your family history is waiting to be discovered—don’t give up!