Brickwalls: in theory... and in practice

Brickwalls, research roadblocks, or whatever else you like to name them, are the bane of the family historian’s life, aren’t they? However, with a bit more brain power, we may yet see them smashed! This issue we have two articles in particular that shed light on how you can go about solving your genealogy problems. Chris Broom’s considers theories and approaches to try. As he reveals, a new train of thought may be all that’s needed to set your research back on track. Susie Douglas’s, on the other hand, shows how she methodically worked through a problem that had foxed one of her clients.

Susie’s research process shows that, when faced with a brickwall, we don’t necessarily need to go heading off in search of an esoteric record. Sometimes the census and parish registers may hold all the clues we need – but it is up to us to investigate them thoroughly. I hope you’ll find both useful and inspiring pieces.

As we go to print, the #Historyforukraine online history and genealogy fundraiser event is due to go live in 48 hours’ time and to date already £4,389 has been raised for the Ukraine Crisis Appeal. This event was both thought of – and turned around – in super-quick time by the Historyforukraine team headed up by genealogist Natalie Pithers. To keep up with future satellite fundraising events, see https://historyforukraine.co/, and if your society, group or community are also organising history-related fundraising events be sure to let us know and we’ll share the news.

Explore the online documentary exhibition, Born Free, at the State Archival Service of Ukraine website: https://archives.gov.ua/en/ Images from the Born Free exhibition: Central State Historical Archive of Ukraine, L’viv; Ukraine National Anthem; Prince Volodymyr the Great; soldiers of the Ukrainian People’s Republic 1917-1918.