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We unpack how end of life records like probate, wills and testaments can be the undoing of even the most stubborn brickwall.

Stacey Janssen and Jeremy Keel of Janssen Estate Probate & Elder Law demystify the legal jargon of wills, probate and guardian records.

Do you have a genealogical question for Kathleen? Drop us a line at hitting the bricks at gmail.com and let us know.

Be sure to bookmark linktr.ee/hittinthebricks for your one stop access to Kathleen Brandt, the host of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen. And, visit us on YouTube: Off the Wall with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials.

Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org.

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School records dating back to the 1700s can break through genealogical brick walls by providing detailed information about individuals and families that may not exist in other historical documents.

Be sure to bookmark linktr.ee/hittinthebricks for your one stop access to Kathleen Brandt, the host of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen. And, visit us on YouTube: Off the Wall with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials.

Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org.

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Emily Wildhaber from Midwest Genealogy Center joins us to discuss their "Tell Me a Story" program that preserves family stories through oral history. 

For more information visit:

Tell Me a Story from Mid-West Genealogy Center

Be sure to bookmark linktr.ee/hittinthebricks for your one stop access to Kathleen Brandt, the host of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen. And, visit us on YouTube: Off the Wall with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials.

Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org.

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Hittin' the Bricks welcomes Lauri Jean Swett and Ashley Arnett to discuss the upcoming Genealogy KC conference on August 23, 2025.

Listen in as Lauri Jean and Ashley share topics and more about this free hybrid event. 

Registration: genealogykc.org 

Lauri Jean Swett
Genealogy by Lauri Jean

Be sure to bookmark linktr.ee/hittinthebricks for your one stop access to Kathleen Brandt, the host of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen. And, visit us on YouTube: Off the Wall with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials.

Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org.

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Michelle Spencer, the family business researcher, shares details about the upcoming Missouri State Genealogical Association (MOSGA) conference on August 8-9.

MoSGA Conference:
Register at mosga.org for the conference on August 8-9 at the Missouri State Archives in Jefferson City.

Registration is just $55 for non-members, $50 for members.
https://www.mosga.org/

Check out Michelle's business:

Combines genealogical expertise with historical context, particularly focused on family business research.

RomaMaryGrace :  https://romamarygrace.com/

Youtube: @romamarygrace1909

Be sure to bookmark linktr.ee/hittinthebricks for your one stop access to Kathleen Brandt, the host of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen. And, visit us on YouTube: Off the Wall with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials.

Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org.

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Medical mysteries lurking in your family tree might hold the key to understanding sudden disappearances, unexplained relocations, or clusters of deaths among your ancestors. When traditional genealogy methods hit a wall, epidemic research could breakthrough those brick walls.

Ready to uncover the medical history hiding in your family tree? Email [email protected] to request one of our DNA test kit giveaways (Free pickup in Kansas City or $10 shipping elsewhere in the USA) and start building a more complete picture of your ancestors' lives and challenges.

Be sure to bookmark linktr.ee/hittinthebricks for your one stop access to Kathleen Brandt, the host of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen. And, visit us on YouTube: Off the Wall with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials.

Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org.

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Ever wondered what secrets your German ancestors might be hiding? You're not alone. 44 million Americans claim German heritage, making Germans the largest immigrant group in United States history.

Join us with expert Sue Schlichting, founder of Pursuing Your Past, for tips and resources to uncover your German ancestors. 

Pursuing Your Past
FamilySearch Research Wiki

#germangenealogy #midwest #Lindsborg #Volhynian #Germans #kansas

Be sure to bookmark linktr.ee/hittinthebricks for your one stop access to Kathleen Brandt, the host of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen. And, visit us on YouTube: Off the Wall with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials.

Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org.

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Listen in as we speak with Angela Hagenbach and Vincent Bell about keeping Weston MO, history alive.

FREE EVENT
The 5th Annual Juneteenth Heritage Jubilee will be held on June 14th at Weston Red Barn Farm

The BAAC sponsors projects including a Black Heritage mural, monuments, and the annual Juneteenth Heritage Jubilee

Founded by Angela Haggenbach, the Black Ancestors Awareness Campaign uncovers the rich and obscured African American history of Weston, Missouri.

Jazz KC Portraits by Dan White sponsored by the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum, May 22 - December 30, 2025

To learn more or get involved with the Black Ancestors Awareness Campaign, visit baacweston.org or email Vincent Bell at: [email protected].

Be sure to bookmark linktr.ee/hittinthebricks for your one stop access to Kathleen Brandt, the host of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen. And, visit us on YouTube: Off the Wall with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials.

Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org.

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Unlock the secrets of forensic genealogy in this episode of Hittin’ the Bricks with Kathleen! 

Genealogist Julie Whittaker specializes in military repatriation, mineral rights, and the legal complexities that shape this growing field.

Whether you're curious about how forensic genealogy solves cold cases, supports legal claims, or connects families to long-lost ancestors, Julie shares real-world insights from her work with attorneys, specialized projects, and beyond.

Thinking about becoming a forensic genealogist or just want to understand what it really takes? 

This episode offers expert tips, powerful stories, and a look behind the scenes of one of genealogy’s most fascinating careers.

Here are some helpful links.

• Website for Julie: https://genealogysafari.com/
• The Council for the Advancement of Forensic Genealogy (CAFG) https://www.forensicgenealogists.org/
• Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency: https://www.dpaa.mil/

If you have genealogical questions for Kathleen, drop us a line at [email protected] 

Be sure to bookmark linktr.ee/hittinthebricks for your one stop access to Kathleen Brandt, the host of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen. And, visit us on YouTube: Off the Wall with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials.

Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org.

Let us know what you think!

Are you underutilizing Tax Records?
Tax records offer genealogists a treasure trove of information beyond just confirming where ancestors lived. They reveal financial circumstances, family relationships, and even marriage dates. They provide us with associates, lifestyles, and community. 

Tax Records are a key resource to leaping over that Brickwall.

Heather Jenkins, president of the Johnson County Genealogical Society and Heartland Chapter of APG, specializes in tax record research. 

She shares with the Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen Team, about obscure laws that shaped your ancestor's decisions.

• Tax records connect to all aspects of life including birth, death, marriage, and property ownership
•  Examining tax records can reveal an ancestor's true financial status, often showing apparent wealth hiding significant debt

Find Heather Jenkins at: https://balancedgenealogy.com

Email your genealogical questions to [email protected]

Be sure to bookmark linktr.ee/hittinthebricks for your one stop access to Kathleen Brandt, the host of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen. And, visit us on YouTube: Off the Wall with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials.

Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org.