Let us know what you think!

The October Mailbag: Naval Veteran Research and Heritage Month
Journey through the National Archives with us as we highlight the distinctions between researching Navy records and other branches. 

Let's celebrate in October:  Family History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month and  Naval Research. 

Family History Month Resources

1. Family Search 31 October celebrations ideas 
2. National Genealogical Society and Brain Health
3. Library of Congress

September / October Newsletter 

• Hispanic Heritage Month
• 8 Tips: Puerto Rican Research
• FamilySearch Wiki

This episode promises a blend of history, humor, and celebrations.

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!

Join us as we sit down with Sofia Stewart, a remarkable intern from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Sofia's journey began in a Russian orphanage and led her to Arkansas, where her deep-seated passion for sociology and understanding societal dynamics took root. Through her work at Tracing Ancestors, backed by the Mellon Grant program, Sofia channels her background into grant writing and creatively designing promotional content, all while unveiling the profound importance of genealogy in shaping our stories.

Ever wondered about the hidden narratives within your family tree? This episode promises a captivating exploration of Romani ancestry and the complexities of adoption. Sophia shares personal and historical insights, from the deportation of Romani people to Siberia to the traditional Russian naming patterns that link her to her roots. We dive into her family history, including the lives of her parents, Alex and Faina, and the significance of DNA in uncovering close relatives and piecing together her adoption story. Tune in for a rich tapestry of identity, history, and the power of storytelling in genealogy.

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!

How would you feel if your loved one's ashes were left forgotten on a dusty shelf or found on the side of the road? In this episode of Hittin’ the Bricks with Kathleen, we unravel the journey of Lanae Strovers, a dedicated funeral director and trainer, who has found over 300 unclaimed urns. With great compassion and determination, Lanae is committed to giving these forgotten souls dignified burials. Joined by Dennis Allen a retired firefighter, and Cris Nagla, this trio has organized mass burials with overwhelming community support. Dennis and Cris run Avon Cementery of Des Moines, IA.

Lanae has also partnered with the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel, IA. In this episode she shines a light on the powerful ceremonies held to honor unclaimed veterans in Iowa. Host Kathleen Brandt, will be participating in the upcoming Final Salute 27 ceremony Sep 2024. Learn more about this public event at The Final Salute (FB page).

The movie based on a live story can be found on Tubi or Prime Video. Use link below: Chasing the Dead Requiem

Can't make it in person: Feed Event
We invite you to stay connected for more inspiring stories and submit your genealogical questions. Subscribe at linktr.ee/hittinthebricks

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!

Imagine uncovering hidden athletic gems within your own family tree! This episode of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen promises just that, as we celebrate the achievements of our ancestors from the amateur, collegient, professional, or Olympian athlete.

Did your ancestor face challenges like gender or racial discrimination?  Or did a military draft or War outbreak squash your ancestors athletic dreams.

This episode offers valuable tips on tracing your family's sports history to include pioneering women and African American athletes.

Read More
Tracing College & Professional Athletes

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!

Part 2 of our interview with David W. Jackson dives deeper into the creation and distribution of your Do It Yourself Genealogy Book.

"My Jackson family identified as Caucasian for the last five generations, but after 30 years of genealogical research I rediscovered a family secret. My great-great-grandfather, Arthur Jackson, was born an African-American slave in Virginia in 1856."

David W. Jackson, founder of the Orderly Pack Rat and author of "Born a Slave," reveals the hidden chapters of his family's past. He has written or contributed to over 60 titles. David shares his unique strategies for structuring his book, the importance of timelines, and the breakthroughs achieved through "cluster research."

Get an insider's perspective on the world of self-publishing as David provides invaluable tips on managing citations, the nuances between self-publishing and traditional publishing, and the challenges of promoting one's work. Learn about his experiences with Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP).

David W. Jackson
[email protected]
orderlypackrat.weebly.com

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!

"My Jackson family identified as Caucasian for the last five generations, but after 30 years of genealogical research I rediscovered a family secret. My great-great-grandfather, Arthur Jackson, was born an African-American slave in Virginia in 1856."

David W. Jackson, founder of the Orderly Pack Rat and author of "Born a Slave," reveals the hidden chapters of his family's past. He has written or contributed to over 60 titles. David shares his unique strategies for structuring his book, the importance of timelines, and the breakthroughs achieved through "cluster research."

Get an insider's perspective on the world of self-publishing as David provides invaluable tips on managing citations, the nuances between self-publishing and traditional publishing, and the challenges of promoting one's work. Learn about his experiences with Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP).

David W. Jackson
[email protected]
orderlypackrat.weebly.com

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!

June is a busy month!
We start by celebrating Pride Month and ourJune Newsletter,  Secret's Revealed,  that gives hints on researching your ancestors' secrets.   
One of our best historical secrets held from textbooks takes us to  Southern Claims Commission, where ex-slaves and free coloreds joined enslavers to navigate the complexities of Civil War property claims. Were your ancestors  named in these underutilized documents? Now that's a way to celebrate Juneteenth!

Speaking of secrets, we uncover one held by FamilytreeDNA. Their policies are muddied by an unannounced policy change . Find out which policy has been proven not to be honored on FamilyTreeDNA. 
Join us on Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen as we tackle genealogical and ethical secrets  uncovered.  

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!

In this episode, we answer inquiries from the HTB Mailbag.  
Are you relying on online resources and phone communication to conduct remote research? Kathleen offers some tips to effectively communicate with repositories when conducting remote research. 

Are there strategies or resources to explore in order to successfully access newspaper publications that have not yet been digitized without traveling? 

Are you prepared to hand off your genealogical quest to an overseas researcher? Kathleen offers a framework of what's needed to uncover your immigrant ancestor's story using a professional overseas researcher.

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!

Let's get techy with the latest Artificial intelligence tool from FamilySearch that's rewriting the rules on historical record-sleuthing.

Plus,  family reunion planning; mistakes made & lessons learned.

 Keep those genealogy questions coming!

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!

Have you ever peered into your family tree and found a story that's tangled, moving, and a little surprising? That's exactly what Kathleen and I discuss in our latest podcast episode.

Kathleen answers two emails on air from the HTB Mailbag:

1.  A compelling case is presented where a man seeks to understand his uncle's paternity, bringing to light the sensitive nature of uncovering hidden truths within our lineage. 

2. A question on the ethics of genealogy research, emphasizing the importance of clear communication and honest cost transparency. 

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.