One question.
One useful next step.
Start with the gap in your evidence. Choose a resource that fits, then leave yourself a clear way to continue.
Use this four-step path with the records you already have. The research guides and evidence-checking example are free. Start at whichever step helps you today.
Define the question.
Write one thing you are trying to establish. Add the names, dates and places that distinguish the people involved. Keep what you know separate from what you suspect.
Too broad: “Find everything about Clara Reed.”
More useful: “Was Clara Reed, who married in Alderbridge in 1906, the daughter of Thomas Reed the carpenter or a different Thomas Reed?”
These people and this place are invented to illustrate a research question. Neither candidate is an established answer.
Your first action: write the question and list two or three sources you already have. Note the exact connection that is still missing.
Choose where to look.
Ask who might have created a record of the missing fact and who holds those records now. Choose one route, then check the collection’s dates, coverage and access before searching or visiting.
Working outside Ohio? Start with the Research Methods library and Archive Links. The county directory currently focuses on Ohio.
Your next action: pick one collection that could address your question. Save its reference and write down what you intend to check.
Check the evidence before the conclusion.
An index, a transcription or an AI response can help you find a clue. Compare it with the original document when available, including the headings, surrounding entries and any missing pages.
- What does the record explicitly say?
- What are you interpreting or assuming?
- What remains unreadable, conflicting or unproved?
One handwritten name produced Mary, Cherry, Nancy and Chancy across four AI responses. The census companion shows the differences, preserves uncertainty, and gives you the test prompt and a verification checklist.
Explore the census example →Your next action: check one important claim against its source. Keep uncertain readings marked instead of choosing the most convenient answer.
Keep the work ready to continue.
A notebook or document is enough to begin. Before you stop, leave a short note:
- Question: what are you trying to establish?
- Evidence: what did you find, and where can you find it again?
- Searches: what did you already check, including searches with no results?
- Next: what is the smallest useful action, or whose reply are you waiting for?
Optional: if you prefer a prepared structure, the Brick Wall Case File includes editable Word worksheets, printable PDFs and a fictional worked example. It is a $15 digital toolkit; you do not need to buy it to use the free guides.
Preview the optional Case File toolkit →Choose one place to look.
Keep your question beside you. You can make progress without solving the whole case today.