All genealogists have hit a brick wall at one point or another. For the new researcher this can be a painful and frustrating experience. Using sound genealogical research methodology is the first step in overcoming brick walls. The lecture will introduce learners to the NINJA approach to doing genealogical research. NINJA is an acronym that stands for Needs, Investigation, Notation, Justification, and Assessment. This approach represents a fresh look at the Genealogical Proof Standard that is designed specifically to assist beginner and intermediate researchers with overcoming brick wall problems in their research faster than guess work or haphazard research. This course will utilize real-world examples to demonstrate how the presenter used the NINJA method to overcome brick walls in his own research.

Learning Objectives:
1.      All genealogical researchers hit brick walls in their research
2.      Many brick wall problems can be overcome
3.      Using sound research methods helps overcome brick walls
4.      Using the NINJA approach can help overcome brick walls faster than guesswork

Dan began researching his family history at age 10 when his father took him to the grave of his great-grandfather; that sparked a lifetime of interest in family history. He has spent the last 25 years researching his own family history and helping others make history a part of their story.

He is associated with the National Genealogical Society, Association of Professional Genealogists, Genealogical Speakers Guild, Association for Gravestone Studies, Michigan Genealogical Council, Mid-Michigan Genealogical Society, Hungarian Genealogical Society of Michigan, New York Genealogical and Biographical Society, New England Historic Genealogical Society, Maryland Genealogical Society, Maryland Historical Society, North Carolina State Genealogical Society , French-Canadian Heritage Society of Michigan, The Next Gen Genealogy Network, ​Virtual Genealogical Society and International Society of Genetic Genealogy.

Daniel has experience doing research in the United States Midwest, Mid-Atlantic United States, New England Eastern Canada, Eastern Europe, Great Britain and Ireland​.