The Research Desk

a historicalpresent.com project

Genealogy tools that work like a professional's case file.

Printable workbooks, letter templates, and a day-by-day starter plan — built from the same methods used on the free Roots to Records live-research streams. Buy once, print forever.

FORM RTR-BW1
$12
PDF · 10 pages · printable

The Brick Wall Workbook

A case-file system for the ancestor who refuses to be found. Stop re-searching the same websites and start dismantling the problem the way professionals do.

  • Case statement, fact inventory & assumption audit worksheets
  • Life timeline, FAN-club tracker, and full record-group checklist
  • Negative search log & hypothesis planner — never repeat a search again
Buy the Workbook — $12
FORM RTR-RT1
$12
PDF · 8 pages · copy & send

The Records Request Toolkit

Most records aren't online — they're in courthouses, church offices, and archives, waiting for a well-written letter. These templates get clerks on your side.

  • 7 ready-to-send letters: county clerks, churches, archives, cemeteries, funeral homes, newspapers & follow-ups
  • The etiquette, fees & SASE rules that get requests pulled first
  • Request tracker so nothing falls through the cracks
Buy the Toolkit — $12
FORM RTR-30D
$15
PDF · 9 pages · 30-day plan

The 30-Day Genealogy Kit

From "where do I even start?" to a documented family tree — one 20–40 minute task per day, in the order professionals actually work: known to unknown, home sources first.

  • 30 daily tasks across four structured weeks, with checkboxes
  • Printable pedigree chart, family group sheet & source log
  • Census, newspaper, land, probate & military days — with free-first resources
Buy the Kit — $15

The Complete Research Desk — all three for $29

The starter kit, the brick-wall system, and the letters that reach the records the internet doesn't have. Save $10.

Buy the bundle — $29

Why these exist

I do free genealogical research live on stream at Roots to Records. These toolkits are the "while you wait on me" version — the exact worksheets and letters I use on cases — and every purchase funds more free research for people who can't afford to hire anyone. Have a brick wall of your own? File a free request.