2024-01-08 – Suzanne Brayer – Is It Really a Brick Wall?

Home » 2024-01-08 – Suzanne Brayer – Is It Really a Brick Wall?

Date: January 08, 2024

Family historians often refer to the inability of finding an ancestor as a “brick wall.” During my 30+ years of genealogy research, I have encountered many unsolvable situations; or so I thought. I’ve learned that there are strategies and techniques we don’t consider that can lead to the answer to those situations. I have gathered a number of tips and strategies which I will share through case study examples that I believe will help break through that brick wall.


Speaker: Suzanne Young Brayer

Suzanne Young Brayer is an educator, historical researcher and avid genealogist. She graduated BA and MA in history and education from Arizona State University.

Her involvement in researching her family history began when she and her father worked together gathering the pieces of their ancestry puzzle. From Mayflower ancestors to Quakers to Revolutionary War patriots to 19th century German immigrants and a few criminals along the way, she, like most of us, represents the “melting pot” of American culture.

She has held numerous positions in the Family History Society of Arizona, including Past President and on the Arizona Genealogical Advisory Board (AzGAB). She is a ProGen graduate, and a member of The Arizona Council of Professional Genealogists, NGS and DAR as well as numerous local and national societies. She has taught genealogy classes and spoken to numerous groups throughout Arizona and the West. She is a lecturer, teacher and genealogist with over 30 years’ experience.

Please note that the handout for the meeting is available. You may want to print it out before the meeting.


In-person meetings are held at the First Presbyterian Church located at 12225 N. 103rd Ave., Sun City, AZ. (click here for map) – will open in new tab in your web browser)

Please arrive after 12:30 pm to sign up for classes, SIGs, or the 2024 Seminar, ask questions of a Board Member or Committee Chairperson, etc. Note: We will not be offering coffee at this time.

The short business meeting will start at 1:00 pm sharp followed by our featured speaker.

West Valley Genealogical Society