Research Template Collection
The Brooklyn Mat Maker Methodology Templates
Apply occupational tracking methodology to your own common surname challenges with these downloadable research tools
Professional Research Templates
These templates were developed during the seven-year Brooklyn Mat Maker research project and refined through practical application. Each template addresses a specific challenge in identifying individuals with common surnames in urban 19th-century records.
Download, customize, and apply these tools to your own genealogical research challenges—whether tracking occupations, analyzing DNA clusters, or building BCG-compliant proof arguments.
Core Research Templates
Occupational Tracking Worksheet Essential
The cornerstone methodology template. Track distinctive occupations across census records, city directories, and vital records to distinguish individuals with common surnames.
- Occupation variation tracking
- Source-by-source comparison
- Related trade clustering
- Timeline alignment
Urban Ward Research Guide
Navigate complex urban geography. Track family movements across wards and correlate residence changes with life events.
- Ward boundary mapping
- Address-to-ward conversion
- Migration pattern tracking
- Neighborhood clustering
Research Progress Log
Document your research journey systematically. Track searches conducted, sources consulted, and findings discovered over multi-year projects.
- Search documentation
- Repository tracking
- Negative results logging
- Follow-up task management
Multi-Source Timeline Template Essential
Correlate evidence across multiple source types. Essential for building chronological proof of identity when tracking individuals over decades.
- Cross-source alignment
- Age calculation verification
- Gap identification
- Conflict highlighting
Evidence Analysis Templates
Evidence Categorization Framework
Classify sources and evidence following BCG standards. Distinguish between original/derivative sources, primary/secondary information, and direct/indirect evidence.
- Source classification matrix
- Information quality assessment
- Evidence type identification
- Reliability scoring
Candidate Elimination Matrix
Systematically eliminate wrong individuals when multiple people share the same name. Document why each candidate does or doesn't match your target.
- Candidate comparison grid
- Elimination criteria tracking
- Supporting evidence notes
- Confidence scoring
Final Proof Summary Template
Assemble your evidence into a BCG-compliant proof argument. Structure your conclusions with proper citation and conflict resolution.
- Proof statement structure
- Evidence correlation summary
- Conflict resolution documentation
- Citation formatting
Why These Templates Work
Developed through real-world application on the Brooklyn Mat Maker case study, these templates address the specific challenges of urban genealogical research: common surnames, high population density, limited vital records, and multi-source correlation. Each template has been refined through seven years of practical use.
Specialized Research Templates
DNA Cluster Analysis Template
Organize and analyze DNA matches following BCG guidelines. Document ancestral paths, triangulate matches, and integrate genetic evidence with documentary proof.
- Match documentation
- Ancestral path mapping
- Triangulation tracking
- cM range analysis
Newspaper Research Log
Systematically search historical newspapers. Track obituaries, marriage announcements, and news items that corroborate genealogical findings.
- Publication tracking
- Date range documentation
- Search term logging
- Clipping organization
Cemetery Research Documentation
Document cemetery visits and plot analysis. Record inscriptions, plot arrangements, and the family relationships they reveal.
- Plot location mapping
- Inscription transcription
- Burial arrangement analysis
- Photo documentation log
Need Help Applying These Methods?
These templates are powerful tools, but complex research challenges sometimes need professional expertise. Storyline Genealogy offers consultation services to help you break through brick walls.