If you’re just starting out, German genealogy can seem incredibly overwhelming. Records in a foreign language, which are written in old-fashioned handwriting, are enough to make finding German ancestors seem near impossible to researchers looking to cross the pond. Luckily, there’s help! In this session, learn the top seven tips to get you started – and confidently embark on – your German genealogy journey.

Examine little-known and underused published sources of genealogical information. Learn how to access them and use them.

Napoleon’s occupation imposed civil registration, the Civil Code, and the Revolutionary Calendar on the German population. This lecture examines the unique genealogical records of this turbulent time in German history.

The gamut of records, wikis, tools and education available online to assist those with German-speaking ancestry have continued to multiply and include a huge map of resources! Learn about them all!

Dive into the fascinating history of the Mecklenburg region and discover how to trace your ancestral roots with expert guidance. This presentation will begin with a journey through the historic landscape of two Mecklenburgs – Mecklenburg-Schwerin and Mecklenburg-Strelitz – highlighting their cultural and political development over the centuries. We will explore a wealth of genealogical resources, both online and in archives, that can help you uncover your family’s past. Special emphasis will be placed on church records, civil records, and the Mecklenburg census. But you will also learn about special sources off the beaten path, such as family records and emigration documents. Whether you’re just beginning your genealogical journey or looking for new avenues of research, this presentation will provide valuable insights and strategies to help you piece together your Mecklenburg heritage.

In Germany, more and more directories are online, and some of them are even indexed. This presentation will tell you where to find them, show you how to work with them, and explain how to interpret the information typical for German directories.

Gain an understanding of the different social statuses in historical Germany. Learn about the living conditions of the different classes in Germany. Until the foundation of the German Empire in 1871, there were a total of 22 monarchies and three free cities in what is now Germany. And there were almost as many different regulations concerning the rights and duties of the residents. Citizenship was usually not acquired by birth, but only after an application and the strict examination of the fulfillment of several requirements. This presentation will give information on acquisition and loss of citizenship and the respective reasons for it.

Explore 19th-century German engagement, marriage and divorce traditions, historical social norms and legal regulations, including economic motives, marriage contracts, remarriage, and strict divorce processes. This presentation will explore the complex world of marriage and divorce in nineteenth-century Germany, emphasizing its importance to genealogical research. Participants will gain insight into the economic, social, and legal factors that shaped marriage and divorce practices. The session will include examples of historical documents and introduce new types of records beyond traditional church records.

German-French or French-German? Genealogy in Alsace-Lorraine. Do you have ancestors listed in the U. S. census as German in one and French in another? They are likely from Alsace-Lorraine, with a complicated history that presents family researchers with opportunities and challenges. Learn about sources and methods that will help you to progress in your research.

Les sous-titres et la voix de cette vidéo ont été doublés en français à l’aide de l’IA. Allemand-Français ou Français-Allemand ? Généalogie en Alsace-Lorraine. Avez-vous des ancêtres inscrits dans le recensement des États-Unis comme allemands dans un cas et comme français dans un autre ? Ils viennent probablement d’Alsace-Lorraine, avec une histoire complexe qui présente aux chercheurs de famille des opportunités et des défis. Découvrez les sources et les méthodes qui vous aideront à progresser dans vos recherches.

Why is what happened in Augsburg on September 25, 1555 one of the most important historical events in German history and of utmost importance to researchers? And why do we need to know about the French emperor Napoleon? Why does it make such a big difference if a birth took place in 1874 or 1876? Find out in this presentation why knowing the most important events in German history can be helpful for your research.

Learn the 10 top tips and tricks for deciphering the old German script! With tips on how to easily recognize certain letters, how to tell tricky letters apart, abbreviations, spelling variations, names, and more, you’ll be amazed at what you can do after only an hour of learning!