Engagements, Weddings, marriage contracts and divorces in 19th century Germany

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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!