Pity the Poor Pfuhl: Proving an Immigrant Identity

Often family researchers know only the country from which their ancestor emigrated. This presentation offers examples of American records that can answer the question, "But, exactly where were they from?" Finding an ancestor's specific place of origin in the old country can open doors to foreign records that can add generations to your family tree, and bring greater appreciation of your heritage. You may even be able to stand where they once stood.

Jewish genealogical research in Germany differs significantly from researching protestants and Catholics due to the distinct legal, social, and religious status of Jews over the centuries, which shaped the types of records created and preserved. This presentation introduces the Top 8 Resources for Jewish Genealogy in Germany, offering a roadmap to the most essential repositories and tools for uncovering Jewish family history. We will examine Holocaust-era collections, including records not only of persecution and loss but also of those who fled Germany and rebuilt their lives abroad. More than a century before WWII, Napoleon waged war in Europe, which led to the emancipation of Europe's Jews and also transformed record-keeping. Among the resources discussed will be vital registers, databases, local, regional, and international archives, as well as international Holocaust-related collections and Jewish cemeteries, which often preserve genealogical information that is unavailable elsewhere. By the end of the session, participants will understand both the opportunities and challenges of Jewish research in Germany and will be equipped with practical knowledge of where to begin and how to proceed.

1. The language. 2. The writing. 3. Surnames. 4. Given names. 5. Place names. 6. Dates. 7. Record types. 8. Sources. 9. Archives. 10. Events. (Emigration vs. Immigration)

What can a German surname tell you? Quite a lot! In this webinar, you’ll learn how to analyze German surnames for clues to your ancestor’s origin, profession, or social status. We’ll explore naming patterns, regional variations, spelling changes, and hidden meanings to help break down brick walls and open new research avenues.

Learn about unknown German records by following the life of the German dairy farmer Friedrich Stange who came to America in 1855. Ursula will tell his story, present the records used, tell you how she overcame the brick walls, and finally found the reason why he and his family left their hometown in Prussia.

What do you do when church books are missing, damaged, or restricted? In this session, we’ll explore alternative sources that can help you reconstruct German families without parish records. You’ll learn how to use tax lists, land registers, local court files, mortgage books, emigration records, and village chronicles to piece together multi-generational family lines.