Introduction to German Genealogy

Presenter: Antje Petty, associate director of the Max Kade Institute for German American Studies. This workshop is intended for genealogists who are new to researching ancestors from German-speaking lands. Register by Nov. 12, 2025, to receive a Zoom link. Fee.

Session I: Where did They Come From? To trace your German-speaking ancestors, it is essential to know their place of origin in Europe. Many did not come from a unified country called “Germany,” but instead from Prussia, Bavaria, Austria, Hanover, Hesse, Mecklenburg, or other states, kingdoms, and principalities. This session will provide a brief historical overview of the German-speaking regions, discuss reasons why your ancestors may have emigrated, and show how an understanding of history can help guide your genealogical research.

Session II: Traces in America. Before searching for your ancestors in Europe, you must first establish three key facts about them on this side of the Atlantic: their exact names, their towns of origin, and the dates they emigrated or last lived in Europe. In this session, we will share tips on working with both English- and German-language resources in America, from census data to the records of German American churches and social clubs.

Session III: Traces in Europe. Once you know where and when your ancestors lived in Europe, you can begin exploring European records. This session will introduce the wide range of records available, suggest strategies for locating them, and offer guidance on interpreting documents—especially those written in German or in old German script.

Central time zone | online | English