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Optional Print Course Material: German: Introduction to German Research
*Course material will only be sent to students who are registered in the course.
According to census reports, German ancestry is the largest single ethnic group in North America, even out-pacing the English or Irish. Although the vast majority of Germans in North America are in the United States (where 15-20% of the population claim German ancestry), a significant number also settled in Canada, both before and after the American Revolutionary War, as well as other parts of the world.
Unfortunately, most of those of German descent have been reticent to begin research on those German ancestors due to perceived barriers of language, geography, and understanding the records. The purpose of this course is to begin the teaching of genealogical concepts pertinent to German research. It introduces basic concepts needed to succeed in German research and begins to dispel the notion that German research is difficult. Actually, from a research perspective, it is much easier than Canadian, American, English, or Irish research. The purpose of this course is to serve as the foundation for the German Records certificate program.
Course Length: 7 weeks
MODULE 1
NATURE OF GERMAN RESEARCH AND SOURCES
Identifying the Immigrant(s)
Immigration Information
KEY ELEMENTS OF GERMAN RESEARCH
Geography & Place Names
Civil Registration
Church Records
Language & Handwriting
Accessing Records
Published Sources
Advanced Sources & Techniques
FamilySearch
MODULE 2
HISTORY OF GERMANY & GERMAN MIGRANTS
Sources for German History
Timelines
Key Events in the History of Germany
Germans in North America
MODULE 3
MIGRATION OF GERMANS: ONE LANGUAGE, MANY COUNTRIES
The German Core
Neighboring Countries
German Enclaves
More Distant Countries
GERMANS IN THE UNITED STATES
German Counties in 1790
German Cities 1850-1900
German Ancestry in 2010
GERMANS IN ENGLAND
History of German Immigration
German Settlements
Resources for Tracing Germans
Suggested Resources
MODULE 4
GERMAN CULTURE & SOCIETY
Religious Denominations
Family Practices
German Surnames
Given (Fore-) Names
Occupations & Work Ethic
Social Status
Education
Language
MODULE 5
GENEALOGICAL DATABASES FOR GERMAN RESEARCH
Google Translate
FamilySearch
Ancestry.com
Association for Computer Genetics
German Roots
Archion
Other Helpful Resources
MODULE 6
IMPORTANT REFERENCES AND INSTRUCTIONAL BOOKS
The Value of Reference Tools
Linguistic Aids
Immigration History
Archives & Libraries
Using Church Records
Guides & Indexes to Published Genealogical Literature
Other References
Find a Professional Genealogist