| According to census reports, German ancestry is the largest single ethnic group in North America, even out-pacing the English or the Irish. Although the vast majority of Germans in North America are in the United States (where between 15 and 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 the 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 courses is to serve as the foundation for the German Records certificate program.
Course Content
Module 1
Nature Of German Research & Sources
Websites
Introduction
Identifying the Immigrant(s)
Who really came over?
What was the foreign name?
Dating an immigrant
Relating to the immigrant
Where was the immigrant born?
Isnt this overkill?
Additional Identification
Immigration Information
Other Family Members
Religion
Friends & Neighbors
Geographic Clues
Conclusion
Key Elements of German Research
Geography & Place Names
Civil Registration
Church Records
Language & Handwriting
Accessing Records
Published Sources
Advanced Sources & Techniques
FamilySearch
Sources for Study & Information
Module 2
History of Germany & German Migrants
Websites
Introduction
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
Websites
Introduction
The German Core
Germany/Prussia
Austria
Switzerland
Luxembourg
Liechtenstein
Neighboring Countries
Baltic States
Belgium
Czech Republic
Denmark
France
Hungary
Italy
The Netherlands
Poland
Russia
German Enclaves
More Distant Countries
African Colonies
Australia
Canada
Latin America
Pacific Islands
South Africa
United States
Conclusion
German 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
Websites
Introduction
Religious Denominations
Family Practices
Naming Customs
German Surnames
Given (Fore-) Names
Occupations & Work Ethic
Social Status
Education
Language
Module 5
Genealogical Databases for German Research
Websites
Introduction
Google Translate
FamilySearch
Using the Search Feature on FamilySearch
Ancestry.com
Using the Search Feature on Ancestry.com
Card Catalog Option
Association for Computer Genetics
German Roots
Archion
Other Helpful Resources
Cyndis List
ArchiveGrid
Module 6
Important Reference & Instructional Books
Websites
Introduction
The Value of Reference Tools
Instructional Books
Historical Treatments
Germans in North America
Geographic Tools
Linguistic Aids
Immigration History
Archives & Libraries
Using Church Records
Guides & Indexes to Published Genealogical Literature
Other References
Find a Professional Genealogist
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