Find Your German Roots (Download)

Genealogists with German roots have a wealth of resources and a wide support network to help them discover their past. Germans have been meticulous record-keepers throughout their long history — beginning with the mostly tiny, independent German states that sprung up during the Middle Ages and continuing beyond their 1871 unification. To successfully trace your ancestors in the old country, you'll need an understanding of Germany's history, its records and your family's path to America.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

• History of German immigration
• How to decipher German names and handwriting
• How to find church records in America and Germany
• How to determine the town of origin

WHO SHOULD TAKE THIS COURSE

• Anyone with German ancestry
• Librarians wishing to assist patrons researching German roots
• Teachers looking to incorporate German-American history into their curricula

WHAT YOU'LL NEED: REQUIREMENTS & SUPPLIES

• This course assumes you understand the basics principles of genealogy and have done some investigation into your family history.