The German Special Interest Group supports members researching German ancestry by exploring records, migration patterns, and historical context related to German-speaking regions. Sessions focus on navigating German church and civil records, interpreting old German script, and developing strategies to overcome common research challenges.
The group welcomes researchers at all experience levels and encourages discussion, shared problem-solving, and collaboration.
Announcements
December & January SIG Meetings
The German SIG group Christmas Party will be Monday evening, December 7th at 6PM.
Note the time change.
Bratwurst will be on the menu courtesy of the German SIG. Please bring a side dish to share. We also will provide plates, silverware, napkins and drinks.
Plan on sharing one research goal regarding your German ancestry you have set 2027. Those on zoom, bring your own food to the computer and share your research goal with us.
There will be NO German interest group in January.
The next German interest group will be Monday, February 1st 6:30PM. The tentative subject will be finding naturalization records and discovering the clues they contain. Stay tuned.
Meeting Details
When: 1st Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. Central Time
Where: In person at the IGS Library & Research Center and via Zoom
After registration is completed, you will receive an email with the Zoom link for the session.
What We Cover
- Identifying places of origin in German-speaking regions
- Understanding German church and civil registration records
- Deciphering old German script and handwriting
- Researching migration patterns and historical context
- Using U.S. and German records together to extend research
- Strategies for overcoming German research brick walls
Interested our other Special Interest Groups?