Ancestral Homelands:
        A Spotlight Series for Beginners
Beginning Research in Germany

This class is full. 

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Waiting List for Germany Class

The California Genealogical Society (CGS) and the Oakland California Family History Center (OCFHC) present Ancestral Homelands: A Spotlight Series for Beginners. This new monthly series will help you find where your immigrant ancestor came from and the kinds of resources available for that part of the world.  Each month* will focus on different country or region. 
 

May Spotlight :
                    Beginning Research in Germany - Robert Jackson
Introduction to Germany genealogical research with online resources and materials at the Oakland California Family History Center.

"CROSSING THE POND"

The main question facing anyone studying German ancestry is, "Where did they come from?" But it's not enough to know that they were from Prussia or Bavaria or Baden. Accessing the incredibly rich documentary archives in Germany requires that you know the name of their village.

Focusing on the great wave of German immigration from 1840 to 1900, this class will outline the numerous resources available that can help you narrow the search for your ancestors' place of origin. We'll also touch on the special challenges posed by the spelling of German surnames and place names and by the movable feast of German geography in the 19th century. Finally, we'll glance ahead to the main issues involved in accessing archives and records in Germany.

Class Fee: 

• $10 for each class.
   
• Online registration only.** 

Special Information:

• Class size limited to the first thirty who register.
• Walk-ins will not be permitted.
• Free parking at the Oakland California Family History Center

*The series will continue on the fourth Tuesday every month.
**Online registration is required for each monthly class.