CHURCH RECORDS – A Deep Dive into the Core Resource for German Genealogy

A – Locating Church Records for Genealogical Research

Researching church records is essential for genealogical research. But how do you find them? In this presentation, we will explore the structure of the modern Protestant and Catholic churches, which is necessary to locate the correct church archive. We will then look at the leading resources for online research in these church records.

B – Church History – Combining FamilySearch, Ancestry, Archion and Matricula – Make the Best of All the Databases!

In this presentation, we’ll explore how to effectively combine FamilySearch, Ancestry, Archion, and Matricula to maximize your research success. You’ll learn strategies for integrating these diverse databases, leveraging their unique strengths to uncover a more comprehensive and detailed family history. By the end, you’ll be equipped with the skills to seamlessly navigate and utilize these resources for the best possible genealogical outcomes.

C – Researching in 19th Century Lutheran Church Records

In this session, we’ll delve into 19th-century Lutheran church records, providing a practical guide to accessing and interpreting these key genealogical resources from various regions. You’ll learn how to work with diverse record types, including baptism, marriage, and burial registers, to trace your ancestors across different localities.

D – Researching in 19th Century Catholic Church Records

Catholic church records differ significantly in scope and substance from Lutheran records. This presentation will discuss the typical content of Catholic baptism, burial, and death records. We will compare Lutheran and Catholic church records and examine how record content was shaped by diverging theological perspectives. In addition, we will look at differences in recording practices between historical regions.