Unlock the full potential of German civil records with this four-part symposium—essential for anyone tracing German ancestors from the 19th and early 20th centuries. You’ll gain practical tools to navigate both early Zivilstand records from the Napoleonic era and the standardized Personenstandsregister introduced in 1874/1876. Discover how to interpret vital records, decode often-overlooked marginal notes, and effectively combine civil and church records to build a richer family history. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced researcher, this series will take your skills to the next level.
You will receive access to the recording of four expert presentations and a handout for each presentation.
Price:
$125.00
A – Introduction to Civil Registration Records
Napoleon’s rule over Western Europe brought sweeping changes to the legal systems of France and its occupied territories. The Napoleonic Code removed church authority from civil law, introducing standardized vital records that applied universally, regardless of religion. These Zivilstand records became the model for civil registration across many Western European countries. Even after Napoleon’s defeat in 1815, parts of Germany continued to use Zivilstandsregister. Eventually, the remaining German states adopted a similar standardized system in 1874/1876 with the introduction of Personenstandsregister.
B – Zivilstand Records Introduced during the Napoleonic Era
This lecture explores the civil registration records introduced in French-occupied German territories starting in 1793. We examine their standardized content, their significance for research, and the challenges they present. Additionally, we discuss how civil registration records and church records can complement one another in genealogical and historical research.
C – Personenstand Records Introduced in 1874/1876
In this presentation, we analyze civil registration records introduced in Prussia on October 1, 1874, and non-Prussian states of the German empire on January 1, 1876. We explore the typical content of these records, also when compared to church records, and discuss how to effectively use them in genealogical research.
D – Working with Marginal Notes
Personenstand records often feature handwritten or stamped notes in the margins, typically added at a later date. While these marginal notes are easily overlooked, they can contain information pivotal to your family’s story. Join us to learn how to effectively work with these marginal notes and use them to overcome obstacles in your genealogical research!
