Leaving Germany: Emigration History, Experience & Records for Genealogists
If your German ancestors left their homeland in the 19th century, this four-part seminar series will help you understand not just when and how they left—but why.
We begin with a look at 19th-century German history, exploring the political, social, and economic transformations that shaped everyday life and influenced decisions to emigrate. Next, we dive into the “push and pull” factors that drove millions to leave—what they hoped to escape, and what drew them to new lands.
You’ll then follow the emigrant journey step-by-step: from choosing a destination and obtaining permissions to reaching the port and enduring the voyage by ship. Finally, we’ll explore the records that document these journeys—emigration papers, passenger lists, and arrival records—showing you where to find them and how to interpret the details they reveal.
This series is ideal for anyone researching German emigrant ancestors between 1820 and 1920 and seeking to understand the broader context behind the records.
You will receive access to the recording of four expert presentations and a handout to each presentation.
Price:
$125.00
The 19th century was a time of extraordinary transformation. Rapid political, social, and technological change reshaped the German landscape and altered everyday life. Every ordinary German experienced the impact of these revolutions in some way. In this presentation, we will explore the major historical developments of this fascinating era and examine how they affected the lives of our ancestors.
Between 1820 and 1920, approximately six million Germans left their homeland, with the majority heading to the United States. Let’s examine the reasons behind this unprecedented wave of emigration. What motivated ordinary people to leave their homes for an uncertain future? What were they hoping to find at their destinations? Additionally, how did these factors evolve throughout the century?
Many steps took place between the decision to emigrate and the arrival at a destination. How did families choose where to go? What legal requirements had to be met before departure? How did people travel to the port? What was the experience of traveling by ship like during different periods of the 19th century? This presentation will take you through the journey of your ancestors, detailing each step of their voyage.
What documents were required for travelers to leave their home and travel abroad? In this presentation, we will explore the surprising range of emigration papers from Germany and where to locate them. We will then examine passenger records, which vary significantly in content from the early days of emigration to the 20th century, look for hidden clues in arrival records, and discuss the availability of records for ports of departure.
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