The next meeting will be Nov 19, at Colts Neck, subject – translations.
Sept 2011- Email from Joan
"Guten Tag,
We are looking forward to seeing everyone at the first meeting of our second
season. Willkommen Oktoberfest ! !
Please note that our meeting will take place at the
Middletown Public Library, not the Colts
Neck Library, on Saturday, October 8 at 10:00 am to
noon. The library is reserving
the computer lab for our group where we will explore many of the interesting
German research aids on the new Family History web site. You may want to bring
some ancestor names, dates, and/or location for practice.
Following a break, we will focus on your summer genealogy fun - - - we would
enjoy hearing about travels to distant shores, visits to the family town,
church, or cemetery, or a helpful archives. Did you find new information or
expand on previous research ? Bring photos, charts, etc. to pass around the
group.
The meeting will conclude with a modest raffle. rsvp - thank you.
Auf Wiedersehen," Joan Shipley
September 2011 –
Email from Joan
"I have been busy
during the summer break gathering registrations and suggestions from former and
new members. The suggestions from members are an aid to planning a program for
the coming year. My attendance at the FGS Conference was beneficial
for expanding my knowledge of German research and history. The special 4 hour
German Workshop was great ! The speaker was from Family Search group, very
knowledgeable, and encouraging. Some of the subjects covered in the workshop
have been taught by me in the beginning German SIG program (Winter 2011). I hope
to follow thru with continued German research skills, history, and customs in
the coming 2011-12 year.
German SIG meetings are scheduled for Oct. 8, Nov. 19, and Jan. 21 (snow day Jan
28). Reminders are sent to members about two weeks before the meeting." JS
July 2011 -
TMC
"Field Trip to the New York Public Library
was reported as a big success, with eight members traveling by train and subway
to investigate the holdings of the library’s Milstein Division of United States
History, Local History and Genealogy.
In response to Joan’s advance preparations, the library provided the group with
an attentive contact person, Ms. Clayton, and had set aside two tables for their
use. The group learned of recent changes at the library; researchers must have
a library card to have books pulled, but the process of registering for a card
was quick and painless."
May 21, 2011 – German SIG
Meeting
Joan discussed the June trip to the New York Public Library and announced that
there would be no more meetings in the summer but that they would resume in the
Fall.
The Library has many holdings that Joan felt would be of interest to members of
our group:
-
Microfilm of Baltimore and other City Newspapers
-
Many City Directories
-
Guides to German Church Record
She recommended that we visit their online directory before the trip at http://catalog.nypl.org/
She recommended a German translator:
Elka Wilkins (732)870-1145 dorlevomforst@yahoo.com
May 2011 – Email from Joan
"Hello Everyone,
Just a reminder that we will meet on Saturday, May 21 at 10:00-12:00 am at the
Colts Neck Library on the lower level.
Our discussion for a day of questions and answers will be "Where did you
find the Ancestors' German Records ? " What book or web site or lecture,
etc gave you a clue to where the ancestor's records where located ? Please
bring copies of information, books, etc to share with the group.
If you have not found the German records and are feeling frustrated bring your
questions for discussion.
The date for the June meeting has changed to June 18 (from June 25).
At the last meeting, I had mentioned the possibility of having an "outing" for
our June meeting. I need a count for the number of people who are interested in
going to the New York Public Library. We would leave by train from the
Middletown train station which has lots of parking. Senior train fare is $6.50
each way. Regular adult fare is $14.25 one way. Other details to be announced,
however before proceeding I need a count for the number of people who are
interested. Please RSVP by May 15.
Thank you all for your interest and enthusiasm." Joan Shipley, Chairman
May 2011- Executive Meeting
There was discussion on raising the SIG’s to committee status, with their chair
attending the board meeting and having a budget. Judy Bretzger made a motion
that all existing and future chairpersons of Special Interest Groups be placed
on the board, as the head of their committee. Debbie White seconded it. The
motion passed. Presently we have the German group and there is interest in an
Irish group.
May 2011 – TMC
"It's not too late
to join the German Interest Group' the newest addition to MCGS's offerings..Drop
in on the next meeting, May 21, at 10AM at the Colts Neck Library and improve
your skills. or help someone else find their German ancestors.
The 20 plus
members, led by Chair Joan Shipley began meeting January 26 and have discussed
basic resources for the pursuit of "Die Vorfahren'"
Joan pointed out
that Ancestors in German Archives, A Guide to Family History, Sources by
Reginald Wright III and others, is a good starting point for German research. It
may be found in the Reference section at the Eastern Branch of the Monmouth
County Library -- call number R929.343 WRI. This reference work lists each
German state and then the archives and repositories located in each town or city
within it, with a description of the holdings.
Another resource
The German Research Companion has been described as "an information
bonanza." Its 700 plus pages are crammed with material essential to a successful
search fo German ancestors. Everything from German history timelines to ship's
names to repository addresses to tips for letter writing to German abbreviations
to vocabulary lists are found here.
We found the
section on German names to be particularly, helpful for dealing with the
rnuitiple "first" or given names of our German ancestors. The German
Research Companion, Third Edition, by Shirley J. Riemer. Roger P. Minert.
and Jennifer A. Anderson is available from Lorelei Press.
At the group's
February 26 meeting Bob Fruh explained the importance of yet another basic
resource, Meyer’s Orts or Meyer’s Gazeteer of the German Empire.
This can be found at several sites, including microfiche at the Family History
Centers (#6000001-29), ancestry.com and familysearch.org. Bob
also informed the group that genealogical societies exist within each German
state and can be very helpful. He will report on this at a future meeting.
(Our first try at
using Meyer’s Orts was intimidating. We were bewildered by both the language
and the format. Then we did something unconventional. We read the directions!
FamilySearch.org features a superb description of the gazetteer and how to use
it, including translations of the myriad abbreviations. We highly recommend it.)
Limited knowledge
of the German language is a problem for many members. Sometimes seeking the help
of professional researchers and paying a fee is unavoidable. The Association 0f
German Speaking Professional Genealogists is one place to look. It is a
professional association whose rnembers work as professional genealogists in the
regions in which German is spoken or in the areas in which German was
historically spoken. They may be found at
www.berufsgenelaogie.net/english/start.htm
A future issue of
TMC will list some German translators and researchers known to MCGS
members.
Nancy Ronning
volunteered to record the minutes at the February meeting. She neatly summed up
the discussion of lineage books: "Lineage books exist for some parishes; or
towns in Germany, published under the general series titled 'Ortisippenbucher.'
They arc a goldmine if one exists for yours. Places to look for
ortisippenbucher are the Library ol Congress, the New England Genealogy and
Historical Society and possibly the German genealogy collections at large public
libraries and specialty libraries."
JB
Apr 9, 2011 – German SIG Meeting
Our April meeting was held at the Colts Neck Public Library. Joan led the
discussion of
using Meyer’s Orts to get information about the city, town or village of
our ancestor. Localities in Germany are arranged in the Family History Library
Catalog (FHLC) according to the boundaries of the 1871 German Empire. This is an
excellent gazetteer, indicating which of the localities have parishes and which
have civil registration offices. The entries of the different localities have
many abbreviations.
Joan pointed out that there were several Gothic letters that looked similar(A &
U, D, O, and Q, and B, P).
She gave us an overview of the abbreviations use in Meyer’s Orts such as
·
StdA. – Standwsamt(city hall)
·
Ev. Pfk – Evangelische Pfarrkirche(Protestant parish)
·
Cath. Pfk. – Katholique Pfarrkirche(Catholic parish)
·
AG – Court district which handles marriage contracts, probate records and civil
registry
Ancestry.com has a good page on using Meyer’s Orts at
http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=1074 and
Joan recommended that we go to
https://www.familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/Abbreviation_Table_for_Meyers_Orts_und_Verkehrs_Lexikon_Des_Deutschen_Reichs
for a table of the abbreviations used in Meyer’s Ort. In addition, selecting
“Research Helps” on the top bar and then the letter “G”, leads to a page of
links to German Letter Writing Guide, German Research Guide and German
Genealogy Word List.
March 2011 -
TMC
After a
successful initial meeting, the German Interest Group (GIG) plans to continue
meeting at the Colts Neck Library on Saturday, February 26 and Saturday, April
9. MCGS members who want to sharpen their skills in German research or share
their experiences with others are welcome.
March 2011 General Meeting
The next
meeting is Apr 9, 2011, from 10 – 12, at Colts Neck Library.
Feb
26, 2011 - German SIG Meeting
"We met from 10AM-12PM at the Colts Neck public library
We will discuss how to find the archives/library that holds the records
for your ancestors and their families.
Joan Shipley opened the meeting and presided.
The group was advised that NARA in New York City is moving from Varick Street to
the Alexander Hamilton Custom House at 1 Bowling Green. Further information
and directions at archives.gov.
Sources for information on German town and villages was discussed at length. To
find the state in which a village is located use:
1.
maps
2.
Google maps
3.
Wikipedia
4.
Family History Center has microfilm which is cataloged according to
the boundaries of the German Empire of 1871 when the unification of Germany
began. See the 1871 map handout from first class. If you do not have one go
to:
http://homepages.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~george/germany-map-germanempire-1866-1877
Gazetteers
Meyers Orts (abbreviated title) is a well-known gazetteer of German place names.
Published in 1912, it is difficult to use due to the Gothic script, and many
abbreviations. However, it is especially helpful. The books may be found at:
1.
Ancestry.com; go to the card catalog, then go to Meyer’s Gazetteer
for the German Empire
2.
Family History Center’s fiche # 6000001-293.
3.
New York Public Library in the map room.
Translation of lengthy documents often presents a problem. The following are
professional translators known to members of the society.
Tom Huntzelman for Translations and German
research
3226 Rustic
Lane
Erie, PA 16506
Phone:
814-833-6870
email:
flextom@roadrunner.com
Anne C. Sherwin - an accredited translator
1918 Medford
Road
Raleigh NC 27606-4732
Phone:
919-859-5846
Web site:
www.asherwin.com
Bob Fruh has offered to help with small items.
Contact him at:
bobfmatawan@att.net
Joan then led the group in a discussion of archives in many German cities and
towns. Their existence and locations are to be found in a volume held in the
reference collection of the Eastern Branch and Manalapan branch of the Monmouth
County Libraries:
Wright III, Raymond S., Ancestors In German Archives: A Guide to Family
History Archives. R929.343
A
genealogical society exists within each state in Germany. They can be very
helpful. Bob Fruh will investigate and report on how to find them.
Marriage and burial customs were discussed.
Variations in spelling were discussed (y to i, t to d, etc,)
Abbreviations abound in German reference books, especially in familienbuch and
Meyers Orts, a gazetteer. A helpful handout was distributed.
Lineage books exist for some parishes or towns in Germany. Published under the
general series title Ortsippenbucher. They are a goldmine if one exists
for yours. Places to look for Ortsippenbucher are The Library of Congress, the
New England
Genealogy and Historical Society, and possibly the German genealogy collections
at large public libraries, and specialty libraries.
Other valuable reference books:
Bentz, Edna M. Deciphering Germanic Names tjbentz@prodigy.net
Riemer, Shirley. Germanic Research Companion. Lorelei Press. 3rd
edition
Lorelei@softcom.net
Thode, Ernest. German English Genealogical Dictionary. Baltimore:
Genealogical Publishing Company, 1992.
Respectfully submitted," Nancy Ronning
Mar 31, 2011 – Email from Joan
"Hello Everyone !
Spring weather is just around the corner, and I am looking forward to seeing
everyone on Saturday, April 9th from 10:00 am. to noon. As usual the
meeting will take place on the main level of the Colts Neck Library at the Colts
Neck Municipal Complex.
This meeting will be a little different from our previous discussion meetings
as there will be a workshop. Many people requested help finding their
ancestor's village, then finding the sources of documents, and help with the
language/writing. Hopefully this workshop about
Meyers Gazetteer of the German Empire will answer some
questions.
Homework assignment ! It is important that you bring the following:
1 - your German folder with German Empire of 1871 colored map. If you do not
have a copy you may print out a colored map from
http://homepages.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~george/germany-map-germanempire-1866-1877
2- copy of German Gothic style alphabet available at:
https://wiki.familysearch.org/en/images/2/23/Old_German_Handwriting
I enlarged the computer print slightly on my copy for easier reading. Print
1 page.
3 - copy of How to Use the Meyers Gazetteer
from the web site:familysearch.com
Go to research guidance, then go to articles, then go to title shown above.
Print all 5 pages !
4 - and finally a copy of your ancestor's village information from Again I
suggest that you enlarge the print for easier reading. If your ancestor came
from a large city it would be easier to copy a smaller town for practice.
Some hints for finding your ancestor's village in the gazetteer is to use the
small box at the right of the screen,
Also remember to use the German spelling for the village. This is especially
important for those former Prussian lands in Eastern Europe." JS
February 2011 – Email from Joan
"Just a reminder that the German Genealogy Group will meet this coming Saturday,
February 26 at 10:00am at the Colts Neck Library meeting room on the main
floor. I expect this subject to lead to further discussion of the archives and
their collections. Bring examples, books, web site addresses, etc to share with
the group.
Please bring your German folder, notebook, and pens/pencils. Come prepared to
discuss where you found your ancestor's village records. If you are seeking this
information, bring your questions - - -
Thank you to everyone for your positive comments about the "new" German
Genealogy Group. I am looking forward to seeing you Saturday." JS
January 2011 -
Executive Meeting
Joan Shipley reported that 20 people responded to the initial survey. The first
meeting is on Saturday, January 29, 2011 from 10 to 12 at the Colts Neck
Library. Generally the group will plan to meet on the last Saturday of each
month.
Jan 29, 2011 – German SIG Meeting
The first meeting of the German SIG was held on January 29th at the
Colts Neck Public Library. Please see the May TMC article below for more
information
Nov 2010 – General Meeting
Joan Shipley passed out a survey to interested people, for the proposed German
group.
Sept 2010 – Executive Meeting
Several members expressed interest in forming a Special Interest Group for
German Genealogy. Joan Shipley was named Chair of the proposed group.
Interested persons include Betty Becker, Carol Megill, Debra White, Linda
Patterson and Jerry Smith.
Recommended References
Bentz, Edna M. Deciphering Germanic Names tjbentz@prodigy.net
German
Empire of 1871 colored map:
http://homepages.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~george/germany-map-germanempire-1866-1877.jpg
Meyers Gazetteer of the German Empire.
http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=1074
New York Public Library Online Catalog: http://catalog.nypl.org/
Riemer, Shirley. Germanic Research Companion. Lorelei Press. 3rd
edition
Lorelei@softcom.net
Meyers Gazetteer of the German Empire.
Thode, Ernest. German English Genealogical Dictionary. Baltimore:
Genealogical Publishing Company, 1992.
Wright III, Raymond S., Ancestors In German Archives: A Guide to Family
History Archives. R929.343
http://www.kartenmeister.com/preview/databaseuwe.asp
A searchable database German to Polish and Polish to
German for localities. The results list the converted name, name of the county,
closest church parishes, map coordinates and link to a Google map.
http://www.atsnotes.com/other/gerpol.html#po This has maps of Prussia in
1870 and 1917, a link to a German gazeteer which lists the county and closest
church parishes for German towns and a limited table(s) which converts German to
Polish and Polish
to German town names.
