Using Ortsfamilienbücher to Research German Ancestors

Join Robin McDonough, Outreach & Programming Coordinator at the Emerson History & Genealogy Center in St. Louis, for a lively look at the fascinating world of Ortsfamilienbücher—family books that capture the lives of entire communities. These unique resources trace families from the very beginnings of written records, offering a treasure trove of names, connections, and stories from towns, villages, and parishes across Europe. Explore this extensive collection and learn how these books can unlock surprising details about your ancestors and the places they called home.

The focus of the German Genealogy Group is researching migrants who immigrated from German-speaking areas of Europe to various parts of the US from the 1700s to the 1900s. Knowledge of the German language is not required - the goal is to help guide your research and provide resources for translating the records. The group is a special interest group of the Dallas Genealogical Society and is freely open to all.

Can't make it to the in-person meeting? Join the program online through the DGS website.