German and Palatine Research:


Let me help you with your German research! I am experienced at reading German church records and familienregisters (records of families who lived in a German town or village, often kept by the church). These are usually in German script or Latin, depending on the geographical area in Germany, the time period, and the church denomination (Lutheran, Reformed or Catholic). Some records switch back and forth between German and Latin.

Note: Before searching German church records, it is necessary to know the village or town. Just knowing that someone came from Baden or Hannover or Prussia is not enough information. American records must be thoroughly searched first for clues as to the village or town.

German church records contain excellent genealogical information - births, baptisms, confirmations, marriages, and deaths. They are often the only source of vital records before 1876 in Germany. The LDS church has microfilmed thousands of these records throughout Germany.

Click here for German Research Tips:

I am also experienced in researching the German Palatines who came into NY from the Palatinate in 1709. They first settled in Dutchess and Columbia Counties then spread out to Schoharie, Herkimer, Montgomery, and Rensselaer Counties. There are many German Lutheran churches throughout these counties, in addition to the numerous Dutch Reformed Churches where many Germans also worshipped. Many of these church records were published by Kinship Press and others, and some were also microfilmed. They are an important source of early baptisms, marriages and deaths, as New York did not require official vital records until 1880.

Contact me for help with your German research projects and problems!



To send me E-mail: rbinfo2@yahoo.com

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