The website Archion is a source well-worth getting to know. Archion provides access primarily to the records created by the pastors of the German Protestant Churches [Evangelische Kirchen]. They recorded the births/baptisms, marriages, and death/burials starting in the mid-1600s. Archion constantly adds new records as they are released by the local churches. The first part of this webinar will show you how to find your way around Archion step-by-step using screen shots.

 

Even with a good grasp of how to use the website, however, the old German handwriting [die deutsche Schrift] remains a challenge. Even Germans say, I can’t read that! The second part of how to use Archion aims to decrease that intimidation by a closer look at the handwriting itself. It is known by historical types, such as Kurrent, Offenbacher, and Sütterlin.

 

How to read the handwriting will be introduced through a Kurrent alphabet chart and the key genealogical terms that appear in that handwriting in the records. Other strategies will be pointed out, such as attention to the column headings of the records, and the determination of the particular record pattern of the particular parish pastor, etc.

 

In a third part of the webinar, the why of all this work is considered. The bottom line is - you will get to know your immigrant(s) better.

 

The time of this webinar is due to the speaker’s residency in Trier, Germany, though she is a native American. Barbara is a past GGS President. Join us to add Archion, and the old German handwriting to your toolbox, or, join us in order to sharpen up those tools, if they are already in your toolbox. These tools can lead to a new understanding of your immigrant's lives.