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German-American Month
Celebrate German-American Appreciation Month!
Unravel Your Roots and Discover the Untold Stories
October is here, and it’s time to embrace and celebrate German-American Appreciation Month! Did you know you’re already fluent in some German? Words like kindergarten, pretzel, hamburger, and even poltergeist have their origins in the German language. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg!
A Journey Through History
In the 19th century, around six million Germans migrated to the United States, driven by economic hardships and political unrest back home. The largest wave of this migration occurred between 1820 and 1880. Can you imagine the courage it took for these individuals to leave everything behind and start anew?
Why Did They Come?
- Economic Hardship: Seeking a better life and opportunities.
- Political Persecution: Escaping political unrest and seeking freedom.
- The Forty-Eighters: Political refugees who fled after the failed 1848 revolutions.
Uncovering Your German-American Roots
Finding your German ancestors can be an exciting detective story. They arrived through major ports like Baltimore, Boston, New Orleans, New York, and Philadelphia. Here’s how you can start your journey:
Where Did They Settle?
As illustrated in the map from https://www.immigrantentrepreneurship.org/images/german-population-density-1890/, German immigrants established communities across the entire continent.
- Many Germans moved to the Midwest, drawn by the promise of fertile farmland.
- Others were attracted to cities like New York, Milwaukee, Cincinnati, St. Louis, and Baltimore for better economic prospects.
- Records to Explore:
- Military Records: Important for tracking ancestors who served in the U.S.
- Birth Records: Though tricky in the Midwest, church records are invaluable. Many Germans were Lutheran, Catholic, or Protestant.
- Census Records: These can help locate your ancestors’ residences and track their migration.
- Newspapers: Look for announcements of weddings and funerals.
- Land and Homesteading Records: These contain vital information.
- Records of Intent and Naturalization: Key for identifying immigration details and family members.
Ready to Start Your Search?
October is the perfect time to dive into your German-American heritage. Whether searching for birth records, examining church archives, or analyzing census data, uncovering your German roots is an adventure waiting to unfold.
Join us in celebrating German-American Appreciation Month and let’s uncover your ancestors’ stories together! 🌿📜
Feel free to ask more questions, or let me know how else I can assist you in your genealogical journey. Happy researching!
Tania Evans
Unraveling the mysteries of records research.
One response to “German-American Month”
Thank you, Tania. This made me want to take another look at our German ancestors and why they decided to come to the America.