ManyRoads

Recently, I have received numerous queries on how to get started or better conduct German genealogy research.  Rather than simply email folks one at a time, I thought a post on the subject might be useful. By way of background, I ought to state that almost everyone I hear from tells me that they are: German (of German descent) the neither read nor speak German (or just very little) few are aware of much German history fewer are aware of their family’s cultural background in Germany Having provided the little list above likely provides clues as to items researchers need to pay attention to: If you do not speak the…

Political Debate about the Center Against Expulsion in Berlin. Flucht und Vertreibung – Eskaliert der deutsch-polnische Zoff? (ARD Anne Will’s political talk show) Unfortunately, it is not easy or simple to find factual information about controversial subjects like die Vertreibung (the Expulsion). We extend our sincerest appreciation to all our readers who have shared their experiences, links, articles, and photos on the subject. We hope that you find these videos informative and helpful in developing a more complete and balanced understanding of what happened to Eastern Germans following the loss of World War 2. For more background on why we present this information, please read: On the “Vertreibung”, Expulsions, and…

Backups, file duplication, redundancy, security are essential dimensions of performing quality genealogy work; well honestly they are required for any type of computing.  Having said that, most people don’t bother with any of this unless, and until, they have a catastrophe, and even then only for a short while after an accident. To my mind these functions need to be easy, seamless and nearly automagic once they are established.  All this is to say, data synchronization and backup must require very little, if any, extra effort or thought.  Extra effort or thought are almost always extra… and extra things tend to get forgotten. Like many of you over the past…

Recollections of an officer of the chief administrative district in Zeyer. Johannes Jahn, farmer and farm owner in Zeyersvorderkampen. see original document This document has been translated and reworked with additional family history by Mark Rabideau. The District of Zeyer was located in the northeast corner of the Free State of Danzig, in the area that included the towns of Grosses Werder, Zeyer, Stuba and Schlangenhaken. The district followed the Nogat River, starting at the village Zeyer to the Vistula Lagoon estuary. The total area of the District was about 2510 hectares (~6200 acres)  of which 480 hectares (`1200 acres) were the village of Zeyer, Stuba with the village of…

Knowing our family origins brings a comfort that is hard to explain, but priceless to those seeking and finding. I could not have said it better. The above quote was one I received today in an email from one of my clients. I think the message is clear, succinct, and one which most of us who chase ancestors would heartily agree. The words moved me. I thought perhaps they might move you as well.

Almost certainly the Beatles had no plans for relating these songs to genealogy, but I find them relevant. Hopefully others enjoy them as well.

Genealogical research is an uncovering of truths as they apply to your life, others’ lives, the past and the future. There never truly is a single answer to what happened, how it came to be, and what was best or worst. The options and answers are often many, complex and perhaps even indeterminate. Inter-dependencies, inter-relationships abound. However, applying the rule of six can be a useful tool in helping you attain insights into the past you might otherwise miss. What follows is a brief description of the Rule of Six by Paula Underwood Spencer: One of the attitudes taught in my [Oneida] tradition is the Rule of Six. The Rule…

Popular German Music – Deutsche Musik. We are building this sampler collection and hope to add more music as we find it. It is our plan to add tunes from the 1920’s, 30’s, and 40’s. Over the longer term, we hope to build a similar collection for US tunes as well. Previously added Music: Das gibts nur einmal, das kommt nicht wieder- Odeon-Tanz-Orchester Bei mir bist du schön- Zarah Leander (1938) “Lilli Marleen” by Lale Andersen (1939) Das ist Berlin! by Ilse Werner J’attendrai (Komm zurück) in Berlin, 1939 Es geht alles vorüber, es geht alles vorbei- Lale Andersen (1942) Hallo! Du süße Frau- Bernard Ette Orchester- 1930

Songs from the 2 World Wars. Kriegslieder aus die zwei Weltkriegen. Related Deutsche Musik (Sampler) Deutsche Musik mit Humor Zur erinnerung an unseren gefallenen 1914-1918 Einsam im Walde Ich hatt’ einen Kamaraden Es war ein Edelweiss Erika

Sharing is a particularly wonderful aspect of human existence. If you have found ManyRoads to be helpful in the conduct of your research during the past months, we ask that you briefly reflect on the wonder of your family, community and life. Please also take a moment to remember those less fortunate than yourself. In remembrance of those you love, we ask that you provide a small donation to those in need during this upcoming holiday season.  We have placed a link in our side menu to Oxfam’s Unwrapped program to facilitate access to what we believe is a very good charity (see the Oxfam Cow on the right and…

For some reason Christmas, this year, reminds me of WW1. I know it shouldn’t. I have no idea why I am reminded of WW1- perhaps it is because I have been doing a lot of genealogy and I spend a lot of time thinking about the past. And, the past always reminds me of my Opa (Richard Senger). His life and mine have been deeply affected by the Great War (his directly.. mine vicariously). I know a war is historically over at a definitive point in time, but emotionally that may not be the case. It seems more like waves… each following the other, getting smaller and shallower with time…