German Genealogy

Today my mom and I ventured to Brookings, about an hour north of where I live, for an all-day seminar on German genealogy.  I didn't know anything about the organization hosting (the Brookings Area Genealogical Society) and I don't have any German ancestors, but I figured there's always something useful to learn.  My husband does have one great-great-grandmother of 100% German parentage, and I'd love to learn more about her roots.

The speaker was Roger P. Minert, Associate Professor of Family History at Brigham Young University, and he was fantastic. Really, if your local genealogical or historical society is looking for a speaker on German genealogy or German history, this is your guy.  I was so impressed by the depth of his knowledge and his use of real-life examples to teach about German records.  I have a Master's degree in German, so I probably know more about German history than the average person, but Dr. Minert put history in perspective in a way that I loved.  I left very intrigued by German genealogy and my husband's and daughter's Wagner ancestors.

I want to send out my thanks to the Brookings Area Genealogical Society for putting together such a great program, too!  I'll definitely be attending their future workshops.

Tombstone Tuesday: Artur Salveljew

grave of
Artur Salveljew
Friedhof am Poseckschen Garten (Historischer Friedhof)
Weimar, Germany
photo: May, 2002

It's an odd feeling, coming upon a monument to a soldier who fought against one's country and might well have fought against one's ancestors. It's a good reminder, though, that the soldiers on the other side are people, too... sons, fathers, brothers (and daughters, mothers, wives). I wonder what Artur's story is.

I liked this headstone, too, for its photograph.

Tombstone Tuesday: Familie Hoffmann

(click on the image to enlarge)

Hoffmann Family
Friedhof am Poseckschen Garten (Historischer Friedhof)
Weimar, Germany
photo: May, 2002

There are a number of unusual and beautiful headstones in Weimar's Historic Cemetery, and this is one of my favorites. I love how the stone incorporates each person's signature, a small reminder that this is a monument to people, not fictional characters.

Tombstone Tuesday: Historischer Friedhof Weimar

my favorite cemetery picture
Friedhof am Poseckschen Garten (Historischer Friedhof)
Weimar, Germany
photo: May, 2002

I wonder whom she was visiting.