november 3, 2023 by Legacy Tree Genealogists Leave a Comment

How To Preserve Family Heirlooms In a Digital Era: An Interview with Artifcts

How do you preserve family heirlooms for generations to come? From saving memories while decluttering to preserving the value behind your things, Artifcts gives you a digital way to organize stuff and capture the meaning behind objects. Join us as we talk with the founder, Heather Nickerson, about how Artifcts can help you preserve your memories and further your family history goals.

Legacy Tree: What is the origin story of Artifcts? You come from a CIA and security background. What is the connection between your former career and your current work at Artifcts?

Artifcts|Heather:

There's little connection other than the whole foundation of privacy and security. Growing up at the CIA, I was an analyst traveling overseas and a briefer during the Obama administration. I also served two years on the White House Executive Order Task Force.

I saw a lot and learned a lot about how to protect our nation's information. I grew to understand the need for privacy and security. And then, I was headhunted out of the agency after being there for about ten years. A private security firm came and made me an offer I could not refuse to assist private companies and families protect their security and privacy. I did that for nearly a decade as well.

During that time, my mother passed away, and I was a senior executive trying to run and grow the security company while also having to deal with a 6,000-square-foot home full of her stuff.

Seven months later, I was still trying to figure out what to do with all of the stuff. I kept asking myself, «What should I do with it? What would she have wanted me to do with it?»

And then sometimes, «Why does she even have this?»

I had all these questions and no answers. Seven months in, I was crying on the floor of my mother's closet over this crystal vase because I knew it was a Tiffany's crystal vase. I knew there was monetary value. My mother never used it, yet she kept it on her bedside table. It must have meant something to her. I had no clue how she got it, who gave it to her, what it meant. My family was essentially useless. My aunts said, «We never knew she had that.»

Was it a prized possession she wanted me to keep in the family, or was it some crazy gift from Great Aunt Mildred? Would she be horrified that I kept it because she didn't really like Aunt Mildred? I just didn't know.

I had this moment where I thought, if I'm going through this, there had to be so many other people who are also experiencing this because, at the end of the day, our stuff outlasts us, and someone must deal with it.

After having that kind of literal breakdown in her closet, I started researching and thought there's got to be an easier way to do this.

And I spent years, literally years, looking for a solution. I found a ton of answers if I wanted to make a photo book or if I wanted to make a memory book or a storybook, but no one was dealing with the stuff.

That's why we made Artifcts.

My co-founder Ellen Goodwin and I incorporated Artifcts in December 2020 and haven't looked back since.

Legacy Tree: Do you find that people are drawn to using Artifcts because of a similar situation to yours, or are there various reasons why someone might decide they need Artifcts?

Artifcts | Heather:

When we first started the company, we thought it would be for families either estate planning, dealing with end-of-life planning, or someone who's lost a loved one, and they must deal with the estate afterwards.

But over time, we have found many other reasons why people join Artifcts.

We currently have members aged 16 to 97, which has blown us away. We have members who are new parents, and they're overwhelmed by the kid stuff and all those precious first memories tied to an item: the first onesie, the hospital bracelet, the first baby bonnet.

We have parents of multiple kids across ages who bring home kid art from school and tell us, «I don't want to take a picture and get another book. I am done with the clutter. I love artifcts. I can take the photo, have my child record a short video or audio, get that sweet kid's voice, put it all together, make the artifct, and have nothing else cluttering my house. I can get rid of the kid art and not feel guilty about it. And I now have the memory captured safely and securely.»

We have folks on the other end of the spectrum downsizing. Close to half of our members Artifct items they have no intention of keeping. They're either downsizing, or they're donating, or sometimes they're even selling items, but they Artifct because they want to keep the memory. They may not have space for the family table, but it was part of all those holiday meals, so they Artifct it with the family photos at Thanksgiving or Mother's Day. They add in their stories, the kids and grandkids all get to add in their bit, save it, and then the table goes. That was probably one of the biggest surprises to me: the Artifcting of stuff you're not going to keep.

Legacy Tree: What is it about Artifcts that has caught the attention of genealogists?

Artifcts | Heather:

Many genealogists are the family keepers, and they're overwhelmed by stuff. With Artifcts, they can keep the memory and then let go of some of the stuff and not feel like they are dishonoring their family or not keeping the memory alive.

We also have heard from genealogists near and far that it's created an intergenerational connection because we are a tech platform. We have a fun app, and our youngest members love it. It's got all the buttons and widgets you'd expect. It's also very practical; many grandparent and grandchild pairs now use Artifct together. Many of our users have said they couldn't get their grandchild to pay attention to their stories, but once they get the app, the kids are off and running.

It enables togetherness and story-sharing. It's memory sharing, but it's an activity you get to do together, which is also why we were voted and recognized as one of the top genealogy tech tools of 2023 by Family Tree Magazine, which was a complete surprise to us.

Legacy Tree: Are there ways that using Artifcts can help with genealogy research?

Artifcts | Heather:

When you make an Artifct, it's always private unless or until you decide to share. You can privately share with friends and family, or you can also make the listing public. You can search and link to other public Artifcts when it is marked public. Using this feature does allow you to link an Artifct to a person or another Artifct the same way you might link a person with a tree in a family tree software.

You can invite your family to your circle, and then you can all share different Artifcts, and they're all linked to you through the circle. For example, last year I made a Thanksgiving circle with the friends and family that joined us for Thanksgiving. I Artifcted all the recipes and I Artifcted Grandma's China we used for dinner. We Artifcted everything and invited all our guests to the circle so they could add their Artifcts—photos from the day or things they brought. We had one of our friends bring their traditional family Chilean empanadas and they Artifcted that.

So again, everyone that was there had access to all the Artifcts and all the recipes. It was enjoyable and a great way to preserve family memories.

Legacy Tree: What has been the best part of Artifcts as it relates to family history?

Artifcts | Heather:

What's been humbling to us is how many people have said, «I've told the stories hundreds of times, I've made the book, I've printed the book, I've gifted the book. But it wasn't until we had this that the next generation got it.»

It's the ability to bridge generations and the fact that you can bond over this and do it together.

I wish I had had this back when my mom was alive because I think so much more of her history and story would've been saved for my daughter. But it makes me happy to know that other families have this tool. They're taking the time and having fun, and that's really cool. It's not just a technological tool; it's also an experience. And families are redefining that experience, which is heartwarming for us.

Legacy Tree: Does Artficts have a way to record the value of items?

Artifcts | Heather:

People sometimes do Artifcts because they don't know the value and are very curious. As a paid member, you can get free valuations for your Artifcts with our partner Heritage Auctions. A button at the bottom of your Artifct allows you to request a free valuation. Your artifact information is sent to Heritage, and they typically send you back a valuation within two to three business weeks. That way, if you need an appraisal for tax or estate planning purposes, the valuation can give you a sense of its estimated worth. The valuation is beneficial to families to figure out what to do with the item and decide if an appraisal is needed.

Legacy Tree: What are the different ways to get started at Artifcts?

Artifcts | Heather:

The beauty of Artifcts is you can artifct wherever and whenever it makes sense to you on your terms. You can try us completely free. Your first five artifacts are always free at artifcts.com or on our app. Create your first one or two artifacts for free and see what you think. I would then recommend going over to our YouTube channel. It can help inspire you and help you learn how to artifact.

We then have a paid membership for $89 a year that includes unlimited artifcts, and you have three additional accounts to give away. Many families will buy this option to artifct together as a family.

We have virtual and in-person concierge services if you want more hands-on help. Virtual concierge sessions are 90 minutes, and we help you set up your account and privacy settings. We help you add family and friends to share with, and then we also help you create your first typically 2, 3, 4, or even five artifacts. It depends on how long of a story or how much you want to share, but we get you started and up and running in that virtual session.

We also offer an in-person concierge to help clients who have a lot of stuff and are overwhelmed. We have half-day and full-day in-person sessions available nationwide. The people who come in to assist have security backgrounds and are trained to ask good questions, listen, and take excellent notes. They type up the Artifct for you. They'll help you take the photos. This network has helped us expand our services and work with clients who may need extra handholding or that extra support to get started.

Legacy Tree: Do you have any final thoughts to share with our genealogy community?

Artifcts | Heather:

Don't think of Artifcts as something you do once you've lost a loved one. You are alive today. Do it today. Capture the videos, capture the audio, capture the stories. Get Grandma to tell her story in her voice, words, and mannerisms. That's so important.

If you'd like help with your genealogy research, contact Legacy Tree Genealogists for a free quote and explore hiring a professional genealogist.

Reach out to Artifcts if you have stuff you'd like to preserve while doing your genealogy research.

oktober 26, 2023 by Legacy Tree Genealogists Leave a Comment

Día de los Muertos: Celebrating Mexican Ancestors with Genealogy Research

Día de los Muertos is a day for people across the globe to celebrate their Mexican ancestors. Modern day celebrations for this Mexican holiday have their roots in both ancient Aztec rituals as well as Catholic tradition. Celebrating the dead to celebrate life is not a paradox in Mexican culture–extreme sadness and extreme joy go hand-in-hand. It’s not morbid or spooky, but full of life, color, joy, flavor, and gatherings.

As genealogists, remembering the dead is a daily practice in joy, gratitude, and patience. As you celebrate Día de los Muertos, here are four pro-tips to help you find your Mexican ancestors and accurately fill in your family tree.

1.How to Find Mexican Ancestors Using Marriage Records

In Mexico, marriage is a civil contract and is not recognized legally when performed by a person acting in a religious office. While the 1917 Constitution of Mexico states that the sole authority of marriage was the government, it was established first in the law of civil marriage (ley de matrimonio civil) in 1859.

Although the law was made in the summer of 1859, it would only take effect in any given place once a local civil registration office was established. When the law was not in effect, marriages performed by religious authorities were recognized legally. It was not until the restoration of the republic in Mexico in 1867 that civil registration was enforced.

As you search for your Mexican ancestors, make sure to look for both civil and church marriage records for each wedding in Mexican genealogy. You never know what additional clues you might find!

Learn More: How To Use Mexican Marriage Records for Genealogical Research

2. Useful Records To Use for Mexican Genealogy Research

The most frequently utilized record types throughout Latin America are Catholic Church parish records and Civil Registration records. Catholic Parish records hold significant value in researching ancestry in Latin America, as they can provide information about an individual’s name, birthdate, parent’s name, place of residence, and names of both maternal and paternal grandparents and/or godparents.

The majority of Latin America was first colonized by Spain and Portugal during the 16th and 17th centuries. These two countries brought Catholicism to the region as they established colonies throughout Central and South America, including present-day Mexico, most of Central America, and much of South America.

Beyond these regions, the Spanish also established colonies in the Caribbean, including present-day Puerto Rico, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic. Portugal established colonies in present-day Brazil, the only Portuguese colony in Latin America.

The role of the Catholic Church in the colonization of Latin America also helped shape the region’s culture, beliefs, and values, and it remains a significant part of the region’s history and identity today, especially as it relates to genealogical records.

If you have done some DNA testing and want to find out more about your Latin American ancestry using your DNA test results, remember that there is no one-size-fits-all answer using DNA. Everything depends on your specific needs and circumstances. Researching and comparing different DNA testing companies before deciding is always a good idea.

Learn More: 6 Strategies for Using DNA To Research Your Latin American Ancestry

3. Using Death Records To Find Your Mexican Ancestors

Whether or not a person received all the Catholic sacraments, the priest was responsible for recording the deaths of those under his ecclesiastical jurisdiction. The death records of the Catholic Church will frequently provide the decedent’s name, date of death, marital status, name of spouse (if applicable), and sometimes, names of parents.

Learn More: The Bread and Butter of Latin American Research: Church and Civil Registration Records

We hope that as you celebrate Día de los Muertos with pan de muerto (bread of the dead), calaveras (skulls), or dressing up as La Catrina, you’ll spend time gathering with your family and telling stories of your ancestors as you celebrate the renewal of life.

4. How To Use Baptismal Records to Find Mexican Ancestors

Typically, baptismal records in Latin America will include the following information:

Baptismal date (typically recorded first)
Birthdate (typically recorded second)
Name of child
Legitimacy status of child (indicating if the parents were married)
Name of father
Name of mother (recorded under her maiden name)
Godparents

Often, beginning in the 19th century, baptismal records will also record the names of the child’s paternal and maternal grandparents. Godparents were often relatives or close friends. If you’re having trouble extending your family line, pay attention to the names of godparents in your ancestor’s baptismal records, especially when the godparents appear more than once.

Learn More: The Bread and Butter of Latin American Research: Church and Civil Registration Records

If you’d like help from professional genealogists to help you find your Mexican ancestors, please reach out to us to schedule an appointment with one of our experts.

oktober 13, 2023 by Legacy Tree Genealogists 6 Comments

6 Essential Steps To Trace Your Finnish Ancestry

Looking for ways to learn more about your Finnish ancestry? You're in for a wonderful journey! Finland has some of the most welcoming and genuine folks you'll ever encounter. It has a fascinating cultural heritage and history, with deep ties to Sweden and the Russian Empire. Delving into your Finnish heritage could uncover a rich tapestry of inspiring stories and enduring characteristics passed down through generations.

Besides having basic genealogy skills and a bit of knowledge about Finland's history, it can be helpful to know some terms in Finnish (F) and Swedish (S) and have a basic understanding of Finnish naming patterns. From there, you will find success in Finland's well-preserved records.

Finnish Language Tools

Here are a few sources to get you started with Finnish and Swedish genealogical terms:

Historismi — Pieces for Your Story
- Finnish: https://historismi.net/
- English: https://historismi.net/indexuk.html
FamilySearch's Finnish & Swedish genealogical word lists:
Finnish Genealogical Word List
Swedish Genealogical Word List
Google Translate

About Finnish Names

Knowing how the Finnish names were used and developed is essential when doing Finnish research. Immigrants' names were transformed in a particular manner in North America. This knowledge can help genealogists understand how the Finnish names were changed and reconstructed.

Finland is divided into two cultural areas: the eastern and the western. In the east—influenced by Imperial Russia, with the Eastern Orthodox faith, and in the west—influenced by Sweden, with the Roman Catholic faith, and later the Lutheran faith, names are evidence of these cultural differences. Some examples are Eastern Finnish names, with endings such as -nen or -inen, as in Kekkonen, Laukkanen, and Koponen.

Likely, you will find that Western Finnish names where people were identified by a combination of a given name and a father's name, a patronymic. A patronymic is formed by attaching an ending to a given name [-poika/-tytär (F)] and [-son/-dotter (S)]. For example:

(F) “Karl Taavetinpoika” is “Karl, the son of Taavetti”
(S) «Olof Johansson» is «Olof, the son of Johan»
(F) «Anna Karlintytär» is «Anna, the daughter of Karl»
(S) «Maria Persdotter» is «Maria, the daughter of Per»

During the latter half of the 1800s and the start of the 1900s, most people in western Finland accepted family names and started using the farm name as a family name. It can be challenging to distinguish a family name from a farm name. The difference between the two is younger generations inherit that family names, while farm names change when individuals move from one farm to another. Farm names generally have an ending -la or -lä, as in Anttila or Siirilä.

Other examples are soldier names. To separate all the men with similar names (given name + patronymic), a law stated that soldiers should have distinct additional names. Some examples are Harnesk (armour) and Trumpet (trumpet).

Family names were reminders of the old names of the eastern type, commonly constructed with the first part of the names usually from nature: Virtanen (virta=stream), Nieminen (niemi=point), and Suominen (Suomi=Finland).

In 1920, Finland passed the Family Names Act three years after its independence. This act standardized Finnish surnames, requiring everyone to use family surnames.

Where to Begin Your Finnish Ancestry Research

Begin your research with what is known. Search for as much information as you can find from your family and living relatives, which may include family traditions and oral histories. Compile names, dates of birth and death, marriages, places of residence, and occupations. Especially look for records that contain information that may list places of residence in Finland, such as:

Birth, marriage & death certificates
Family Bible information
Cemetery/sexton's records
Obituaries & newspaper clippings
Letters & documents from the «Old Country» / diaries
IDs/passports
Parish Membership Transfer Certificates
Old photographs & postcards
Land records
Military records
Membership records of associations & organizations

Look for your ancestor's naturalization record if there was one. It may list the place of origin in Finland. Many Finns who came to the United States wanted to become citizens. While citizenship was not required, many Finns chose to become naturalized to vote, hold elective or appointed office, or qualify for land under the Homestead Laws of 1862. The vast majority were naturalized through the county court system.

If you still can't find your ancestor's birth date, start with a more recent generation. Eventually, you will need a birthdate and the hometown, village, or church parish from which your immigrant ancestor came. Finding your ancestor in a parish is important as it establishes your ancestor in a time and place. Here are a few databases that may help you find a place (farm, village, parish) in Finland:

Finnish Church Records

Jurisdictions

Places are usually written from smallest to largest. For example:

Pahkamäki, Alajärvi, Vaasa, Finland

(Village) (Parish) (County) (Country)

Pahkamäki is a village in Alajärvi Parish in Vaasa County in Finland.

Basic Church Records (Kirkonkirjat (Finnish), Kyrkoböcker (Swedish)

Once the home parish has been located, you will find that the Lutheran Church records are some of the best in the world. For the parish where your ancestor lived, you will search these records: birth (födda/e (S), syntyneet (F)), marriage (gifte (S), vihityt (F)), and death (döda/e, (S), kuolleet, kuoli (F)) and Communion Books (Kommunionböker (S), Rippikirjat (F)).

These records are organized by village (by (S), kylä (F)), and therein by farm. Over time, some parishes have been divided, and borders have been changed. The earlier records of a particular parish may be found in its «mother» (previous) parish. The farm owner appears first, with all other residents of the farm listed after him. These books will include relationships, dates, and additional vital information.

Soini kyrka

Other parish records include baptisms, confirmations, banns, membership transfer certificates, parish minutes, burials, moving in and out records, etc. Military and court records also exist.

Finnish Ancestry Research Process

The basic research process involves moving back and forth between birth, marriage, and death records and the Communion Books. Listed below are a couple of main sites for the Finnish records. Each site has helpful instructions on how to search their database.

Finland's Family History Association
Digihakemisto (In Finnish)

The following is an outline of the research process:

Step 1: Find the birth date and the names of your ancestor's parents

Record the name of the father, mother, and the farm and village where the family lived at the time of the birth. Also, record any abbreviations before the father or mother's names and list all witnesses. Be sure to record any other identifying information. Use maps and gazetteers to identify all places. An example of a birth record is listed below.

Step 2: Find the family in the Communion Book

Using the village name and farm name from the birth record, find the farm in the Communion Book that covers the year of birth of the child you just found in the birth records. Take note of all details, siblings, parents, and grandparents, along with dates and places, and then continue to search for the family in subsequent Communion Books. Do not skip any time frames or records.

Step 3: Find the names and birth dates of siblings

Use the birth records to confirm the information in the Communion Books. Also, use the parents' names and the names of the farm and village where the family lived to find the birth dates of other family members.

Step 4: Find the marriage date of the parents

Look for the parents' marriage before the birth of the first child. Below is a marriage entry example.

Step 5: Find death dates

Follow the Communion Book records forward in time to determine the death dates of family members. Confirm with actual death records.

Step 6: Repeat the process for the next generation

Use the same research approach for the parents of the individual with whom you started in Step 1. Using the birth dates from the Communion Book, find the parents (as children) in the birth records. This will give you the grandparents' names and the villages and farms where the grandparents lived when the parents were born («Step 1» again). Find the grandparents' farms in the Communion Books («Step 2»), etc.

Why Looking for Your Finnish Ancestry Matters

Discovering your Finnish ancestry can bring great happiness and satisfaction. Remember, the more research you do, the more you will better understand the Finnish documents. The connection between those living and those who have gone before us is such a strong bond and a lovely gift to both.

If you'd like help from our team of professional genealogists to help you get through any brick walls or do any onsite research, you can fill out the form here on our homepage, and someone will reach out to you to get the process going!

oktober 6, 2023 by Legacy Tree Genealogists Leave a Comment

7 Ways to Share Family History with Your Grandchildren

What are the stories you remember about your grandparents that make you smile, laugh, or even cry? Is it the poem your grandmother wrote in grade school about trees, or maybe her tap-dancing practice that kept her parents up at night?

Perhaps it’s the stories of the hard times your grandparents went through, like losing daughters to unexpected illness or the loss of precious generational ranch land after the death of a husband. To keep these stories of joy, sadness, and strength alive, they must be shared.

What personal stories can you share that will help your family know who they are and where they come from?

Why should you share your family history with your grandchildren?The story of your own life is uniquely yours, and, if not shared with your children and grandchildren, will become lost forever. You can’t just assume that your children already know your stories and will pass them on. They must be shared in a way that brings them to life and gives meaning to others.

Your story isn’t just about you, but includes your ancestors. Sharing this rich tapestry of family history with your grandchildren not only connects them to their roots but also imparts valuable life lessons, traditions, and a sense of identity.

If you could leave just one legacy to your grandchildren, it may be that the most meaningful one is knowing who they are and how they fit in this world. In this article, we will delve into the benefits and art of preserving and sharing your family history with your grandchildren.

1. Start with Your Own Journey

Before you can share the collective history of your family, it's essential to start with your own story. Take some time to reflect on your own life experiences, including your upbringing, childhood memories, education, career, and personal milestones.

Share anecdotes, both humorous and poignant, that shaped you into the person you are today. This will help your grandchildren relate to you on a deeper level.

And while you may assume they already know key facts about your life, you’ll be surprised what they don’t know and how interesting these stories are to them. Unsure how to get started? Read here to learn more about how to tell your story.

2. Gather Family History Artifacts

Family heirlooms, photographs, and documents are windows into the past. Gather and preserve these artifacts to share with your grandchildren. These items can include old letters, diaries, photographs, heirloom jewelry, or even recipes passed down through generations. Each item tells a unique story and can serve as a tangible link to the past. By connecting these heirlooms to real people and telling the story of great grandmother's brooch, your father’s watch, or the history behind the family fruit farm, these people become real to your grandchildren. You can even gather artifacts by taking photographs of important heirlooms and preserving them digitally.

3. Create a Family Tree

A family tree is an excellent visual representation of your family's history. Include names, birthdates, and brief descriptions of each family member, along with photographs if available. Explain how each person is related to your grandchildren, helping them understand their place in the family tree.

As you go through this process you may find holes or entire branches that are missing from your family tree. And if you are finding your family tree online, verifying the accuracy of the information is vital.

This is when it is helpful to reach out to a professional genealogist for help to find missing ancestors and ensure the accuracy of your family tree.

4. Record Oral Histories

One of the most powerful ways to pass down your family history is through oral storytelling. Record interviews with older family members, including yourself, where you discuss your memories, experiences, and significant life events. These personal narratives provide a deeper understanding of your family's journey and create lasting memories for your grandchildren. Read here for more resources on how to create an oral history.

5. Visit Ancestral Places

If possible, take your grandchildren on a journey to visit ancestral places. Explore the towns, cities, or countries where your family originated. Share stories about your ancestors' lives in these locations, and encourage your grandchildren to ask questions and absorb the culture and history of their heritage.

This can include visits to the cemetery to see headstones of ancestors and share stories about their history.

If you need help finding exact locations for your heritage tour, start with a research project to identify the details of your family history and then add on a heritage tour package. Learn more here.

6. Preserve Traditions and Recipes

Family traditions and recipes are an integral part of any family's history. Food connects families and just the smell of grandma’s cobbler can take you back to your youth. Taking time to teach your grandchildren about the customs and recipes that have been passed down through the generations allows those traditions to live on. Whether it's a holiday tradition, a family game, or a special dish, these elements contribute to the unique identity of your family.

7. Embrace Family History Technology

Today's digital age offers numerous tools and platforms for preserving and sharing family history. Consider creating a family website or social media group where you can post family stories, photos, and updates. Encourage your grandchildren to contribute by sharing their own experiences and memories.

When you hire a genealogist at Legacy Tree Genealogists, you receive a website with all of your research results that you can share with your grandchildren so they can get excited about their history as well.

Sharing your family history with your grandchildren is a gift that keeps on giving. It connects them to their roots, imparts wisdom, and fosters a sense of belonging.

Through creating an accurate family tree, storytelling, artifacts, and personal experiences, you can create a lasting legacy that will be cherished for generations to come. Remember, genealogy is not just about the past; it's about building a bridge to the future.

Do you need a partner in building your family legacy? The experts at Legacy Tree Genealogists are here to help research your tree and tell your story. Contact us for a free research quote today.

august 16, 2023 by Legacy Tree Genealogists 7 Comments

3 Essential Websites for Exploring German Parish Records

How and where do you find German parish records online? We'll walk you through how to use the top 3 websites to help you find your German ancestors without needing to hop on a plane.

You have just discovered where your ancestor was from in Germany and know where they attended church. Congratulations! This is an exciting discovery worth celebrating! The most common question after making such a discovery is: what do I do now? Tens of thousands of churches dot the landscape in Germany, and many can trace their histories back several hundred years. However, finding the church records for your ancestor can seem like a daunting task.

Luckily, many of these churches have digitized their records and placed them online for the public to view. The three main websites for access to digitized church records are Matricula Online, Family Search, and Archion. If you still need to determine where your ancestors may have attended church, this previous blog article should assist you.

01. Matricula Online for German Parish Records

Matricula Online focuses solely on Roman Catholic parishes in Germany, Austria, Poland, Serbia, Luxembourg, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia, and Italy. Using Matricula Online is free and does not require creating an account. To search for specific parishes, click on the magnifying glass on the main page; this will bring you to Matricula Online’s catalog.

Type in the name of the parish your ancestors attended, and click Search. We searched for Xanten (Xanten, Mörs, Düsseldorf, Rheinland, Preußen) for this case study. Xanten contained both a Protestant and a Catholic parish.

Searching for Xanten reveals several results. The first name in each listing is the parish's location, making the first result the church records for the Xanten Catholic parish. This listing also specifies that Xanten’s parish was called St. Viktor.

Each parish’s listing on Matricula Online contains historical information about the parish – written in German – before listing the historical records. These records are organized by type, baptisms, marriages, and deaths/funerals (Taufen, Heiraten, and Sterbefälle) and then by year. To access the digitized images, click on the camera icon. Unfortunately, Matricula Online does not have a download icon. You must use either the print screen key on your keyboard or the snipping tool (exclusive to Windows computers) to capture images. Images are available under a CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 license.

02. FamilySearch

FamilySearch contains historical records for over 100 countries, including Germany. Unlike Matricula Online, FamilySearch includes records for both Protestant and Catholic parishes. Additionally, to use FamilySearch, it is necessary to create a free account.

To search FamilySearch’s vast catalog of records, click on the search tab, then catalog after signing into your account. The default search parameter for FamilySearch’s catalog is by place. We searched for Xanten, Rheinland, Preußen, Germany, which revealed church records, civil registration, and court records are available for Xanten.

The FamilySearch catalog listed both Catholic and Protestant church records for Xanten, and each entry indicated the period coverage for the microfilmed/digitized records. Protestant church records for Xanten are available digitally from 1693 to 1810. It is important to note that some German church records can only be accessed at a FamilySearch Center or the FamilySearch Library in Salt Lake City due to licensing agreements. Still, if there is a camera icon without a key next to the church records, you can access them from your home.

Early record availability for Xanten is excellent, but what if your ancestor was born in 1811? The need to seek other resources becomes necessary. Because Matricula Online is of no help in this situation, as it only caters to Catholic records, it's necessary to turn to a third website: Archion.

03. Archion

Archion is a German-based website that caters solely to Protestant church records. Not only does Archion require individuals to create an account, but it is also a subscription-based website. However, before purchasing a subscription, you must ensure the church records you need are on the website. Fortunately, catalog searches on Archion are free. The default language for Archion is German, which can easily be changed by clicking on the globe icon on the top right of the page. To search Archion’s catalog, click on Search.

We searched for Xanten in Rheinland, which revealed six digital collections for the parish.

Clicking on one of the results will lead you to the digital church images. Church record availability for Xanten on Archion is slightly better than on FamilySearch. Baptisms/christening record availability is the same, marriages are available until 1812, and burials are available until 1827. To determine what other church records might be public for the Xanten parish, click on the place name on the digital record page.

Records in green are digitized and available, while white ones have yet to be digitized. Records until 1957 are extant, but they have yet to be digitized. Digitizing efforts are moving slowly; some are digitized within months, while others may take years.

While German genealogy can pose challenges, with these online resources your search has a greater chance for success. But you never have to go it alone, and can reach out to the professionals at Legacy Tree.

If you'd like more help finding German parish records online , or to help you find specific ancestors, you can schedule a consultation here with one of our professional genealogists.

juli 31, 2023 by Legacy Tree Genealogists 10 Comments

How To Hire a Professional Genealogist

How do you know when and how to hire a professional geneaologist? While researching your family history, you will inevitably encounter situations where the expertise of a professional genealogist becomes invaluable to achieve your desired progress. Factors such as time limitations in your personal life, the necessity for verifying information, grappling with foreign languages, or tracing ancestors with scant written records can necessitate seeking professional assistance. Whatever the underlying reason, when the moment arrives to enlist a genealogist's services, finding a reliable expert whose work will endure through generations becomes crucial.

When you're trying to decide who to hire, we recommend following these steps:

Step 1: Get Clear on Your Genealogy Research Goals

You can pursue many paths in your genealogy research, and when hiring a professional, you need to know what you are trying to achieve. Are you interested in extending your family line and finding as many generations back as possible? Or do you want to create family groups and find all the children connected to one family? Or you may want to go deep with one member of your family tree and learn all about their life and background.

You may have goals to achieve dual citizenship or find a biological parent or a missing family member. The more clarity you have, the better you can communicate with the genealogist to achieve a positive outcome.

Step 2: Find a Qualified Genealogist with Expertise in Your Research Focus and Geographic Area

Finding a qualified genealogist can often be a challenging part of the process as it may be unclear what credentials are the most important in the genealogists you are considering.

Credentials

You'll see two primary credentials in genealogy, an AG (through ICAPGen) and a CG (through the Board for Certification of Genealogists).

Accredited Genealogist®

An Accredited Genealogist (AG) is someone who has passed several levels of testing through ICAPGen (The International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists).This testing is geographically specific, meaning that someone with an AG after their name has tested for at least one region within the United States or one region of the world. If you choose to hire an AG, you'll want to ask about the geographic region(s) in which they were tested and ensure it covers the area you need. Receiving a genealogy accreditation also includes providing an acceptable four-generation research report (demonstrating that a person can do genealogy in earlier, harder time periods), a written and oral exam, and adherence to a code of ethics.

Certified Genealogist®

Becoming a Certified Genealogist involves similar requirements as the Accreditation with a slightly different focus. The CG is not geographically specific but closely examines a genealogist's ability to interpret documents and resolve contradictory evidence. This interpretation skill is often what a genealogist is hired for, so it is an important criterion to consider.

Additional «Credentials»

There are a few other types of «credentials» you may want to consider when hiring a genealogist. These are additional certificates and degrees offered through university programs (two major ones are through Boston University and BYU), genealogy institutes (usually week-long courses), and years of experience. These things can also help in evaluating a genealogist's involvement and ability.

Step 3: Evaluate Public Reviews Shared about the Genealogist or Company

Getting a recommendation for a genealogist can be more challenging than other services as it is a service only some people utilize. Fortunately, you can use online reviews to get a view into what your experience will be like if you hire the genealogist you're considering based on the experiences of others.

Several great review sites are available, and you may find your prospective genealogist or genealogy company there. Some of these are Facebook, Google, and the Better Business Bureau. One quick shortcut for finding reviews on the genealogist you're considering would be a Google search of the name or company plus «reviews.»

Step 4: Discuss Details with the Selected Genealogist or Company

Now that you have narrowed your search to a few genealogists or companies, it is a great time to get into the details, including requesting work samples and discussing fees.

Work Samples

Before agreeing to hire a genealogist, reviewing a few samples of their other research projects is helpful so you know what to expect. The standard finished work product you will receive from a professional genealogist comes in a written report format. This report adds information to your family tree and can be provided in paper or digital copy. This report is fundamental to a genealogist's work.

As you review the samples of their work, look for similarities with the type of research you are requiring and evaluate the readability and completeness of the work.

Fees

Typically, professional genealogists charge by the hour. According to the Association of Professional Genealogists, hourly rates for a genealogist can «vary from $30 to $40 per hour to well over $200 per hour, based on experience, location, project types and uses, demand, time constraints, and other factors.»

Learn more about how much it costs to hire a genealogist.

Step 5: Set Expectations and Hire a Professional Genealogist

Now it is time to clarify the final details. This step includes knowing what to expect for a timeline, how often you will receive updates, and when the genealogist anticipates the project's completion.

Before research begins is also a great time to ask any final questions and ensure you have clearly articulated your research goals. Confirming your research goals in writing is always a wise idea. Remember that what you are purchasing is a complex product; sometimes, for various reasons (record loss, privacy laws, and other restrictions), the answers are legitimately unavailable despite the genealogist’s best efforts. Rather than a guarantee of certain information, you're getting a pledge that a genealogist will use paid time effectively and search for information in the best way possible.

Conclusion

As you try to predict the success you'll have with a particular genealogist or genealogy firm, following these five steps can help you feel more confident that you're hiring someone who will give you quality results and family history information that will be treasured for generations to come.

Get more information about working with the professionals at Legacy Tree Genealogists by submitting a request for a free quote.

juli 21, 2023 by Legacy Tree Genealogists 36 Comments

What To Expect When You Hire a Genealogist: Team, Process, Timeline

What can you expect to happen when you hire a genealogist? What's the research, editing, and final production process like? How do they help you reach your goals? How long will it take for them to help you fill in the gaps of your family history research? Every genealogist and professional genealogy firm works a little bit differently, but here's what you can expect when you hire Legacy Tree Genealogists to help you with a family history research or biological family project.

Why Would You Hire a Genealogist?

When you work with Legacy Tree Genealogists, you're working with an entire team to ensure accuracy and quality. You'll be in direct contact with your Project Manager throughout the entire process, and they will communicate your goals and needs with professional researchers who will help you fill out your family tree with confidence.

Even though there is so much documentation that has been digitized and is accessible online, there is still far more documentation that is NOT available online. We have a network of global onsite researchers to not only help us obtain physical documentation, but they are able to complete any translations required to ensure accuracy and efficiency. This saves you the cost of traveling, and years of learning a new language!

Legacy Tree Genealogists Timeline:

After you talk with a member of our client solutions team and place your project order, you'll be assigned a Project Manager. Based on your needs and goals, they'll assemble the right team of researchers for you. Once all of the research is complete, it will be edited and peer-reviewed to ensure accuracy and clarity. At the end of the research project, you'll have a professional research report with all the documentation in both printed and digital form for your entire family to access.

What To Expect When You Hire a Genealogist:

To speak with one of our client solutions team members, fill out this form here or call us at 1-800-818-1476.

juli 20, 2023 by Legacy Tree Genealogists 27 Comments

How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Genealogist?

Learn about the cost to hire a genealogist and what to expect.

Genealogy research has its ups and downs as you work devotedly to fill out your family tree with accuracy and confidence. It is incredibly rewarding when you are able to easily locate documents and piece together DNA results on your own. However, it can be surprisingly overwhelming and isolating when you hit a brick wall or aren’t quite sure if other family members working on your tree have validated all of their results.

Throughout your family history research journey, it’s valuable to invest in professional guidance and help. Depending on your needs and goals, working with a professional can save you months, even years, of frustration.

TOP 4 REASONS TO HIRE A PROFESSIONAL GENEALOGIST

• You’ve hit a brick wall in your own personal research

• You want to verify a specific section/line of your family tree

• You don’t have the time to do the research yourself

• You don’t have enough knowledge about how to apply DNA test results to your

research

Let’s dive into the basics about what you can expect when working with a professional genealogist.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO WORK WITH A PROFESSIONAL GENEALOGIST?

Typically, professional genealogists charge by the hour. According to the Association of Professional Genealogists, hourly rates for a genealogist can “vary from $30 to $40 per hour to well over $200 per hour, based on experience, location, project types and uses, demand, time constraints, and other factors.”

That’s a significant cost range! How do you know you’re getting a good value for your investment? Here are a few things to consider when hiring a genealogist:

1. WHAT ARE THEIR QUALIFICATIONS?

How many years of professional experience do they have?
Do they specialize in a region or time period?
What level of training or education do they have? Degrees, accreditation, etc.?
Do they specialize in DNA and genetic genealogy or another area of expertise?
Do they teach or publish in their area of expertise?
Do they write clearly on their website and other communications?
Do they have positive client reviews and testimonials?

2. CLARIFY THEIR AVAILABILITY

Many professional genealogists are booked months in advance. Depending on your project, it could take several months to complete based on travel needs, record availability, and what documents and information you’ve already provided. Make sure to ask the genealogist if they can meet your timeline expectations. Many professionals and genealogy firms offer rush fees at a higher rate if you need it.

3. SET EXPECTATIONS AND GET IT IN WRITING

Don’t assume anything. If you have questions or expectations, make sure it’s all been articulated and get it all in writing. Here are a few things to articulate and define:

Project goals, hours, timeline, and fees
Scope of work–not only what IS included, but what is NOT included
Final product
Copyright and publication rights
Communication and review expectations

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO WORK WITH A PROFESSIONAL GENEALOGY FIRM?

When hiring a genealogist, there are many benefits to working with a genealogy research firm which has professional genealogists, editors, project managers, and office staff, all working together to complete your project with accuracy and efficiency.

Factoring in the cost of working with a genealogy firm is important. Typically projects are purchased in hourly blocks and can be as low as $108 per hour for a team of experts working on your project.

Here are a few things to consider when hiring a professional genealogy research firm.

1. WHAT ARE THE AREAS OF EXPERTISE?

With a team of experienced professionals, your project will be studied and researched by on-site genealogists, who can access local archives and records, and by in-house genealogists, including DNA specialists,. All of this creates the ability to collaborate with experts in different fields and access records only available to in-person researchers. This team synergy gives your project the highest success in finding answers.

2. WILL THERE BE FREQUENT COMMUNICATION?

At Legacy Tree and other professional genealogy firms, a personal project manager is assigned to your project to ensure that your research team meets your goals and objectives. Your project manager keeps you updated and communicates with your research team so the project meets deadlines and goals.

3. HOW ACCURATE IS THE FINISHED PRODUCT?

The peer review and editing process at a genealogy firm like Legacy Tree ensures that your project follows the highest standards of quality. You will be proud of your finished product and able to share it confidently with others, knowing it has been carefully reviewed by professional genealogy editors who check for not only grammatical errors, but also the accuracy of the research methodology and conclusions.

4. CAN YOU ADD HOURS OR ADDITIONAL RESEARCH EASILY?

Genealogy is a lifelong pursuit, and one project typically does not answer all of the questions you may have about an ancestor or family line. We can pick up additional research goals and projects right where we left off to save you time and resources when continuing genealogy research after a pause.

5. WHAT IS THE COMPANY'S REPUTATION AND LONGEVITY?

Since it isn’t uncommon to see private genealogists come and go, it can be helpful to work with an established genealogy firm, one that you can trust will be around for years and provide a high level of service based on experience and prior service to thousands of clients.

6. WHAT DOES IT COST TO HIRE A PROFESSIONAL GENEALOGY FIRM?

While no genealogist can promise results, a quality and experienced genealogy firm can promise an effective use of time and resources in the search for your ancestors. Many firms provide their services in project packages with set hour amounts.

For example, at Legacy Tree you can purchase packages from 25 hours up to 100 hours depending on your research needs, with pricing as low as $108 per hour. The client solutions team can assist you in selecting the right package size.

7. WHAT DO YOU RECEIVE WHEN THE RESEARCH IS DONE?

Family history is designed to be shared. To best share research results, both digital and paper copies are ideal. At Legacy Tree, you receive a website with links to your research results and scans of original documents. You will also receive a high-quality binder with all the research printed and organized in an easy-to-share format.

WHAT IS IT LIKE TO WORK WITH A FIRM LIKE LEGACY TREE?

To truly understand what it is like to work with Legacy Tree, click here.

To explore working with Legacy Tree, click here to request a free quote or call us at 1-800-818-1476.