Von: allen@nconnect.net (Bill Allen)
  Datum: 16.03.98, 01:43:32
Betreff: Research Trip to Germany

On 14 Mar 1998, Jeanne Waters <ronwat@ix.netcom.com> wrote:
>Subject: Germany Trip
>I am fortunate to have the opportunity to visit my ancestors homeland
>next month.  I'm going to the small town of Donzdorf, south-east of
>Stuttgart.  I'm very excited and hope to visit with several family
>descendants. Is there anyone out there who could give me some tips on my
travel or
>areas to be sure to visit. I want tovisit cemeteries and churches and
hopefully dig up some old records.
>Jeanne Waters
>
My wife has an ancestor who came from a small village, Würtingen, near
Reutlingen (southwest of Donzdorf); and we have visited there a couple of
times. My advice (you may have already done some of these things):
1. Research the church records thoroughly (LDS microfilm) before you go, &
take copies of records for your family records with you. Get records of
cousin families that are likely to have descendants still living there.
This makes communication much easier if you don't speak German. It's easier
to get copies of the records from LDS microfilm than to get them at the
local church (small or no copiers & they may be reluctant to allow you to
take record books out of the church). Cemeteries usually are around the
church, but all the info is in the church records.
2. Rent a car; this gives mobility, flexibility. Carry pocket
English/German dictionary, & plan to buy a large one, or at least a
English/German genealogical dictionary. Try to find a good Gasthaus to stay
at in the town. You can make a lot of contacts through the owners &
diners/drinkers in the bar.
3. Visit the local church of your ancestors first. Keep on going back until
you find someone there. (Not much happens in Germany on weekends, and not
much happens except during weekday business hours.) The Pfarrer or the
volunteers who may work in the church office or the cemetery may well also
know the names & addresses of family descendants.
4. When you do find relatives, always ask about written family histories
and/or persons who may have researched your family's history. We found  2
volumes of history (about 300 pages) written about my wife's family (scan
into a word-processing file & translate with an inexpensive translation
program).
5. Be prepared to not find many people who speak English well (at least,
not a lot who are interested in family history).
6. Buy good guide books of driving tours, tourist attractions, etc before
you go. As soon as you get there, buy good road maps (200,000:1 or less)
that show small villages, etc. Aral service stations usually have good
local maps - expensive by US standards, but worth it.
7. Be patient, at least until you get to know the people & the area. Try to
"give" more info than you "get" initially.
8. Invite people who speak some English to dinner, to have a glass of wine
or beer; it makes good use of your evening time, assures people of your
interest in them, and allows you to learn more about the area & culture.
9. There are a lot of great attractions in the area; where you go depends
on your interests & how much time you have available.


	Bill Allen
	allen@nconnect.net
	West Bend, WI