Unlock the Secrets of Your German Ancestors – Register Now for the Live Online Seminar
Join our Expert-Led Seminar to Explore German Genealogy Like Never Before!
Saturday, May 17, 2025 | 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM PT / 11:30 AM – 5:00 PM ET
If you’re researching your German ancestors, this is the event you’ve been waiting for!
We’re excited to bring you Tracing German Ancestors: Research, Regions & Records, a powerful, one-of-a-kind online seminar designed to help you dive deep into your German genealogy research.
This live half-day seminar is hosted by the German Genealogy Collective and features expert speakers from both Germany and North America. It’s an immersive experience that will equip you with the tools you need to unlock your family history and navigate German research challenges.
Here’s what you’ll get when you register:
5 expert-led sessions, each 45 minutes long, with 15-minute live Q&A
A 30-minute break for rest, refreshment, or networking with other attendees
Access to valuable insights on German records, newspapers, and regional research strategies
Practical tips for overcoming common research roadblocks
Direct access to international experts who’ll answer your genealogy questions
Confirmed Speakers & Topics:
Baerbel K. Johnson, AG®️ (Utah, USA)
Using Historic Newspapers to Learn More About Your German Ancestor
Learn how historical newspapers can add rich details and unexpected clues to your family story.
Baerbel K. Johnson, AG®️, is a professional genealogist with over 30 years of experience specializing in German ancestry research. A former FamilySearch researcher, she holds degrees in Family and Local History Studies and Sociology from BYU. Baerbel is passionate about contextualizing genealogical findings, and has published journal articles, contributed to books, and spoken at various conferences.
Prof. Kenneth Heger (Maryland, USA)
Using Consular Despatches for Family Research (1789-1906)
Learn how to uncover hidden family history by using U.S. Department of State correspondence.
Dr. Kenneth W. Heger is an experienced researcher and lecturer with a Ph.D. in history, specializing in archival processing and digital curation. A retired senior lecturer from the University of Maryland’s iSchool, he directed the Archives & Digital Curation specialization and the Digital Curation Innovation Center. Dr. Heger is the principal investigator of the Global Journeys, Local Communities Project, focusing on the migration of people and America’s wounded warriors, and continues to work on expanding the project. He is also the president of the Mid-Atlantic Germanic Society and a vice president of the International German Genealogical Partnership.
Lars Thiele (Dresden, Germany)
How to find the places of your ancestors in Saxony
Learn using German maps, directories and online databases to overcome challenging family research
Lars Thiele, also known as "Archivbegleiter," is a German historian, professional genealogist,
and owner of Research Service Thiele. As a blogger, online consultant, and speaker, he
provides extensive support and guidance in genealogical research and archival investigations.
His area of expertise is the archives and authorities in the region of Saxony. With over 15
years of experience in archival research, Lars Thiele helps advance genealogical research and
locate valuable sources.
Timo Kracke (Ganderkesee, Germany)
CompGen at a Glance
Learn how to access the largest free genealogical database in Germany to uncover valuable information about your family history.
Timo is a family historian, speaker and author, who has more than 25 years of experience in genealogy. Timo volunteers for several German societies, is the vice president of the Oldenburgische Gesellschaft für Familienkunde e.V. and director at-large technology for the International German Genealogy Partnership.
Since 2012 Timo is the voice of the German genealogy podcast "der Genealoge" and in 2014 he started the Kids-Genealogy project "die Familienforscher" where he publishes guides and ideas about involving Kids in Genealogy for the field of Kindergarten, School, Societies and gives tips for literature and excursions.
Kelli Bergheimer, (Ohio)
Understanding Genetic Networks with a Case Study
Learn how genetic networks is the key to determining who your DNA matches are and where they fit into your tree
Kelli Bergheimer is a writer, teacher, editor, author, and international genealogical speaker. Kelli holds a Bachelor's in Biology, a Master's in Education: Curriculum and Instruction, and a Master's in Business Management. Kelli is the Director of Curriculum and Assessments for Blue Kayak, a K-12 textbook company. She also works as the Director of Education for Your DNA Guide. Kelli runs a small business-Mess on the Desk, a genealogical organization company with a YouTube channel. Kelli is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists.
There are more exciting sessions to be announced soon, covering a variety of regions, record types, and unique research challenges in German genealogy.
Prof. Kenneth Heger (Maryland, USA)
Using Consular Despatches for Family Research (1789-1906)
Learn how to uncover hidden family history by using U.S. Department of State correspondence.
Dr. Kenneth W. Heger is an experienced researcher and lecturer with a Ph.D. in history, specializing in archival processing and digital curation. A retired senior lecturer from the University of Maryland’s iSchool, he directed the Archives & Digital Curation specialization and the Digital Curation Innovation Center. Dr. Heger is the principal investigator of the Global Journeys, Local Communities Project, focusing on the migration of people and America’s wounded warriors, and continues to work on expanding the project. He is also the president of the Mid-Atlantic Germanic Society and a vice president of the International German Genealogical Partnership.
Lars Thiele (Dresden, Germany)
How to find the places of your ancestors in Saxony
Learn using German maps, directories and online databases to overcome challenging family research
Lars Thiele, also known as "Archivbegleiter," is a German historian, professional genealogist,
and owner of Research Service Thiele. As a blogger, online consultant, and speaker, he
provides extensive support and guidance in genealogical research and archival investigations.
His area of expertise is the archives and authorities in the region of Saxony. With over 15
years of experience in archival research, Lars Thiele helps advance genealogical research and
locate valuable sources.
Timo Kracke (Ganderkesee, Germany)
CompGen at a Glance
Learn how to access the largest free genealogical database in Germany to uncover valuable information about your family history.
Timo is a family historian, speaker and author, who has more than 25 years of experience in genealogy. Timo volunteers for several German societies, is the vice president of the Oldenburgische Gesellschaft für Familienkunde e.V. and director at-large technology for the International German Genealogy Partnership.
Since 2012 Timo is the voice of the German genealogy podcast "der Genealoge" and in 2014 he started the Kids-Genealogy project "die Familienforscher" where he publishes guides and ideas about involving Kids in Genealogy for the field of Kindergarten, School, Societies and gives tips for literature and excursions.
Kelli Bergheimer, (Ohio)
Understanding Genetic Networks with a Case Study
Learn how genetic networks is the key to determining who your DNA matches are and where they fit into your tree
Kelli Bergheimer is a writer, teacher, editor, author, and international genealogical speaker. Kelli holds a Bachelor's in Biology, a Master's in Education: Curriculum and Instruction, and a Master's in Business Management. Kelli is the Director of Curriculum and Assessments for Blue Kayak, a K-12 textbook company. She also works as the Director of Education for Your DNA Guide. Kelli runs a small business-Mess on the Desk, a genealogical organization company with a YouTube channel. Kelli is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists.
There are more exciting sessions to be announced soon, covering a variety of regions, record types, and unique research challenges in German genealogy.
Event Details:
📅 Date: Saturday, May 17, 2025
⏰ Time: 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM PT / 11:30 AM – 5:00 PM ET
💻 Location: Live on Zoom (In English)
🎥 Can’t Attend Live? We’ve Got You Covered.
If you're unable to join us live, don’t worry—recordings of all five talks will be made available to all registered attendees after the seminar.
Pricing Information:
🎟️ Registration is just $147
💥 GGC Members: Save $67
Why Attend?
Exclusive Expert Insight from renowned speakers in the field
Live Q&A for all your burning genealogy questions
Practical Tools and Strategies to overcome your research challenges
Networking Opportunities with fellow genealogists from around the world
Access to Recordings if you can’t attend live
This is the first event of its kind—international experts, diverse perspectives, and a collaborative community, all brought together to support your German genealogy journey. Whether you’re just beginning or a seasoned researcher, this seminar will deepen your understanding and equip you with the resources you need.
Ready to Dive Into Your German Family History?
🗓️ Mark your calendar for May 17th, 2025 and register now to secure your spot. This is your chance to hear from leading experts and get personalized insights into your research.
🔗 Register Now – Secure your spot for this exclusive event!
🤝 Hosted by the German Genealogy Collective
The German Genealogy Collective (GGC) is an exclusive community for those passionate about uncovering their German roots. Founded by renowned professional genealogist Andrea Bentschneider, the GGC offers masterclasses, co-researching sessions, research tools, and a vibrant forum where members support each other on their family history journeys.
This seminar is the first event of its kind—bringing together researchers, experts, and enthusiasts across continents in one accessible space. For the first time, you’ll hear voices from Germany and North America side-by-side, offering diverse perspectives and approaches to German genealogy research you won’t find anywhere else.
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