Mastering the Search: German Genealogical Research Strategies

Speaker: Michael D Lacopo, D.V.M.

Dr. Michael D. Lacopo is a retired small-animal veterinarian born and raised in northern Indiana. He takes a scientific approach to his research as he does to his profession. Researching genealogy since 1980, he has lectured internationally and written for numerous periodicals and journals. A self-described “all-American mutt,” his research skills cover a broad range, although he is often called upon for his German genealogical knowledge.

Session Information

• Overcoming the Language Barrier in German Genealogy – Many American genealogists hesitate to dive into German records, worried that the language will be too difficult to navigate. This session will introduce you to powerful tools — from AI and crowdsourcing to German word lists, online dictionaries, and practical home study techniques — that make understanding German records accessible, even if you don’t speak the language. Don’t let unfamiliar words stand between you and incredible discoveries!
• German Genealogy on the Internet: Beyond the Basics – The Internet age has brought genealogy to our fingertips over the last two decades, and subsequently we can find our German ancestors easier. This lecture will discuss some online sites that all German genealogists should be aware of. American sites will be covered, but a strong concentration on “Must Use” German sites will be discussed, as we are missing vital clues by not being truly “international” in our Internet research endeavors.
• Finding and Using German Church Records – Many of us have German-speaking European ancestors but are afraid to tackle the next step across the Atlantic. Finding the proper parish that holds the records of interest, as well as accessing those records, can seem daunting. It does not have to be. You will be shown how to find record repositories both online and off. Through examples of German church records, even beginners can learn how to decipher them and how to overcome the fear of German script.
• Telling Their Story: Adding Character to Your German-American Genealogical Narrative – Your German immigrant ancestors were more than just names and dates- they lived complex lives shaped by the world around them. This lecture explores how to go beyond birth, marriage, and death dates to uncover the social history that brings your family story to life. You will learn how to apply the 5W/1H questions (who, what, when, where, why, how) to your genealogy. Through following the case of one German family’s immigration, you can learn to put common genealogical sources in a broader historical and cultural context that will help you understand your ancestors’ story.