German Genealogy Essentials: From American Records to German Archives
January 24, 2026
Tracing German ancestry requires more than just names and dates—it requires knowing where your ancestors lived and when records were created. In this two-session seminar, experienced researchers Barbara Coakley and Bernard Meisner will show you how to extract critical clues from U.S. records and how historical context can make the difference between success and frustration in German research. Gain tools, insights, and confidence for your German genealogy journey.
Our Speakers
Barbara Coakley
Barbara Coakley’s interest in family history began over 30 years ago when she was given an envelope of
family papers. Her journey to discover the stories of her ancestors has taken her to homelands across the
US and Europe. Barbara is President of Genealogy Friends of Plano Libraries and volunteers for TxSGS
and the Dallas Genealogical Society. She is an alumnus of ProGen, IGHR, TIGR, GRIP, SLIG and
GenFed. Barbara taught genealogy continuing education classes at Collin College from 2008 to 2021. She
does presentations for libraries and genealogical societies throughout the U.S. and U.K.
Recent presentations included the TxSGS 2023 Family History Conference, Utah Genealogical
Association Summit of Excellence 2023, The Really Useful Family History Show, and a lecture for the
Allen County Public Library.
Bernard Meisner
Bernard is a genealogist and lecturer based in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. He began researching his family 35 years ago and enjoys sharing lessons learned from that experience, including his mistakes. Although he knew only one grandparent (his maternal grandfather) he has successfully identified all of his great-great grandparents, several triple- and quadruple-great-grandparents, and his Meisner 8th great grandparents.
He is a past president of the Mid-Cities Genealogical Society, a co-leader of the Dallas Genealogical Society’s German SIG, and is a member of the national Germanic, Texas State and the National Genealogical Societies.
He has completed coursework of the National Institute for Genealogical Studies, the Texas Institute of Genealogical Research, The Family History AI Show Academy’s Introductory and Advanced courses, and attended the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh multiple times, completing courses in Irish, German, and Pennsylvania Research, Digital Research Skills, and Practical Genetic Genealogy.
Session Information
- Barbara Coakley presents From U.S. Clues to German Roots: Using American Sources to Identify Your Ancestor’s Homeland – Research in Germany requires knowing the town and region where your Ancestor lived before immigrating to the U.S. We’ll discuss U.S.-based sources that may provide clues to an immigrant’s German origins.
- Bernard Meisner present It Depends: How Awareness of German Political, Social, and Cultural Changes is Invaluable in Locating Your Ancestors’ Records – Time and place are particularly important in German genealogical research. Learn how knowledge of regional history will enable you to overcome challenges such as shifting borders, religious affiliations and record-keeping practices to determine what records may exist for your German ancestors and where they might be found.
Recordings & Syllabus
- A link to the syllabus (in PDF format only) will be provided when you register.
- You will also be provided with a link and password to the session recordings page.
- Recordings will be available until the Spring Seminar on March 28, 2026.
Schedule
| 9:30 | 9:35 | Opening Remarks |
| 9:35 | 10:35 | From U.S. Clues to German Roots: Using American Sources to Identify Your Ancestor's Homeland (Barbara Coakley) |
| 10:35 | 11:00 | Break |
| 11:00 | 12:00 | It Depends: How Awareness of German Political, Social, and Cultural Changes is Invaluable in Locating Your Ancestors’ Records (Bernard Meisner) |
| 12:00 | 12:10 | Closing Remarks |
Cost
$15 – registered participants will receive a $15 discount code for the March 28 Spring Seminar with Mike Lacopo.
