Professional German genealogy. | Heritage-Horizon by Tom Siegel

Professional German Genealogy and Ancestry Research.

Are you curious about your German roots? Do you want to learn about the history of your German ancestors who migrated to America, Australia, or other parts of the world? Heritage-Horizon by Tom Siegel specializes in German ancestry research, guiding you through the challenges of migration history and providing a comprehensive view of your family’s heritage.

Tips and tricks.

With spending about a third of my life in German genealogy, I specialize in helping families with German origins discover their heritage, even when faced with the unique challenges of migration and historical records. Whether you want to build a family tree or uncover the lost stories of your ancestors, I will make the research journey both insightful and rewarding.

Your enquiry.

Common German Genealogy Challenges and Solutions.

For many descendants of German immigrants, finding information about their ancestors is a complex process. Here are some common questions my clients ask—and how I can help answer them:

Locating German Emigration Records.

Challenge: German emigration records are often scattered across different regional archives and often handwritten in old German script, making them hard to locate and decipher.

Solution: I have extensive experience with regional archives and German emigration documents. I can locate and interpret the relevant emigration lists, providing you with accurate and insightful details about your ancestors’ departure from Germany and their journey abroad.

Overcoming Name Variations and Changes.

Challenge: Many German immigrants changed their names after migration or adopted different spellings, making it hard to trace them in German records.

Solution: By analyzing common patterns in German surnames and understanding regional name variations, I help you trace original German names and re-establish connections to your ancestors’ hometowns. I work through church and civil registries to locate ancestors under different name variations, bridging the gaps caused by name changes.

Navigating Language Barriers and Old German Script.

Challenge: Many German records, especially from the 19th century and earlier, are written in old scripts like Kurrent or Sütterlin, which can be difficult for modern readers to understand.

Solution: With expertise in transcribing and translating old German scripts, I make these documents accessible and understandable, translating them into English while preserving their original details. This allows you to fully comprehend the information in historical records, including birth, marriage, and death registers.

Researching Ancestors in Changing Borders and Lost Towns.

Challenge: Germany's borders have changed multiple times, especially in regions like Prussia, Silesia, and Pomerania, making it difficult to locate ancestral towns. Some towns may no longer exist or may be in different countries today.

Solution: I use historical maps, extensive knowledge of Germany’s shifting borders, and a network of resources to track down your ancestral hometowns. With access to local archives in both Germany and bordering countries, I am often able to identify records even if they are housed outside of modern Germany.

Finding Records for Ancestors with Minimal Information.

Challenge: Many clients only have a few pieces of information about their ancestors, such as a name or birth year, which can limit their ability to uncover further details.

Solution: Even small pieces of information can open up pathways for discovery. I specialize in finding clues in German church records, local censuses, and regional documents to build a comprehensive picture of your ancestors’ lives. My approach combines various sources, such as military and land records, to locate even hard-to-find relatives.

Understanding Complex German Legal and Cultural Norms in Records.

Challenge: German records often reflect specific legal and cultural norms, such as naming customs, inheritance practices, and citizenship laws, which can be confusing for non-Germans researching their ancestors.

Solution: I guide you through these cultural and legal nuances to provide a clearer understanding of your ancestors’ lives. This includes explaining common practices in German record-keeping, which can reveal details about family structures, occupations, and social status.

Common Errors in Public Family Trees: Causes and How They Spread.

Public family trees often contain inaccuracies, which can stem from several sources.

One common issue is the reliance on unverified sources or assumptions, where researchers may guess relationships or dates without proper documentation.

Additionally, name variations, especially among German immigrants, can lead to incorrect connections in records—immigrants often modified their names or adopted English versions, leading to mistaken identities.

Merged records in large online databases can also introduce errors when people with similar names or birth years are combined into a single profile. There often were persons with the same name even in the same town or village in Germany. Often profiles are merged regardless of their different geographical heritage.

Lastly, misinterpretations of historical documents, such as old German scripts, can result in transcription errors, causing incorrect information to proliferate across multiple family trees as users copy data without verification.

Your enquiry.

How can you benefit from my work as a professional genealogist?

As an experienced and professional genealogist, I have the necessary knowledge and experience with specialised archives and databases to remove the obstacles in your family research. At Heritage-Horizon, I offer comprehensive services tailored to your needs.

Contact me, Tom Siegel of Heritage-Horizon, and let's break through the dead spots in your family tree! Please see the disclaimer below.

Your enquiry.

Access to spezialized German Archives.

I can uncover information that isn't available online by accessing local German archives and repositories. Moreover I am able to understand and transcribe/translate old German records.

You save time.

Research and investigation take a lot of time. You have to get to grips with programmes, research sites and archives. If you don't have this time, I will be happy to do the work for you.

Many years of experience.

I have been researching my own family and those of relatives and friends since 2018. Since then, genealogy has become a passionate hobby for me. Benefit from the experience I have gained during this time.

High level of professionalism.

My work is characterised by a special degree of transparency. You can always see what I have done and what results have been achieved. All costs are communicated before they are incurred.

Your enquiry.

FAQ.

How much does professional genealogy research cost?
Costs vary based on the scope and depth of the research. During our initial consultation, I provide a personalized estimate based on your goals and available resources.
How long does the research process take?
The time required depends on the complexity of your family history and the availability of records. Typically, comprehensive ancestry research can take a few weeks to several months.
What documents do I need to begin?
Basic information like birthdates, names, and any known locations is a great start. I’ll guide you through additional documents that can support the research process.

In every conceivable manner, the family is link to our past, bridge to our future.

Alex Haley (1921-1992)