He is currently the Assistant Editor of the German Genealogical Digest and is completing a book entitled, Deciphering Handwriting in German Documents. His specialty in German Research is the spelling of proper names and their relationship to German geography. He travels in Europe at least annually for research in Germany, Czechia, Austria, Slovenia and Switzerland. Because not all vital records are available on microfilm in North America, many researchers find it necessary to communicate with churches, civil registrars, and private individuals in Europe. There are many challenges to such communication, and this presentation will guide novices and experts alike in overcoming such problems.
Emphasis is placed on the locating of names and addresses, language considerations and fees, etc.
Attention also is given to telephone, telefax and E-mail communication's ever increasingly efficient ways to obtain assistance in Europe. This presentation deals with the preparation and execution of a family history excursion to Germany. Dr. Minert uses a series of slides to describe various research locations and typical situations. The emphasis of this presentation is on avoiding and solving problems and increasing productivity in what can be a very expensive undertaking. Shirley J. Reimer , a noted author and lecturer on German family research.