Virtual Genealogy: Germans to America’s Midwest, 1848-1900 

About

Join the Dakota County Historical Society and professional genealogist Scott Norrick for "Germans to America’s Midwest, 1848-1900"

Pre-registration for this event is required and virtual attendees will receive a Zoom link as the presentation date approaches.

Over 46 million Americans have some German ancestry. The largest German immigration wave to America was 1848-1900, and the majority of those that came then settled in America’s Midwest. This presentation will examine the reasons why so many Germans were leaving their homeland during this period as well as why so many settled in America’s Midwest. In addition, the presentation will cover:

• German immigration trends
• Ports of departure and arrival
• Midwest German hotspots
• Local example of German settlement
• Cultural influences brought to the Midwest
• Top sites for researching your German ancestors

Scott Norrick’s passion is connecting people to their past. While providing a list of names, dates and places for ancestors is a start, Scott enjoys helping others discover the stories of triumphs and tribulations that defined our ancestors’ lives. He does this by assisting clients with breaking down their genealogical brick walls and by helping them document the rich stories of their family history.

His areas of expertise include research in the American Midwest along with the immigration to the Midwest from Britain, Ireland, and Germanic countries. He also does significant research into Civil War records.

He has an undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois and a graduate degree from Northwestern University. With over 30 years of family history research experience, he is familiar with all the latest and time-tested genealogical tools. Through his company Ancestral Past, he welcomes the opportunity to assist others on their genealogy journey. He has presented to dozens of genealogical societies, history centers, and libraries. He is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists.

Pre-register at https://dakotahistory.org/events/1022-oct-24-genealogy-germans-to-america-s-midwest-1848-1900