German Ancestry - Dianne DeCocinis

Sept. 12, 2012 - PRLog -- Word was getting around in Germany during the late 1500’s- there was a place in America where you could have religious freedom. Others had paved the way for the Germans and found freedom in the colonies. Many Europeans were controlled by European powers that forced them to follow state religions. The word spread quickly about a new world where you could go and have the freedom to worship how you wanted. Ship by ship they came to the American colonies in search of religious freedom. It all began when the Pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock- they had found freedom at last. In 1683 the Germans landed in Philadelphia from Krefeld, Germany. There were thirteen Mennonite and Quaker families arriving on that date in search of peace and the right to worship how they wanted. The area that these kind folks arrived in is still known today as “German Town”. According to Dianne Dicocinis Germans was one third of the population of the colonies, second to the English. Germans were arriving to the colonies in droves. If you do your research, you’ll find out that since the later part of 1700’s over eight million Germans had migrated to America- more than any other nationality. Your research will also tell you that today German ancestry compromises roughly 17% of the population today-about 50 million people. You can read more by logging on to Dianne’s blog-site at: http://www.geneologyinfo.com/our-german-ancestors/ .


When the Germans landed in the American Colonies they also brought with them traditions that would make their mark on the world. Did you know that the Christmas tree tradition was one started by the Germans? Dianne Dicocinis goes on to mention how the first kindergarten was established by the Germans here in the United States. Let’s not forget Good ole German beer. If you do your research you’ll find out that this country is rich in German history. Perhaps your ancestors were German and you have German traditions you practice in your home. If you put up a Christmas tree each year then you are already practicing one German tradition whether you’re German or not. But let’s say you don’t know what you are. You’ve wanted to do some research on your family lineage but you don’t know where to begin. Dianne Dicocinis sluggers you begin by asking away. Find the oldest and sanest person in the family and start shooting some questions their way. You get a few answers that way- it’s a great start. You can always begin with searching records in this country. If you’ve searched all the records in this country then you need to search records in Germany. If you don’t speak German this might be difficult, but you can always try and find someone who can speak the language. For more information you can log on to Dianne’s blog-site at: http://www.geneologyinfo.com/our-german-ancestors/ .

You can always check out Genealogical.com for the records you need. According to Dianne Dicocinis, Genealogical.com as 84 items on German ancestry. Read more by logging on to: http://www.geneologyinfo.com/our-german-ancestors/ .